Freelancing, i.e. project-based work without being tied to an employer, is now on the radar of not only digital nomads but also international students studying in Turkey. Freelancing can be a great solution, especially for those who want to cover the cost of living in big cities, gain experience and add something to their CV.
But is it really possible to work freelance in Turkey? What are the legal aspects? Which platforms can you find a job on? We examine them one by one below.
What is freelancing and why is it becoming increasingly popular in Turkey?
Freelance concept and digital nomad culture
Freelancing means choosing and managing your own business without being tied to a specific company and earning your income directly. This flexible structure is especially common in fields such as IT, design, writing and translation. Close your laptop and it starts working, if you find enough customers!
In the last few years, the freelancing culture in Turkey has grown significantly. Cities like Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya are no longer just tourist destinations, but freelancing hubs for digital nomads and international students.
Reasons for the growth of the freelance market in Turkey
Widespread internet access in Turkey, foreign currency-based incomes becoming more attractive than the local economy, and the digital competence of the young population have enabled the freelancing market to grow. The number of freelance workers in Turkey is increasing every year, especially in areas such as software and digital marketing.
Can International Students Freelance in Turkey?
Is it legal to freelance on a student visa?
Here it is a bit complicated. Working legally in Turkey on a student visa is subject to certain rules. If you are a university student and want to work for an employer, you need to apply for a work permit within the weekly time limits. However, freelancing, i.e. earning money independently, technically does not fall under this scope.
Many students describe freelancing in Turkey as a “gray area” because there is no clear and comprehensive legal regulation on this issue yet. Nevertheless, those who want to earn income in this way should be careful.
Independent work visa and its requirements
If you are considering freelancing in Turkey for the long term, applying for an independent work visa may be an option. This visa allows you to run your own business without depending on a specific employer. But it’s not easy:
You need to prove your income level, clearly state your field of activity in Turkey and submit some documents.
If you need more information about this process, be sure to check out our guide Transitioning from Student Visa to Work Visa in Turkey.
The Best Freelance Platforms in Turkey (2025 Current List)
Global platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer
The most preferred freelancing sites for international students often require working in English. However, the earnings are higher on these sites. Here are some examples:
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Fiverr | Globally the largest job pool, predominantly creative work |
| Upwork | Corporate clients, high competition |
| Freelancer | Project-based work, tender system |
Specifically, you can filter for Upwork Turkey jobs to find only Turkey-based jobs or projects that require Turkish language skills.
Local favorites: Bionluk, Pear, Profixy, Webly
For those who want to work with employers in Turkey, some local platforms are very useful:
- Bionluk: Intensive Turkish jobs in areas such as graphic design, translation, software.
- Pear: Mostly physical services, but translation and writing work is also available.
- Profixy: A rising freelancer market, entrepreneur-friendly.
- Webly: A prominent platform for web development and content production.
Through these platforms, you can use your language advantage and start with less competition when taking freelance jobs in Turkey.
Free Business Opportunities for Turkish Speakers
Jobs and sectors that can be done remotely
If you speak Turkish, freelancing in Turkey can be much easier for you. Because many employers need Turkish-speaking freelancers for services such as content writing, social media management, customer representation and translation.
Particularly call-center services and e-commerce support jobs open a serious door for both students and recent graduates who want to work part-time. Educational consultancies, local blogs and digital agencies frequently prefer freelancers who can produce content in Turkish.
What to consider when freelancing in Turkey
Remember, freelancing in Turkey is not always easy within the legal framework. Depending on the status of your residence permit, freelancing may carry some risks. Especially when there is a regular inflow of foreign currency into the bank account, you are more likely to be audited by the tax office.
Therefore, being able to document your freelance earnings, formalize your business and become a taxpayer is a great advantage in the long run.
Also, when freelancing, having a “freelance contract” in place can protect you in case you don’t get paid. Even a simple PDF will do, but I recommend using a professional template.
Pros and Cons of Freelancing
Flexibility, income potential and experience gain
Especially as a freelance student in Turkey, time management is in your hands. If you wish, you can work for a few hours on weekdays, or complete a full-time project on weekends. This is a great advantage in terms of adapting to the course schedule.
Earning 100 USD from a job that pays in foreign currency is about 3,800 TL at today’s exchange rate. Not bad for students by Turkish standards.
In addition, real client experience, projects and references to add to your CV will support your freelancing career. When you graduate from university, you start one step ahead.
Payment problems, taxes and difficulties finding customers
But it’s not all rosy. Freelancing in Turkey can sometimes be fraught with late payments, disputes, and trouble finding clients. It can take time to find regular work, especially for first-time freelancers.
In addition, tax obligations are still complicated for many foreign students. If you plan to stay in Turkey for a long time, I recommend you to get support from a financial advisor. Legalizing your freelance earnings protects you against many risks.
5 Tactics for a Successful Freelance Career
How to prepare a strong portfolio?
In the world of freelancing, what you do matters more than who you are. Even a simple Google Drive folder can be enough to present your work. However, platforms such as Behance, Dribbble, Contently provide a professional showcase.
The most recommended first step for students who want to freelance in Turkey is to create a portfolio full of sample works.
How to follow Upwork Turkey job postings?
Upwork allows you to apply for jobs based in Turkey using country filters. For example, search for “translation Turkish-English”, “remote assistant Turkey” and you will find many Turkish employers.
Tips: Fill out your profile 100 percent, keep the price a little low for your first applications, then gradually increase it.
Tips on time management and customer relations
If you’re a student and taking on several jobs at once, tools like Google Calendar or Trello are life-savers. Meeting deadlines, keeping communication professional, and being open with clients will make freelancing in Turkey sustainable.
Your dream freelance career can start here
Take action now to freelance in Turkey
In this article, we have clearly answered the question “Is it possible to work freelancing in Turkey?” You have learned the legal ways, recognized the platforms and seen everything that needs to be considered step by step.
Now it’s your turn. If you have completed your ID, address registration and necessary permissions, you can start your freelancing adventure today. If you still have any questions, please contact the Road to Study consulting team to clarify your path.
Get reliable support for identity, registration and visa processes
If you are considering freelancing in Turkey, be sure to read our article on Procedures for Initial Registration and Address Notification in Turkey. All documents, application process and important steps are explained in detail.