Jobs & Employment in Turkey
For many, the dream of living in Turkey is an idyllic option, but they need to supplement their income by working or are an expat with an excessive amount of time on their hands; therefore, they would like a part-time job to keep them occupied.
Understanding the law about working foreigners in Turkey is essential so you don’t innocently fall foul of regulations and become unwilling to receive harsh penalties. Historically, the topic has always been a minefield of different information and complex rules.
At one stage, foreigners could easily enter Turkey on a tourist visa and work illegally without concerns. It was a common practice, so the government changed visa regulations preventing tourists from staying for more than 90 days out of 180 to curb it.
Anyone who wants to stay longer needs to apply for a residency permit. During this time, penalties for illegally working have also become harsh, with fines and deportation stories proving to be a reality and not a myth. Despite the change of regulations, it is a relief to know that working in Turkey legally has now become easier, and information systems are more streamlined to ensure the correct information is given at all times.
How to Get a Work Permit
The complete process for applying for a work permit is listed on a government website. If applying from abroad, it should be done by submitting your application to a Turkish consulate in your home country. If you are already in Turkey, submit the application to the Ministry of Culture and Labour. You should have already secured a position before applying because the employer and employee must submit various documents to support the application.
What is the Minimum Wage in Turkey?
Currently, the minimum wage is around USD 700 equivalent in Turkish lira per month, and this mainly applies to jobs with no set trade, such as bar personnel or shop assistants. Notably, people with a certified or qualified trade will earn more money and benefits such as days off and paid holidays.
How to Find a Job in Turkey?
Despite the improvement of rules for working foreigners, it is worth remembering that, where possible, authorities still prefer a Turk to be employed over a foreigner, so jobs are not freely advertised.
Teaching and Au Pair are popular choices if you do not mind where you live, and job boards such as TEFL display current vacancies. Otherwise, if you work in an official trade, look around for International companies with branch offices in Turkey. LinkedIn is another good place to search for jobs in Turkey.
Freelancing in Turkey
With the increase in remote location jobs becoming more popular, many people are asking if it is possible to be a legal freelancer in Turkey. It is by applying to your local tax office for self-employed status, but once this is done, you also become subject to various taxes on your earnings, including VAT, regular tax, and stoppage. In such cases, employ an accountant to set up the process and submit your tax declarations monthly. Doing so makes life much easier, and you can enjoy living in Turkey.
