Work in Turkey for Russians and not only: main aspects and features of job search

Türkiye today

The country, where the Muslim way of life and the values ​​of the Western world are closely intertwined, has long become a Mecca for brave and enterprising people. For several dozen centuries, artisans flourished here, merchants ran successful businesses, and intermediaries providing various ore services grew rich. Today Turkey is one of the leaders in the region in terms of national economic growth and living standards. The country's leading industries are agriculture, which employs approximately ¼ of the country's economically active population, tourism, and light industry.

Despite stable development, Turkey has a fairly high unemployment rate. At the end of 2015 it was approximately 10.5%. The situation on the labor market has worsened in the last year due to rising international tensions, as well as due to the influx of migrants from neighboring Arab states. A new trend is contributing to increased competition among job seekers: many Turkish women refuse to sit at home and go to work.

The situation on the labor market in Turkey

Türkiye is in dire need of labor immigrants, especially in the tourism industry. According to statistics, the lion's share of tourists comes from residents of the CIS - i.e. Russian-speaking citizens: Ukrainians, Kazakhs, Russians, Belarusians and Kyrgyz. Despite the fact that the local population who works in the tourism sector has basic language skills, Turks prefer to resort to the services of native speakers, hiring the same Russians and Belarusians as animators, waiters or bartenders. But tourism is far from the only industry where you can find work in Turkey.

Türkiye is a powerful and economically developed state with a population of 84 million people. The country's GDP is growing every year, even despite constant problems: conflicts with Syria, confrontation with ISIS, confrontation with the Russian Federation, pandemic, etc. The unemployment rate in the country is quite high - currently over 15%, but this is due to the peculiarities of the mentality. As in many Muslim countries, women here rarely work and mostly take care of the house, everyday life, or children. Of the total female population of Turkey, only 30% are employed. Therefore, competition for jobs here is minimal and finding a job is very easy.

Ways to find work in Turkey

Those who are looking for a suitable job in Turkey will definitely need information about new vacancies. Experienced recruiters advise starting your search from the official website of the Turkish employment service iskur.gov.tr. On its pages you can get acquainted with the situation on the local labor market and in-demand specialties.

To expand your knowledge about Turkey and understand how its citizens live, you should visit the Russian-language portal turkeyforfriends.com. In addition to the latest vacancies, there is a lot of useful information about the history of the country, current laws and regulations, prices for goods and services.

Finding a job through relatives and friends

In Turkey, family and kinship ties are traditionally strong, so the best option is to find employment with the help of relatives, friends or colleagues. Stock up on a properly written resume and recommendations from respected people, then you will certainly find yourself a “warm place.” If for some reason this option does not suit you, turn to more traditional methods.

Best Job Sites

Large Russian-language sites offer dozens of vacancies in various industries. Particularly popular resources are:

• https://turkey.hh.ru/;
• https://turciya.net/board/vakansii_v_turcii/3.

National headhunter portals enjoy great success:

• yenibiris.com;
• secretcv.com;
• careerjet.com.tr;
• kariyer.net;
• jobsinistanbul.com.

Social media

Those looking for seasonal work, internship or part-time work should look for thematic pages on VKontakte. The advantages of this method of job search are obvious: you can not only find a suitable vacancy, but also discuss working conditions in online correspondence.

It is useful for highly qualified applicants to post their resume on the professional social network Linkedin. This method of searching for work in Turkey is only gaining popularity, therefore, you have a greater chance of being noticed by a potential employer.

Many job seekers manage to find work in Turkey using social networks

Jobs in newspapers

Finding a job through print media is often fruitful. It is worth resorting to when you are looking for temporary work. The Milliyet daily, as well as the Sunday supplements of the Hürriyet and Sabah newspapers, publish information about jobs in large companies that are recruiting en masse.

When browsing periodicals, be sure to pay attention to advertisements for job fairs. They are regularly held in all major cities of the country. During such events, employers talk about the features of working in the company, collect resumes of applicants, offer internships or employment for open positions.

Specialized companies

For young people aged 18 to 25 years, many recruitment agencies offer special employment programs in hotels in the country. They usually include: selection of a suitable vacancy, brief training in the necessary skills and the actual job placement. Intermediaries usually price these services at $200–500. When contacting such an agency, be sure to make sure that it has a license to carry out its activities.

