Are you a experienced Construction Project Manager (CPM) looking at the booming Turkish city view? With massive urban change projects and a “twin change” towards green building, Turkey is actively seeking international expertise for 2026. However, moving the legal view for Visa Support and Work Permits has changed greatly this year.
This guide provides everything you need to know about securing a high-paying role in Turkey, from the new 1.5x minimum wage rules to the prestigious Turquoise Card.
Turkish Visa & Work Permit: 2026 Regulations
Turkey has transitioned to a “selective migration” policy for 2026, prioritizing highly skilled professionals in the construction sector. Understanding these terms is vital for your legal residency and job hunt.
What is E-Çalışma İzni?
This is an online system. Your Turkish employer uses it to apply for your work permit. You cannot do it yourself.
What is Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart)?
This is a special card for top experts. It is like a “Gold Visa”. It gives you the right to work forever. It can also lead to citizenship. For a Construction Project Manager, you usually need a Master’s degree or more than 10 years of good experience from other countries.
60-Day Passport Rule
Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days after your permit ends. If not, your application can be rejected fast.
What is Yabancı Çalışma İzni?
This is the normal work permit. In 2026, it is given for one year first. It is connected only to the company that sponsors you.
Diploma Denklik (Equivalency)
If you want to be called “Engineer” or “Manager” on your permit, your university degree must be accepted by YÖK. YÖK is the Higher Education Council in Turkey.
Expert Tip for 2026
There is a new Salary Rule. It is very strict now. Your employer must pay you at least 4 times the gross minimum wage. In 2026, this is about ₺132,117 per month. Only then you can get a work permit as a Manager or Engineer. These rules help Turkey choose the best workers. If you have good skills, you have a big chance.
Industry-Specific Technical Terms
When you work in Turkey, you need to know local words. Big companies like ENKA, Limak, or Rönesans use these terms every day. Learn them to talk better with your team on the construction site.
Şantiye Şefi
This is the Site Chief. As Project Manager, you will work very close with this person.
Hakediş
These are monthly payments for work done. For foreign Project Managers, understanding Hakediş is the most important skill. It shows progress and helps get money from the client.
Keşif ve Metraj
This means quantity surveying. It is about measuring and calculating costs correctly.
İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği (İSG)
This is Health and Safety. In 2026, Turkey follows EU rules for safety. Everyone must follow them strictly.
Deprem Yönetmeliği
This is the Earthquake Regulation. After the big earthquake in 2023, all new projects must be very safe against earthquakes. Inspectors check everything carefully.
Müşavir
This is the Consultant. It is the company that helps the client and manages the project. Learning these words will help you fit in fast. It will make your daily work easier and show you respect the local way.
Professional Qualifications & Organizations
To get good jobs in Turkey, you need strong qualifications. Turkish employers look for trust and expertise.
PMP (Project Management Professional)
This certificate is very important. Many big contracts in Turkey use international rules. PMP helps you manage EPC projects well.
TMMOB (Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects)
You may need temporary membership here. It allows you to sign some local documents and drawings.
FIDIC Contracts
Most big infrastructure projects in Turkey use FIDIC books. Red Book or Yellow Book are common. Know how to work with them.
BIM (Building Information Modeling)
In 2026, Turkey has a “Twin Transformation” plan. It focuses on digital and green building. BIM is now required for all government projects. If you know BIM, you have a big advantage. Having these qualifications makes your CV strong. Employers will see you as a professional who can handle Turkish projects.
Where to Find Jobs with Visa Support
Just searching “Jobs in Turkey” is not enough. You need companies that can sponsor foreign workers. These companies have money and experience to help with visa.
Top Expat-Friendly Firms
Limak Construction
This company builds big infrastructure and airports. They often hire international managers.
Tekfen
They are experts in oil, gas, and heavy industry projects. Many expats work here.
Yapı Merkezi
This firm makes large rail and transport systems. They have many international projects. Other good companies are ENKA and Rönesans. They work on huge buildings and cities.
Search Strategy
Use special words on job websites. Try “Work Permit Support”, “Expat Package”, or “International Project Manager”. Good platforms are LinkedIn and Kariyer.net. Many companies give relocation help. This can include housing in Istanbul or Ankara. Some pay for flight and family move. Look for jobs early. Big projects start planning one year before. Apply now for 2026 positions.
Summary: Key Entities for Your Move
Here are important words and places you need to know:
- CSGB: Ministry of Labor. They give final approval for your work permit.
- İl Göç İdaresi: Migration Office. You go here to get your physical residency card.
- Noter Tescilli: This means certified translations. You must have this for your degrees.
- Taahhüt: This is the contracting sector in Turkey. Most construction jobs are here.
Keep this list. It will help you understand letters and meetings.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I apply for a work permit myself?
No. Only your employer can start the application. They use the E-Çalışma İzni portal. You just give your documents.
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Is Turkish language proficiency required?
For office or consultancy roles (Müşavirlik), English is usually enough. But for site work (Şantiye), basic Turkish is very helpful. It is important for safety and talking with workers.
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What is the 5:1 Rule?
Companies must hire 5 Turkish people for every 1 foreign worker. But big companies with high revenue (over ₺50 million) often do not follow this rule for the first few foreign hires.
Step-by-Step Guide to Relocation
- Secure an Offer: Find a job. Make sure your salary is at least 4 times the minimum wage.
- Apostille Documents: In your home country, get apostille on your degree, birth certificate, and criminal record.
- Application: Your employer sends the application to the Turkish Embassy in your country or online.
- Entry & Residence: Come to Turkey with work visa. Register at İl Göç İdaresi within 20 days. Get your residence card.
Follow these steps carefully. Many people succeed when they prepare well.
Turkey offers great opportunities for Construction Project Managers in 2026. The country is building fast. Salaries are good for skilled people. With the right preparation, you can start a new career here. Good luck!
Disclaimer: This information is for education only. Always check official government or company websites for the latest rules before you apply.