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Turkish immigration requirements
What you need to come to Turkey
Depending on why you are coming to Turkey and how long you are staying, you may need a visa and other permits. This article provides an overview of Turkish immigration requirements.
No matter where you are from or why you come to Turkey, you will need a valid passport from your country of origin. Your passport should also have at least 90 days validity remaining. Even if your passport is within 6 months of its expiration date, consider renewing it before your trip or move to Turkey.
Whether or not you need a Turkish visa will depend on your country of origin and the length of and reasons for your trip. Many countries have signed Visa Exemption Agreements that allow their citizens to visit Turkey for up to 3 months without a visa. Certain nationalities that are not visa exempt may obtain visas at their point of entry into Turkey (though they will be charged a cash fee). For a list of these countries and their permitted lengths of stay, check with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs . The Ministry also lists fee amounts on its website.
The Turkish immigration processMake sure you are aware of all your required documentation before you leave for Turkey. If you are travelling to Turkey to live, work, or study, you will require specific permits. A basic guide through the process is listed below:
Again, verify all requirements and restrictions with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country before you submit your application. Ask questions if you are unsure of anything. The immigration process will probably test your patience from time to time, but it is better to confirm information with Turkish officials than make mistakes on your applications.
Turkish visas
Visa types and application requirements
If you are staying in Turkey for longer than 90 days, or if you plan to work or study in Turkey, you will need a visa. This article provides an overview of the different Turkish visas and their requirements.
In the broadest sense, Turkish visas are either single-entry (tek giris) or multiple-entry (muteaddit giris). Tourist visas and border visas (the visas many nationalities can obtain at their points of entry) are typically valid for a single entry. Work and student visas, however, may cover multiple entries.
Within these two broad categories, however, visas are issued to cover specific activities. To apply for a visa, you will need to submit the appropriate application to a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country. Common application materials are listed below:
Tourist visasThese visas are issued to travellers who are not eligible for visas at points of entry (those visas are also considered tourist visas). Tourist visas are issued for up to 90 days, and are valid for a single entry. If you purchase a visa at the border, you will not be allowed to leave and re-enter Turkey without purchasing a new visa. Tourists eligible to purchase visas at the Turkish border may also apply for their visas at a Turkish consulate or embassy in their home country.
Business visasBusiness visas are similar to tourist visas, but are issued to travellers visiting Turkey on temporary business (meetings, conferences, lectures). Like tourist visas, business visas are generally issued for up to 90 days, and are valid for a single entry. If you need a business visa, you will need proof of your business in Turkey. Your employer should be able to provide you with an appropriate letter or document.
Student visasStudents may only apply for their visas after they enrol in a Turkish university, school, or language class recognized by the Turkish Ministry of Education. To apply for a student visa you need a letter from your school proving your enrolment (this takes the place of the letter of invitation or employment).
Once you arrive in Turkey you are required to register with the Foreigner´s Branch of your local police department within 30 days. Once registered, you will be issued a residence permit.
The student visa and residence permit allow you an unlimited umber of exits and entries as long as they are valid (usually around a year). Make arrangements to renew your visa and permit well before they expire. Otherwise, you risk illegal residence.
Residence visaIf you want to live in Turkey for longer than your visa exemption period or tourist visa allows, you need to apply for a residence visa. Submit the required application materials to the Turkish embassy or consulate at least two months before your departure to allow plenty of time for processing. You are not allowed to work in Turkey if you hold a residence visa, so take special care to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your stay.
Work visaApply for a work visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate at least 2 months prior to your departure. At the same time, your employer should send certain documents to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). The Ministry provides an updated list of these documents on its website.
The submission of the required documents and forms begins the applications for your work visa and work permit simultaneously. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will process your application within 90 days.
Once your application has been approved, you will go on to pay the work permit and work visa processing fees.
As with the student visa, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of your arrival in Turkey. You are not allowed to begin work until you have obtained all three of the required permits.
