Working in Turkey

Turkey is considered transcontinental, both Asian and European, in a geographical and cultural sense. The country shares a border with eight countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Iraq and Syria. It also has coastlines in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black seas.

The Ottoman Empire originated in Turkey and lasted from 1299 until World War 1. One of the world’s greatest empires, the Ottoman Empire controlled areas of Asia, Europe and northern Africa.

Today, Turkey has transformed into a diverse and democratic nation with a constitutional republic. Its largest city is Istanbul, while the capital of Turkey is Ankara.

The Work and Holiday visa arrangement between Australia and Turkey allows holiday and travel between the two countries for Australians.

Under the arrangement, university-educated Australians aged between 18 and 30 are allowed to work and holiday in Turkey for up to 12 months.

The arrangement was introduced with the aim of strengthening cultural exchange and widening economic ties and links between the two countries.

Turkey’s Work and Holiday visa summary

Visa: Working and Holiday
Age: 18 to 30
Length of stay: 12 months
Application fee: $170
Processing time: 4-6 weeks

If you want to travel to Turkey under Work and Holiday arrangements, there are several eligibility requirements. These include:

• Hold an Australian passport
• Meet health and character requirements
• Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of applying
• Have no dependent children accompanying you
• Have a return ticket, or sufficient funds for a return or onward fare
• Have sufficient funds for the first part of the holiday.
• A letter of approval from the Australian Government supporting the application
• Tertiary education

The letter of government support can be issued by the ACT and Regions Office in Canberra, where the following details must be provided:

• Certified copy of a valid passport
• Certified copy of one other form of identification with current residential address
• Certified copies of the applicant’s tertiary qualifications, a letter from the university confirming the level of study or originals of academic transcripts.

Emergency

Emergency numbers
Medical emergency / Ambulance               112
Fire                                                                110
Police                                                            155

Australian Embassy, Ankara
88 Uğur Mumcu Caddesi
Gaziosmanpaşa Ankara Turkey
Telephone: (90 312) 459 9500
Facsimile:   (90 312) 446 4827
Website: www.turkey.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Istanbul
16th Floor, Süzer Plaza (Ritz Carlton Hotel),
Askerocaĝı Caddesi No. 15, Elmadağ
Istanbul Turkey
Telephone: (90 212) 393 8542
Facsimile:   (90 212) 243 1332

Tax System

The tax system in Turkey is split into two main taxes: income tax and company tax. Individuals, including expats, are liable to pay income tax on all income and earnings. The tax year in Turkey is the same as the calendar year.

Income tax in Turkey works on a progressive system, with the following rates:

Bank Account

Opening a bank account as an expat in Turkey requires several pieces of documentation, including: passport, a completed bank account application form, proof of employment and proof of address. Each bank account will usually include a debit card and option to open a savings account. The major banks in Turkey include Türkiye İş Bankası and Ziraat Bankası. Many foreign banks can also be located in Turkey.

Working in Turkey

Unemployment in Turkey is reasonably high, making the job search difficult for expats on a working holiday. Teaching English is an excellent option for expats to pursue. According to TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language), there is demand for English tuition in Turkey. However, don’t expect a high salary for this work as wages in Turkey are generally low.

Another employment option while in Turkey is agricultural work. This is a great way to explore the country, enjoy the outdoors and supplement your stay with a small amount of funds. The ability to speak some Turkish or other nearby European languages will also help job hunters in Turkey.

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