Are foreigners needed in Turkey?

The economic situation in Turkey in 2024

This year, Turkey's economy is facing high inflation and an unstable exchange rate. However, the country is not stopping its development. GDP growth is +3.8%, which is one of the best among European countries. one of the best indicators among European countries. The unemployment rate remains high at 9-10%, which is due to cultural specifics, including women's preference for domestic care.

Job vacancies for foreigners in Turkey

Turkey is experiencing a demand for foreign labor, especially from the former Soviet republics. Employers value employees who speak Russian. Among the in-demand professions are animators, guides, models, nannies, maids, nurses, builders, real estate agents, engineers, doctors, and IT specialists.

How can a foreigner find a job in Turkey?

One of the simple ways is to contact a specialized agency. However, before choosing an agency, it is essential to conduct thorough research to avoid fraud. Despite the ban, some foreigners work illegally in Turkey, which can lead to legal consequences. It is best to seek employment through official channels to avoid legal issues.

The lack of female labor force leads to a large number of vacancies in the care, service and medical sectors. care, services and medicine. There are pros and cons to working in these sectors, so it is important to carefully to carefully assess the working conditions before making a final decision.

So, job searching in Turkey for foreigners can be challenging, but the right approach can lead to finding a decent position that provides a stable income and new experiences.

Official employment in Turkey

It's not worth taking risks with unofficial employment in Turkey, as local authorities strictly control this process and can impose severe measures against illegal workers, ranging from deportation to hefty fines. Such workers also lose social guarantees. For those interested in working in Turkey, it's useful to start by studying the Turkish labor market on official resources.

Job search in Turkey

To find a job in Turkey, you should contact the Turkish Employment Service (İŞKUR), where you can You can get up-to-date information on job vacancies, as well as advice on training and business issues. In addition, you should visit the government's investment portal to learn about key sectors of the economy, tax policy and procedures. economy, tax policy and procedures for obtaining residency or citizenship. Popular sites with jobs in Turkey include resources such as hh, yenibiris, kariyer, careerjet, isinolsun, eleman, vacanciesinturkey and jobsinistanbul.

Foreign specialists in Turkey

Turkey attracts foreign specialists from various sectors, including tourism and IT. The AIESEC internship program can provide young people up to 30 years old with the opportunity to gain work experience abroad. It is recommended to use LinkedIn to search for job openings in international companies that have offices in Turkey.

Work in the tourism sector

For those interested in working in the tourism sector, it is useful to pay attention to the offers from major tour operators a few months before the start of the season. In the real estate sector, it is recommended to contact local agencies and developers represented on Russian-speaking platforms, such as Priana, to find numerous job vacancies, especially in Istanbul.

Work in Turkey for foreign specialists

Working in Turkey can become an attractive option for foreign specialists due to higher salaries compared to the average figures in the country. Proficiency in English is often essential, although knowledge of Turkish can be beneficial for interacting with locals.

Temporary work at resorts

Temporary jobs at resorts, such as cooks, maids, hairdressers, and others, do not require knowledge of foreign languages, except for animators and guides. Knowing English can significantly increase your salary and allow you to work in prestigious hotels with tourists from different countries.

Highly qualified specialists

Highly qualified specialists, such as doctors, need to have their diplomas verified and pass a professional exam. However, the payment for such specialists meets the requirements of the Turkish labor market.

Requirements for foreign workers

Foreigners can only work in companies that have at least five Turkish citizens. The official salary must be above the national minimum wage, and there are a number of legal procedures required for hiring foreigners.

Hiring foreigners in Turkey

Companies may hire foreigners, usually in large and medium-sized companies, as well as in international organizations. The list of prohibited jobs for foreigners includes civil servants, lawyers, notaries, some medical professions and maritime professions.

Advantages of working in Turkey

One of the advantages of working in Turkey is the opportunity to combine work with a vacation by the sea. Turkey has a standard workday of 8 hours and a workweek of 45 hours, and it protects workers' rights with appropriate labor regulations.

