Work Permit Application Processes for Shepherds/Herd Managers to be Employed in Livestock Enterprises

In order to support the development of the livestock sector and the continuity of domestic production in our country, when the need cannot be met with local labor, we provide work permit opportunities for experienced foreign shepherds/herd managers. In this context, work permit applications for shepherds/herd managers who are to be employed in livestock enterprises registered in the Animal Information System and possessing either cattle or ovine livestock have begun to be accepted as of 12.06.2025, within the framework of the determined evaluation criteria for work permit applications with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Work Permit Evaluation Criteria for Foreign Shepherd/Herd Managers to be Employed in Livestock Enterprises

For the prerequisite of the application, one of the following is required:

•  Ovine livestock enterprise must have at least 200 ovine animals, or
•  Beef cattle livestock enterprise must have at least 100 cattle, or
•  Dairy farming enterprise must have at least 50 cattle, or
•  Mixed (beef cattle and dairy) livestock enterprises must have at least 75 cattle.

For each complete set of the above criteria, a work permit may be issued for one shepherd/livestock caretaker, up to a maximum of three (3) foreigners employed in the same livestock enterprise.

For details on the evaluation criteria, please refer to https://csgb.gov.tr/uigm/en/work-permit/calisma-izni-degerlendirme-kriterleri/ (Section B / Article 10).

Step-by-Step Application Processes

Applications may be submitted by employers who will employ foreign shepherds/herd managers, and the steps regarding the application processes are detailed below:

1. For each 200 ovine animals, or 100 beef cattle, 50 dairy farming cattle, or 75 mixed (beef cattle and dairy) livestock enterprises, only 1 (one) shepherd or livestock caretaker may be employed. The same employer may submit applications for up to 3 (three) foreign workers. The opinion of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is obtained in the evaluation of the applications.

2. If the enterprise does not have social security registration, in order to apply for a work permit, the employer must first register the workplace at the nearest Social Security Center where the livestock activity is carried out, and designate the enterprise's e-Notification (e-Bildirge) officer.

3. Through the e-Notification officer, registration and application for the work permit can be made via the work permit system (e-İzin) at https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr/ for the authorized workplaces. Detailed information on registration and application via the e-İzin system can be found in the guide available on our website at https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr/calisma-izni-hakkinda/yardimci-kilavuzlar/

4. In case the applicant does not have an electronic signature (e-İmza), it can be obtained through an application to the Post and Telegraph Organization (PTT) via https://eimzaonbasvuru.ptt.gov.tr/

5. Work permit applications are submitted by the employer or third parties authorized by the employer through the e-İzin work permit system. Applications for foreigners who are in Türkiye and have a valid residence permit issued for at least 6 months are made through the Foreigner Identification Number of the foreigner; applications made from abroad are made through the 16-digit reference number obtained by the foreigner based on the work visa application made to the Turkish foreign representation in the country where the foreigner is legally located.

6. After the requested information and documents (employment contract, biometric photo, job details, contact information, etc.) have been added to the e-İzin work permit system, the application is finalized by approving it with an electronic signature (e-İmza).

7. Once the application is completed, the status and processing stages of the application can be followed via the e-İzin work permit system. Additionally, information regarding the stages of the application is sent to the registered phone and email addresses. Should incomplete information or documents be detected in the application, additional information or documents will be requested, and the necessary procedures to upload such additional information and documents can be performed through the system.

8. If the application is approved, payment notifications for the work permit fee and the valuable paper fee are sent to the email address, and these payments must be made within 30 days.

9. Once the payment process has been completed, the issued work permit document is sent to the enterprise address via PTT Cargo.

10. Foreigners who have obtained a work permit and the employers who employ them must fulfill their obligations arising from social security regulations within the legal period, in accordance with the provisions of the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510.

Step-by-Step Application Process Infographic

Work Permit Application Guide in the Livestock Sector

It is respectfully announced to the public.