Living and working in Türkiye: Your move made easy with KOCH Moving Logistics

Türkiye – the land between Orient and Occident, of millennia‑old history, warm hospitality and breathtaking scenic diversity – delights with a unique blend of vibrant metropolises, sun‑drenched coasts and centuries‑old cultural heritage. For many emigrants, moving to this dynamic country becomes an exciting career step – and KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as a reliable partner. Discover what makes living and working in Türkiye so special.

Türkiye ranks among the largest and most dynamic economies in the region. The country is a leader in sectors such as automotive manufacturing (with centres in Bursa, Kocaeli, Sakarya and Istanbul), textiles and clothing, chemicals, aerospace, mechanical engineering, energy production (oil, natural gas, renewable energies), construction, logistics and tourism. Istanbul is considered the country's largest market and trading hub, dominated by the stock exchange, wholesale trade, transport, banking and the press. In the eastern Mediterranean, alongside Israel, Türkiye is the only industrialised country with a broadly diversified economy. However, for German citizens, access to the Turkish labour market is subject to certain conditions – unlike within the EU, a separate work permit is required. The supply of young, well‑educated skilled workers is large, which shapes competition in the labour market.

The Turkish labour market offers German skilled professionals diverse prospects, particularly in sectors such as tourism, IT/software, textiles, mechanical engineering, aerospace, logistics, construction, healthcare and customer service for the German‑speaking market. The most in‑demand occupations include IT developers, data science specialists, engineers (especially in the automotive and aerospace industries), cybersecurity experts, hotel and catering staff, as well as German‑speaking call centre employees. Job searching is particularly promising in tourist coastal regions, where opportunities exist in hospitality, gastronomy and customer service. Good English skills are usually a prerequisite, while Turkish language skills can significantly improve job prospects. Average gross monthly salaries vary greatly depending on sector and region: IT specialists in Istanbul earn about 2,500 to 4,300 euros net per month, while skilled workers in the textile sector can expect about 1,800 to 2,900 euros net. The statutory monthly net minimum wage was raised for 2026 to 28,075 Turkish Lira (converted to about 655 to 730 euros, depending on the current exchange rate), which corresponds to an increase of 27 percent compared to the previous year. Particularly good career opportunities exist in the dynamic metropolises of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, as well as in the coastal regions of Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum and Izmir. Turkish work culture is characterised by awareness of hierarchy, relationship orientation and flexible time management.

In Türkiye, the regular weekly working time is at most 45 hours, which must generally be distributed evenly over the working days. The statutory weekly working time is divided over six weekdays, with work on six days a week being common. In fact, however, around 11.9 million employees exceed the statutory weekly working time. Employees are entitled to paid annual leave, which depends on length of service: for employees aged 18 and over, the minimum annual leave entitlement is 14 days (1‑5 years of service), 20 days (5‑15 years) and 26 days (15+ years). For employees under 18 or over 50, the minimum annual leave entitlement is 20 days. In addition, there are numerous public holidays: these include New Year's Day (1 January), National Sovereignty and Children's Day (23 April), Labour Day (1 May), Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (19 May), Democracy and National Unity Day (15 July), Victory Day (30 August), Republic Day (29 October), as well as the Islamic holidays Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı, 3.5 days) and Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı, 4.5 days). Working time arrangements vary by sector – seasonal work is widespread in tourism, while flexible working time models are increasingly being introduced in cities.

Türkiye delights with a fascinating and extremely vibrant culture, strongly shaped by its history as a bridge between Europe and Asia. From the great Islamic festivals such as the Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı) and Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı), to the national holidays, to traditional wedding rituals such as the henna night (Kına Gecesi) – exciting celebrations take place all year round. Turkish cuisine (döner, köfte, baklava, çay, meze, lahmacun, pide, simit and the world‑famous Turkish breakfast) is among the most diverse in the world and is a central part of social togetherness. Cultural characteristics include the pronounced hospitality (Turks are known for treating guests like royalty), the importance of tea (çay) as a social beverage served at every opportunity, and the tradition of the Turkish hammam (bath) as an integral part of Islamic bathing culture. The Nazar Boncugu (the "blue eye") is an ubiquitous good luck charm that is supposed to protect against the evil eye.

Türkiye offers a high quality of life, characterised by a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days per year, a developing healthcare system, a diverse education system and a rich cultural infrastructure.The cost of living is significantly below the German level: for a single person, monthly living expenses (excluding rent) are about 400 to 500 euros, and for a family of four about 1,200 to 1,600 euros. Rental prices vary greatly by region: in Istanbul, rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre is about 500 to 700 euros, in Ankara 350 to 500 euros, in Izmir 400 to 600 euros and in Antalya 350 to 550 euros. Utility costs for electricity, water, gas and internet range between 80 and 120 euros per month. A monthly ticket for public transport in Istanbul costs about 40 euros.

Turkish work culture places great importance on personal relationships, hierarchy and respect. Greeting with a firm handshake is customary; among closer acquaintances, a hug or kissing both cheeks is also common. Punctuality is expected for business appointments, while a certain flexibility prevails in social contexts. Communication is often more indirect than in Germany, and great importance is placed on respectful interaction – hierarchy is strictly observed, and decisions are often made by managers. Business meetings often begin with personal conversation and small talk before the actual topic is addressed. Neat, conservative clothing is expected for business occasions. The business card is presented with both hands and carefully studied. Business meals are an important part of relationship building, and alcohol is only offered in a business setting if the host initiates it.

The Turkish transport system is extensively developed. The state railway company TCDD Taşımacılık operates a growing network of high‑speed trains (YHT) connecting the major cities of Türkiye – including the routes Istanbul–Ankara, Ankara–Konya, Istanbul–Konya and Ankara–Eskişehir. Istanbul has a modern metro network connecting both continents, as well as numerous ferry connections across the Bosphorus. The motorway network is well developed. Türkiye also has several international airports – Istanbul Airport is one of the largest airports in the world and an important hub for international flights. Public transport in the major cities is very well developed with buses, metrobuses, ferries, trams and metro.

Living in Türkiye can vary greatly depending on the region. From elegant city apartments in the centre of Istanbul to sun‑drenched villas on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts to traditional stone houses in rural regions, there are numerous options. Average rental prices vary greatly by region and location. Istanbul, by far the largest and most popular city, located in both Europe and Asia, has the highest rental prices: a one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about 600 to 800 euros per month. When searching for accommodation, proof of income (the last three payslips) as well as the foreign identification number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası) are generally required. The deposit is usually one to two months' rent. KOCH Moving Logistics supports you in navigating the Turkish property market.

KOCH Moving Logistics supports you with your move to Türkiye with comprehensive services tailored to your needs. From planning to execution, our team ensures that your move runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most: your new life and work in Türkiye.

• Personal advice: Individual solutions for your move.
• Logistics expertise: Efficient planning and implementation.
• Local network: Support with integration in Türkiye.

KOCH Moving Logistics not only offers standardised moving services but also places special emphasis on personal advice and tailor‑made solutions. Our experts are on hand at every stage of the moving process to ensure that all your needs are met. We help you to quickly find your feet in your new surroundings and offer support with administrative matters, such as applying for a work permit (Çalışma İzni) and the foreign identification number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası).

Experience the smooth transition to your new adventure with the comprehensive service of KOCH Moving Logistics. Whether it's packing your belongings or organising your new home, we are here for you. Contact us and start your move to Türkiye today!