Can I Work In Turkey?

Can I Work In Turkey?

Yachting is one of the many industries that welcomes applications from foreigners seeking employment in Turkey

If you’re moving to Turkey, one thing you may be considering is getting a job.

Perhaps you’d be interested in something to help with integration into the community you’ve chosen to settle in or perhaps to earn a little cash to cover the cost of life’s little luxuries.

It’s by no means impossible; indeed, there are plenty of people employed in some sectors such as teaching or tourism where speaking a foreign language and cultural understanding is an asset.

But, if you’re moving soon and you’re already speaking to estate agents in Fethiye or if you’re already one step further down the line and you have your heart set on a specific villa in Turkey it’s probably best to be aware finding work once you have arrived may not be as simple as it may be back “home”.

Work permits

Without citizenship – which can be applied for if you buy property valued at $250,000 or more – to work legally in Turkey, you will need a work permit.

Unless you set up your own business, it’s your employer who needs to apply on your behalf; you will also need to have valid health insurance, a residents’ permit, a passport valid for more than six months, a tax number and to have registered with the local police department.

But, even if you can tick all those boxes, you may find additional obstacles in your path. For example, some professions are no-go areas for non-Turkish nationals, including law, banking, some areas of medicine and mining.

Above-board casual work can also be more difficult to find than you may expect. You may receive plenty of offers, particularly from businesses interested in your language skills – but be careful.

Before you accept, ensure the necessary permit is in place and that you have seen the valid documents. Not doing so could result in hefty penalties, which can even include deportation or a denial of re-entry to Turkey.

Starting a business

Setting up your own business is also a possibility in Turkey, with the government even streamlining regulations recently to make it simpler.

However, once again, there are still some fairly strict criteria to meet and a work permit is still required.

An exception applies if you were to found a firm with a Turkish partner, but then you would not be entitled to work within your own company until you applied successfully for the relevant permit.

There are a few websites which offer information on starting a new business in Turkey but we’d recommend a thorough read of the official government guide here: https://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/investmentguide/investorsguide/Pages/EstablishingABusinessInTR.aspx

More information of the challenges relating to getting a job in Turkey can also be found here: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/working-abroad/work-in-turkey

In the meantime, if you would like any more help or advice on starting a new life in Turkey, feel free to drop us a line or give us a call. Don’t forget we’re also here to help you find the home of your dreams in Turkey, Portugal, Spain or Greece and with the logistics and paperwork involved in relocating.

You may also be able to find what you’re looking for on other pages of our website where you can read advice on how to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal, a Golden Visa in Spain, how to qualify for citizenship in Turkey or to obtain a Golden Visa in Greece. Also, if you enjoyed this post and think others might find it useful, please feel free to pass it on.

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