Research visaResearchers applying to conduct archaeological digs must submit their applications to the Turkish embassy or consulate. Research team members and leaders must submit 7 copies of their application forms and passport photos. Their applications are forwarded to Turkey for review. Once the applications are processed and approved they must then pay an application processing fee.
Researchers who are conducting academic research that does not involve any kind of archaeological dig only have to apply to the Turkish consulate or embassy with the standard application materials. In this case, a letter from a Turkish institution or museum sponsoring the research replaces the letter of employment or invitation. To obtain this letter, simply mail your project proposal to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. If your proposal is approved, you will receive the required letter in the mail.
Film visasIf you intend to film a commercial or documentary film project in Turkey, you must submit an application to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Contact the Ministry for more information. You cannot apply for a film-related visa through a consulate or embassy.
Tourists shooting personal video for non-commercial purposes do not require these visas.
Work permits for Turkey
How to apply for a work permit
Every foreigner working in Turkey requires a valid work permit. These permits are issued by the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS).
Most foreigners should apply for their work permits concurrent to their work visas. This means that you will submit your work visa application materials to the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country, while your employer submits the required documents to the MLSS.
It is also possible, however, to apply for a work permit from inside Turkey. Foreigners are eligible to do so if they have already been issued a residence permit with a remaining validity of at least six months. Foreigners who entered Turkey as tourists are not eligible for work permits.
Work permit application processRegardless of whether you apply for a work permit from inside or outside of Turkey, you will need to have an employment contract or job offer. Once you and your employer have submitted your application the MLSS will process the application within 90 days.
If your application is approved, you must travel to a Turkish embassy in person to have the work visa and permit stamped into your passport. If you are applying from inside Turkey, you can pick up your visa and permit at the MLSS offices in Ankara.
Finally, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of your arrival in Turkey. Apply at the Foreigner´s Branch of the local police station closest to your employer. You are not allowed to begin working until you have obtained your work visa, work permit, and residence permit.
Check with the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security for updated lists of the documents required from you and your employer.
Extending a Turkish work permitWork permits are initially issued for a period of one year. If you need to extend your work permit (which you probably will), you must apply for an extension within 2 ½ months of your work permit´s listed expiration date.
Your extended work permit will be valid for 2 years. If you apply for a second extension, that work permit will then be valid for 3 years.
Once you have lived and worked in Turkey (legally) for 8 consecutive years you are eligible to apply for an indefinite work permit, which (as the name suggests) does not require renewal.
Apply for work permit extensions at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security office in Ankara.
Independent work permitsIf you have worked in Turkey legally for at least 5 years without interruption you are eligible for an independent work permit, which allows you to work as self-employed individual. This is an important milestone if your ultimate goal is to start your own business in Turkey.
Apply for an independent work permit through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Ankara.
The Turkish job market
Employment opportunities for foreigners are limited in Turkey. Foreigners are forbidden to hold jobs in the legal or medical professions, and much of the work that is available pays poorly.
The same law that prevents foreigners from working in law or medicine also regulates which products they are allowed to sell if in business for themselves. This is because certain products (such as fixed phone lines) are considered Turkish government monopolies, though presently many of these monopoly products are being de-regulated.
Foreigners who are married to Turkish citizens or who have obtained Turkish citizenship are not restricted by the employment laws, though their options will still be limited if they do not speak fluent Turkish.
The Turkish job market for foreignersMost foreigners working in Turkey arrive with employment secured. Many foreigners are assigned to Turkish branches of foreign companies, foreign embassies, or NGOs. Those that are not might have a tough time earning a living. Sectors of the Turkish economy with the most openings for foreigners are teaching and tourism.
Language teaching jobs are plentiful throughout Turkey, and while they do not pay extraordinarily well, they offer enough money to survive. If you are a fluent English speaker, you may also be able to work giving private English lessons (you will earn around 30 Turkish lira an hour).
Working in tourism is tougher financially: while English-speakers are in demand, most employers (at least in restaurants, bars, and other shops) will not offer much more money than it takes to cover the cost of living. Jobs in hotels and at resorts pay better but are less common.
