Jobs and Getting Working Permits in Turkey
Every year, many foreigners ask us how to find jobs and get a work permit in Turkey. This attractive destination for expatriates and international job seekers has a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, a growing economy, and a rich cultural heritage. Diverse employment opportunities exist across various sectors. However, navigating the job market and understanding the work permit process is challenging for foreigners. This comprehensive guide discusses everything to know about finding employment and obtaining legal permits.
About Jobs and Working Permits in Turkey
Understanding the Job Market
With a population of 85 million, Turkey is the world's 19th largest economy, and despite occasional volatility, the country has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades. Major industries include manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, textiles, automotive, construction, and increasingly, technology and services. Unemployment has fluctuated in recent years, hovering around 10-13%, with higher rates among young people. This competitive environment means foreigners must have skills in demand to secure good employment opportunities.
In-Demand Skills and Job Sectors
Several job sectors actively seek foreign talent. Tourism contributes significantly to Turkey's GDP and frequently hires foreigners with language skills, particularly in coastal regions like Antalya, Bodrum, and Istanbul. International hotels, tour operators, and restaurants often value multilingual staff who communicate effectively with tourists.
Technology jobs are proliferating, with Istanbul emerging as a regional tech hub. Software developers, IT specialists, digital marketers, and professionals with experience in fintech, e-commerce, and mobile applications are in high demand. Companies like Trendyol, Getir, and Peak Games often seek talent with global expertise.
Education is another sector with opportunities. International schools, universities, and language institutes frequently hire native English speakers as teachers and instructors if they have a TEFL/TESOL certification.
Regional Differences in Employment
Job positions vary significantly by region. Istanbul offers the most diverse employment options across as the economic and cultural centre. The city hosts numerous multinational corporations, startups, and international organisations. As the capital, Ankara provides opportunities in government-related industries and education.
Izmir and coastal cities primarily offer tourism, shipping, and trade jobs. Eastern regions of Turkey have fewer opportunities, except for humanitarian organisations and some specialised industrial positions. Understanding these regional differences and monthly salaries will help you effectively target your job search.
Job opportunities for Foreigners
Finding employment requires a strategic approach, especially for non-Turkish speakers. While language knowledge is a significant advantage, many international companies and tourism-related businesses operate in English. Here are effective strategies to help you navigate your job search.
Online Job Portals and Websites
Several online platforms specialise in listing jobs for foreigners. Kariyer, the largest job portal, lists advertisements in Turkish. LinkedIn is popular for professional positions, especially in multinational companies. Other valuable platforms include Indeed Turkey, Glassdoor, and Yenibiris. For teaching positions, websites like Dave's ESL Cafe and Teach Away regularly post opportunities.
Specialised expatriate websites like Yabangee.com and TurkeyTalent.com also feature job listings for foreigners. These sites often include positions where English is the primary working language. Setting up job alerts on these platforms helps you stay informed about new opportunities matching your skills and experience.
Networking and Professional Connections
Networking is crucial, perhaps even more so than in many Western countries. Personal connections, your country of citizenship, and recommendations increase your chances of securing interviews and job offers. To build your network, attend expatriate meetups, professional events, and industry conferences. Groups like InterNations, Professional Women's Network, and various chambers of commerce hold regular networking events in major cities.
Connecting with other working expatriates provides valuable insights and potential referrals. Many jobs are filled through personal recommendations before they're ever advertised publicly. Don't underestimate the power of a coffee meeting or informational interview with someone in your target industry.
Recruitment Agencies and Head-hunters
Agencies like Adecco Turkey, Michael Page, and Randstad have offices in major cities and work with international companies seeking expatriate talent. These agencies are helpful for senior positions and roles requiring specialised skills. Agencies work with candidates with skills that are difficult to find locally, so highlight your unique qualifications and international experience.
Understanding Work Permits
Working legally requires obtaining a permit (çalışma izni), and working without proper authorisation results in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Turkish work permits are employer-specific; you must reapply for a new license if you change jobs. Employers initiate the process, but employees must provide various documents and meet specific criteria.
Types of Permits for Various Jobs
The most common is the Definite Term Work Permit, initially issued for 12 months. After extending for two consecutive years, foreigners become eligible for a three-year visa. After working continuously for eight years, apply for an indefinite visa. Independent Work Permits are for self-employed foreigners who establish a business. These requirements include proof of sufficient capital and a viable business plan.
The Turquoise Card is for highly qualified professionals, researchers, and investors, offering a pathway to permanent work authorisation and various advantages. Special provisions are also available for certain nationalities based on reciprocity agreements, for spouses of Turkish citizens, and for those with long-term residency.
Eligibility Requirements
Foreigners must meet several criteria and fill in a specific application form to qualify. The first visa requirement is a valid job offer from a company willing to sponsor your application. The company must demonstrate that a Turk cannot fill your position, which is easier for specialised roles or positions requiring specific language skills.
The employer must also meet specific requirements. For each foreign employee, companies must employ five Turkish citizens (though this ratio varies by industry and company size). The company must also have a minimum paid capital of 100,000 TL, gross sales of 800,000 TL, or export values of $250,000 in the previous year.
Educational qualifications are essential. Having a university degree relevant to your position increases your chances. For certain professions like engineering, medicine, law, and teaching, have your foreign credentials recognised by authorities through an equivalency process.
The Work Permit Application Process
The first step is entering Turkey legally with a tourist permit. Once in Turkey, apply for a tourist residence permit ID through the e-ikamet system. This Turkish residence permit is necessary while your foreign work permit ID is being processed. Your employer must begin the online visa application through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security's e-permit system.
