The Turkish Worker visa, previously known as the ECAA visa, was a UK immigration route created under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) with Turkey. It allowed Turkish nationals who had lawfully worked in the UK to extend their stay and continue employment with fewer restrictions than most other visa categories. The scheme recognised Turkey’s association with the European Union and provided a unique route to settlement for Turkish citizens and their family members.
Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the ECAA provisions no longer applied. As a result, the Turkish Worker visa route permanently closed to new applicants from 31 December 2020. However, transitional arrangements remain in place for those already in the UK under this route, allowing existing visa holders to extend their permission and, in some cases, apply for settlement.
For Turkish nationals seeking to live and work in the UK today, it is important to understand that the former ECAA Worker and Businessperson routes no longer accept new applications. Those wishing to come to the UK for employment, investment or business purposes now need to apply under one of the current immigration routes such as the Skilled Worker visa, Innovator Founder visa or Global Talent visa, depending on eligibility and purpose.
The following guide explains the current legal position of the Turkish Worker visa in 2025, what rights remain for existing holders, and what alternative options are available for Turkish nationals looking to work or settle in the UK.
Section A: Closure of the Turkish Worker Visa Route
The closure of the Turkish Worker visa route was a direct consequence of the UK leaving the European Union. The visa was established under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA), also known as the Ankara Agreement, which provided reciprocal rights for Turkish nationals to establish themselves or work within EU member states. Once the UK’s transition period ended on 31 December 2020, these treaty rights ceased to apply and the Home Office formally closed the scheme to new applicants.
From 1 January 2021, Turkish nationals could no longer apply for entry under the ECAA Worker or Businessperson categories. However, the UK government introduced transitional protections to safeguard individuals who already held permission under the route before Brexit. These provisions allow existing visa holders and their dependants to continue living and working in the UK, provided they continue to meet the conditions of their visa and apply for extensions on time.
It is also important to note that no new applications are accepted from outside the UK, and switching into the Turkish Worker category from another visa route within the UK is no longer possible. Existing ECAA visa holders may still extend their stay or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, but they are required to do so under the transitional arrangements set out in the Immigration Rules. These arrangements remain under review but continue to protect the rights of those already lawfully resident under the former scheme.
Following the closure of the ECAA Worker route, the Home Office now directs Turkish nationals to apply under the current points-based immigration system, which applies equally to all non-UK nationals.
Section B: Rights of Existing Turkish Worker Visa Holders
Although the Turkish Worker visa route is closed to new applicants, individuals who already hold leave under this category continue to benefit from rights protected under the UK’s transitional arrangements. These rights are designed to ensure continuity for Turkish nationals who had already established their working life in the UK under the Ankara Agreement before 1 January 2021.
Existing visa holders can continue to live and work in the UK, provided they maintain lawful residence and comply with the conditions of their visa. They are permitted to work either for the same employer or a new one, depending on how long they have been resident. Generally, those who have worked legally in the UK for one year under the ECAA scheme can apply to renew their leave to work for the same employer. After four years, they can change employer or occupation more freely, subject to continued lawful employment and residence.
Dependants who joined the main visa holder before the route’s closure can also extend their stay under the same transitional protections. They may work and study in the UK without restriction. Family members who were not already in the UK before 31 December 2020 are not eligible to apply to join under this category and would need to explore alternative immigration routes, such as the Family visa or Skilled Worker dependant visa.
Holders of valid Turkish Worker visas continue to accrue residence time that can count toward settlement, provided they meet the relevant criteria. However, any gaps in lawful residence or changes of employment without proper permission could affect eligibility when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
These rights will remain in force for as long as the Home Office maintains the transitional arrangements. Turkish nationals already on this route should take care to renew their leave on time and keep documentary evidence of their employment history, as these will be key factors in future extension or settlement applications.
Section C: Turkish Worker Visa Extension Applications
Existing Turkish Worker visa holders can still apply to extend their leave in the UK under the transitional provisions that followed the closure of the route. These arrangements recognise the rights of Turkish nationals who had already been granted permission under the European Community Association Agreement before 1 January 2021. Extensions are typically granted in two or three-year periods, allowing applicants to continue working and building their eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
To qualify for an extension, the applicant needs to show that they continue to work lawfully in the UK and have maintained continuous residence since their last grant of leave. The type of evidence required depends on the stage of their employment history. For example, those applying after one year usually need to demonstrate that they remain with the same employer, while those with longer residence may have greater flexibility to change employer or job role.