Some foreigners who know the country and have the capital opt to open tour agencies of their own. While many of these are successful, like all small business ventures, they are not for the easily-discouraged or faint-hearted.
Foreigners can also be found working as journalists and nannies in Turkey, though journalism jobs are relatively uncommon and nanny positions can be extremely demanding.
Regardless of where you want to work, fluency in Turkish will be a major asset, if not a job requirement.
Looking for work
How to find a job in Turkey
Your job search will depend on where you want to work. You can find part-time tourism jobs posted online (or on cork boards!). If you want to teach in Turkey, you might have to visit schools in person to find information on openings.
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 are looking to teach English, online portals such asTEFL and Dave´s ESL Cafe offer up-to-date listings of open positions. International newspapers and magazines with classifieds sections might also carry job listings.
If you don´t have a job before you arrive in Turkey, get ready for an adventure.
Part-time workPart-time work, especially in tourism (turizm), is readily available throughout Turkey. To maximize your chances of finding work, aim to arrive in March or April. This gives you time to find something before the tourist season starts. If you are working in a large city, you may find job postings on boards at youth hostels. Otherwise visit bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs – anywhere you think might need the help. Even if a business isn´t advertising openings, an owner might jump at the chance to hire a foreign employee.
You will not be well-paid for this kind of work, and as a result, it´s best for young people who aren´t looking to save. If you´re working in a bar, for instance, you may be paid enough for your rent and earn the rest in alcohol!
Also, note that many part-time jobs are paid in cash, and that employers will not sponsor work visas. While this is generally not a problem (Turkish police have more pressing immigration concerns) you should be aware that in many cases you will be working illegally and should not expect protection from dishonest employers.
Teaching English in TurkeyIf you can´t secure a teaching job before you get to Turkey, you will probably have to visit schools in person to ask about openings. The best positions (in terms of schools and salaries) require formal degrees and teaching certifications, but there are other positions available to less-qualified applicants.
If you feel your qualifications might be lacking, try visiting a fewdershanes (private schools). Make sure to have your passport, a copy of your degree, a teaching certificate (when applicable), a curriculum or resume, and a passport-size photograph. Dershanes will often hire teachers without formal teaching certifications.
Finally, check with smaller, private language schools. There are hundreds of these throughout Turkey, and while some require extremely formal qualifications, others will be content with an outgoing personality and a college degree.
As with part-time work, be aware that many (particularly smaller) language schools may not sponsor a work visa. If this is the case, you will have to leave Turkey every three months and then re-enter in order to remain in the country legally.
Make sure you ask whether you will get a work permit before you accept a job.
Other jobs in TurkeyOther forms of employment are tougher to come by once you arrive in Turkey. If you plan to work as a nanny or au pair, online portals likeAnglo-Nannies can help you find a placement. Nannies are paid fairly well (certainly compared to bar and restaurant staff) and are often given room and board by their Turkish families, though they are expected to work long hours. The experience will vary by employer.
A variety of jobs are posted online at Turkey Joblink , and these include business and technology positions.
Finally, you might want to check in the classifieds sections of expat magazines such as Land of Lights which usually serve a local community (Land of Lights is geared toward Fethiye).
Job applications in Turkey
Cover letters, CVs and job interviews
The formality of your job application in Turkey will depend on the job. You may be able to get low-paying bar or teaching jobs with nothing more than an informal interview. For more sophisticated jobs, you will need a formal application.
Turkish restaurant owners and barmen are not going to ask you for a CV, cover letter, or references. Most likely, they will hire or pass based on your appearance and a brief conversation. With these kinds of jobs, first impressions are everything. You will be best off if you speak decent Turkish and show yourself to be outgoing and energetic. Bar and restaurant owners are looking to hire foreigners that will engage customers, perhaps even lure in new ones. Sexist as it might sound (or be), young, attractive foreign women will have the easiest time getting part-time work.