They must submit various documents, including the company's tax registration, trade registry gazette, financial statements, and a permit application letter explaining why they must hire a foreigner. Provide your valid passport, proof of your country of residence, residence permit, educational certificates, travel documents, professional qualifications, and passport photos. A sworn translator must notarise, apostolate, and translate all foreign documents.
After submission, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will review the application, which takes 30-90 days. You'll receive a permit card as part of your work authorisation and residence application if approved. If you want an extension period, the initial visa is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiration.
Common Future Concerns and How to Overcome Them
Several challenges arise during the application process. One common issue is incomplete documentation, which leads to delays or rejection, so work closely with your potential employer's HR department to ensure all required documents are correctly prepared and submitted. Keep copies of everything.
Another challenge is demonstrating that a Turkish citizen cannot fill your position. Your employer should emphasise your unique qualifications, language skills, international experience, or specialised knowledge that makes you more suited for the role. Detailed job descriptions highlighting specific requirements strengthen the application.
Processing delays are common, especially during busy periods or when authorities need additional verification. Start the application process well before your intended employment start date, and maintain valid residence status throughout the waiting period. If your tourist visa or residence permit expires, consult immigration authorities about extension options.
Costs and Time Frames
The employer should pay all fees for the permit application, including the application fee and the card fee. Additional costs may include document translation, notarization, and apostille services.
The standard processing time is 30 days from the date of complete submission, but it often takes 60-90 days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee in some cases. Plan accordingly and avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements or resigning from your current position until you receive an approved visa.
Once approved, the expected duration is one year. To ensure continuity of your legal working status, submit renewal applications 60 days before expiration. The renewal process is similar but generally less complex than the initial application.
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account to receive wages is relatively straightforward. Major banks include İş Bankası, Garanti BBVA, Akbank, and Yapı Kredi. To open an account, foreigners need a passport, Turkish tax number (vergi numarası), and proof of address (utility bill or rental contract).
Many banks offer special "expatriate banking" services with English-speaking staff and documentation. Setting up direct deposit for your salary and automatic utility payments simplifies financial management. Sending money overseas means paying significant fees, and there are exchange rate considerations, so most expatriates still keep their foreign bank accounts.
Taxation for Foreign Workers
You will pay Turkish income tax on your earnings as a foreign worker. Turkey’s progressive tax system ranges from 15% to 40% depending on your income level. If a Turkish company employs you, they deduct income tax from your salary through a pay-as-you-earn system.
Turkey has double taxation agreements with many countries, which prevent employees from paying tax twice. Check with your home country to understand what documentation you need. Some expatriates must still file tax returns in their home countries while working abroad.
Social security contributions are mandatory for all employees, including foreigners. These contributions provide access to healthcare and other benefits. Employers handle these deductions, which amount to approximately 14% of your gross salary (with the employer contributing an additional 20.5%). Also, find out more information at the local tax office.
Healthcare and Insurance Requirements
Working foreign nationals automatically join in the Social Security Institution (SGK), which provides valid health insurance coverage, provided there is a 2-month duration of payments. This allows access to public healthcare facilities and certain contracted private hospitals with a small co-payment. However, many expatriates opt for supplementary private health insurance for more comprehensive coverage and access to private hospitals.
Private Health Insurance Options
Many insurance companies, including Allianz, Cigna, and AXA, offer health coverage for expatriates. Local insurance providers like Anadolu Sigorta and Aksigorta also offer policies designed for foreigners. When selecting a policy, consider coverage for outpatient care, hospitalisation, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.
Insurance premiums vary based on your age, medical history, and the level of coverage. Basic plans start from around $500-1,000 annually, while comprehensive coverage costs $2,000-4,000 or more. Some employers provide private insurance as part of their benefits package, so check what coverage is included in your employment contract.
Employment Rights and Labor Laws
Turkish labour law establishes a 45-hour workweek, with overtime limited to 270 hours annually and compensated at 150% of regular wages. Employees are entitled to 14 days of paid annual leave after one year of service, increasing with tenure. There are also 14-17 public holidays annually, depending on the calendar year.
Maternity leave consists of 16 weeks (8 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth), with job protection and partial salary continuation. Depending on the employer, paternity leave is more limited, 5-10 days. Employees need a doctor's certificate for sick days, with the Social Security Institution covering the salary after the third day.
Termination procedures are strictly regulated, with notice periods ranging from 2-8 weeks. Severance pay (kıdem tazminatı) is required for employees with one year of service who are terminated without cause. Discrimination of nationality, gender, religion, or political views is prohibited, though foreign workers should be aware that enforcement mechanisms may differ from those in their home countries.
Residence Renewals and Long-term Options to Work
Submit your renewal application 60 days before expiration. The process is like the initial application but moves faster as your information is already in the system. After continuous legal employment for eight years, foreigners become eligible for an indefinite-term visa, which provides greater flexibility and security, like Turkish people. This visa is not tied to a specific employer and does not require regular renewals, though you must maintain employment.
Turkey offers long-term residence after eight years of continuous legal residency for permanent settlement. The Turkish Citizenship Program by investment is also available through property purchase (minimum $400,000) or capital investment, providing a faster path to permanent status. Naturalisation through marriage to a Turkish citizen is another pathway, requiring three years of marriage before application. Dual citizenship is allowed.
More Information
We hope this article will help you find a job and get a work permit in Turkey. If you want to know more about the country, our blog contains valuable information on the culture, traditions, language, places, and tips for living here as an expat.