Applicants are expected to provide documentary proof of their employment, such as payslips, tax records, and confirmation letters from employers. Bank statements showing regular salary payments and P60s can also help establish that the work has been genuine and ongoing. Gaps in employment or irregular work patterns may lead to additional Home Office scrutiny, so it is important to submit a clear and well-documented application.
The Home Office does not charge a visa application fee for extensions under this route, but applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at the prevailing rate. Applications are made online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system, and biometric information needs to be provided through a UKVCAS service point.
Processing times vary, but most decisions are issued within eight weeks. Applicants should remain in the UK while their application is being decided and must not start a new job until their permission allows it. Once the extension is approved, the new visa period is added to the individual’s lawful residence and can later count toward their qualifying period for settlement.
Section D: Indefinite Leave to Remain for Turkish Workers
Turkish nationals who have lived and worked in the UK under the ECAA Worker visa may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once they have completed a sufficient period of continuous lawful residence. Under the transitional arrangements, this route to settlement remains open to those who were granted leave before the scheme closed at the end of 2020.
Most Turkish Worker visa holders become eligible for ILR after five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, provided they can show ongoing and genuine employment throughout that period. The Home Office expects applicants to demonstrate that their work has been lawful and that they have made National Insurance contributions and paid taxes as required. Any gaps in employment or periods without valid leave may affect eligibility and should be explained clearly within the application.
To qualify, applicants also need to meet the standard settlement requirements that apply to most long-term UK visa holders. These include passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the English language requirement at the required level. Dependants who have lived in the UK for five years may also apply for settlement alongside the main applicant, provided they continue to meet the relevant residence and relationship criteria.
ILR applications are made online through UK Visas and Immigration, with supporting evidence uploaded digitally and biometric information provided at a UKVCAS centre. There is an application fee for ILR, and successful applicants receive indefinite permission to stay, allowing them to live and work in the UK without restriction. They are also free to change employer or start their own business without needing to reapply for immigration permission.
Once ILR is granted, the individual can eventually apply for British citizenship after holding settled status for at least 12 months, subject to meeting residence and good character requirements. However, Turkish nationals are advised to maintain accurate records of their employment and absences, as these are closely reviewed during both ILR and citizenship applications.
Section E: Turkish Businessperson Visa Holders
The Turkish Businessperson visa, also created under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA), operated alongside the Turkish Worker visa as part of the Ankara Agreement framework. It allowed Turkish nationals to establish, join, or take over businesses in the UK with relatively flexible requirements compared with other business immigration routes. As with the Worker visa, the Businessperson route closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020 following the end of the Brexit transition period.
However, those who already held leave as Turkish Businessperson visa holders before the closure date continue to be covered by transitional arrangements. This means they can extend their stay and, in many cases, qualify for settlement, provided they continue to meet the relevant criteria. The Home Office requires evidence that the business remains genuine, active, and financially viable. Applicants are expected to show company accounts, tax returns, business bank statements, and evidence of trading activity to demonstrate that the enterprise continues to operate successfully.
Like Turkish Worker visa holders, Businessperson visa holders are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain once they have completed five years of continuous residence under the category. Dependants already in the UK before the route closed can also extend their permission and may qualify for settlement once they meet the residence requirements.
The closure of the ECAA Businessperson route means that new business applicants from Turkey now fall under the UK’s current points-based system. Those seeking to establish or invest in a UK business are generally directed towards the Innovator Founder visa, which replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up routes. This new route requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body and focuses on scalable and innovative business ideas rather than traditional small business ownership.
Existing Turkish Businessperson visa holders are advised to keep detailed financial and operational records of their business activities, as these will be key when applying for future extensions or settlement. Any change in business structure, ownership or trading activity should be reported to the Home Office to avoid compliance issues.
