Working in Türkiye: Moving, work culture and job opportunities

Moving to Türkiye can be an exciting career step that offers new professional opportunities and a high quality of life. This article is aimed at anyone wishing to emigrate to work in Türkiye and highlights key aspects such as work culture, current job opportunities, legal framework and starting your own business. Use this guide to prepare optimally for your move to the land between Orient and Occident, of warm hospitality and breathtaking scenic diversity.

Turkish work culture is known for its appreciation of hierarchy, personal relationships and flexible time management. Those who want to work in Türkiye will quickly discover that the work environment is characterised by respect for hierarchy, warm manners and strong personal interaction. Understanding this working style and being willing to adapt are crucial for a successful start to working in Türkiye and for a long‑term career. The statutory maximum working week is 45 hours, with overtime being compensated with a surcharge of 25 to 50 percent. Employees are entitled to statutory minimum annual leave of 14 to 26 days per year, depending on length of service. The statutory monthly net minimum wage in 2026 is 28,075 Turkish Lira (about 550 to 650 euros, depending on the current exchange rate).

Turkish work culture places great importance on personal relationships, hierarchy and respect. Communication in the workplace is often more indirect than in Germany, with hierarchy being strictly observed. Other important aspects of workplace etiquette:

 

– GREETING AND BEHAVIOUR: A firm handshake with direct eye contact is common in the workplace – for greeting and farewell. Among colleagues and acquaintances, hugs or kissing both cheeks are also common depending on the region and closeness of the relationship. Punctuality is expected for business appointments, while a certain flexibility prevails in social contexts.

 

– DRESS CODE: Dress code depends on the industry but tends towards neat, classic business attire. In creative industries, the dress code is often more casual. In Istanbul, Ankara and the major metropolises, more emphasis is placed on stylish clothing than in more rural regions.

 

– WORKLOAD: Commitment is appreciated, but you are not expected to work excessive overtime. Compliance with the 45‑hour week is legally anchored.

 

– LANGUAGE: Turkish is the official business language. Good Turkish language skills are generally essential to integrate into the work environment. In international companies and in Istanbul, English is often the working language.

Türkiye ranks among the largest and most dynamic economies in the region. With its strategic location, well‑developed infrastructure and high quality of life, the country is an attractive location for international companies and skilled professionals. Skilled workers are particularly in demand in sectors such as tourism, translators and interpreters, healthcare, engineering and programming, automotive and textile industries. Industry, logistics, mechanical engineering and the hotel and catering industry are also continuously seeking qualified workers.

Unlike EU freedom of movement for workers, German citizens are required to obtain a work permit to take up employment in Türkiye. The employer must apply for the work permit from the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The work permit also serves as a residence permit. The salary level in Türkiye is attractive, with salaries in Istanbul and the coastal regions being significantly higher than inland. The average gross annual salary in Istanbul in 2026 is about 17,500 euros, slightly lower in Ankara and Izmir. The cost of living is highest in Istanbul and the coastal regions, especially rents, while it is more moderate in cities such as Ankara, Izmir or Bursa.

The Turkish tax system is progressive: individuals pay income tax at progressive rates from 15 to 40 percent. The tax year corresponds to the calendar year, and the tax return must be filed by the end of March of the following year. A double taxation agreement exists between Germany and Türkiye (2011), which prevents income from being taxed in both countries. Noteworthy is a new law that Türkiye is planning: a 20‑year tax exemption on foreign income for new arrivals, which could be extremely attractive for international skilled professionals. Employees pay income tax directly via payroll tax, which is withheld by the employer.

For those planning to emigrate to Türkiye and work as freelancers or entrepreneurs, the country offers a modern but regulatory demanding environment. Starting a company brings some bureaucratic challenges. It is crucial to understand the legal framework and meet the requirements for self‑employment. Support is available from the regional chambers of commerce, the public business development agency, and the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

If you wish to work as a freelancer in Türkiye, you should arrange a tax identification number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) and a residence permit for work purposes early on. Registration as a sole proprietor is the ideal entry point for freelancers with low start‑up costs and simplified accounting. For higher incomes, the legal forms Limited Şirket (Ltd. Şti.) or Anonim Şirket (A.Ş.) are tax‑advantageous. A business plan and realistic financing are essential for long‑term success.

Türkiye offers German skilled professionals excellent career opportunities, attractive salaries and a high quality of life. The work culture convinces with a statutory 45‑hour week, generous holiday entitlements and a balanced work‑life balance. Whether as an employee in one of the sought‑after sectors or as a self‑employed entrepreneur – those willing to adapt to the Turkish language and the more personal work culture will find an ideal environment for professional and personal success in Türkiye. KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as a reliable partner and ensures that your move to Türkiye runs smoothly – so you can focus entirely on starting your career.