Some language schools will hire the same way, but with most jobs you will have to submit an application.
Formal job applications in TurkeyThe basic components of a Turkish job application are the same as in most other countries. Prepare a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV). The curriculum should be around a page in length (two if absolutely necessary), and it should be well-organized and easy-to-read. In addition to your name and contact information, list work and education experience in chronological order, in the third person singular (using he, she, or your last name).
Include contact information and addresses for past employers. Your prospective employer may choose to contact them. If you do not include reference contact information on your CV, your employer will probably ask for it if he selects you to interview.
Your cover letter should be no longer than three or four paragraphs, and it should focus on your qualifications for the position. Avoid exaggerating qualifications whenever possible. Turkish employers are known to check up on application information. Fraudulent or exaggerated information will cost you an interview.
Some positions will allow you to apply online – this is increasingly popular in Turkey. If you submit your application online, make sure that your curriculum´s format will not cause problems if it is scanned or digitized (no “example“ lines or italic text).
Finally, submit your application in the appropriate language. If you are applying at a western company with a branch in Turkey, English should be fine. If you want to work for a Turkish employer that caters specifically to the Turkish market, you will be better off having your CV and cover letter translated into Turkish.
Turkish job interviewsBehave in a Turkish interview as you would in any other. You should dress formally, and take special care to be on time.
Be polite and thorough when you answer questions, but avoid rambling or monopolizing conversation. The interviewer is certain to ask about your Turkish language skills and your living arrangements in Turkey. Answer honestly, but remember that your integration into Turkish culture will be looked on as a positive.
Interview lengths will vary. They could last anywhere from a half hour to two or more, especially if you are asked to take a skill test (common for IT and related jobs). Again, avoid exaggerating your experience. As a general rule, don´t claim anything you can´t prove through your CV or a reference.
Depending on the job, you may have to interview several times before your employer makes a final decision.
Working in Turkey
Hours, culture, working conditions
Turkey´s Labor Code defines the work week as 45 hours. Major companies are open from 8:30-17:00, Monday through Friday, though this often changes depending on the job.
In spite of the law, there is no standard work week in Turkey. While corporate employees may indeed work 45 hours a week with little overtime, foreigners working in the tourism industry (especially in the bar and restaurant sector) may find themselves assigned much longer hours.
You may be surprised to see children working in service and even industrial industries. Turkish workers are eligible for full-time employment at the age of 15, and widespread poverty means that many of them take full advantage of it. Children as young as 13 are eligible for part-time employment so long as it is not hard physical labor and they are attending school. Even still, illegal child labor is not uncommon in Turkey, especially among poor and rural families.
Vacations and holidays in TurkeyMost Turkish companies offer two weeks vacation time each year. It takes years of loyal work before this amount increases, and unsurprisingly, it does not apply to part-time workers or most English teachers. These groups have to remain content with one day off a week.
Foreign workers should not expect all standard western holidays (such as Christmas and Easter) to be recognized by their employers unless they work at major international companies. Time off is given for Turkish holidays, however, unless you are working in the tourism industry. If so, you will have to wait for the slow winter season. Many part-time employees work 7 days a week during the busy summer tourist season.
Turkish unionsFull-time employees benefit from union support, though Turkish unions face certain restrictions that unions in other countries do not. For example, for unions to be legally recognized as bargaining agents they must represent 10 % of Turkish employees in their field. In addition, there are certain industries that are not allowed to strike: education, national defense, sanitation and utilities fall into this category.
All things considered, you might say that the Turkish Labor Code is still a work in progress. Therefore, do not be afraid to stand up for yourself in the workplace if you feel you are being mistreated.
What you need to come to Turkey
Depending on why you are coming to Turkey and how long you are staying, you may need a visa and other permits. This article provides an overview of Turkish immigration requirements.
No matter where you are from or why you come to Turkey, you will need a valid passport from your country of origin. Your passport should also have at least 90 days validity remaining. Even if your passport is within 6 months of its expiration date, consider renewing it before your trip or move to Turkey.