Tips worth listening to

There are many stories about how young, inexperienced girls were lured with promises of high earnings, and were subsequently forced into prostitution or working for free. Therefore, while searching for a job, do not lose your vigilance for a minute.

High wages, unreasonably low requirements for applicants, and the promise of employment without a work visa are reasons to think twice and refuse a “tempting” offer. By getting a job with adequate pay and standard requirements for this vacancy, you will avoid unjustified risk and material losses.

When looking for a job in Turkey, pay attention not only to the salary, but also to the social package offered. Insurance in this country is expensive, so it is better to cooperate with employers who pay for medical services.

Work in hotels in Turkey

Hotels in Turkey require receptionists, maids and cleaners, guides, animators, cooks, waiters, employees in spa salons, instructors in fitness centers, dancers and hostesses, managers, administrators.

Most Turkish hotels enter into contracts with employees for a season, which lasts about 6 months. Hotel accommodation is provided - 2-5 people per room. Meals are also free in the hotel restaurant or their cost is deducted from your salary.

Those looking for a job in hotels in Turkey should not expect a five-day work week and 8-hour workday. Hotel employees take 2-4 days off per month, the length of the working day depends on the specifics of the position. Restaurants are often open until the last customer, but the staff has the first half of the day free. For dancers and other young girls, the employer may additionally prohibit leaving the hotel premises on their own. This is dictated by concern for their safety - they can walk around the city and shop at certain times only when accompanied by a security guard.

The salary depends on the hotel class and position. Unskilled cleaning staff earn the least - from $350 per month. The salaries of animators are also only 50-150 dollars higher. Waiters have the same salary, but their income can be 30-50% higher due to tips. Cooks, bartenders, receptionists, employees of beauty salons and fitness centers earn from $500 to $1,500 per month. The income of dancers who also serve as hostesses can reach 2-3 thousand dollars.

Which cities are the easiest to find work in?

The geography of vacancies in Turkey is diverse. Most job offers come from coastal cities: Marmaris, Antalya, Side, Belek, Alaiya, Kemer.

Traditionally, there are many jobs in Ankara and Istanbul. Here you can get a job:

• salesperson in a jewelry store;
• sales manager;
• sales representative;
• clerk;
• HR manager;
• accountant.

Video: first-hand experience of working in Turkey

Features of working as an animator

If working in Turkey as an animator is suitable, then you need to be prepared for the following strict rules:

1. At first, the employer may prohibit leaving the hotel premises where the foreigner works.
2. The animator's working day is irregular, so you need to be prepared for nightly entertainment for guests.
3. An animator rests only 2–4 times a month.

Among other things, such workers have a set of rules that they are required to know and follow. And if any of the points are violated, then the animator has the right to fire.

For example, an animator should always smile at guests, devote the same amount of time to all tourists, without singling out anyone.

They are prohibited from swimming in the sea during working hours and, of course, drinking alcoholic beverages. This is only part of the rules from the general set, so before agreeing to such a position, you need to read all the papers and know your responsibilities.

Where can you get a job in 2021: common professions

The maximum number of open vacancies occurs in the spring-summer season. During this period, staff are usually recruited for hotels and nightclubs. You can apply for a job here:

• maid;
• animator;
• dancer;
• waiter or bartender;
• cook;
• administrator;
• organizer of quest games;
• employee at the reception.

The salary of these workers will be approximately 400–700 US dollars per month.

Many students dream of working as animators because it is interesting and profitable.

There is also a high demand for service industry workers during the holiday season. If you have a professional education, at least 1 year of work experience, and basic knowledge of English or Turkish, it is not difficult to find a job:

• hairdresser;
• massage therapist;
• manicurist or pedicurist;
• seller in a store.

The remuneration of such specialists is about 600–700 US dollars per month.

Do you need Turkish?

Turkish will be useful in any case, although the transfer guide may only learn a few words. Without knowing Turkish, you can get a job speaking Russian in Turkey, but you should understand that you still have to learn it. The language is quite simple.

If Turkish and English are more or less mastered, then you can immediately apply for a higher salary and a good position. For example, work as an administrator or senior guide. Or take a couple of flights on excursions with a stop at shopping centers, where, again, you can hope for various good bonuses.

