Work in Turkey

Turkey is a rapidly growing country with a workforce of around 32.6 million, including roughly 240,000 foreign professionals, making it an exciting destination for international talent.

As a major global manufacturing and logistics hub, Turkey boasts over one million job openings each month, reflecting strong demand - particularly in the private sector - for skilled workers across industries like:

• agriculture
• defence
• manufacturing.

Outside of work, Turkey is home to world-class historic sites and breathtaking tourist attractions, from the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, providing an inspiring backdrop for both professional growth and personal exploration.

While the political and economic landscape can sometimes be unpredictable, staying up-to-date with GOV.UK travel advice will help you plan your move safely.

Jobs in Turkey

Turkey's economy is expected to grow moderately over the next few years. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), growth is forecast at around 3.5% in 2026. While inflation remains high, unemployment is expected to fall slightly.

There are still some structural challenges to be aware of:

• Low female workforce participation, with about 36% of women aged over 15 active in the labour market, compared with over 71% of men.
• Skills shortages and mismatches in certain sectors, particularly as the economy shifts towards higher value-added industries.
• Restrictions on foreign workers in certain professions, including lawyers, pharmacists, dentists, and heads of private hospitals.

On the positive side, Turkey has a strong, export-oriented economy, with key sectors including:

• automotive manufacturing
• textiles
• jewellery
• petroleum/petrochemicals.

Although living costs in Turkey are generally lower than in the UK, particularly outside major cities, salaries - especially for entry-level or graduate positions - may only cover basic expenses in large urban centres such as Istanbul. It's therefore wise to research realistic salary ranges and local living costs before relocating.

Turkey's geographical location, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, makes it an excellent destination for international work experience and exposure to global business. Major business hubs such as Istanbul and Ankara host many local and international firms, such as:

• Aviva
• BAE Systems
• HSBC
• Marks & Spencer
• Shell.

For English-speaking graduates, common career paths include roles in:

• English teaching
• multinational business
• tourism.

While full fluency in Turkish isn't always required, a working knowledge of the Turkish language and culture can make daily life easier and significantly improve your career prospects and integration.

How to get a job in Turkey

To work in Turkey, you'll usually need to have a confirmed job offer before you arrive, as you cannot apply for a work permit, which is linked to a specific employer, while in Turkey on a tourist visa. The process must start from outside the country.

You can begin your job search on several well-known platforms, including:

• Expat.com - features job listings and expat advice for living and working in Turkey.
• İŞKUR - the official Turkish Employment Agency offering local and international listings.
• Learn4Good - hosts job vacancies across the country for English speakers.
• Reed.co.uk - sometimes lists international opportunities, including roles with UK-based companies operating in Turkey.
• Totaljobs - offers a range of listings, particularly for English-speaking or multinational roles.

You can also find a range of opportunities with global companies that operate and hire locally, including:

• ACCA - Careers
• Amazon
• AstraZeneca
• TUI
• Unilever

In addition to these platforms, many large organisations in Turkey advertise vacancies directly on their career websites or on LinkedIn.

If you'd like extra support during your job search, several international recruitment agencies also help candidates find vacancies and placements in Turkey, such as:

• Adecco
• Gini Talent
• Michael Page

These firms can be particularly useful if you're looking for roles in multinational companies, English-speaking environments, or specialist professional fields such as finance, technology, or marketing.

Summer jobs

If you're hoping to gain some experience during the summer, Turkey offers plenty of opportunities, especially in its tourism and hospitality sector.

Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts - in popular destinations such as Bodrum, Antalya, and Marmaris - short-term and seasonal work is widely available. Common roles include:

• activity coordination in resorts
• hotel reception and front-of-house positions
• restaurant and bar work
• tour guide jobs.

While wages tend to be lower than in the UK, many employers offer valuable in-kind benefits such as free accommodation, meals, or transport, which helps keep your living costs minimal.

You can search for short-term vacancies at:

• iAgora - lists internships and summer jobs for international students.
• Seasonworkers.com - includes seasonal and hospitality roles across Turkey.
• sznjobs - for temporary and casual work across Turkish cities.

Before applying, ensure that your visa or residence permit allows you to work legally during the summer, as regulations can vary depending on your student status and nationality.

Teaching jobs

Turkey remains one of the most promising destinations for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) professionals. English education is highly valued here, especially as Turkey strengthens its cultural and business ties with English-speaking countries.

Demand is strong across private schools, language centres, and universities, particularly in major cities such as:

• Ankara
• Bursa
• Istanbul
• Izmir.

To qualify for most English teaching roles, you'll usually need:

• a Bachelors degree (in any subject, though English or education is preferred)
• a 170-hour TEFL or CELTA certificate
• some classroom experience or a teacher training qualification.

The average salary for TEFL teachers in Turkey ranges from TRY 30,000 to 50,000 (£800 to £1,300) per month, which generally covers comfortable living costs. While pay is lower than in the UK, the lower cost of living in Turkey means your earnings typically stretch further - especially if accommodation or meals are included in your contract.

Many teachers find positions that offer flexible schedules, allowing time to explore the country.

