Prohibited Jobs in Turkey for Iranians | Everything You Need to Know
prohibited jobs in Türkiye are an important topic for Iranians who are planning to work in Turkey. If you’re considering migrating to Turkey and starting a new career path, being aware of the legal job restrictions for foreign nationals—especially Iranians—is essential.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the list of prohibited jobs in Turkey, the Turkish job market, how to find work in Istanbul, and introduce the best job search websites in Turkey.
Why Are Some Jobs in Turkey Prohibited for Foreigners?
To protect the local job market and increase employment opportunities for its citizens, Turkey has placed certain restrictions on foreign workers. These rules mostly apply to sensitive professions or those requiring special licenses, and they mandate that such positions must be held by Turkish citizens.
List of prohibited jobs in Türkiye for Iranians
Foreign nationals, including Iranians, are not permitted to work in the following professions in Turkey:
Lawyer and legal consultancy
Pharmacist and operating a pharmacy
Dentist and midwife
Veterinarian
Notary public
Customs and clearance services
Security sector jobs (security officer)
Official tour guide (unless holding Turkish citizenship)
Ship captain, industrial diver, and other maritime roles
Stock brokerage and sensitive financial positions
These jobs are strictly reserved for Turkish citizens, and even obtaining a residence permit or work visa does not override these restrictions.
So, What Are the Best Jobs for Iranians in Turkey?
Despite the mentioned restrictions, there are still plenty of job opportunities available for Iranians in Turkey. Some of the best jobs for Iranians include:
Programming, web design, and IT-related jobs
Teaching Persian or English
Digital marketing and SEO
Sales and marketing, especially in international brands
Customer service in foreign companies based in Istanbul
Graphic design, content creation, and social media management
Culinary arts, working in restaurants, hotels, and the tourism sector
Job Market and How to Find Work in Turkey
How Easy Is It to Find a Job in Turkey?
Depending on your skills, language proficiency, and experience, finding a job in Turkey can be easy or challenging. Speaking Turkish is a major advantage, but English is often sufficient for international or tech-related positions.
Finding Work in Istanbul
Without a doubt, Istanbul is one of the most popular choices for Iranians looking for work. As Turkey’s cultural and economic hub, Istanbul offers the highest number of job opportunities for expats—from administrative to technical and artistic roles.
Top Job Search Websites in Turkey
Here are some of the most reliable job search platforms in Turkey:
www.kariyer.net – The most popular job search site in Turkey
www.yenibiris.com – For general and service-related jobs
www.iskur.gov.tr – The official website of Turkey’s Employment Agency
LinkedIn – Great for specialized jobs and direct contact with employers
General Requirements for Obtaining a Work Permit in Turkey
To work legally in Turkey, Iranians must obtain a job offer from a Turkish employer and secure a work permit (Çalışma İzni). Required documents include:
A valid passport
Employment contract
Valid health insurance
Translated educational documents
Criminal background check
Proof of legal residence in Turkey
Conclusion
One of the most important things to consider before migrating is being informed about the job restrictions in the destination country. Every country, depending on its social, economic, and legal conditions, reserves certain professions for its citizens.
Turkey is no exception. While it is an attractive destination for work migration and offers many job opportunities for foreign workers, certain professions are strictly limited to Turkish citizens and are off-limits to Iranians and other foreigners.
If you’re planning to work in Turkey—especially in Istanbul—it’s important to first familiarize yourself with these restrictions to make realistic career plans and avoid confusion or wasted time.
Knowing the prohibited jobs in Turkey for Iranians helps you approach your work permit process with a clear understanding. Plus, by learning about in-demand jobs and legal employment methods, you can boost your chances of success in Turkey’s job market.
Special Tip
📌 Want to know more about working in Turkey and job search platforms? Be sure to check out our in-depth article on “Working in Turkey & Job Placement Agencies.” It covers detailed info on salaries, work permits, high-demand fields, and strategies for success in the Turkish job market.