Knowledge of Turkish allows you to change jobs right in Turkey. For example, go as a hotel guide and transfer as an animator to a yacht. Or sign up for another hotel. Opportunities immediately increase many times over.

English and German give you a chance to get a job in hotels that serve tourists from the European Union. And there the contingent is different, and the salary is much higher, and tips are in hard currency.

It should be noted that Turks learn Russian much faster than Russians learn Turkish. Therefore, over the years there has been increasing competition from the local population. Plus, the Gagauz (they have almost the same language) and Azerbaijanis come to Turkey from the CIS. They provide powerful competition to applicants from the Russian Federation.

How much can you earn in Turkey?

The minimum wage at the beginning of 2021 was $500. The situation is worst in the consumer services, restaurant business, construction and clothing industries. The highest incomes are among university professors, financial workers, miners and oil workers, air carriers, workers at motor transport factories, and government employees.

The average salary in the country is approximately $1 thousand. The highest salary in Istanbul: 1.32 thousand US dollars. Ankara is in second place: $950. Burs closes the top three: $850. The work of residents of Izmir and Eskisehir is well paid: 750 and 670 US dollars, respectively.

Monthly salary for the most common vacancies

There are now many vacancies for caregivers for elderly or sick people on headhunter sites. This work pays approximately $500–700 per month. Among the main requirements: age from 35 to 50 years, decency, cleanliness, attentiveness, goodwill. Knowledge of Turkish is required, English is welcome.

To get a job as a nanny or governess for children, you need: special education, work experience of at least 1 year, confirmed by letters of recommendation, good knowledge of Turkish and English, and absence of bad habits. For work of this kind they offer from $800 per month.

Managers and administrators with higher education and knowledge of English and Turkish can count on $800–1200 monthly.

Construction specialists are in constant demand. The engineering staff receives 1.7–2.3 thousand US dollars, foremen and foremen - up to 1.5 thousand US dollars per month.

General practitioners usually earn $1.6 thousand, and specialists - up to $2 thousand.

The demand for IT specialists is growing from year to year. Now in Turkey there is a special need for system administrators and computer equipment repair engineers. Representatives of these professions can earn up to $2.5 thousand monthly.

Video: what kind of work can an economic migrant expect?

What kind of work is available in Turkey?

Work in the hotel and restaurant business is most attractive to Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians. During the summer season, a large number of personnel who speak Russian are required. Some workers in this field who do not directly interact with clients, such as dancers, can find employment without knowing the language of the country. However, in most cases, at least a minimum level of Turkish proficiency is required. If an employee speaks Turkish and English at a good level, his value in the labor market increases significantly; doors to hotels, restaurants, and bars serving European tourists open to him.

The Turkish economy is not limited to tourism. As throughout the world, the most in demand are competent specialists with significant positive experience in their specialty. Teachers, teachers, IT workers, top and middle managers, doctors, all these specialties are in demand by Turkish employers. Naturally, a doctor earns more than a maid, and a teacher earns more than a bartender. There is work in Turkey for representatives of blue-collar professions, especially at massively constructed facilities. Welders, crane operators, electricians, turners, hairdressers and other representatives of the working class can find work in accordance with their qualifications. General workers, cleaners and other workers without special education and work experience are also required. Actually, if desired, a representative of any profession will be able to find work in Turkish territory.

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Salary level

The level of Turkish salaries can hardly be called high. In Moscow and the largest cities of the former USSR, salaries are quite comparable to Turkish ones, and sometimes exceed them. However, in the rest of the CIS, workers are paid less, and traveling to Turkey to earn money may make sense. The minimum wage in 2021 in Turkey is $495 (TRY 3,578). After taxes are paid, the minimum wage worker is left with $390. It’s difficult to call such earnings luxurious. For comparison, the minimum wages are: in Australia - 2.53, Israel - 1.6, Poland - 0.73 thousand dollars per month of work. True, it must be said that the cost of living in the Turkish Republic is significantly lower than in the EU countries and other developed countries. The average monthly wage for individual professions (thousand dollars) is:

• Head of the company - 2.8.
• Top manager of the company - 2.
• Programmer - 1.9.
• Doctor - 1.64.
• Lawyer - 1.52.
• Engineer with extensive work experience - 1.5.
• Business consultants - 1.39.
• Researchers -1.35.
• Teaching staff of universities - 1.21,
• Electrician - 0.75.
• Installer - 0.73.
• Construction worker - 0.65.
• Governess, nanny (almost always required to speak Turkish and English) - 0.6.
• Seller - 0.58.
• Agricultural worker - 0.57.
• Guide, animator - 0.55.
• Assistant cook - 0.54.
• Waiters, cleaners - 0.52.
• Nurses - 0.4.