Whether or not you need a Turkish visa will depend on your country of origin and the length of and reasons for your trip. Many countries have signed Visa Exemption Agreements that allow their citizens to visit Turkey for up to 3 months without a visa. Certain nationalities that are not visa exempt may obtain visas at their point of entry into Turkey (though they will be charged a cash fee). For a list of these countries and their permitted lengths of stay, check with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs . The Ministry also lists fee amounts on its website.
The Turkish immigration processMake sure you are aware of all your required documentation before you leave for Turkey. If you are travelling to Turkey to live, work, or study, you will require specific permits. A basic guide through the process is listed below:
- Visa – Apply for a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country. Make sure to do this well before you leave for Turkey. It may take Turkish officials several months to process your application. If you have any questions about which visa you will need, ask the embassy officials. Fixing a mistake with Turkish immigration authorities will not be pleasant.
- Work and Residence Permits – If you will be living in Turkey you need to obtain a residence permit, and if you are working, you will need a residence permit and a work permit. Apply for residence and work permits at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Additional Information – You will probably have to provide proof that you either have or can purchase a return ticket to your country of origin. Similarly, you may be asked to show proof of a hotel reservation (if your housing has been pre-arranged by an employer, proof of that will suffice).
Again, verify all requirements and restrictions with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country before you submit your application. Ask questions if you are unsure of anything. The immigration process will probably test your patience from time to time, but it is better to confirm information with Turkish officials than make mistakes on your applications.
Turkish visas
Visa types and application requirements
If you are staying in Turkey for longer than 90 days, or if you plan to work or study in Turkey, you will need a visa. This article provides an overview of the different Turkish visas and their requirements.
In the broadest sense, Turkish visas are either single-entry (tek giris) or multiple-entry (muteaddit giris). Tourist visas and border visas (the visas many nationalities can obtain at their points of entry) are typically valid for a single entry. Work and student visas, however, may cover multiple entries.
Within these two broad categories, however, visas are issued to cover specific activities. To apply for a visa, you will need to submit the appropriate application to a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country. Common application materials are listed below:
- Passport (valid for 90 days longer than the requested visa)
- Application form (available through the Foreign Ministry
- 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
Tourist visasThese visas are issued to travellers who are not eligible for visas at points of entry (those visas are also considered tourist visas). Tourist visas are issued for up to 90 days, and are valid for a single entry. If you purchase a visa at the border, you will not be allowed to leave and re-enter Turkey without purchasing a new visa. Tourists eligible to purchase visas at the Turkish border may also apply for their visas at a Turkish consulate or embassy in their home country.
Business visasBusiness visas are similar to tourist visas, but are issued to travellers visiting Turkey on temporary business (meetings, conferences, lectures). Like tourist visas, business visas are generally issued for up to 90 days, and are valid for a single entry. If you need a business visa, you will need proof of your business in Turkey. Your employer should be able to provide you with an appropriate letter or document.
Student visasStudents may only apply for their visas after they enrol in a Turkish university, school, or language class recognized by the Turkish Ministry of Education. To apply for a student visa you need a letter from your school proving your enrolment (this takes the place of the letter of invitation or employment).
Once you arrive in Turkey you are required to register with the Foreigner´s Branch of your local police department within 30 days. Once registered, you will be issued a residence permit.
The student visa and residence permit allow you an unlimited umber of exits and entries as long as they are valid (usually around a year). Make arrangements to renew your visa and permit well before they expire. Otherwise, you risk illegal residence.
Residence visaIf you want to live in Turkey for longer than your visa exemption period or tourist visa allows, you need to apply for a residence visa. Submit the required application materials to the Turkish embassy or consulate at least two months before your departure to allow plenty of time for processing. You are not allowed to work in Turkey if you hold a residence visa, so take special care to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your stay.
Work visaApply for a work visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate at least 2 months prior to your departure. At the same time, your employer should send certain documents to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). The Ministry provides an updated list of these documents on its website.
