Assigned Sportsperson Visa
Turkey
Last updated: December 29, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$126
4–8 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets professional athletes and sports workers come to Turkey to play or work for a Turkish sports team or club. It's for people like football players, coaches, trainers, and sports doctors. You can work in any sport, but your Turkish employer (the team or club) must be approved by the government. This visa is designed for serious professional athletes and sports staff, not amateurs or weekend players. If your job lasts less than 4 months (like a tournament or guest appearance), you don't need this full visa—just a simple exemption.
Key Benefits
- Work legally in Turkey under contract
- Health insurance automatically included (Turkish public system)
- Bring family - spouse and children can get residence permits
- Stay long-term - renew every year and eventually get permanent status
- Path to citizenship - after 5 years living and working here, apply for Turkish citizenship
- Work in any sport - not limited to football or popular sports
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 or older
- Professional status: Must be a registered professional athlete or sports worker
- Contract: Must have a valid employment contract with a Turkish sports organization
- Salary: Must earn at least 2x the Turkish minimum wage
- Health: Must be medically fit to work
- Clean record: No criminal convictions
- Federation approval: Your Turkish sports club/federation must approve you
- Employment history: No serious work violations or deportations from Turkey
Financial Requirement
Your employer (the team/club) must have: At least 500,000 Turkish Lira (~$11,700 USD) in company capital, OR 8 million Turkish Lira (~$186,500 USD) in yearly sales, OR Proven history of exporting goods worth $150,000 USD+. Your salary must be: At least 2x the Turkish minimum wage (for athletes), up to 5x for senior positions. You personally don't need to show savings—your employer proves they can pay you.
Documents
- Valid passportValid for 6+ months
- 2 recent photosPassport size, less than 6 months old
- Signed employment contractWith your Turkish team/club
- Criminal record checkPolice clearance from your home country
- Medical certificateProof you're healthy, no serious diseases
- Sports federation certificateOr player license
- Health insuranceAt least €30,000 coverage
- Proof of accommodationHotel booking or team letter
- Company registration documentsSubmitted by employer
- Audited financial statementsLast year's financials, submitted by employer
- Tax documentsSubmitted by employer
- Proof of Turkish employeesEmployer must employ 5 Turkish citizens, submitted by employer
- Federation approval letterFrom Turkish Football Federation or Ministry of Youth and Sports, submitted by employer
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.