Naturally, the best representatives of their professions earn significantly more than the indicated amounts. Salaries are highest in Istanbul and Ankara.

Payroll tax in Turkey

Income tax is levied on both citizens of the country and foreigners working here. Non-residents are required to pay progressive personal tax only on income received in Turkey . The personal tax rate, depending on the amount of income associated with employment, ranges from 15 to 35%:

• up to 12.6 thousand TL (up to 4.3 thousand US dollars) – 15%;
• from 12,601 to 30 thousand TL (from 4.3 to 10.2 thousand US dollars) – 20%;
• from 30,001 to 110 thousand TL (from 10.2 to 37.5 thousand US dollars) – 27%;
• over 110,001 thousand TL (over 37.5 thousand US dollars) – 35%.

Tax system in Turkey

Turkey has a flexible and progressive taxation system, where the withheld portion of income depends directly on the size of the income itself:

• Income up to 24,000 liras is taxed at 15%
• Income from 24,000 to 53,000 liras is taxed at a rate of 20%
• Income from 53,000 to 190,000 liras is taxed at a rate of 27%
• Income from 190,000 to 650,000 liras is taxed at a rate of 35%
• Income over 650,000 liras is taxed at a rate of 40%.

In most cases, tax is withheld automatically. The amount of “net” wages is already transferred to the employee’s card. It is worth keeping in mind that all total income is taken into account, and not bare salary. The Tax Service takes into account overtime payments, bonuses and allowances. Moreover, the interest tax rate may vary from month to month. Those. if for a conditional June an employee earned 22,000 liras, he will pay 15% of income, if in July his salary was 29,000 liras, he will pay 20%.

There are both administrative and criminal penalties for tax evasion in Turkey. Non-residents of the country also risk deportation with a further ban on entry.

Do you need language skills to get a successful job?

It is not easy for Russian-speaking applicants without knowledge of Turkish to find a good place. Almost all vacancies mention that the employee must speak spoken Turkish, English or another foreign language.

An exception is made only for seasonal workers, whose duties do not include communication with clients, or who are expected to interact with a Russian-speaking audience. In the tourism industry, these are nurses, massage therapists, hostesses, guides, cleaners and security guards. In agriculture, workers harvesting crops.

Before concluding an employment contract with an employer, carefully study all the papers. Don't know Turkish or English? Demand that the contract be translated into Russian or your native language. Don’t forget that there are plenty of scammers in Turkey who want to make money from foreigners.

Learn Turkish, improve English - this will help you avoid problems when finding a job

Jobs without language knowledge

One of the main advantages of this country is the ability to find a job without knowing Turkish. It belongs to the Turkic group and its independent study is quite difficult for the Slavs. But, having arrived in Turkey, many quickly acquire the necessary skills for communication at the everyday level.

Without knowledge of languages, you can only apply for low-skilled jobs that do not require communication. Typically this is:

• working specialties;
• housemaid;
• cleaner;
• loader;
• cook;
• agricultural work.

Young people often go for the first time without speaking Turkish, and by the beginning of the next season they have already mastered the language enough to perform the duties of a waiter, bartender, transfer guide, and animator.

Many Russian-speaking tourists come to the country, and some hotels hire staff (receptionists, animators, spa staff, guides) whose native language is Russian.

A big advantage when looking for a job will be knowledge of English and other foreign languages ​​(German, French, Scandinavian). For qualified specialists, lack of knowledge of Turkish rarely becomes an obstacle to getting a job, provided they speak good English. Also, fluency in several languages ​​is desirable for guides, dancers, sellers, administrators and managers of various directions.

How long is the working day and working week in Turkey?

The country's legislation establishes a maximum working week of 45 hours. The employer has the right to independently determine the length of working hours and assign rest periods so that within 2 months the total working time on average does not exceed 45 hours per week .

