Turkish Association Agreement

The effect of the Agreement is that Turkish nationals legally employed in an EU member State for a certain period of time gain rights to remain or to switch employment in that State depending on the length of time spent in the State, as follows:

Successful applicants can be granted permission to take up any occupation with any employer after three years.

For clarity: Under this Agreement, a Turkish National must be legally employed by the same employer for a minimum of three years before being granted unrestricted access to the labour market.

A Turkish national who works legally while they are on a student permission (Stamp 2) or on an employment permit (stamp 1) can apply for permission to live and work in the State, under the Turkish Association Agreement without the need to study or obtain a new employment permit.

If you wish to apply for immigration permission under the Turkish Association Agreement you can submit your application via the Online Form Platform https://inisonline.jahs.ie/user/login.

Using the platform ensures more efficient and speedy processing,

Please note if you have made an application previously either by post or through our email address and are awaiting a decision you should not make another application through the online platform. For any such applications you should continue to correspond with us through the dedicated Customer Service portal. You can register for an account or log in to your existing account.

If your application is successful, you will receive a letter approving your application. You must register this permission with your local immigration office and pay the appropriate registration fee.

If you have been working for the same employer for one year you will be given permission to continue to work for that employer. This permission only allows you to work for that named employer. This will be a stamp 1 allowing you to work for your current employer without the need for an employment permit. This permission will be renewable at your local immigration office provided you continue to work with your named employer. When you go to renew your registration you will need to show that you continue to work for the same employer. This can be shown by an up to date Statement of Earnings issued by Revenue and a letter of support from your employer.

**N.B.** Please note your work permission is strictly linked to the employer named in your permission letter. You cannot work for any other employer or take on extra jobs during your first 3 years of work with that named employer.

When you have been legally working for the same employer for three years you can apply for permission to work for any employer. This will be a stamp 4 allowing you access to any employment without an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise and Employment.

Please be aware that failure to comply with these conditions may adversely affect your eligibility under the Turkish Association Agreement and could lead to the revision of your permission to reside and work in Ireland.

We will advise you of the Minister’s decision and the reasons why your application was refused. You can re-apply for permission under the Turkish Association at any time if you believe you qualify. You should pay careful attention to the reasons why your previous application was refused.

Queries should be sent through the dedicated Customer Service portal. You can register for an account or log in to your existing account.

A link to the Ankara Agreement is below: