Living in Istanbul: the ultimate expat guide

Istanbul is the center of Turkey's economy and a major driver of business activity. The city attracts many international firms that set up regional offices here, along with a fast-growing community of local startups in technology and e-commerce.

Key employment sectors

The service sector plays the biggest role in Istanbul's economy, with many people working in finance, consulting, marketing, and IT. These companies often look for international talent, especially candidates with language skills or technical know-how. Manufacturing is still important as well, especially in automotive, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Tourism and hospitality offer steady opportunities for multilingual professionals who want to work in Istanbul. Technology startups continue to grow and often look for developers, digital marketers, and product managers with international experience.

Work permits and requirements

Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit before beginning employment. Employers typically handle applications through Turkey's Ministry of Labor. A valid work permit serves as a residence permit, eliminating the need for separate documentation. The process involves submitting a signed job contract, university degrees, and proof of relevant experience. Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days. While some sectors have quota limits, highly skilled professionals usually receive priority.

Data correct as of November 2025.

Sources: Trading Economics, Numbeo

Istanbul hosts more than 50 universities. These institutions range from prestigious public research universities to specialized private colleges, many offering programs entirely in English. International students benefit from relatively affordable tuition compared to Western universities, while enjoying a cosmopolitan campus environment.

Top universities for international students

Istanbul Technical University ranks as Turkey's premier engineering and technical institution, offering English-taught programs in engineering, architecture, and sciences. Boğaziçi University is consistently rated as one of the country's best, with well-regarded programs in business, engineering, and social sciences. Koç University is a private research institution known for business administration, economics, and international relations programs. Sabancı University offers interdisciplinary programs with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tuition fees and admission

Public universities generally offer lower tuition than Western institutions, with costs for international students varying by program but remaining comparatively affordable. Private universities charge higher fees with a wide range between schools. Medicine and dentistry tend to be the most expensive options across the board. Most universities require exam scores such as SAT or YÖS, proof of English proficiency for English-taught programs, and high school transcripts. Application deadlines for fall entry usually fall between April and July, though some institutions set their own dates.

Sources: Istanbul University, Istanbul Technical University, Boğaziçi University

Istanbul has a diverse range of schooling options, from Turkish public schools to international institutions following British, American, and International Baccalaureate curricula. The academic year runs from September to June, with schools observing Turkish national holidays and Islamic feast days.

International and bilingual schools

Istanbul offers a wide choice of international schools. Key institutions include British International School Istanbul, which follows the British National Curriculum and Istanbul International School with its IB program. Most schools require entrance assessments and previous school records, with applications typically open from January through May for September enrollment.

Turkish public and private Schools

Public schools provide free education but instruction is primarily in Turkish, making them challenging for non-Turkish speakers. Private Turkish schools offer bilingual programs with English, German, or French alongside Turkish. Some highly regarded private schools include TED Istanbul College, FMV schools, and Işık Schools, which combine Turkish curriculum with international programs.

Sources: British International School Istanbul, Istanbul International School

Istanbul's housing market reflects its size and diversity, with rental prices varying dramatically between central districts and suburban areas. The city offers a wide range of housing types, from modern apartments and high-rise flats to historic townhouses and family homes in quieter neighborhoods.

Where expats live

Expats in Istanbul choose neighborhoods that match their lifestyle. Beşiktaş and Şişli appeal to professionals with central locations and metro access, while Kadıköy and Moda on the Asian side offer a lively, cultural atmosphere. Nişantaşı and Etiler are known for luxury living, Cihangir and Beyoğlu for arts and history, and Başakşehir and Beylikdüzü for family-friendly modern housing.

Rental process and rental costs

Rental contracts in Istanbul usually require a deposit and an agency fee. Leases typically run 12 months, with renewals adjusted according to inflation. Monthly maintenance fees cover building services, security, and amenities. Apartments near metro stations offer added convenience, and furnished units are generally more expensive than unfurnished ones.

Data correct as of November 2025.

Source: Numbeo

Istanbul's cultural richness stems from its previous role as capital to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The city offers world-class museums, architectural masterpieces, traditional arts and much more. Entertainment options range from historic hammam experiences to modern nightclubs, ensuring there is something to see and do in Istanbul for everyone.

Museums and historical sites

Topkapı Palace provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans, with its jeweled treasures and picturesque courtyards. Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece, originally built as a Byzantine cathedral and later converted into an Ottoman mosque. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums present artifacts from ancient civilizations, while Istanbul Modern features Turkish and international contemporary art.

Entertainment and parks

Istiklal Street in Beyoğlu buzzes with shops, cafés, and street performers. The nostalgic red tram adds charm to this pedestrian avenue. Karaköy and Galata neighborhoods feature trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and art galleries. Nişantaşı offers upscale shopping and dining. Asian side neighborhoods like Kadıköy and Moda provide laid-back café culture and live music venues. Traditional Turkish baths (hammams) offer authentic spa experiences, with historic hammams like Çemberlitaş and Süleymaniye providing traditional scrub and massage services. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, consider spending time at Emirgan Park or Yildiz park.

Sources: Müze İstanbul, Encyclopedia Britannica

Istanbul operates at a fast pace, with traffic congestion during rush hours and bustling streets throughout the day. From early morning calls to prayer to late-night tea shops, the city is a hive of activity.

Getting around the city

Istanbul's public transportation system links all major neighborhoods through metro, tram, bus, ferry, and funicular services. All transport modes are accessible using the Istanbulkart, a convenient, rechargeable card. The primary metro lines typically operate from 6 AM to midnight, while the dedicated Metrobüs line runs continuously, 24/7, along the city's main corridor. For a scenic commute, ferries offer quick journeys across the Bosphorus, linking the European and Asian sides from early morning until late evening.

Lifestyle and cultural habits

Locals enjoy spending time in cafés, tea gardens, and restaurants, making dining out a central social activity. The city has a generally liberal atmosphere where different lifestyles comfortably coexist. Shopping is diverse, ranging from historic bazaars to modern malls.

Source: Istanbulkart

Istanbul's cost of living is notably lower than major European cities such as London or Paris. While essentials like fresh produce are generally affordable, imported goods and housing in central areas command premium prices.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of November 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of November 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, Global Citizen Solutions