Jobs for foreigners in Istanbul Turkey
Are you wondering about working in Istanbul Turkey as a foreigner? In this article, I’ll cover job opportunities for foreigners in Istanbul Turkey and provide specific salary ranges so you know exactly what to expect.
All information in this article and more is also included in my YouTube video:
Overview jobs for foreigners in Istanbul Turkey
When it comes to working in Istanbul, there are specific job types foreigners typically do.
Before I list the most relevant job opportunities in Istanbul Turkey, let me first mention three important points.
First, finding a well-paying job in Turkey is very difficult. Turkey has a young population and even for locals, securing a well-paid job is a big challenge. Secondly, to work legally in Turkey, people need a work permit, which must be arranged by the employer. Thirdly, I do not recommend moving to Turkey without a signed job contract.
Now, let’s go through the list of possible jobs for foreigners in Istanbul. In particular, I will list jobs along the following categories:
- No formal education or special skills required
- Language skills required
- Niche skills
- Relevant work experience international company
- Temporary work assignments
1) No formal education or special skills required
I want to to start with jobs in Istanbul Turkey, which don’t require formal education or special skills.
These include working in restaurants, hotels, factories or as helpers on construction sites. These are physically demanding jobs with six-day workweeks and long hours. Salaries are typically around minimum wage, which is currently close to 600 Euros. (all salaries in this article as of February 2025). Employers often provide meals and a transportation allowance. Some also offer accommodation, but usually in shared rooms with very basic or poor living conditions.
Another common job in Istanbul Turkey is working as a nanny for children or a caretaker for elderly people. Affluent Turkish families prefer nannies and caretakers to live with them full-time. These jobs pay up to 1.300 Euros per month, and a room and meals are provided. Typically, workers get one day off per week.
2a) Language skills required: Working in call centers
Now, let’s talk about jobs for foreigners in Istanbul Turkey with strong language skills. There are four main types:
The first is working in call centers. No formal education is required, but fluency in the foreign language is important. Call center jobs are divided into inbound and outbound roles.
Inbound agents answer incoming calls and assist existing customers. These positions pay up to 1.300 Euros per month which includes the base salary, food and transportation allowances. On top, there is a small bonus. Some employers also offer private health insurance.
Outbound roles focus on sales and call potential customers to sell services or products. Pay is mostly commission-based and salaries vary monthly between 500 and 5.000 Euros. The overall salary depends on the quality of contact leads, the product and sales skills. The most in-demand language for call centers in Turkey is German, followed by some other European languages.
2b) Language skills required: Patient care coordinators in hospitals
Another option is working as a patient care coordinator in hospitals. Turkey is a major hub for medical tourism. Patient care coordinators assist foreign patients in their complete treatment journey.
Some Turkish language skills are required for internal communication. The base salary is up to 1.000 Euros. In addition, there are commissions, and tips from patients. I was told, total earnings can reach up to 3.000 Euros per month in some hospitals.
2c) Language skills required: English teacher at private schools
Teaching english at private schools in Turkey require formal education. Salary for English teachers in Istanbul Turkey range from 1.500 to 2.000 Euros. Positions are also available for other major languages.
Additionally, there are dedicated language schools, which hire foreigners with only a special teaching certificate. But pay is lower in these language schools compared to private schools.
3a) Niche skills: Modelling
Now, let’s move on to niche jobs for foreigners in Istanbul.
The first is modelling.Istanbul has a sizable international modelling scene. Payment depends on the number of bookings and the model’s rates. Agencies typically provide accommodation in shared model apartments, some pocket money and transportation to castings.
3b Niche skills: Professional athlete
Another niche job type in Turkey is as an professional athlete. Football is huge in Turkey, but men’s basketball and women’s volleyball are actually much more successful in international competitions.
4) Relevant work experience international company
Next, we have corporate jobs in major companies in Istanbul Turkey. These require mostly a university degree and relevant work experience in a well-known international company. It is important to note this applies to experienced professionals and not recent graduates. Finding a good-paying job as a graduate is very difficult.
Most opportunities are in Istanbul and in sectors such as tech, finance, energy amongst others. Salaries in these positions are comparable to those in Germany. They might be up to 20% higher or lower compared to German salary levels. For example, with four to five years of experience and no leadership role, net salaries range between 3.000 and 5.000 Euros per month plus private insurance and a company car. In most Turkish companies, Turkish language skills are also required.
5a) Temporary work assignments: Expat positions
Now, let’s discuss temporary work assignments. The first is expat positions in international companies and organisations in Istanbul Turkey. If you work for a multinational company or organisation with offices in Istanbul, you can apply for a temporary transfer. Many companies and organisations pay the home-country salary plus a location allowance for assignments up to a few years.
Teachers also have options. For example teachers in Germany can apply for a three year assignment at a German school abroad.They keep their civil service status and continue to receive their home-country salary plus additional allowances.
5b) Temporary work assignments: Digitals nomads / 100% remote workers
Finally, there are digitals nomads or 100% remote workers. This is the easiest way to work in Turkey.
You can explore other articles about Istanbul by clicking on one of the following categories: