Turkey has become an increasingly attractive destination for international companies looking to expand their workforce. Its growing tech ecosystem, young population, and strategic location bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East make it ideal for building multicultural teams. One of the biggest draws? The availability of English-speaking professionals.
In this guide, we’ll explore how international employers can succeed at hiring English-speaking talent in Turkey—including where to find them, how to attract them, and the legal and cultural considerations you need to know.
1. Why Hire English-Speaking Talent in Turkey?
Turkey offers an impressive mix of quality and affordability in its labor market, especially for roles requiring English fluency.
Key advantages:
- Highly educated workforce: Over 200 universities, many offering English-language degrees.
- Cost-effective hiring: Salaries are significantly lower than in the UK, US, or Western Europe.
- Multilingual population: English is widely taught from early education, especially in urban areas.
- Remote work readiness: Turkish professionals are proficient in tools like Slack, Jira, Zoom, and Asana.
- Cultural adaptability: Turkish employees are known for being flexible, collaborative, and globally minded.
Whether you’re building a support team, hiring developers, or staffing a customer-facing sales force, hiring English-speaking talent in Turkey can help you grow your business globally—without sacrificing communication or quality.
2. Where to Find English-Speaking Talent in Turkey
Knowing where to source talent is essential. Here are the best cities, platforms, and institutions to explore:
a. Top Cities for English-Speaking Talent
| City | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Istanbul | Largest talent pool, tech startups, MNCs |
| Ankara | Government institutions, engineering grads |
| Izmir | Tourism, logistics, and growing startup scene |
| Antalya | Hospitality, remote workers, tourism professionals |
| Bursa & Eskişehir | Manufacturing and young university grads |
Most English-speaking professionals are concentrated in urban centers, though remote work is expanding opportunities nationwide.
b. Top Job Platforms in Turkey
- LinkedIn Turkey – Ideal for professional and corporate roles
- Kariyer.net – Largest local job board
- Eleman.net – Blue- and white-collar listings
- Techcareer.net – Focused on IT, tech, and digital talent
- Remotive.io, WeWorkRemotely, and Upwork – For hiring freelancers or remote-ready professionals
Use English in your job description if fluency is required and highlight remote work flexibility to widen your talent pool.
c. University Career Centers
Partner with top universities offering English-medium instruction:
- Boğaziçi University (Istanbul)
- Middle East Technical University (Ankara)
- Istanbul Technical University
- Bilkent University
- Koç University
Many students and alumni are fluent in English and eager to work in international environments.
3. What Roles Are Ideal for English-Speaking Hires?
Certain roles are especially well-suited for English-speaking professionals in Turkey:
- Software Development: JavaScript, Python, .NET, DevOps, and mobile development
- Customer Support & Success: B2B/B2C support, especially in SaaS and e-commerce
- Digital Marketing: Content creation, SEO, PPC, and analytics
- Sales & Business Development: Especially for EU, UK, or MENA-facing accounts
- Project Management: Agile/Scrum certified professionals
- Design & UX/UI: Figma, Adobe Suite, and user research roles
If the role requires regular communication with global clients, team collaboration across borders, or understanding of international markets, hiring English-speaking talent in Turkey is a strategic move.
4. How to Attract English-Speaking Candidates in Turkey
To appeal to English-speaking professionals, tailor your recruitment strategy:
a. Write Job Descriptions in English
This signals that the role requires English fluency and ensures candidates self-select appropriately. Be clear about the expected level (B2, C1, native, etc.).
b. Highlight International Work Culture
Turkish professionals are increasingly looking for:
- Remote or hybrid flexibility
- Exposure to international projects
- English-speaking teams
- Opportunities for global mobility or travel
c. Offer Competitive Compensation
English-speaking candidates often bring higher education levels and international exposure. While salaries in Turkey are lower than in the West, English-speaking professionals often expect compensation at the higher end of the local market.
Example 2025 salary ranges (gross monthly):
| Role | Salary (TRY) |
|---|---|
| English-Speaking Customer Support | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 45,000 – 70,000 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Project Manager | 35,000 – 55,000 |
5. Legal Considerations When Hiring in Turkey
If you’re hiring in Turkey, even remotely, you must comply with local employment law.
a. Employment Contracts
Contracts must be in Turkish (bilingual contracts are recommended) and should outline:
- Job title and description
- Salary (gross, in TRY)
- Working hours
- Leave entitlements
- Termination terms
b. Social Security Registration
All employees must be registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK) before their start date. Employers must make monthly social security contributions (approx. 22.5% of gross salary).
c. Payroll & Tax
Income taxes are withheld at source, and you must also deduct employee social contributions (approx. 15%). Payroll must be processed monthly and paid via bank transfer.
6. Hiring Without a Legal Entity: Use an Employer of Record (EOR)
If your company doesn’t have a branch or subsidiary in Turkey, you can still hire legally using an Employer of Record (EOR).
What an EOR Does:
- Becomes the legal employer on your behalf
- Drafts compliant contracts
- Registers the employee with SGK and tax authorities
- Runs monthly payroll and tax filings
- Ensures full labor law compliance
- You manage the employee’s tasks and performance
EOR services are the fastest and safest way to hire English-speaking talent in Turkey without navigating legal complexity or setting up a company.
7. Interview Tips: Screening for English Fluency
Many Turkish candidates claim to speak English, but proficiency levels vary. Use these strategies to screen effectively:
- Ask candidates to submit CVs and cover letters in English
- Conduct interviews partially or entirely in English
- Use online tools like EFSET or Cambridge English tests
- Assign a short written task or presentation in English
Evaluate not just grammar, but the candidate’s ability to communicate confidently and clearly in a business setting.
8. Cultural Insights for International Employers
Understanding local workplace culture helps you attract and retain talent:
- Turkish professionals value respect, mentorship, and job stability
- Clear communication and expectations are appreciated
- Many candidates are eager to join international teams and gain exposure
- Salaries are often negotiated in gross terms, not net
- Annual leave starts at 14 days, increasing with tenure
Offer onboarding support and cultural integration to ensure a smooth experience.
9. Retaining English-Speaking Employees in Turkey
Once you hire great talent, keep them engaged:
- Offer career growth opportunities
- Provide English training or access to certifications (e.g., Agile, AWS, HubSpot)
- Reward high performance with bonuses or promotions
- Celebrate Turkish holidays and maintain a respectful, inclusive environment
- Conduct regular feedback sessions and performance reviews
A strong employer brand and people-first culture can significantly reduce turnover.
10. Conclusion: How to Succeed at Hiring English-Speaking Talent in Turkey
Hiring English-speaking talent in Turkey is a cost-effective, strategic decision for companies looking to build high-performing global teams. With the right sourcing platforms, recruitment strategy, legal framework, and cultural understanding, your company can access top-tier professionals who are ready to contribute in English-speaking work environments.
Quick Recap:
| What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Source from top cities and platforms | Access the best English-speaking professionals |
| Use bilingual, clear job descriptions | Attract the right talent |
| Offer remote/hybrid options | Align with current work trends |
| Ensure legal compliance via EOR or local entity | Avoid fines, build trust |
| Focus on onboarding and retention | Build long-term team success |
Need help hiring English-speaking professionals in Turkey?
We provide full-service recruitment and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions—so you can hire fast, legally, and with confidence.
📩 Contact us today to start building your English-speaking team in Turkey.
