Where to Obtain a Work Permit for a Foreign Caregiver?
Both the caregiver candidate and the employer must apply for the work permit online. The foreign caregiver must first apply at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their home country to obtain a reference number. The employer then uses this number to register as an employer on the e-Government portal via e-signature. Once registered, the employer proceeds with the caregiver’s work permit application.
To submit a work permit application and access detailed information, visit: https://calismaizni.gov.tr/
After the work permit is granted, the caregiver may be required to obtain a visa depending on their nationality.
Additionally, once the work permit is issued, both the caregiver and the employer must visit the Population Directorate as soon as possible to register the caregiver’s address.
Penalties for Employing a Foreign Caregiver Without a Work Permit
Employing a foreign caregiver without a valid work permit—meaning hiring them illegally—results in substantial administrative fines. Furthermore, an undocumented foreign caregiver is subject to deportation. The employer is also responsible for covering all expenses related to the caregiver’s return to their home country.
Social Security Procedures for Foreign Caregivers
An employer who legally hires a foreign caregiver is obligated to pay social security (SGK) contributions. Additionally, if the caregiver has been employed for more than one year, the employer is required to pay severance compensation upon termination of employment.
Advantages of Employing a Foreign Caregiver
Now that we have covered the legal framework, let’s explore the benefits of hiring a foreign caregiver for elderly care, patient care, or childcare:
- They are generally available for live-in arrangements, allowing them to provide care services overnight.
- They are experienced in elderly and patient care, making them diligent workers who deliver high-quality service.
- They tend to commit to long-term employment; if they integrate well with the family, they are less likely to change jobs frequently.
- Hiring a foreign nanny provides children with the opportunity to learn a foreign language.
Important Considerations
Alongside these advantages, there are some key factors to keep in mind:
Foreign caregivers for the elderly and children typically receive their salaries in U.S. dollars, as they remit money to their families abroad. This means that fluctuations in exchange rates can increase costs. To mitigate this, you can offer to pay the caregiver in Turkish Lira during the hiring process. Another option is to negotiate a fixed exchange rate for the entire year.
Cultural differences may require an adjustment period. However, once the foreign caregiver becomes familiar with the household routine, this usually does not pose a significant issue.
