Obtaining a Residence Permit for a Nanny

Published by dailystaff
Ekim 22, 2026

For families living in Istanbul who wish to employ a foreign caregiver, nanny, or domestic helper in their homes, one of the most critical legal procedures is the residence permit application, followed by the work permit process.

For a foreign caregiver to legally reside and work in Türkiye, the procedures must comply with the regulations of the Presidency of Migration Management and the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Labour and Social Security. As Seymen Consultancy, we help families throughout Istanbul manage the legal permit procedures for their foreign caregivers accurately and efficiently.

Why Is a Residence Permit Required for Foreign Caregivers?

Obtaining a Residence Permit for a Nanny

Foreign caregivers who enter Türkiye with a visa or visa exemption must obtain a residence permit if they intend to stay longer than their legally permitted period of stay, which is generally between 30 and 90 days.

  • Prevents Legal Penalties: Foreign nationals who remain in Türkiye without a valid residence permit may become irregular residents, face administrative fines, and risk deportation.
  • A Prerequisite for a Work Permit: To apply for a work permit for a foreign caregiver from within Türkiye, the caregiver must have a valid residence permit with a duration of at least six months.

Application Steps for a Foreign Caregiver Residence Permit in Istanbul

The process at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management proceeds through the following steps:

  1. E-Residence Application: The online application form is completed through the official Presidency of Migration Management portal, and an appointment date is obtained.
  2. Preparation of Documents: The official documents required from both the family employing the caregiver and the caregiver are compiled into a complete application file.
  3. Appointment and Fingerprinting (Biometric Data): On the scheduled appointment date, the applicant visits the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management to submit the documents and complete the biometric data procedures.
  4. Approval and Delivery of the Residence Permit Card: Once the application is approved, the residence permit card is delivered to the family’s address via PTT cargo.

Required Documents for the Application

The basic documents required for a foreign caregiver residence permit application in Istanbul are as follows:

  • Documents Required from the Caregiver:
    • Original passport and photocopy, including the visa and entry-stamp pages
    • Completed and signed e-residence application form
    • Four biometric photographs taken within the last six months
    • Valid health insurance obtained in Türkiye
    • Payment receipts for residence permit fees and card charges
  • Documents Required from the Employer/Family:
    • A notarized undertaking showing the address where the caregiver will reside, or a rental agreement/residence certificate
    • Photocopy of the homeowner’s/employer’s identification document
    • Civil registry record and certificate of residence

Transition from a Residence Permit to a Work Permit

It should be noted that a residence permit alone does not grant the right to work. After obtaining the residence permit, the employer (family) must submit a Work Permit application through the system of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Under the requirements for employing a foreign caregiver, the presence of a child under the age of 11 or an individual over the age of 65 or a sick person in the household is a legal requirement.

Foreign Caregiver Consultancy Services in Istanbul

Residence and work permit applications require expertise in tracking legal deadlines and preparing the correct documentation. Incorrect or incomplete applications may be rejected and could result in the caregiver being prohibited from entering Türkiye.

As Seymen Consultancy, we provide professional consultancy services throughout all districts of Istanbul, including:

  • Foreign caregiver residence permit applications and appointment procedures
  • Health insurance and notarized undertaking follow-up
  • Procedures for transitioning from a residence permit to a work permit

📞 Contact Us

You can contact our professional team to help ensure that your foreign caregiver’s residence and work permit procedures are handled in accordance with legal requirements.