Section F: Alternatives to the Turkish Worker Visa
Since the Turkish Worker and Businessperson routes closed to new applicants at the end of 2020, Turkish nationals wishing to live or work in the UK now need to apply under the current points-based immigration system. The most relevant options depend on the purpose of coming to the UK—whether for employment, business, study, or family reasons. While none of these routes replicate the former ECAA benefits, they provide structured and accessible pathways for eligible applicants.
| Route | Summary |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Licensed UK sponsor, eligible role, salary at or above the required threshold, English at B1, Certificate of Sponsorship, TB test if applicable. |
| Health and Care Worker | Eligible health or social care role with an approved sponsor, salary meeting route rules, English at B1, meets professional registration where required. |
| Global Talent | Endorsement or eligible prize in academia, research, arts, culture or digital tech. No sponsor needed. Strong evidence of leadership or promise. |
| Innovator Founder | Endorsed innovative, viable, scalable business plan. Active role in building the venture. Satisfies maintenance and English requirements. |
| Graduate | Completed eligible UK degree on a Student visa. Two years of open work permission, three years for PhD. No sponsor or minimum salary. |
| Family/Partner | Genuine relationship with British or settled partner, financial and accommodation requirements, English at A1 to B1 depending on stage. |
| Student | CAS from a licensed provider, course and maintenance funds meet rules, English at the required level, TB test where applicable. |
| High Potential Individual | Recent degree from an eligible global university. English and maintenance met. No sponsor needed. Time-limited with no direct settlement. |
| Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker | Intra-group transfer to a UK linked entity, qualifying role, salary at or above route threshold, Certificate of Sponsorship. |
| Global Business Mobility: Expansion Worker | Expanding an overseas business into the UK, qualifying role, salary threshold met, Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK entity linked to the overseas business. |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | Age and nationality eligibility, maintenance funds, no dependants. Work rights are broad but time limited and not a direct route to settlement. |
| Visitor (business) | Short-term permitted business activities only. No paid work in the UK. Evidence of purpose, funds, ties to home country. |
The Skilled Worker visa is the most common replacement route for Turkish nationals seeking to work in the UK. Applicants need a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor and must meet the applicable salary threshold, skill level, and English language requirement. Successful applicants can live and work in the UK for up to five years, with a route to settlement after continuous lawful residence.
For entrepreneurs and investors, the Innovator Founder visa offers a modernised pathway to establish a business in the UK. It requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body and a viable, scalable, and innovative business plan. While the requirements are more structured than the former Turkish Businessperson visa, the route provides long-term settlement potential for successful ventures.
Highly skilled individuals without sponsorship can consider the Global Talent visa, which is designed for leaders and emerging leaders in fields such as technology, academia, culture, and research. This visa does not require a job offer and offers flexibility to work across different projects or organisations. Turkish graduates from UK universities may also be eligible for the Graduate visa, allowing up to two years of open work rights after completing a degree in the UK.
For those with family connections, the Family visa and Partner visa routes remain available, enabling Turkish nationals to join or remain with family members who are settled or British citizens in the UK. Each route has its own financial, relationship, and residence criteria, and applicants are advised to ensure their evidence aligns with Home Office requirements.
Although the closure of the ECAA routes has removed a uniquely flexible option for Turkish nationals, the UK’s reformed immigration framework still provides a range of viable alternatives. Choosing the right route depends on personal circumstances, qualifications, and long-term plans for residence or settlement in the UK.
Section G: Applying for a New UK Visa as a Turkish National
Turkish nationals applying for a UK visa today follow the same procedures as all other non-UK nationals under the current immigration system. Applications are made online through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal, with supporting evidence uploaded digitally and biometric information provided at an authorised visa application centre. The process and requirements vary depending on the type of visa sought, but accuracy and preparation remain central to avoiding delays or refusals.
Before starting an application, the applicant should identify the most suitable visa route for their purpose. For example, employment-based routes such as the Skilled Worker visa require a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, while business routes like the Innovator Founder visa require endorsement from an approved endorsing body. Those applying for family or study visas will need to show proof of relationship or enrolment, along with evidence of financial means and accommodation in the UK.
