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In this era of global connectivity, you can easily see how beautiful other places around the world are. While some may inspire you to travel like a tourist, some might make you want to move and make a living there. Turkey falls into the second class for some people with its beautiful nature, rich culture, and strategic position.
Are you one of those who dream of moving to Turkey, working there, and living life sweeter than Turkish delight? Here are some tips to help you plan and ensure the process goes smoothly.
Which jobs to take
Unless your uncle is Scrooge McDuck, you will probably have to work to live in Turkey. It’s not that Turkey is expensive; it’s just a general fact of life that you need a job, especially if you’re moving abroad.
Some jobs that are exclusive to Turkish citizens only, such as lawyers and employment in the mining industry and medicine. Popular sectors for expats are Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and tourism. To work in TEFL, you will likely need official certification.
Of course, it is technically possible to work in other sectors in Turkey. The most practical solution is if you already have a job in a multinational company that has a branch in Turkey. If a position in Turkey is open and you’re qualified, you could apply to work in the same company, but in Turkey.
Work permit
To work in Turkey, you will have to hold a work permit. For this, you must have a job offer first, as you cannot apply for a work permit yourself. Your employer has to do this for you.
You will still be asked to provide your personal details, of course. You will be asked for identification, proof of sponsorship from your employer, and statements about your financial and tax records.
In general, the documents asked will be about making sure that you will be able to support yourself in Turkey and are a person who could be trusted, so proof of medical insurance that covers your stay in Turkey and statements about lack of criminal record may also be asked.
Don’t be afraid to contact your employer when forming this permit to ensure everything goes smoothly!
What about self-employment?
You may be able to apply for a work permit as a self-employed worker if you have been a Turkish resident for at least five years. In this case, you will have to apply at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Ankara.
There is hope for self-employment, as the Turquoise visa for self-employed people is in the plans in Turkey. This kind of visa is planned to be granted to entrepreneurs and investors. But as we said, it is still in the works, so better stick to the practical tips that have worked so far.
The visa you will need
If you’re going to work in Turkey, the type of visa you will need is, obviously, the work visa. It applies to a wide range of professions, including those mentioned above as popular among expats in Turkey.
You will likely need the help of your employer with this, so stay connected with them and cooperate!
Tips related to residence permits
There are two types of residence permits in Turkey (İkamet): short-term and long-term. Since this is an article about moving to Turkey, we will be focusing on tips relating to the short-term Turkish residence permit application.
This is because long-term permits are only given out to foreigners who have lived in Turkey for at least 8 years and have not spent more than 365 days and over 180 days a year abroad in the last five years.
Here are the documents you will need to apply:
- Printed and completed İkamet application form;
- A copy of your passport;
- 4 biometric photos, matching requirements;
- Notarized accommodation rental agreement;
- Copy of your landlord’s passport and their owner’s certificate of said accommodation;
- Medical insurance that is valid in Turkey.
