Au Pair in Turkey: Visa & Legal Steps

Foreign Au Pairs Already Legally Residing in Turkey

• Valid passport
• Valid residence permit
• Residence status that allows a domestic work permit application
• Written agreement with the Host Family
• Host Family/employer documents
• Valid medical insurance
• Childcare or care-related purpose of employment
• Payment of work permit and related fees after approval

1. Check residence status  
   The Au Pair must first check whether they are allowed to apply for a work permit from inside Turkey. A tourist stay or short-term tourist residence permit is usually not enough for a domestic work permit application.
2. Work permit application by the Host Family 
   If the Au Pair is eligible to apply from within Turkey, the Host Family submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
3. ​Work permit decision 
   
   The Ministry reviews the application and decides whether the work permit can be issued. Domestic work permits are mainly evaluated for care-related duties, such as childcare, elderly care, disabled care, or patient accompaniment.
4. Work permit and residence status 
   A valid work permit replaces a residence permit during its validity period. The Au Pair does not need a separate residence permit as long as the work permit is valid. 
5. Social security registration 
   The Host Family must fulfil the social security obligations within the legal deadline. For domestic applications, this must generally be done within one month from the start date of the work permit.
6. Address registration 
   The Au Pair must keep their address registration up to date with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
7. Opening a bank account 
   The Au Pair should open a Turkish bank account to receive salary and manage payments during the stay.

Visa-exempt or e-Visa Visitors

Requirement

• Valid passport or, for eligible nationalities, valid national ID card
• Visa exemption or e-Visa, if applicable
• No childcare work before the correct work authorisation is granted
• Work permit application if the Au Pair wants to work
• Valid medical insurance during the stay

1. Entry into Turkey 
   Some nationalities can enter Turkey without a visa for short stays. Some nationalities may also enter Turkey with a national ID card instead of a passport. The exact rule depends on the Au Pair’s nationality and should always be checked on the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before travelling.
2. No work without authorisation 
   Visa-free entry, e-Visa entry, or entry with a national ID card does not allow the Au Pair to work. The Au Pair must not start childcare duties with the Host Family while staying only as a visitor, tourist, or e-Visa holder.
3. Work permit route 
   The Host Family and the Au Pair must follow the correct work permit procedure. In many cases, this means applying through a Turkish embassy or consulate abroad.
4. Residence permit is not enough 
   A residence permit alone does not give the right to work in Turkey. The Au Pair needs a work permit or a valid work permit exemption before starting childcare duties.
5. Address registration after work permit approval 
   If the Au Pair receives a work permit, they must register with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 working days from the date of entry into Turkey.
6. Social security after work permit approval 
   The Host Family’s social security obligations begin only after the Au Pair has the correct work authorisation and starts work. If the work permit route is completed, the Host Family must fulfil the social security obligations within the legal deadline.
7. Opening a bank account
   The Au Pair should open a Turkish bank account with the help of the Host Family. This is necessary to receive pocket money and manage payments during the stay.