Is it possible to change employer in case of construction work permit?

Your permit is normally dependent on a particular employer and project. Changing involves new application by the new employer.

Is speaking Turkish a requirement when working in-site?

In the case of senior engineering and management positions in foreign companies, the English language is usually adequate. Nonetheless, to be on the safe side of the location and to cooperate in the Polder-type style, simple Turkish will be very welcome.

Are there any construction work permits age restrictions?

No age restriction exists, but the Ministry checks whether your physical conditions and experience match the requirements of the job.

Construction Jobs in Turkey 2026: Recruitment and Visa Process

The construction industry in Turkey is not merely an industry but a national mission in 2026. The need to find international expertise is at an all-time high due to a historic investment in post-earthquake reconstruction of the country of 91.5 billion and the number of the projects that are related to the urban transformation.

The essential Construction careers in Demand (2026)

The 2026 recruiting emphasis no longer involves disaster resistant infrastructure and sustainable “Green Building” projects.

Project Management: The need in CSA (Civil, Structural, Architectural) Project Managers, Senior Quantity Surveyors (QS) and Site Managers that have undergone training in working with large-scale residential recovery.
Engineering Specialists: Work such as Structural Health Monitoring Specialists, Electrical Commissioning Engineers, HV (High Voltage) Design Engineer, etc. are significant in energy grid modernization.
Skilled Trades :Certified Industrial Welders, Heavy Equipment Operators (Crane/Excavator) and HVAC Technicians are now the highest priority hires.
Safety & Compliance: All large locations currently need to have HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Officers. In 2026, criminal penalties are imposed on firms immediately on failure to comply with the safety dispensation.

Compulsory Recruiting standards

Another thing to consider before making the application is that your sponsoring employer must comply with the stringent legal quotas to engage foreign nationals.

The 5 to 1 Ratio: In most cases, a firm is required to hire five natives of Turkey per one foreigners.
Waivers & Exemptions: The waivers will be allowed in large-scale construction of the public infrastructure or the firms with the annual sales of more than 50 million Turkish Lira to hire up to five foreigners without following the 5:1 ratio.
Occupational Competency (MYK): Skilled tradespersons, with their mastery, should be demonstrated through an International Vocational Qualification or through the acquisition of a certificate of the Turkish Vocational Qualifications Authority (MYK).

Construction Jobs in Turkey 2026: Recruitment and Visa Process

Visa Process/ Work Permit Process (Step-by-Step)

In Turkey they apply a system of a Combined Permit, in which your work permit card can also be used as a legal residence permit.

The Consular Reference Number

Apply in the Turkish Consulate in your country of origin (e.g. London, New Delhi or Manila). You will receive a 16 digit Reference Number.

Online MLSS Filing

The employer should submit corporate documents to the e-Permit (e-İzin) portal within 10 business days with this reference number.

Approval and Registration

The time normally spent is 30 to 90 days to approve. Upon arrival in Turkey:

Address Registration :Visit the local Nufus (Civil Registry) in 30 days.
Social Security (SGK): Your employer should initiate your SGK insurance at the very first day of your employment.

Compliance & Site Safety

The 2026 rules are focused on the digital transparency and protection of workers.

Apostille Requirement: All diplomas and trade certificates should be Apostilled (in countries which are signatories of the Hague Convention) or legalized in the Turkish Embassy to have an effect on the MLSS application.
Digital Record-Retention: The employers must now keep digital evidence of payment of salaries into bank accounts in the name of the employee.
Compulsory Training: Before foreign workers start working, they need to undergo certified site safety training in a language that they comprehend.

FAQs

Is it possible to change employer in case of construction work permit?

Your permit is normally dependent on a particular employer and project. Changing involves new application by the new employer.
Is speaking Turkish a requirement when working in-site?

In the case of senior engineering and management positions in foreign companies, the English language is usually adequate. Nonetheless, to be on the safe side of the location and to cooperate in the Polder-type style, simple Turkish will be very welcome.
Are there any construction work permits age restrictions?

No age restriction exists, but the Ministry checks whether your physical conditions and experience match the requirements of the job.

Final Thoughts

The Turkish construction market of 2026 will be a kind of an Engine of Growth which promises unprecedented chances to the international specialists. You can take one of the most active infrastructure markets of the world by matching your salary with the 4x multiplier of the one of the engineering, and have your trade certifications apostilled.

Disclaimer

This job information is not provided to create profit or to serve as a reference. Before applying, please confirm information on the official employer or government source (CSGB.gov.tr).