Applicants are required to pay the relevant visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the process. The IHS provides access to the National Health Service during the applicant’s stay in the UK. Once the online form is completed and fees are paid, the applicant must attend a biometric appointment to submit fingerprints and a photograph, unless exempted under UKVI’s digital identity verification scheme.
Most Turkish nationals applying from outside the UK receive decisions within three weeks, although processing times can vary depending on the visa type and whether the priority or super priority service is used. Those applying from within the UK to switch or extend a visa generally receive a decision within eight weeks. Applicants should not travel outside the UK while their in-country application is pending, as doing so automatically withdraws the application.
Careful attention to detail is crucial, as even minor mistakes—such as inconsistent employment records or missing documents—can result in refusal. Supporting documents should be clear, complete, and consistent with the information provided on the application form. Using official translations for non-English documents is mandatory, and digital evidence must meet the Home Office’s file format and size requirements.
After a visa is granted, the applicant receives an electronic visa (eVisa) or biometric residence permit (BRP), depending on their circumstances. These documents confirm immigration status and conditions, such as permission to work or study. It is important to check the details on the visa immediately upon receipt and report any errors to UKVI without delay.
Section H: Common Issues and Home Office Refusals
Although transitional arrangements for Turkish Worker and Businessperson visa holders provide a degree of protection, Home Office scrutiny has increased in recent years. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate lawful employment or genuine business activity are at greater risk of refusal. Many applicants experience delays or rejections because of inconsistent evidence, missing documents, or misunderstandings about the eligibility rules that apply under the transitional framework.
One of the most common issues involves insufficient proof of continuous lawful employment. The Home Office expects applicants to produce a consistent record of work activity, supported by payslips, P60s, employer letters, and bank statements showing salary payments. Gaps in employment or periods without valid leave can lead to a refusal, even if the applicant has otherwise lived in the UK for many years. Applicants who changed employer or job role without prior permission often find that this affects their continuity of residence for extension or settlement purposes.
For Turkish Businessperson visa holders, refusals frequently stem from inadequate evidence that the business is active and trading. The Home Office assesses whether the enterprise generates genuine income, has regular clients, and complies with tax and regulatory obligations. Incomplete or outdated company accounts, missing VAT returns, or weak evidence of trading activity can all result in refusal. A clear and well-organised application that includes detailed financial documents is far more likely to succeed.
Another area of difficulty involves dependants. Some applicants mistakenly assume that new family members can still be added under the old ECAA rules, when in fact the route closed to new dependants after 31 December 2020. Any dependent family members who were not already in the UK before that date must apply under one of the current family routes instead. Failure to follow the correct route can result in the refusal of the dependant’s application and potential immigration status issues for the main visa holder.
Inaccurate or incomplete applications can also trigger requests for further information or interviews. These delays can create uncertainty for applicants and may affect employment continuity if the applicant’s visa expires during the decision period. It is strongly recommended that Turkish nationals ensure their documentation is consistent and complete before submission, and seek professional advice if there is any uncertainty about eligibility or evidence requirements.
Section I: Summary
The Turkish Worker visa formed part of a long-standing arrangement between the UK and Turkey that recognised shared economic cooperation under the Ankara Agreement. Although the route closed to new applicants in December 2020, those already in the UK under the scheme retain valuable rights under the Home Office’s transitional provisions. These allow eligible individuals and their dependants to continue living and working in the UK, extend their permission, and in many cases secure settlement.
For new applicants, the end of the ECAA scheme has shifted the focus to the UK’s points-based immigration system. Turkish nationals now access the same range of visa routes as other non-UK citizens, including the Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Global Talent and Family visas. Each route carries its own eligibility criteria and evidential demands, requiring careful preparation to meet UKVI expectations.
Section J: Need Assistance?
If you currently hold a Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa and need help extending your stay or applying for settlement, our specialist UK immigration advisers can assist. We also support Turkish nationals exploring new UK visa options following the closure of the ECAA routes, including Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder and Family visas.
Section K: FAQs – Turkish Worker Visa UK
Is the Turkish Worker visa still available in 2025?
The Turkish Worker visa route closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020 following the end of the Brexit transition period. Only individuals who already held permission under this route before that date can extend their stay or apply for settlement under the transitional rules.
Can I still extend my Turkish Worker visa?