Typically, government employees work daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; commercial enterprises work according to their own schedules. The working day of most companies begins at 8–00 or 9–00 and continues until late in the evening; Saturday is a short day.

Official holidays when most offices and shops are closed:

• European New Year;
• National Sovereignty and Children's Day;
• Labor and Solidarity Day;
• Youth and Sports Day;
• Sheker Bayram;
• Victory Day;
• Kurban Bayram;
• Republic Day.

However, this weekend the employer may well attract employees to work. There is no long winter holiday. There are 8-day religious holidays. Vacation is granted once a year for 15 calendar days, provided that the employee has worked for the company for a full year.

Internship in the Republic of Turkey

Internships in Turkey are especially popular among university students and graduates under 30 years of age. After all, this is how you can combine study and relaxation at sea in the summer, for example in Alanya.

There are a large number of internship programs. You can obtain information about them from the university trade union or from the dean’s office of the faculty where the training is conducted. Another option is to find out the necessary information through a web resource.

The main focus of the internship programs is studying the culture of the country, hotel and tourism business. Internships usually begin in April and end in October. The monthly scholarship during their period is 500–2,000 liras ($95–381).

Interns are provided with free food and housing or reimbursed living expenses. If the plan is carried out successfully, the student receives good recommendations, thanks to which he will subsequently be able to get a job in one of the Turkish companies

Work permit for foreigners

From the beginning of 2021, Russians are prohibited from working in Turkey, an exception is made only for those who had a contract with the employer before December 31, 2015. Accordingly, at the moment, work permits are not issued to Russian citizens.

Citizens of other countries can obtain 3 types of work permits:

• consent to employment for a specific period, which is valid for 12 months. If the employee continues to work for the same employer, it can be extended for another 1 year;
• permanent work permit - granted to those who have been legally and continuously in the country for the last 8 years;
• self-employment permit - issued to those who decide to open their own business in Turkey.

Special cases

If the applicant falls into one of the categories listed below, a work permit and work visa are issued in a simplified manner. Among these lucky ones:

• spouses of Turkish citizens;
• children of foreigners who have a permanent residence permit in the country;
• EU citizens and members of their families;
• foreigners sent to work by the Embassy or Consulate;
• scientific workers and cultural figures who arrived for a short period of time (up to 1 month), athletes (up to 4 months).

Obtaining a work permit for Russians and not only

According to Turkish law, work permits for non-residents are issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security or the Turkish Consulate located:

• in the country of which the foreigner is a citizen;
• in another country where the foreigner is legally located.

Both applicants and their legal representatives can apply for permission, but in the latter case, consular officers have the right to require the presence of the foreigner himself at the time of submitting the application.

The application rules state that a foreigner (Russian, Ukrainian) who is in Turkey and has a residence permit for a period of more than 6 months must apply for permission from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. First, the application is submitted electronically, then it is printed, signed, sent to officials by mail or submitted in person.

Foreigners staying in their home country must apply for a work permit and work visa at the Turkish consulate. After the application is accepted, the applicant will be given a special number, which he must immediately notify the employer.

What vacancies are in demand?

Work in Turkey for Russians is not limited to the tourism business. Construction, IT industry, banking and medicine are actively developing in the country. Like many developed countries, Turkey is in dire need of qualified medical personnel, builders and engineers. The only industry in which preference is actually given to the local population is the service sector in industrial and non-resort cities. Again, here everything comes down to the language barrier and if you have knowledge of the Turkish language, you can get a job anywhere.

In most cases, knowledge of English is sufficient - for qualified personnel in medicine and engineering, knowledge of Turkish is not a prerequisite. If we talk about working in Turkey in the tourism sector, then a confident command of Russian is enough. Exceptions are resort areas in the areas of Marmaris. This resort is in great demand among European tourists, so Russian guides and operators with knowledge of English can count on increased salaries here.

You can only work in Turkey legally, as the local tax office has a rather strict attitude towards this. For refusal of official registration, the employee faces a fine of $229, and the employer – $2,290. If the employee is caught again, the case may lead to deportation without the right to enter the country for up to three years.

Work visa in Turkey: how to apply for it correctly

According to the laws of the Republic, employment opportunities are provided only to foreigners who have issued a work visa. For other reasons (purchasing a tourist visa, buying a home), it is now impossible to get a job.

