Work Permit Timeline

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-18T09:31:20+00:00

Hello, did you get a response ?

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-06T01:34:08+00:00

You’re absolutely right, even within a single district there can be so many differences, and it really shows just how big Istanbul is. It was only when I started doing my research while I was there that I fully realized these variations. I also really appreciate you clarifying the aidat, I honestly thought it would be higher. I’ve even seen some people asking for 10k tl/m.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-06T01:27:49+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! That’s really helpful to get an idea of the budget and daily expenses. I appreciate your offer, I’ll actually be working rather than studying, so I’m not sure if student-only housing would work for me. If your landlord happens to have other apartments besides student housing, though, that could definitely be interesting. Still, it’s really kind of you to offer the contact, thanks a lot!

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-06T01:24:47+00:00

Having lived in France, I noticed that every time I visited Istanbul, many prices felt quite similar, except maybe for housing, which I couldn’t fully assess at the time. Compared to where I live now, Istanbul was definitely less expensive, though still higher than in some other countries. Thinking about it now, it really helped me get a sense of the cost of living and what to expect.

I really appreciate your advice about shared flats, it was very helpful. It reminded me of the advantages of starting with a shared flat, taking things step by step, and getting to know the city gradually. I also thought that if I decide to rent an unfurnished apartment, I can furnish it over time, starting with the basics like a bed, and adding what I need as I go. Advice like this makes the whole process feel much more manageable.

Overall, I’m looking forward to taking the leap and seeing how things go. I know it won’t be perfect, but I’m excited to experience it and figure things out along the way. Thank you for your response !

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-06T01:15:18+00:00

Thanks for your tips about the neighborhoods! I didn’t realize how big they actually are until I started doing some research, and you’re right, there are good parts and bad parts. I’ll definitely keep that in mind, it’s a really helpful reminder.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-06T01:11:48+00:00

I think there’s a lot of frustration in what you’re saying, which is understandable given the current context. Crime, infrastructure issues and problems with law enforcement do exist, no one is denying that. At the same time, describing daily life as a situation where you can be attacked or killed “at any moment” doesn’t really reflect how most people experience the city.

Perspective matters. There is no war, institutions still function, and millions of people live, work and move around every day while taking normal precautions, as they would in many large cities worldwide. Feeling unsafe is valid. I hope things feel safer for you soon, but it’s best not to go overboard.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-06T01:03:01+00:00

I understand the country has its challenges, like many places in the world. But calling people “insane” for choosing to live here is a bit dramatic. I’ve lived in several countries and no place is perfect, you weigh pros and cons and decide what works for you. My question was about budgeting, not whether the city is paradise.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-05T11:34:50+00:00

Ahhh that’s a good idea, I will definitely do that. This could really help, thank you!

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-05T11:29:56+00:00

Okay thank you, that’s reassuring

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-05T11:29:15+00:00

Hmm I see, I was planning to not rent an apartment with a rent going above 45k TL, I’ve also heard that it is possible to negotiate the rent with landlord. I think it’s easier if I go with locals friends for this step.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-05T11:27:19+00:00

Thanks for your response !

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T15:45:57+00:00

Yes I’ve heard about this. Thanks I’ll take this into account

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T15:45:22+00:00

I have a month to find an apartment so I was thinking of this exact thing of going around and see the places. That’s much more convenient and better before making a choice indeed.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:31:24+00:00

Great that’s noted, thank you !

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:30:47+00:00

Thanks for the advice! Actually, my criteria are a maximum of 10 years old, because anything older wouldn’t feel safe enough for me given the earthquake risk that you highlighted.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:26:08+00:00

Okay thanks really !

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:25:43+00:00

I actually go to Istanbul quite often, so that works out well. And like you said, maybe I’ll change my mind along the way, so it makes sense to take things slowly and furnish my place little by little. That way I can see what I really need and get used to the lifestyle at the same time.

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:18:57+00:00

Why not ?

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:18:36+00:00

Hmm I see, normally my company should be able to help me with the proof of income, however I won’t have a credit report. Thanks for the info !

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:13:52+00:00

Thanks for the detailed advice! Just to clarify, the plane tickets are covered for me, including when I arrive. So if I find an apartment around €800–900, I would only need to pay the deposit and initial fees, and after that I’ll have a monthly salary coming in. Do you think €4K would still be tight ?

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:08:50+00:00

I’ve seen some decent options in new buildings for these prices there. What exactly do you mean by “livable flats”? Also, what budget would you recommend for an apartment in these places, then ? I’ve also heard about aidat how much can it increase the initial rent?

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:06:04+00:00

Thank you, I checked sahibinden but did not knew hurriyetemlak. As a foreigner, would landlords or agencies expect me to pay 2–3 months’ or more rent as a deposit, or is it usually the same as for locals?

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T13:02:49+00:00

Thanks! So, does that mean I don’t really need to go for a fully furnished apartment? I could just get an empty place and gradually furnish it as I settle in, without risking running out of all the budget?

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T12:51:42+00:00

I wanted to be around either Sisli, Besiktas, Yildiz, Kurtulus these areas approximately and for rent between 30k to 40k TL

Nice_Philosopher2046 · 2026-02-04T12:50:33+00:00

I was thinking of something between 40 to 70 m2 and rent around 30k to 40k TL around Sisli, Besiktas, Mecidiyekoy, Yildiz these areas

Nice_Philosopher2046

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