Located at the crossroads of the world, Turkey lies between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa. The land has been home to countless civilisations and has been the meeting point of Empires and cultures for millennia. From Alexander the Great and the Persians to the Byzantines to the Ottoman Turks the land has born witness to some of the most important events in world history.
It is a vast country being 3.5 times the size of the United Kingdom and is home to the only city in the world that bridges two continents in the form of Istanbul. Turkey is bordered to the North by the Black sea, to the West by the Aegean and Marmara seas and the Mediterranean to the South.
Modern day Turkey is an advanced secular society that warmly welcomes foreigners and embraces the larger world. Although its primary faith is Islam the people are tolerant of outsiders and Western culture, making it a popular destination for tourists, workers and expats alike.
Jobs in Turkey
Getting a job in Turkey from abroad is extremely difficult as foreigners are forbidden to hold jobs in a number of professions, including carers in the medical and legal professions. The wages for many of the jobs that are paid in the country are also pretty low.
Only Turkish citizens are permitted to work in the following professions:
Medical doctor, dentist, midwife, nurse, pharmacist, optician, veterinarian, public notary, certified public accountant, attorney-at-law, hospital administrator, managing director of pharmaceutical factories, peddler, musician, photographer, barber, typesetter, broker, garment, cap and footwear producer, stock exchange broker, salesperson of goods produced by state monopolies, interpreter, guide, highway worker, driver, watchman, office boy, doorkeeper, waiter, waitress, singer, construction worker, iron worker, and woodworker.
These restrictions do not apply if you have married a Turkish citizen, but it is likely that your employment options will be limited if you cannot speak fluent Turkish.
The majority of people who move to Turkey tend to arrive with employment already assured with many being assigned to Turkish branches of multinational companies, diplomatic work, or NGO’s. If you arrive in the country without a job already lined up will find it very difficult to find work legally or earn enough cash to live on.
As with many foreign countries there are often many opportunities to teach English. Be aware that such jobs don’t pay very much but it should provide enough to live on. A more lucrative way for a fluent English speaker is to offer private lessons to wealthy Turks, it’s possible to earn up 40 Turkish Lira an hour.
Tourism also provides opportunities but again the pay is poor. English-speakers are in high demand so you will have a slight advantage over the competition. Beware though, that in whatever field you chose to work in it will be a tremendous help to be fluent in Turkish.
How to Find Work in Turkey
It is best to find a job before you arrive in Turkey, not only for your peace of mind but so that you can obtain the proper visa and permits. If you arrive in the country without a job then prepare for a difficult task.
The best place to start is look for work in the tourist areas, work is often readily available in the months of May through to September. Job postings are often found on billboards at youth hostels or in local newspapers. It also pays to ask directly at hotels and other tourist locations, it also pays to ask even if a post is not being directly advertised as many Turks will jump at the chance to hire an English speaking foreigner. You will not be well paid for this sort of work, and as a result, it´s best for young people who aren´t looking to save. For more sophisticated jobs you will need to apply with a CV and cover letter just like you would in the UK.
You will need to be aware that most part-time jobs are paid cash in hand and that you will not be protected by a contract or be sponsored for a works Visa. In many cases you could be working illegally and will not be protected from the authorities by your employer.
Working Conditions
The working conditions in Turkey are a lot worse than those found in many European countries especially if you’re working in a part-time or unskilled job. If you work for a multinational company then your hours, pay, etc are likely to be similar to what you would expect in the Europe.
Corporate employers will typically work 45 hours per week but foreign workers in the unskilled sectors tend to work a lot longer than that. Children from the age of 15 are eligible to work full time also, so don’t be surprised to see kids working the same jobs as adults.
You will most likely be eligible for only two weeks holiday every year and it takes years of loyal service before this is increased. If working in low skilled jobs you probably won’t be entitled to any at all. Westerners will not be granted days off like Christmas or Easter as they are not recognised by many Turkish employers.
Tax
Unfortunately one of the absolute certainties in life is tax and in Turkey it’s no different. Once you land a job you will have to apply for a tax number. To register you will have to head to your local fiancé department the Maliye. Normally these offices are located in town or city halls. Bring photocopies of your passport, residence permit, and work permit to the Accounts once you find the Accounts Department, locate the Tax Department and finally the Civil Test Service. Civil Test Service clerks will ask you for a dilekçe (petition). These “petitions“are brief notes (written in Turkish) that politely request government employees to assist you. Though this is a required document, officials might complete one for you if your Turkish is not very good or you strike them as particularly confused. To be safe, however, prepare one in advance. To complete your application, sign your dilekçe and get it signed by the Tax Manager´s Assistant You will then receive your new tax number.
Best Places to Seek Employment
These are some of the most popular places to work in Turkey: • Istanbul • Cappadocia • Antalya • Pamukkale • Bodrum • İzmir • Bosphorus • Fethiye • Ankara • Marmaris • Kuşadası • Bursa • Bursa • Ölüdeniz • Göreme • Alanya.
Work in Fethiye
For anyone seeking a place slightly away from the too you can do a lot worse than the small city of Fethiye. The city is one of Turkeys well-known tourist centres and is especially popular in the summer months. Over the last decade foreigners have been moving to the city in ever increasing numbers to enjoy the climate and natural beauty of the area. Over 7,000 British citizens permanently live in Fethiye, while approximately 600,000 British tourists visit the town every summer.
Turkish Visas
Depending on your nationality, you may require a residence permit/work permit/visa to live in Turkey, make sure you understand your situation and organise the relevant paperwork before you go!
What Do You Need to Enter and Live in Turkey?
