5 Best Jobs in Turkey for Foreigners

Turkey welcomes millions of tourists every year, and it's not uncommon for some of these visitors to fall in love with the country to such an extent that they choose to make it their permanent home.. In 2021, 24.7 million tourists visited this great country, and 1,300,220 foreigners acquired Turkish residence permits that year.

Prior to relocating to Turkey, foreign individuals must gather comprehensive information concerning various aspects such as living costs, lifestyle, available amenities, and other crucial factors. Nevertheless, one of the foremost considerations is gaining a solid understanding of the job market in Turkey, as it plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process.

Acquiring insights into what Turkey offers to foreigners in the realm of employment is not only advantageous in the short term but also paves the way for seizing the most rewarding job prospects in the long run.

In today’s blog, The Guide Real Estate brings you all the details about the 5 best jobs in Turkey and the platforms foreigners can use to find the perfect employment opportunities.

What Jobs Are Available in Turkey for Foreigners?

Turkey boasts a sizable and well-educated young population, ensuring a robust pool of skilled labor. Nevertheless, the country remains open to employing foreigners across various sectors. These opportunities enable expatriates to not only reside in Turkey but also avail themselves of cutting-edge healthcare and transportation facilities, all while immersing themselves in the rich architectural heritage of the Ottoman Empire and beyond.

Note: Securing employment with a Turkish company entails the signing of an official employment contract, a vital step in the process. It is the responsibility of the employer to obtain a work permit on your behalf, and they are also obligated to provide health insurance coverage through the Social Security Institution (SGK). These measures ensure that foreign workers are properly documented and have access to essential healthcare benefits during their employment in Turkey.

Here is a list of all the job opportunities available for foreigners. Every one of these jobs has its own set of requirements:

1. Work as an English Teacher

The rapid growth of the tourism sector in Turkey has sparked a significant demand for English-speaking professionals across various industries and businesses. With an increasing number of individuals eager to learn English, language teaching centers and international school systems are consistently on the lookout for qualified native English speakers. These institutions typically seek candidates with the appropriate credentials, such as CELTA certification or a Master's degree in English education, and often provide enticing salary packages to attract top talent.

2. Work at Holiday Resorts & Tourism Companies

The summer season typically marks the pinnacle of tourist activity in Turkey's urban centers and scenic towns. It's during this bustling period that vacation companies across the nation actively seek English-speaking personnel to serve as hotel representatives. This role offers the opportunity to work in diverse locations, catering to tourists, although it may entail long shifts to meet the demands of the vibrant tourism industry.

3. Work at Hotels

Employment within the hotel industry presents an excellent avenue for self-sustenance, given that hotels continually seek multi-lingual personnel to cater to their cosmopolitan guests. An additional advantage is that hotels typically streamline the work permit application process for their employees, as they often employ a substantial workforce, making it a relatively hassle-free experience for foreign workers.

4. Work as a Writer & Editor

Numerous prominent companies in Turkey have established a significant digital footprint, necessitating the recruitment of multi-lingual individuals, with a strong emphasis on English proficiency, for roles in writing and editing. These companies consistently seek a dedicated team of writers, translators, and editors to curate content for their blogs and social media channels, which is integral to sustaining their business operations.

Embracing the role of a writer and editor in such a context presents an appealing career choice. It not only ensures a stable income but also provides the opportunity to operate within a dynamic and creative work environment, making it an attractive prospect for those seeking both financial security and professional fulfillment.

5. Work as an Au pair

In major cities across Turkey, local families are continually in pursuit of au pairs to assist with their household and childcare needs. One of the key advantages of this role is the elimination of accommodation expenses, as you will reside with the host family once you are hired.

If you possess the requisite qualifications and maintain an impeccable track record, you'll find an abundance of opportunities available online to secure a position as an au pair. This path offers a convenient and rewarding way to engage with Turkish culture while contributing to the daily lives of local families.

You can also read our blog post on jobs and salaries in Turkey to know which professions are prohibited for foreigners to practice in this country.

What Platforms Should You Use to Find a Job in Turkey?

There are several platforms that you can look into in order to find the job that suits you the best. These include:

LinkedIn

Creating a LinkedIn account opens up a world of possibilities for job seekers interested in opportunities in Turkey. You can utilize this professional networking platform to explore a wide array of companies that align with your interests and are actively seeking English-speaking foreign professionals, whether for in-office roles or remote positions.

Kariyer.net

Kariyer.net is an important Turkish job searching platform to check out since it is preferred by many companies here.

Other Job Search Platforms & Job Boards

In addition to LinkedIn, there are other valuable job search platforms worth exploring when seeking employment opportunities in Turkey. Websites like Learn4good.com and indeed.com can provide a wealth of job listings and prospects. It's also worth noting that Yenibiris.com, a local job search website, enjoys widespread popularity among Turkish job seekers, making it a resource highly regarded within the local job market.

Give Freelancing a Try 

Freelancing presents an appealing avenue for those seeking the freedom to work from their preferred location while maintaining a comfortable and dependable income. This flexible approach to employment has garnered increasing interest, drawing individuals who value the adaptability and relaxed lifestyle it affords.

Numerous platforms are available to connect you with enticing freelance project opportunities. Some of these platforms include:  Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, etc. 

A growing number of foreign professionals are opting to work remotely for companies based in their home countries while selecting Turkey as their preferred destination. This phenomenon has led to a significant surge in the influx of digital nomads from around the world, who are finding Turkey an attractive and accommodating location for their remote work lifestyle.

To Wrap It Up

Abundant opportunities await foreigners seeking employment in Turkey, offering the potential for substantial incomes. While the process of securing a job in Turkey as a foreigner might appear challenging at first, it merely requires knowing where to direct your efforts.

We've reached the end of our discussion on some of the best job prospects in Turkey for expatriates. Feel free to share your thoughts and any questions you may have with us. Your feedback and inquiries are always welcome!

More to read from us:

How To Select and Open Bank Account As a Foreigner in Turkey

7 Essential Insights for Those Considering a Move to Turkey

10 Benefits of Property Investment in Turkey