The submission of the required documents and forms begins the applications for your work visa and work permit simultaneously. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will process your application within 90 days.
Once your application has been approved, you will go on to pay the work permit and work visa processing fees.
As with the student visa, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of your arrival in Turkey. You are not allowed to begin work until you have obtained all three of the required permits.
Research visaResearchers applying to conduct archaeological digs must submit their applications to the Turkish embassy or consulate. Research team members and leaders must submit 7 copies of their application forms and passport photos. Their applications are forwarded to Turkey for review. Once the applications are processed and approved they must then pay an application processing fee.
Researchers who are conducting academic research that does not involve any kind of archaeological dig only have to apply to the Turkish consulate or embassy with the standard application materials. In this case, a letter from a Turkish institution or museum sponsoring the research replaces the letter of employment or invitation. To obtain this letter, simply mail your project proposal to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. If your proposal is approved, you will receive the required letter in the mail.
Film visasIf you intend to film a commercial or documentary film project in Turkey, you must submit an application to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Contact the Ministry for more information. You cannot apply for a film-related visa through a consulate or embassy.
Tourists shooting personal video for non-commercial purposes do not require these visas.
Work permits for Turkey
How to apply for a work permit
Every foreigner working in Turkey requires a valid work permit. These permits are issued by the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS).
Most foreigners should apply for their work permits concurrent to their work visas. This means that you will submit your work visa application materials to the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country, while your employer submits the required documents to the MLSS.
It is also possible, however, to apply for a work permit from inside Turkey. Foreigners are eligible to do so if they have already been issued a residence permit with a remaining validity of at least six months. Foreigners who entered Turkey as tourists are not eligible for work permits.
Work permit application processRegardless of whether you apply for a work permit from inside or outside of Turkey, you will need to have an employment contract or job offer. Once you and your employer have submitted your application the MLSS will process the application within 90 days.
If your application is approved, you must travel to a Turkish embassy in person to have the work visa and permit stamped into your passport. If you are applying from inside Turkey, you can pick up your visa and permit at the MLSS offices in Ankara.
Finally, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of your arrival in Turkey. Apply at the Foreigner´s Branch of the local police station closest to your employer. You are not allowed to begin working until you have obtained your work visa, work permit, and residence permit.
Check with the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security for updated lists of the documents required from you and your employer.
Extending a Turkish work permitWork permits are initially issued for a period of one year. If you need to extend your work permit (which you probably will), you must apply for an extension within 2 ½ months of your work permit´s listed expiration date.
Your extended work permit will be valid for 2 years. If you apply for a second extension, that work permit will then be valid for 3 years.
Once you have lived and worked in Turkey (legally) for 8 consecutive years you are eligible to apply for an indefinite work permit, which (as the name suggests) does not require renewal.
Apply for work permit extensions at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security office in Ankara.
Independent work permitsIf you have worked in Turkey legally for at least 5 years without interruption you are eligible for an independent work permit, which allows you to work as self-employed individual. This is an important milestone if your ultimate goal is to start your own business in Turkey.
Apply for an independent work permit through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Ankara.
The Turkish job market
Employment opportunities for foreigners are limited in Turkey. Foreigners are forbidden to hold jobs in the legal or medical professions, and much of the work that is available pays poorly.
The same law that prevents foreigners from working in law or medicine also regulates which products they are allowed to sell if in business for themselves. This is because certain products (such as fixed phone lines) are considered Turkish government monopolies, though presently many of these monopoly products are being de-regulated.
Foreigners who are married to Turkish citizens or who have obtained Turkish citizenship are not restricted by the employment laws, though their options will still be limited if they do not speak fluent Turkish.
The Turkish job market for foreignersMost foreigners working in Turkey arrive with employment secured. Many foreigners are assigned to Turkish branches of foreign companies, foreign embassies, or NGOs. Those that are not might have a tough time earning a living. Sectors of the Turkish economy with the most openings for foreigners are teaching and tourism.
Language teaching jobs are plentiful throughout Turkey, and while they do not pay extraordinarily well, they offer enough money to survive. If you are a fluent English speaker, you may also be able to work giving private English lessons (you will earn around 30 Turkish lira an hour).
Working in tourism is tougher financially: while English-speakers are in demand, most employers (at least in restaurants, bars, and other shops) will not offer much more money than it takes to cover the cost of living. Jobs in hotels and at resorts pay better but are less common.
Some foreigners who know the country and have the capital opt to open tour agencies of their own. While many of these are successful, like all small business ventures, they are not for the easily-discouraged or faint-hearted.
Foreigners can also be found working as journalists and nannies in Turkey, though journalism jobs are relatively uncommon and nanny positions can be extremely demanding.
Regardless of where you want to work, fluency in Turkish will be a major asset, if not a job requirement.
Looking for work
How to find a job in Turkey
Your job search will depend on where you want to work. You can find part-time tourism jobs posted online (or on cork boards!). If you want to teach in Turkey, you might have to visit schools in person to find information on openings.
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 are looking to teach English, online portals such asTEFL and Dave´s ESL Cafe offer up-to-date listings of open positions. International newspapers and magazines with classifieds sections might also carry job listings.
If you don´t have a job before you arrive in Turkey, get ready for an adventure.
Part-time workPart-time work, especially in tourism (turizm), is readily available throughout Turkey. To maximize your chances of finding work, aim to arrive in March or April. This gives you time to find something before the tourist season starts. If you are working in a large city, you may find job postings on boards at youth hostels. Otherwise visit bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs – anywhere you think might need the help. Even if a business isn´t advertising openings, an owner might jump at the chance to hire a foreign employee.
You will not be well-paid for this kind of work, and as a result, it´s best for young people who aren´t looking to save. If you´re working in a bar, for instance, you may be paid enough for your rent and earn the rest in alcohol!
Also, note that many part-time jobs are paid in cash, and that employers will not sponsor work visas. While this is generally not a problem (Turkish police have more pressing immigration concerns) you should be aware that in many cases you will be working illegally and should not expect protection from dishonest employers.
Teaching English in TurkeyIf you can´t secure a teaching job before you get to Turkey, you will probably have to visit schools in person to ask about openings. The best positions (in terms of schools and salaries) require formal degrees and teaching certifications, but there are other positions available to less-qualified applicants.
If you feel your qualifications might be lacking, try visiting a fewdershanes (private schools). Make sure to have your passport, a copy of your degree, a teaching certificate (when applicable), a curriculum or resume, and a passport-size photograph. Dershanes will often hire teachers without formal teaching certifications.
Finally, check with smaller, private language schools. There are hundreds of these throughout Turkey, and while some require extremely formal qualifications, others will be content with an outgoing personality and a college degree.
As with part-time work, be aware that many (particularly smaller) language schools may not sponsor a work visa. If this is the case, you will have to leave Turkey every three months and then re-enter in order to remain in the country legally.
Make sure you ask whether you will get a work permit before you accept a job.
Other jobs in TurkeyOther forms of employment are tougher to come by once you arrive in Turkey. If you plan to work as a nanny or au pair, online portals likeAnglo-Nannies can help you find a placement. Nannies are paid fairly well (certainly compared to bar and restaurant staff) and are often given room and board by their Turkish families, though they are expected to work long hours. The experience will vary by employer.
A variety of jobs are posted online at Turkey Joblink , and these include business and technology positions.
Finally, you might want to check in the classifieds sections of expat magazines such as Land of Lights which usually serve a local community (Land of Lights is geared toward Fethiye).
Job applications in Turkey
Cover letters, CVs and job interviews
The formality of your job application in Turkey will depend on the job. You may be able to get low-paying bar or teaching jobs with nothing more than an informal interview. For more sophisticated jobs, you will need a formal application.