Turkish nationals who already hold a valid ECAA Worker visa can apply to extend their leave under the Home Office’s transitional arrangements. They need to show evidence of ongoing lawful employment and compliance with visa conditions. Extensions are normally granted for two or three years at a time.
Can I switch to the Turkish Worker visa from another route?
Switching into the Turkish Worker visa category is no longer permitted. The route is closed to new applicants and to anyone who was not already in the UK with ECAA Worker status before 31 December 2020. Turkish nationals should consider other options such as the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder visas instead.
Can my family members still join me under the Turkish Worker visa?
Only family members who were already in the UK as dependants before 31 December 2020 are covered by the transitional protections. New dependants can no longer apply to join under this category and will need to use an alternative route, such as a Family or Partner visa.
How long does it take to get a decision on a Turkish Worker visa extension?
Home Office processing times are typically up to eight weeks from the date of biometrics submission, although complex cases may take longer. Applicants should not travel outside the UK while their application is pending, as doing so automatically withdraws the application.
Can Turkish Worker visa holders apply for settlement?
Those who have lived and worked continuously in the UK for five years under the Turkish Worker visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they meet the relevant residence, employment, and English language requirements.
What are the alternatives now that the route is closed?
Turkish nationals seeking to live or work in the UK now need to apply under the points-based immigration system. The most common alternatives are the Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Global Talent, Graduate, and Family visa routes, depending on eligibility and purpose.
Section L: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ankara Agreement | The treaty between Turkey and the European Economic Community signed in 1963, forming the legal basis for the ECAA Worker and Businessperson visa routes. |
| ECAA | European Community Association Agreement. The legal framework that previously allowed Turkish nationals to apply for Worker or Businessperson visas in the UK. |
| Turkish Worker Visa | A visa that allowed Turkish nationals already working lawfully in the UK to extend their stay under the ECAA, later closed to new applicants after Brexit. |
| Turkish Businessperson Visa | A visa that allowed Turkish nationals to start or join a UK business under the ECAA framework, now closed to new applicants. |
| Transitional Arrangements | Rules introduced to protect the rights of Turkish nationals who held valid ECAA visas before the routes closed at the end of 2020. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent settlement status in the UK, allowing the holder to live and work without time restrictions. |
| UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration, the branch of the Home Office responsible for administering visa applications and immigration control. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A payment required for most visa applicants to access NHS healthcare services during their stay in the UK. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | The UK’s main sponsored work visa under the points-based immigration system, requiring a job offer from a licensed employer. |
| Innovator Founder Visa | A business visa route for entrepreneurs establishing innovative ventures in the UK, replacing the former Innovator and Start-up visas. |
| Life in the UK Test | A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of British life, culture, and values, required for ILR and British citizenship applications. |
Section M: Additional Resources & Links
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| GOV.UK – ECAA Turkish Worker Visa Guidance | Official Home Office guidance on the rights of Turkish Worker visa holders under the transitional arrangements. | https://www.gov.uk/turkish-worker-visa |
| GOV.UK – ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa Guidance | Home Office information for existing Turkish Businessperson visa holders, including extension and settlement rules. | https://www.gov.uk/turkish-businessperson-visa |
| GOV.UK – Indefinite Leave to Remain | Official guidance on ILR eligibility, residence rules, and how to apply for settlement under the UK immigration system. | https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain |
| GOV.UK – Skilled Worker Visa | Comprehensive guide to the UK’s main sponsored work visa route, including eligibility, application steps, and salary thresholds. | https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa |
| GOV.UK – Innovator Founder Visa | Official Home Office guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to start and run innovative businesses in the UK. | https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa |
| GOV.UK – Global Talent Visa | UKVI information on the Global Talent route for leaders and emerging leaders across academia, arts, culture, and digital technology. | https://www.gov.uk/global-talent |
| GOV.UK – Immigration Health Surcharge | Information on the current IHS rates and how to pay the surcharge during a UK visa application. | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application |
| Home Office – Statement on Closure of ECAA Routes | Official statement confirming the closure of the Turkish Worker and Businessperson routes following Brexit. | https://www.gov.uk/government/news/closure-of-ecaa-routes |
