Turkey Guide: Jobs

Finding a job abroad is not easy, and foreign working conditions are often quite different from those at home. Our job guide explains where to look for a job and how to apply for it. You will also find information on salaries, working conditions and social security issues.

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  Introduction

  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Turkish employment contracts

  Your rights and responsibilities

  Employment contracts are called “Service Contracts“ in Turkey, and if you are to be employed for longer than a year, your contract should be in writing.

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  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.

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  Tax numbers

  How to register for a Turkish tax number

  Once you start work, you will have to register for a tax number (Vergi Numerası). This is the rough equivalent of a social security number in other countries. To register, head to your local Finance Department (Maliye).

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  Social security in Turkey

  Unemployment and disability

  In theory, Turkey provides nationwide public health and employment insurance. In reality, the system is a mess at best, and just short of a disaster at worst.

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