No matter who you are or where you are from you will need a valid passport from your home country before you are allowed entry into Turkey. Your passport should be valid for at least 90 days upon arriving in the country. It’s a good idea to consider renewing your passport 6 months prior to its expiry date to avoid any complications. Only UK diplomats are exempt from requiring a Visa and are allowed entry into the country for up to 90 days, everyone else must have a Visa. Only citizens of the following nations are allowed in for up to three months without a Visa; Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland.
Before you apply for a Visa be aware of all the documentation you will be required to present.
Common application materials are listed below:
- Passport (valid for 90 days longer than the requested visa).
- Application form.
- Two passport-size photos.
- Letter of invitation or employment.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of a return ticket or the financial means to purchase a return ticket.
- Proof you have financial means to support yourself during your stay.
- Visa processing fee (varies depending on visa type and your nationality.
Types of VISAs
There are many different types of Visa’s for Turkey so we will cover the ones most associated with foreigners.
Residency Visa
As an expat you will most likely be hoping to spend more than 90 days in the country which means you will need to apply for a residence Visa. You will need to apply up to two months before arriving in the country to allow plenty of time for processing. Be aware that you are not allowed to work in the country if receiving a residency Visa. Make sure you have enough cash to be able to support yourself for the duration of your stay.
Work Visa
To be able to work in Turkey you need both a work Visa and residency Visa. People normally go to the country already employed by an international company, if that’s the case for you then ensure that your employer sends the correct documentation to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Once the application has been approved you will then have to pay the work permit and Visa processing fees. Once in the country you will have 30 days to apply for a residency Visa.
Work Permits
Every foreigner working in Turkey is required to be in possession of a valid work permit as well as a Visa. These permits are issued by the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security or MLSS. It’s highly advised that you submit your visa application materials concurrently with your visa application. Your employer should send the required documents to the MLSS. If you have lived and worked in Turkey for five years without interruption then you will become eligible for an independent work permit, which allows you to work as a self-employed individual.
How to Become a Resident
To be eligible to become a Turkish citizen you need to be of adult age and lived in Turkey for five years with an interruption of less than six months. If married to a Turkish national or a foreigner born in the country, this is reduced to three years. You mu not have a criminal record and you must have sound mental and physical health. You must also prove that you can support yourself financially. Your chances of being accepted can be improved if you show that you contribute to the country, i.e. working for a Turkish company. To apply for Turkish citizenship, you need to bring the following documents to a local government office (usually a town or city hall).
- Valid passport.
- 4 passport-size photos.
- Documents proving your relationships with your spouse and children (if applicable).
- Certificate proving you are in good mental and physical health.
Working in Turkey FAQ
Turkish Culture
The culture of Turkey combines a heavily diverse set of elements from the days of the Byzantine, Ottoman, European, Asian and Middle Eastern traditions. The nation’s culture has undergone a deep change over the past century as it transitioned from the Ottoman Empire into today’s Republic. Turkey’s culture is somewhat unique in that it has been and has influenced cultures ranging from Austria to China, Russia to Africa.
Language
If you don’t speak Turkish, it’s best to enrol in a course at a local language school, preferably before arriving in Turkey. Most citizens of Turkey cannot speak English so it will pay to learn the native language of your new chosen home.
National Holidays
• January 1st – New Year’s Day
• April 23rd – National Sovereignty Day and Children’s day – commemorates the first opening of parliament.
• May 1st – Labour Day
• May 19th – Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and sports day
• August 30th – Victory Day – commemoration of the final battle of the 1922 Turkish war of independence
• September 9th – Liberation of Izmir- Observed only in the city of Izmir
• October 6th – Liberation of Istanbul- only in Istanbul
• October 29th – Republic day- celebrates the proclamation of the republic in 1923.
• Ramadan – Religious holiday lasting 3 days
Turkish Customs
Several customs in Turkey are related to body gestures and it’s important to know how to avoid embarrassment or cause offence. In Turkey, people shake hands when meeting although this may be classed as inappropriate if between sexes. When sitting with Turkish people it is considered rude to show the soles of your feet, be sure to point your feet away from people. Turks traditionally sit crossed legged on the floor which can be uncomfortable for foreigners. Pointing at someone is also considered exceptionally rude.
Yes and No can be confusing. In Turkey it is customary to nod your head to indicate yes; however shaking it will give people the impression you don’t understand as this is what it means in Turkish culture. The way to indicate no is to nod your head whilst raising your eyebrows. You should also be aware that overt displays of affection towards members of the opposite sex are frowned upon. It’s also classed as rude if you blow your nose in public; it is customary to cover your mouth when doing it.
Turkish Money
The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey and is also used in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (a state only recognised by Turkey). The Lira is subdivided by 100 kuru’s and all observe sides of banknotes and coins bear the image of the nations founder Mustafa Ataturk.
Opening a Bank Account
Due to currency instability, foreign currency holdings were prized in Turkey for many years. Even today, most Turkish banks will give you the option of opening an account in Turkish lira or a foreign currency. The largest banks in Turkey are Yapı Kredi Bankası-Koçbank, Türikiye İş Bankası (Isbank), Akbank and Garanti Bankası. To open a bank account in Turkey you must first register for a Tax number and most banks will ask you to provide proof of having a residency permit. Some may however make exceptions if you are planning to invest a large amount. Negotiating is a way of life in Turkey, so don’t be afraid to haggle. If you don´t have a residency permit and can´t charm the bank staff, remember that most banks will be happy to open you an account in Euros, British pounds or US dollars. The disadvantage to foreign currency accounts is that they pay little to no interest. Usually you will have to fill out an application form and present your tax number, at which point you´ll be issued an account. Most banks operate between 9:00 and 17:00, and during these hours you will have full access to all bank services.