The Tech Visa program aims to enhance the employment process of tech workers for employers as the program comes with several benefits that are targeted to improve the eligible employee’s working experience in Türkiye. For example, employees who will be working for companies engaged in R&D activities will be exempt from income tax, and the state pays half of the social security income premiums, including universal health care.
The work visa process will also run smoother and exclusive only to tech visa applicants and their dependents. Normally in a work visa application, all sectors are examined and evaluated; however, since the Tech Visa focuses on a privileged specific field, the process will be smoother and more streamlined. In contrast, with a standard work permit application, a significantly broader set of criteria is assessed, which may mean the process takes longer.
As this is a new program with different procedures and protocols, there is a possibility that there could be some initial challenges and hurdles. Interested parties should reach out to their immigration advisers or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Türkiye regarding questions and advice on appropriate next steps.