Documents that a foreign citizen must submit along with the initial application:

• original and copy of international passport;
• a copy of a residence permit valid for more than 6 months;
• in the absence of a residence permit: an employment contract, an order for employment or appointment to a position;
• a diploma or temporary certificate equivalent to an education document translated into Turkish and certified by a notary;
• 2 photographs size 3.5*4.5 cm;
• an invitation from the employer to the Consulate with a request to issue a work visa;
• certificate of the company, which reveals the scope of its activities.

Within 10 working days, the employer must submit to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection an electronic application and documents necessary for consideration of the submitted application. Foreigners whose applications are granted are required to enter the country within 90 days after consideration of their application.

What are the salaries in Turkey?

From January 1, 2021, the minimum wage in Turkey increased by 26% compared to 2021 and is now 2,021 liras ($385). This is the amount that employees receive after deducting all taxes. The cost of an employee to the employer today is 2,558.40 liras ($488).

It should be noted that a mandatory part of any salary in Turkey is government assistance, which is a VAT refund. Previously, employees collected checks and handed them in for cashing at the end of the year; now the accrual is carried out automatically.

According to statistics, the average monthly salary in Turkey in 2021 before taxes reached 6,282 liras ($1,200). After all taxes are withheld, a worker receives an average of 4,450 liras ($850) net.

The values ​​of this indicator in different cities of the Turkish Republic:

• Eskisehir – ₺3,456.22 ($661).
• Izmir – ₺3,910.78 ($748.16).
• Bursa – ₺4,409 ($843.5).
• Ankara – ₺4,946.5 ($946.3).
• Istanbul – ₺6,900 ($1,320).

Consequences of illegal employment

Türkiye is one of those countries where harsh punitive measures are taken against illegal immigrants. The police regularly conduct raids to identify illegal immigrants, so there is practically no chance of avoiding punishment for illegal employment.

An employer who hires foreigners without properly executed documents faces huge fines. A worker who tried to find work illegally will be immediately deported from the country and banned from entering Turkey for a period of 5 years or even for life.

How can a foreigner get a job?

It is recommended to seek assistance from agencies. However, you will have to pay about 200-250 dollars for this. Information about the organization must be checked very carefully. It is not recommended to give consent to unofficial employment. This is carefully monitored by the authorities. If you work illegally, you may be punished. If you have relatives or friends living in Turkey, you can turn to them for advice. If there are none, visit the employment service. Here you can get all the information about the labor market.

Table: pros and cons of working in Turkey

What are the taxes in Turkey?

The country's fiscal legislation has undergone significant reform and is today quite effective and transparent. Below are the main taxes in Turkey and their rates:

• Property tax. Its value ranges from 0.1–0.6%.
• Income tax. Depends on income. The minimum progressive rate is 15%, and the maximum is 35%.
• VAT. Depending on the field of activity, rates are provided: 1, 8 and 18%.
• Tax on dividends – 15%.
• Corporate income tax. The standard value is 20%. Financial services organizations are charged 22%.

The rights of foreign investors in the tax field are the same as those of local entrepreneurs.

Internship in Turkey

For young people, the opportunity to go for an internship in Turkey in the summer, where they can combine study and recreation at the same time, is very tempting. Every year, young men and women who have recently graduated from university are offered many programs in which they can get acquainted with the Turkish way of life, learn more deeply about the culture of the country and practice spoken English.

Internships typically begin in April and continue until the end of October. At this time, leading four- and five-star hotels are happy to accept foreigners for internships who want to study the resort business, hotel business or the peculiarities of chain trade in more depth. Most internships cost $500, which means the cost is recouped in about a month. It is important that, under the terms of the contract, the employer pays for the accommodation and food of the workers.

Internship in the Republic of Turkey broadens the horizons and improves the professionalism of students

What professions are most in demand in Turkey?

The table shows the most popular professions in Turkey and the average salary level:

Job vacancies in Turkey in these specialties are predominantly filled by representatives of the indigenous population. Meanwhile, the country has well-developed light industry, tourism business and the agricultural sector (here the labor agreement is usually concluded for a season). Therefore, there are even more opportunities for foreigners to get work in these fields of activity than in Western Europe.

