Turkey, with Istanbul as its main hub, has grown into a consistent market for both new faces and working models. The city attracts a wide range of clients, particularly for catalog, e-commerce, and advertising campaigns, and it’s often considered a good stepping stone for building experience before moving on to larger European or Asian markets.

This guide was designed to help you navigate everything involved in modeling in Istanbul, including:

• Agency Expectations & Development: What agencies in Istanbul look for and how they prepare new faces for consistent work.

• Commissions & Contracts: Industry-standard commission structures, deductions, and what to expect financially.

• Visas & Work Rights: Information on entry requirements and how to work legally in Turkey.

• Accommodations & Daily Life: Details on model apartments, private housing, and the realities of day-to-day living in Istanbul.

• Client Culture & Market Trends: The types of jobs most commonly booked — from catalogs and lookbooks to advertising campaigns.

• Career Building: How Istanbul experience can strengthen a portfolio and open the door to placements in other regions.

Istanbul offers a unique balance: a market with steady commercial work, an affordable cost of living, and exposure to a mix of clients. For new faces, it can provide the consistency needed to gain confidence and on-set experience. For experienced models, it’s an efficient way to refresh portfolios and secure income between larger placements.