You can start your job search for TEFL positions in Turkey through these trusted platforms:

• Go Overseas - Teach English in Turkey
• lovetefljobs.com
• International TEFL Academy
• Teach Away
• TEFL.com

Internships

Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and establish professional connections while studying in Turkey. Most opportunities are concentrated in Istanbul, the country's main business hub, especially in sectors like:

• finance
• marketing
• technology.

Major international companies regularly run internship programmes in Turkey, such as:

• Colgate-Palmolive
• Procter and Gamble
• The United Nations
• Vodafone.

You can also start your search through popular platforms like:

• AIESEC
• GoAbroad.com
• Go Overseas - Internships in Turkey
• Intern Network Turkey

If you're studying in a scientific or technical field, you might also consider The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), which connects students to internships and research placements around the world, including in Turkey.

To begin an internship, you'll generally need a work permit, which must be arranged before you arrive through the Turkish consulate in your home country. Your host organisation often helps with the paperwork, so it's best to confirm the process early.

While many internships in Turkey are unpaid, employers often provide valuable benefits such as free or subsidised accommodation (often in university dormitories), meal vouchers, or a small monthly allowance.

Turkish visas

UK citizens visiting Turkey for tourism or short business trips can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid on arrival and remain valid for at least six months from your entry date (or at least 60 days beyond your planned stay), and it must have at least one blank page.

If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa before travelling or obtain a residence permit from local authorities before your 90-day period ends. For long-term employment, securing a job-specific work permit is mandatory and must be arranged by your employer through the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security prior to your arrival.

Once in Turkey on a work permit, you will usually also apply for a residence permit linked to your employment and register with the local migration authorities - typically at the local Directorate of Migration - shortly after arrival.

To apply from the UK, you'll need to complete an online pre-application via the Republic of Turkey Consular Procedures portal, upload digital documents, and attend an in-person appointment at a Turkish consulate - for example, the Turkish Embassy in London.

You'll typically need to provide:

• an official job offer letter
• a valid passport (with at least six months' validity beyond your stay)
• proof of health insurance
• passport-sized photos.

Your application is submitted to the consulate, while your employer submits theirs to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security within ten days of your appointment.

After arrival, you must register with your local police department within one month to obtain your residence permit for the duration of your stay.

Work permits are typically issued for up to one year initially (sometimes shorter) and can be renewed. After six years of legal employment and residence, you may become eligible for a permanent work permit.

For the latest information, visit the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Language requirements

According to the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index, Turkey ranks 65th out of 116 countries, placing it in the 'low proficiency' category. English is widely used in international companies and tourist areas, but in everyday life - shopping, transport, or dealing with local services - you'll often need at least basic Turkish.

There's no formal language requirement for visas, but even simple conversational skills in Turkish can make a big difference, helping you integrate socially and professionally:

• If you plan to work as a TEFL teacher, fluency in English is essential, but a working knowledge of Turkish will make your daily life and classroom management much easier.
• English is commonly used in international business contexts, but local meetings, internal communications, and many documents are still conducted in Turkish.

If you want to get started, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn Turkish, such as BBC Languages - A Guide to Turkish or language apps like Duolingo and Memrise.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

Turkish employers generally recognise UK degrees and professional qualifications, due to the alignment of Turkey's higher education system with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. This means that if you graduate from a UK university, your qualifications are valued and accepted when applying for jobs in Turkey.

If you want to receive formal recognition of your credentials, you can apply through ENIC-NARIC Turkey, which evaluates and validates international degrees. This can be particularly useful for professional roles or postgraduate programmes, giving your qualifications equal standing with Turkish degrees.

What it's like to work in Turkey

Business culture in Turkey is generally more formal than in the UK. Punctuality, professional dress, firm handshakes, and respect for hierarchy are expected, especially in initial meetings. Casual behaviour should be avoided, and showing respect to senior colleagues is important.

The standard working week is up to 45 hours, with breaks and rest days regulated by law. Employees earn paid annual leave starting after one year of service, beginning with 14 working days, increasing to 20 days after five years, and rising to 26 days after 15 years. Employees also benefit from national holidays like:

• Republic Day
• Victory Day
• Youth and Sports Day.

Around 99% of Turkey's population is Muslim, so religious and national holidays are an important part of life, with the country celebrating major Islamic festivals such as:

• Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan
• Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha), the Sacrifice Feast.

Depending on official announcements each year, these bayram periods can last several days, and some sources list a total of around 15 to 16 holiday days combining national and religious observances.

The national minimum wage is currently TRY 22,104 per month (£400), which is lower than the UK minimum wage of around £1,700 a month. However, the cost of living in Turkey is significantly lower.

Outside major city centres, housing, food, and everyday services are much more affordable than in the UK. Even in Istanbul, living costs are roughly 40% lower, making it easier for students and young professionals to live comfortably. For example:

• rent is around 58% cheaper than in London
• groceries cost about 45% less
• transport is roughly 60% cheaper
• eating out is around 65% more affordable.

See Numbeo for more detailed statistics on the cost of living in Turkey.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in Turkey.