Working in Turkey can bring career opportunities and development for expats who are fortunate enough to secure a position. Doing so can be challenging, though – a significant limitation for foreign nationals has always been Turkey’s conservative approach to issuing work permits. Recent reforms introduced in 2024 have implemented stricter criteria regarding financial adequacy and employment ratios to help protect job opportunities for locals.
Job market in Turkey
If you’ve been lucky enough to be brought abroad by an employer willing to sponsor your job contract, you’ll find the Turkish labour force generally hardworking and dedicated, with few qualms about working after hours if necessary.
The Turkish economy continues to expand steadily. Turkey ranks as one of the world’s largest economies, recognised for its industrial and commercial strengths alongside a traditional agricultural sector.
Expats can still find jobs in Turkey with the right skill set and a bit of determination. Foreigners most often work in tourism, teaching, real estate or finance, particularly in Istanbul and Ankara. These cities also offer positions in engineering, IT, construction, finance, supply chain management, and marketing and sales departments, though such roles are more challenging to come by.
As in the past, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English in Turkey. Many institutions merely require a college degree with no formal teaching training necessary, although having the appropriate qualifications will assist in getting the job. Adequate salaries accompany these positions, but if you’re looking to support a family, you’ll need a larger income.
Nevertheless, the Turkish job market is restricted for foreigners, and expats are prohibited from working in specific fields. For example, foreigners aren’t allowed to be employed in the mining industry, as executive directors of travel agencies and in some professional occupations, such as pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry.
Finding a job in Turkey
Employers have to apply for work permits on behalf of foreign workers, so you should find employment before you arrive.
Browsing online job portals and contacting recruitment agencies are your best routes to securing a position. Many multinational corporations operate in Turkey and list openings on their websites.
Work Permits in Turkey
Visas for Turkey
Useful links
Work culture in Turkey
Turks are hospitable towards foreign workers, which serves newcomers well since business can be personal here. Turks take time to form relationships and prefer doing business with those they trust. The work culture is demanding, so standard Monday-to-Friday hours often extend into evenings when projects require it.
Business is hierarchical in Turkey. Those in senior positions are given great respect, and their decisions are typically not questioned in public.
Turkey is a secular state, but Islam is the dominant religion and does influence business culture. Respecting religious practices such as prayer times and the holy month of Ramadan will earn you the trust and respect of your colleagues. This awareness will also smooth your adjustment to the working environment.