Turkish restaurant owners and barmen are not going to ask you for a CV, cover letter, or references. Most likely, they will hire or pass based on your appearance and a brief conversation. With these kinds of jobs, first impressions are everything. You will be best off if you speak decent Turkish and show yourself to be outgoing and energetic. Bar and restaurant owners are looking to hire foreigners that will engage customers, perhaps even lure in new ones. Sexist as it might sound (or be), young, attractive foreign women will have the easiest time getting part-time work.
Some language schools will hire the same way, but with most jobs you will have to submit an application.
Formal job applications in TurkeyThe basic components of a Turkish job application are the same as in most other countries. Prepare a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV). The curriculum should be around a page in length (two if absolutely necessary), and it should be well-organized and easy-to-read. In addition to your name and contact information, list work and education experience in chronological order, in the third person singular (using he, she, or your last name).
Include contact information and addresses for past employers. Your prospective employer may choose to contact them. If you do not include reference contact information on your CV, your employer will probably ask for it if he selects you to interview.
Your cover letter should be no longer than three or four paragraphs, and it should focus on your qualifications for the position. Avoid exaggerating qualifications whenever possible. Turkish employers are known to check up on application information. Fraudulent or exaggerated information will cost you an interview.
Some positions will allow you to apply online – this is increasingly popular in Turkey. If you submit your application online, make sure that your curriculum´s format will not cause problems if it is scanned or digitized (no “example“ lines or italic text).
Finally, submit your application in the appropriate language. If you are applying at a western company with a branch in Turkey, English should be fine. If you want to work for a Turkish employer that caters specifically to the Turkish market, you will be better off having your CV and cover letter translated into Turkish.
Turkish job interviewsBehave in a Turkish interview as you would in any other. You should dress formally, and take special care to be on time.
Be polite and thorough when you answer questions, but avoid rambling or monopolizing conversation. The interviewer is certain to ask about your Turkish language skills and your living arrangements in Turkey. Answer honestly, but remember that your integration into Turkish culture will be looked on as a positive.
Interview lengths will vary. They could last anywhere from a half hour to two or more, especially if you are asked to take a skill test (common for IT and related jobs). Again, avoid exaggerating your experience. As a general rule, don´t claim anything you can´t prove through your CV or a reference.
Depending on the job, you may have to interview several times before your employer makes a final decision.
Working in Turkey
Hours, culture, working conditions
Turkey´s Labor Code defines the work week as 45 hours. Major companies are open from 8:30-17:00, Monday through Friday, though this often changes depending on the job.
In spite of the law, there is no standard work week in Turkey. While corporate employees may indeed work 45 hours a week with little overtime, foreigners working in the tourism industry (especially in the bar and restaurant sector) may find themselves assigned much longer hours.
You may be surprised to see children working in service and even industrial industries. Turkish workers are eligible for full-time employment at the age of 15, and widespread poverty means that many of them take full advantage of it. Children as young as 13 are eligible for part-time employment so long as it is not hard physical labor and they are attending school. Even still, illegal child labor is not uncommon in Turkey, especially among poor and rural families.
Vacations and holidays in TurkeyMost Turkish companies offer two weeks vacation time each year. It takes years of loyal work before this amount increases, and unsurprisingly, it does not apply to part-time workers or most English teachers. These groups have to remain content with one day off a week.
Foreign workers should not expect all standard western holidays (such as Christmas and Easter) to be recognized by their employers unless they work at major international companies. Time off is given for Turkish holidays, however, unless you are working in the tourism industry. If so, you will have to wait for the slow winter season. Many part-time employees work 7 days a week during the busy summer tourist season.
Turkish unionsFull-time employees benefit from union support, though Turkish unions face certain restrictions that unions in other countries do not. For example, for unions to be legally recognized as bargaining agents they must represent 10 % of Turkish employees in their field. In addition, there are certain industries that are not allowed to strike: education, national defense, sanitation and utilities fall into this category.
All things considered, you might say that the Turkish Labor Code is still a work in progress. Therefore, do not be afraid to stand up for yourself in the workplace if you feel you are being mistreated.
