Turkmenistan work visa and work permit

A work permit is issued to foreigners and stateless persons invited by an employer to work in Turkmenistan. Employers must respect the priority of Turkmen citizens for vacant posts: foreign workers may make up no more than 10 percent of all employees. The work visa (WP) and the permit are requested together.

No permit is needed by, among others, staff of accredited diplomatic missions and international organisations, accredited foreign journalists, workers of registered religious organisations, experts visiting for up to a month for audits, negotiations or contracts, installation and repair staff staying up to a month, full-time students working in their institution during free time, international transport crews, refugees and asylum holders, and foreigners living permanently in Turkmenistan.

The employer submits the WP visa and permit application and the list of foreigners, each in three copies, information on its activity explaining why a foreigner is needed, the foreigner’s passport copy, a certificate from an authorised Turkmen body that the foreigner does not have HIV, the employment contract, an undertaking to provide living conditions, and a certified copy and translation of the foreigner’s education document. It also files forms A, B and Ç showing the number and share of foreign and Turkmen staff, its constituent documents, licences and contracts, and a power of attorney.

For a contract with a Turkmen ministry or organisation, a letter from the head of that body or proof of Cabinet approval is added. Managers need documents from the head company confirming the appointment. A transfer to another employer needs the former employer’s consent letter.

Consular fees published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are USD 20 for a single-entry visa of up to 10 days, USD 30 for up to 20 days, USD 40 for up to one month and USD 30 for each further month. A multiple-entry visa costs USD 60 for the first month and USD 40 for each further month, and visas issued at Ashgabat International Airport carry an extra USD 50. A fee for actual costs is added, depending on where the visa is issued. Children under 7 are exempt from the consular fee and children aged 7 to 16 pay half; the fee is not refunded if a visa is cancelled.

With the invitation letter, you apply at the Turkmen embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issues visas through its representations in the provinces and at Ashgabat International Airport, where an extra USD 50 is charged. The checklist published by the Turkmen embassy in Ankara, the mission page this guide draws on, asks for the invitation letter, the special visa application, the passport with a colour copy and two 3 x 4 cm colour photos, each copy on A4 paper, with the fee paid on submission. Check opening hours, appointments and any extra requirements with your own mission.

The Migration Service considers the employer’s request and answers within 30 calendar days, extendable to 45 days. The permit is valid for up to one year and can be extended for up to one year; the visa is renewed in proportion to the permit, using a shorter document set that includes the copy of the existing permit.

After arrival, foreigners staying longer than three working days register with the State Migration Service department at their place of stay within three working days, not counting the day of entry. Registration uses a personal application or a letter from the host, one 3 x 4 cm colour photo, the passport and copies of documents giving the right to use the accommodation. A change of address, employer or personal details requires new registration within three working days, and trips to other places of up to 15 days must be reported to both migration offices.

At the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Migration Service may also ask for certificates that the applicant does not have HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, drug addiction or other diseases that could harm public health.