Business and trade in Turkey have been popular for quite a long time. In fact, Turkey was located along the famous Silk Route and several other major trade routes. Being among the world’s most developed nations, the Turkey business visa has been used extensively by businesspersons visiting the country to take part in business-related activities.
The business visa lets individuals visit Turkey and take part in business activities including meetings, conferences, seminars, negotiations, etc. A lot of nationals actually do not need a visa to enter. A lot of other nationals can, in fact, get the visa on arrival. However, citizens of a few countries including India will need to apply for a visa beforehand. Although, as an Indian, if you hold a valid Schengen, US, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, you are also eligible for the business e-visa.
Visa characteristics: -
Note :- The e-visa type of the Turkey business visa for Indian citizens will not be valid if your UK, US, Ireland permit is also an e-visa.
The application for the Turkey business visa from India can be done in multiple ways. However, before starting your application, you must check that you are eligible to apply for the business permit. You may then proceed as follows -
At Embassy
At Visa Application Centres (VAC)
E visa
Note: - Ensure that you provide correct information and genuine documents. Providing fake documents or false information are automatic grounds for visa refusal.
In order to be able to apply for the Turkey business visa for Indians , you must meet the following eligibility conditions -
As per the Turkey business visa requirements from India, the following are the list of documents you must possess for the business visa application. However, note that the documentation requirements may slightly vary based on the Turkish mission you are applying to.
As per the Turkey business visa photo requirements , the photos to be submitted must meet the following conditions -
The time taken to process the Turkish ‘sticker’ business visa is normally around 12 working days. However, this can vary significantly based on multiple factors. It can depend on the volume of applications at the embassy/consulate, the number of entries, your previous travel history, the authenticity of your documents, and so on. As a result, you must ensure that you apply well in advance in order to avoid any complications.
Time taken for the processing of the e-visa type of business permit is usually just 48 hours. However, to account for any unfortunate delays, the ministry asks that you must apply at least 2 days in advance.
The fees for the business permit is dependant on the number of entries and the foreign exchange rates. The fees for the business e visa must be paid in USD. As a result, while making the payment, the exact amount will vary according to the exchange rates at that particular time. For the sticker visa, you may also have to pay additional service charges and delivery charges (if applicable). As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting the application.
| Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry Normal | 30 days | 3 months | 8471.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | 30 days | 3 months | 18621.0 |
| Single entry Normal | 30 days | 6 months | 3000.0 |
Once you have made the application, it will be processed accordingly. Even if you have applied at a VAC, the business visa application is forwarded to the embassy/consulate for the processing. The VAC has no influence regarding the processing. Once approved, you can collect the passport directly from the mission/VAC or you can have the VAC deliver it to you for an additional charge. The jurisdiction of the Turkish missions in India are as follows -
* - State of residence refers to the state where you have been residing for the past 6 months.
If you have applied for the business type of the e visa, you will receive a link via your email, on approval. You may then download the permit through the link.
There are multiple ways in which you can check the status of your business visa application depending upon your mode of application.
Embassy - If you have applied at the embassy/consulate, you can track your application status by clicking here and entering your reference number and passport number.
VAC - If you have applied at a VAC, you can check the status here . Alternately, you can call or email the VAC to know the status.
You can also contact the travel agency you have applied through, to check the status.
Once you receive your business visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -
Before you travel -
At the border
When you enter Turkey
You can extend the Turkish business permit in certain limited cases. If you have a proper reason to extend your permit, you will have to visit the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or a Police station in Turkey and apply for the ‘short term residence permit’. If you are unable to get it extended, you must leave the country on expiry. The e-visas are non-extendible.
Once you have expired your permit, there is no provision for a stay-back period. As a result, you are expected to leave the country upon expiry. Alternately, you may apply for the extension before your permit expires. However, if you do not receive the extension in time for your expiry date, you must leave immediately. Staying back in the country after expiry is considered as an offence and can attract hefty fines and even lead to deportation.
As per the requirements, there is no medical test for the business permit. However, you are required to have medical travel insurance valid for Turkey. It is also suggested that you get a medical check-up done before travelling to a foreign nation, for your own safety.
No, it is not possible to convert your business permit into a work permit. You are also not allowed to work in Turkey without a valid permit. If you require the work permit, you must return to your home country and apply for a new one.
Normally, there is no fixed rule on the exact amount of funds required for the business application. As per the requirements, you must submit bank records that show that you have sufficient funds to support your entire stay duration. However, if you are applying for the e-visa, you are expected to have at least 50 $ for every day of your stay.
Since it takes nearly 12 working days to process the sticker type of the business permit, you must apply for the permit at least 2 weeks in advance. However, as per the embassy recommendations, you are advised to apply nearly a month before your travel date. The e-visa application must be done at least 48 hours before your travel date.
