While Turkmenistan has not traditionally been considered an economic hot spot in Asia, recent economic growth makes it a promising location for international business. If you’re planning to outsource or expand your company’s operations to Turkmenistan, one of your first steps will most likely be putting together a talented team of employees to make the move with you. Before they can start working in Turkmenistan, though, you’ll need to make sure they have the necessary work permits and visas to do so legally.
Types of Work Visas in Turkmenistan
The government in Turkmenistan issues a variety of visas to foreign nationals who intend to visit. Transit visas are available to foreign nationals who need to pass through Turkmenistan on their way to another destination. Tourist visas are also available to those who plan to visit the country, although they are required to have a guide with them throughout their stay.
Foreign nationals who plan to stay in Turkmenistan for an extended period will need to get a visa that is categorized by the length of their intended stay. Visas may be purchased based on one’s intended length of stay:
- Up to 10 days and nights
- Up to 20 days and nights
- Up to one month
- The number of months required in increments of one, up to one year
These visas are available as single-entry and multiple-entry, with multiple-entry options at a higher fee.
Requirements to Obtain Turkmenistan Work Visas
- A duly completed visa application form
- Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license
- A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date on the applicant’s letter of invitation
- A copy of the first page of the passport, which must be signed by the applicant
- A recent passport photograph
- A letter of invitation from a business registered in Turkmenistan
- Proof of payment of the visa registration fee
Application Process
Foreign nationals who need to travel to Turkmenistan for work should begin the application process by getting in touch with the embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission in their country of residence. The consular officials will be able to provide a complete list of required documents in support of the visa application.
One of the requirements is a letter of invitation from the applicant’s employer in Turkmenistan. For this document to be valid, the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan must certify it. The letter will be valid for three months after the date of certification.
After obtaining the certified letter and gathering any other necessary documents, the applicant should visit their nearest embassy to submit them and pay the visa fee in person. Applicants should remain in their country of residence while waiting for visa approval.
Processing times may vary, so foreign employees should begin the visa application process well in advance of their intended departure date. Employees should not travel to Turkmenistan without the appropriate visa, as they risk being detained upon arrival otherwise.
Other Important Considerations
Visa application fees increase incrementally based on the length of the employee’s intended stay in Turkmenistan. Costs might also vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin. Applicants should reach out to the diplomatic officials at the embassy in their country of residence for a current list of visa fees.
Partner With Globalization Partners
Expanding your business in Turkmenistan is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. As your trusted global PEO, Globalization Partners will put the world on one platform. We’ll fuel your expansion from start to finish through our existing subsidiary in Turkmenistan. To learn more about our comprehensive global employment solution, get in touch with us today.
