Get a job in Istanbul
Living and working in Istanbul means you live in the only city in the world that is located on two continents. The river Bosporus splits the city in two: on the western side you live in Europe and on the eastern side you’ll be in Asia. Experience how this location influences the culture and lifestyle of the people in Istanbul. Involve yourself in this contradictory city: from eastern traditions to western trends and from impressive mosques to modern nightclubs.
Life in Istanbul
Istanbul is a big and bustling city with more than 15 million people. Life goes fast, and there is a lot to experience and do in your spare time.
The city is chaotic, but also beautiful with a rich history. Imagine taking the ferry to travel across continents in your own hometown. Visit iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. A short vacation is never enough, but in Istanbul you need a lot of time to visit all the cool places. Find your favorite rooftop bar, and explore new neighborhoods every weekend while living in Istanbul.
Work in Istanbul
- Average working hours per week: 40 to 45 hours, 8 to 9 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 14 to 20 days / 3 to 4 weeks
- Commute: Mostly by train, metro, buses
- Work culture: Hierarchical
FAQ
You can move to Istanbul by yourself, with a friend or as a couple. There are pros and cons to all of the situations. If you consider moving abroad with any kind of friend it can be a really good idea to sit down and talk through practical and everyday stuff such as economy, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking vs ordering, going out/staying in, how you deal with potentially going out without each other as well as having friends and family visiting (from near and far and extended visits). Apart from the practical arrangements, life is fun when you can share your new core memories with other people – so it is very recommendable to move abroad together. Moving with a friend can cause you to interact less with new people compared to if you move abroad by yourself. But if this is a good or a bad thing entirely depends on your personal goals and wishes as well as your personality.
Conclusion: communication is key if you and your friend decide to move abroad together
The easiest way to travel fast through the city is by using the metro lines. Istanbul invested a lot of money to improve these lines the last couple of years. The lines cover large parts of the city, making it easy to travel from one side to the other pretty fast. Other ways of transport that are useful are the buses and trams. Trams are a bit quicker than buses. If you love being on the water, consider taking a ferry if you need to go from Europe to Asia.
The cost of living in Istanbul can vary depending on factors such as accommodation, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences. Compared to western European prices, Istanbul can be relatively cheaper. Rent prices can vary, with options available for different budgets, but it’s possible to find affordable housing options. Daily expenses such as groceries, dining out, and transportation are also reasonably priced. It’s important to note that individual circumstances and choices can greatly impact the overall cost of living in the city.
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre: approximately €750 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: approximately €550 per month
- 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre: approximately €1400 per month
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: approximately €800 per month
Some of the most popular areas for European foreigners include Beşiktaş, Nişantaşı and Moda. These areas are considered safe. If you prefer a greener location, look for housing in neighbourhoods like Çekmeköy or Beykoz. On a budget? Consider the cheaper neighbourhoods like Esenyurt and Avcılar.
Use websites like sahibinden.com and zingat.com to start your search for housing in Istanbul.
Istanbul has a great climate, with mild winters and relatively warm summers. In the summer you can enjoy temperatures between 23°C and 30°C. In the winters, temperatures drop to 5°C to 10°C, but it doesn’t get very cold.
Still not sure about moving to Istanbul?
Istanbul has so much to offer, we can’t list everything. Life is fairly cheap too. Eat a full meal for just 5 to 8 euros with a view over the Bosphorus. Food is great in Istanbul. The meals are freshly made and fresh. Istanbulites love gathering, sharing and celebrating with food. The city itself also offers amazing nature, like the Belgrad Forest, where you can go for a hike or a jog. Or visit the Princes’ Islands, where you can enjoy the water and go for a relaxing swim.
When living in Istanbul, you will experience the warm and welcoming nature of the people. Istanbulites are eager to help you, especially when they see you are trying to adapt to the way of life in the city. You will often experience people helping you, or offering you tea.
If you are a sports fan, Istanbul also has a lot to offer. With Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş, Istanbul is home to three of the biggest football clubs in the country. But there are also two big basketball clubs (Anadolu Efes, Fenerbahçe Beko) and the city also organises a big marathon event every year. There are sporting events to visit every weekend.
