Work Permits And Work Permit Exception Certificates For Foreign Directors And Managers

The International Labour Law¹ numbered 6735 (the "International Labour Law") adopted a new approach to work permit requirements for foreign members of the board of directors of joint stock companies ("foreign directors") and foreign managers of limited liability companies ("foreign managers").

Before the adoption of the International Labour Law, it was not expressly clear whether foreign directors and managers were required or able to obtain work permit and the generally accepted approach was that the work permits were not required unless the foreign director or manager has a formal employment agreement with the relevant company.

Article 10 of the International Labour Law expressly provides that foreign directors and managers who are also shareholders or partners in the relevant companies may obtain work permits whereas non-resident foreign directors and managers who are not shareholders in the relevant companies may obtain work permit exception certificates.