Invitation of foreign specialists

We invite foreign specialists to explore the fields of work in Turkey and choose a direction that aligns with their professional and personal interests.

Obtaining a work permit in Turkey

Obtaining a work permit and residence permit in Turkey involves several stages.

Request for a work permit

This is an important step for those planning to work in Turkey. To do this, certain documents need to be provided. Among them are: the company's tax declaration for the year, an extract from the trade register with information about the capital and shareholders, as well as translated and notarized diplomas and certificates of the employee in Turkish.

Basic procedure manual

Tourists can find the main guide to the procedure on the official website of the Ministry of Labor of Turkey. The application review period usually takes from one to one and a half months, and the notification of the result is sent via phone or email.

The possibility of living in Turkey without a work permit

It is possible to live in Turkey without a work permit by obtaining local citizenship through an investment program. Purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 allows you to get a Turkish passport in three months.

Property owners with a value of $200,000 or more can obtain a residence permit, which does not grant the right to work directly, but after five years of residence, it is possible to apply for citizenship.

Issuance of work visa and residence permit

Step 2 - obtaining a work visa and residence permit upon successful receipt of a work permit. You need to provide a completed application form, a copy and the original of your foreign passport, photographs, an employment contract, diploma and certificate with translation, company certificate, and other documents at the Turkish consulate.

After receiving a work visa, you must enter the country within 180 days. More detailed information about work visas is available on the official website. It is worth noting that a work permit also serves as a residence permit during its validity, so a separate residence permit is not required.

Specialists in various fields

There is a high demand for specialists in various fields in Turkey. Analyzing job vacancies, we can identify three main categories of the most sought-after specialists in the Turkish labor market:

• IT Professionals;
• Healthcare specialists;
• Specialists in engineering fields.

Specialization in Turkey

In Turkey, the largest number of immigrants work in the tourism and construction sectors. However, Russian-speaking specialists most often work in areas such as service, tourism, education, construction, web development, sales, and medicine.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage in the country is set by the government and amounts to 13,414 Turkish lira (about $500) per month after an increase due to inflation in 2023. While this is not the highest figure, it is still better than in most CIS countries.

It is possible to live on a minimum wage if you don't have any debts or mortgage payments. However, for residents, including immigrants, this can be a challenging task, as most seasonal workers earn low wages, such as entertainers, waiters, and housekeepers.

Work in Turkey

For foreign workers who cannot obtain positions as civil servants without Turkish citizenship, employers are required to pay a salary that is at least the established minimum wage. In case of violations of the rules, fines are imposed.

The most profitable industries in Turkey are IT, finance, healthcare, science, real estate and construction. Monthly income in these sectors can reach from $1.5 to $3.5 thousand and more. However, administrators and hotel and restaurant workers receive the lowest salaries - approx. $500-700 per month.

In-demand specialists

Among the professionals most in demand in Turkey, we can highlight teachers of Russian and English languages, engineers, programmers, system administrators, doctors, designers, architects, experienced sales managers, and real estate agents.

The special specialization includes builders, welders, installers, electricians, turners, operators, furniture designers, manicurists, hairdressers, nurses, massage therapists, and physiotherapists.

Conclusion

In 2024, Turkeyis facing economic challenges, but despite the difficulties encountered, the country has shown steady growth. Working in Turkey entails both positive and negative aspects. The need for foreign workers remains high, especially for residents of former Soviet republics. To find a job in Turkey, it is worth paying attention to various specialized sites and labor agencies. It is important to remember about the limitations and consequences of illegal employment, as Turkish legislation strictly controls this issue.

Understanding the features of the Turkish labor marketChoosing the right approach to job searching and meeting employer requirements are key steps for foreigners seeking employment in this country. In addition to traditional job search methods, such as job websites and employment agencies, there are other opportunities, such as internships and experience exchange between companies. Success in finding a job in Turkey depends on careful planning and the willingness to adapt to labor market conditions.