But official employment in Turkey is possible only if a foreigner has a work permit. Immigrants from the Russian Federation, as well as Ukrainians, Uzbeks, Kyrgyzstanis, and Belarusians are offered work in Turkey with knowledge of the Russian language in the following specialties:

• Animator at the hotel. The scope of activity of this employee is the organization of cultural leisure for vacationers: he organizes discos, parties, entertaining competitions, outdoor games during the day in the open air. Salaries range from 2587–4650 liras ($500–900). And in the most prestigious hotels for teams offering interesting rooms - from 1.5 to 2 thousand dollars. Possible bonus: accommodation and meals at the expense of the employer;
• Guide. The popularity of the profession is due to the large number of Russian-speaking residents and guests in Turkey. The most attractive places for Russians to settle in the country are Izmir, Istanbul, and Ankara. And in Antalya there are more than 100 thousand of our compatriots.

The Turkish Embassy in Moscow released the following data in 2021: more than 110 thousand Russian women married Turkish men. So the circle of potential excursionists is quite wide. Interestingly, employers prefer to see young girls aged 18–27 as guides. The average income of people in this profession is approximately 3,105 liras ($600);

• Bartender. As practice shows, the wages of bar workers in Turkey reach 5,000–6,000 liras ($966–1,160). Some employers deduct tips under false pretexts. However, such cases are rare.
• Working as a nanny. Russian-speaking women most often enter into an agreement for the care of young children with the administration of a hotel located at the resort. The clients are usually families from the CIS countries who come to Turkey on vacation with children. Nanny wages are hourly, on average about 80 liras ($15) per hour.
• Housekeeper. The services of a Russian-speaking housekeeper are in demand among families who have decided to immigrate to Turkey from post-Soviet countries. Such vacancies are found quite often on the Internet. The salary of a housekeeper depends on the work schedule. For example, such work in Istanbul in the “3 months in 3 months” mode costs the client an average of 1000 euros/month. He also pays for the flight, accommodation and food.

Business immigration: where to start

It cannot be said that Turkey is a paradise for foreign businessmen, but opening a business here is much easier than in other countries. In accordance with the local Foreign Direct Investment Law, every foreigner can conduct business here under the same conditions as a Turkish citizen.

How to start your own business

1. Register a branch of a company already existing in Russia or Ukraine - since the registration procedure will be quite complicated, this option is suitable for large companies or holdings.
2. Opening a representative office of your company in Turkey - the disadvantage of this method is that all financial transactions will have to be carried out “over the hill.” Only after 3 years will the representative office be able to pay all expenses directly through an account in a Turkish bank.
3. Create your own company from scratch. The authorized capital for an LLC is 10 thousand TL (approximately 3.4 thousand US dollars), for a JSC - 50 thousand TL (about 17 thousand US dollars), registration of a new company will take from 1 to 3 working days. All documents are submitted to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry; before submitting the application, ¼ of the authorized capital must be transferred to a bank account.

International investors can create companies of any form: joint stock companies, limited liability companies, cooperatives, limited and collective societies, and also register as private entrepreneurs. You can open a company alone, but experienced businessmen believe that a decent partner who knows local specifics will significantly increase the chances of success of your enterprise.

In what area to do business?

First of all, it is necessary to take into account that some activities can only be carried out with prior permission issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. These include banks, private financial institutions, exchange offices, firms regulated by the Market Capital Law, and operators of free trade zones. Other activities can be performed without restrictions.

Many foreigners acquire a ready-made restaurant or hotel business. Indeed, most firms in these areas turn out to be profitable, but competition is growing every month. If you don’t have several million dollars and an original idea to boot, it’s better to turn your efforts to organizing a travel agency or a company that organizes marine entertainment.

Projects for the production of leather goods or the launch of a small sewing workshop are often successful. The construction business is promising. Even a small shop selling souvenirs can become very profitable, provided that it is located in a busy place.

Video: business in Turkey - a useful reminder for foreigners

In-demand vacancies

Those who are not intimidated by the complex employment procedure will be interested in the most popular and in-demand professions. Translators, of whom there are quite a few in large companies, can work openly and quite successfully in the former capital of Turkey.

There is also a constant need for programmers and managers, tour guides, teachers, advanced technologists and engineers. However, only those who thoroughly know both Turkish and English can apply for such a job in Istanbul.

To do this, you will need to confirm your qualifications both documented and in practice. The above does not mean, however, that in this city there is absolutely no chance for people who do not meet the listed requirements.

