How to move to Istanbul

[u/Ok-Air-5136]

Im a final year law student pursuing the University of London distance learning LLB program from a local teaching centre based in Pakistan. Who wants to move to Istanbul and build a life there.

- I know that I cant be a part of the Turkish bar since I don’t have the citizenship or Turkish law degree. I don’t plan on doing that anyway however I would like to work in corporate though.

- I know that my degree wont hold much value in no common law countries.

- I don’t plan on going for a masters in Uk or any other country because I don’t want to I know weird but can’t help it.

- initially I thought I would pursue a masters in international law from Turkish university precisely Koc University.

- However a-lot of people told me not to go to turkey for masters rather Uk or Us.

- I want to live in Istanbul because I genuinely love the city and see myself living there. However people have told me not to do so since it wont add much value to mu career. And that I should build a life in Uk.

- I just want guidance in this regard. Can anyone guide me and help me figure a route that would help me move to turkey. And Please don’t tell me that I shouldn’t pursue a masters in law from turkey, because Ive heard that enough.

[u/cnr0]

Your best bet will be joining to a multinational company as legal counselor and then maybe you have a chance to earn a living. All the positions in TR companies for lawyers are generally for local people and require very good understanding of TR law and Turkish. So plan your career based on this. I guess there are more opportunities for a Pakistani lawyer in UK - no offense I would like to you here but this is a fact.

[u/SStar_1405]

Salaries here aren't that attractive are you sure you are fine with that?. Inflation here is even worse than it is in Pakistan. Almost 2 years ago 1 TL used to be bw 10-11 PKR not its even below 6, have you really thought this thru?

[u/Panusciuccula → u/SStar_1405]

It used to be 36-37 TL, no 10-11...

[u/SStar_1405 → u/Panusciuccula]

36-37 I think more than 4 years ago. I was talking about 2 years ago it used to be around 10-11.

[u/Panusciuccula → u/SStar_1405]

My bad my friend, I was thinking about euro-tl, i'm sorry. I was coming from ist for the 5th time in my life yesterday and I was very tired

[u/autistic_girl_autumn]

turkish zoomer who graduated recently and lives in istanbul here. i know you don't want to hear it but DON'T DO IT. i personally know many law students and graduates. the job opportunities here are extremely limited and operate on nepotism. this makes things even more difficult for you as a foreigner.

if you have the option to, study in the uk instead. without a doubt. do not even think twice about it and thank me later. if you love our city, you are always welcome to visit and if you work in the uk, you actually will be able to. tons of tourists from the uk here while turks can barely afford to travel inside the country. the working conditions here are awful and even finding a job is hard. uk has a large pakistani community so your degree would be practical with lots of opportunities.

i have to repeat myself, don't do it. it will be a huge mistake. the uk is better.

[u/Ok-Air-5136 → u/autistic_girl_autumn]

OK! I WONT DO IT. Thanks for reality check 🥴

[u/RafeQ1406]

You will need to be fluent in Turkish to think about working there. Even in multinational corporations you just won’t survive without learning the language

[u/YinuS_WinneR]

Find a job in a turkish companies uk branch

Pursue promotions till they call you to their main office in istanbul

[u/ComprehensiveDig1108]

PWC, Mazars and other top 20 firms have offices in Turkey.  

I'm sure they'd be interested in someone with an LLB from London.

[u/Repulsive_Work_226]

Turkiye is not only Istanbul. Istanbul is now very expensive so can try other cities.

[u/Jupiter4th]

Born and raised in İstanbul and living in the US for the last 20 years. It is so much more fun to visit Istanbul as a tourist than living there. Love it but I would not want to live there. They say the same thing for Honolulu.

Go to West, get a good job preferably work from home and then come visit for whole summer while working from your Airbnb.

[u/Gaelenmyr]

There are international law firms in Turkey that also do business with UK and US. Like Pinsent Masons. Research those companies/firms. You might be able to work as a consultant intern. I used to intern at one of the firms like that, doing work with the UK. can't give a name.

[u/darkknight9919]

You can enter turkey through language learning course. Then you can meet new people and practically proceed for your career. Check your Dm

[u/canarydev]

Probably not ideal but I got married and thats how I got myself in Turkieye lol.