Sellers and other trade workers in some areas, amateur tour guides, nannies and governesses, and some other household staff can get a job without complex and painful registration. And of course, you cannot do without handymen, washers and cleaners.

Today, unskilled workers receive the minimum wage in Istanbul. In 2021, their salary is $400.

Programmers and application developers are especially in demand in Istanbul. Their average salary is $2,500. Also in great demand are lawyers (salary over $2,000) and therapists (salary over $1,600).

Industrial engineers will be able to find work in Istanbul without any problems. Salaries for these specialists start at $2,300 per month. Police officers receive approximately $1,300, and a teacher in a Turkish school can count on $1,100.

Indicators of the minimum wage level in Turkey over the past 10 years

Table: salaries in Istanbul by industry

Table: salaries in Istanbul by specialty

Specifics of labor migration to Istanbul

The population of Istanbul in 2021 is over 15 million people . It is the largest city in Turkey and in Europe as a whole. By the way, Moscow is in second place with a population of about 12.7 million. The main territory of Istanbul is located in the European part and a smaller one in the Asian part. The business and commercial “heart” of the city is concentrated in Europe, where most foreigners try to find work. Don't forget that the dominant religion in Turkey is Islam. The traditions and values ​​of a foreign country must be respected.

Istanbul is a very ancient and colorful city with a huge number of historical monuments, palaces, colorful markets, modern places for entertainment and leisure. In numerous nightclubs and other entertainment venues, as well as in large shopping centers and behind the counters of regular stores, you can often find working Russian-speaking citizens. Direct communication with compatriots is a good way to find a job in Istanbul.

The cost of living in Istanbul is higher than other Turkish cities, but you can earn much more here. The main thing is to find a decent job, which is very difficult to do. Unemployment in Turkey remains at 10–14% and no upward trend in employment is visible in 2021. Istanbul is no exception, although it offers quite a lot of vacancies for foreigners. For high-paying jobs you will have to compete not only with local residents, but also with people from different regions of the world.

Turkish companies are in no hurry to waste time going through bureaucratic procedures associated with hiring foreign workers, especially low-skilled ones. Moreover, the requirements for wages and other social guarantees on an equal basis with Turkish citizens make this process even more difficult. Therefore, very often Russians and Ukrainians work illegally in Istanbul. This is strictly not recommended.

Local authorities are tough on illegal labor migration and deportation from the country is practically guaranteed. Not to mention other risks associated with ensuring the safety and civil rights of people living illegally in Turkey. To obtain official employment in Istanbul, a foreigner must first complete the following steps:

• Find an employer and sign an employment contract.
• Apply for a work permit and open a work visa.
• Come to Istanbul and get a residence permit in Turkey.

All actions are coordinated with the Turkish employer and employees of the Turkish diplomatic department in the foreigner’s country. Typically, a work permit in Istanbul is issued for one year , renewable, and is strictly tied to the vacancy. A residence permit is issued within 30 days from the date of relocation.

More detailed information on the procedure for obtaining residence permits in Istanbul can be obtained on the official website of the General Directorate for Immigration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey - e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.

How to find a job in Istanbul

According to reviews from many job seekers in Istanbul from Russia and Ukraine, getting a work visa to Turkey is becoming more difficult every year. Based on your level of qualifications, education and experience, initially soberly assess your chances of finding a job, especially if the job offers a high salary.

Working in Istanbul without knowing the language in 95% of cases involves unskilled labor, often illegal. Knowledge of English , and even better Turkish , is a great advantage. The visa-free regime with Turkey for tourist trips allows Russians and Ukrainians to come to Istanbul in a short time. Within 2-3 months you can not only relax, but also find an employer or have an interview.

There are many international and transnational companies operating in Istanbul, as well as large Turkish firms and organizations that employ foreigners. Take the time to create a high-quality resume and cover letter. Briefly describe your strengths, experience, unique abilities and skills. Send job offer letters directly through special sections on the official websites of employers.

Job Search in Istanbul

Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Turkey – ailevecalisma.gov.tr

Professional social network – linkedin.com

List of large companies in Istanbul – glassdoor.com

Popular job search sites in Istanbul

jobsinistanbul.com (in English)

indeed.com (in English)

secretcv.com (in Turkish)