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In recent years, freelance work has rapidly become popular in Turkey, especially for young people and those who are close to the digital world. With the possibilities offered by the Internet, it is now possible to work with customers from all over the world. European countries in particular are a really attractive market for Turkish freelancers, both with high wages and wide job opportunities. However, many details become important in this process, from finding a job to receiving payments reliably and at low cost. In this article, starting with the basics of freelance work, we will cover topics such as the advantages of doing business from Turkey abroad and especially in Europe, popular platforms and difficulties in receiving payment processes. If you also want to increase your income by buying business from Europe, this guide is for you!
Working freelance means earning income by doing project-based work without being tied to a company. It is also known as “freelance work” in Turkish. Especially for those who want flexible working hours, independence and prefer ways to earn money by working from home. Ways to make money working from home offer an ideal option for those looking for a flexible lifestyle with freelance work.
Especially for those who want flexible working hours and independence. He manages his own business, specializing in areas such as software development, graphic design, content production, translation or digital marketing. According to data from STATISTA for 2023, 1.57 billion people worldwide work freelance, and in Turkey this number reaches about 8 million. The proliferation of remote working culture, especially after the pandemic, has made the freelance business model even more attractive.
Freelance work requires discipline and self-management, while offering the freedom to create your own schedule. For freelancers heading to the European market, this model means not only flexibility, but also higher earnings and the opportunity to take part in global projects. However, to become a successful freelancer, it is essential to manage the processes of finding a job, customer communication and receiving payments well.
Freelancers carry out their business mostly through the Internet. Online freelance jobs remove geographical boundaries, allowing Turkish freelancers to do projects with clients in Europe. The first step is to determine your capabilities. If you are a software developer without question, you may be specializing in Python or JavaScript. Or if you're a graphic designer, you might be using Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Showcasing your capabilities in a portfolio, you need to present it to clients. While most freelancers find work through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, some reach customers directly through LinkedIn or personal websites. When you receive a project, it is agreed with the client about the scope of the work, the delivery date and the fee. After the work is completed, it is delivered and payment is received. However, time management is critical in this process. Adapting to time differences when working with clients in Europe, delivering projects on time and communicating professionally increases your chances of getting a job again. Therefore, good planning and communication skills are the cornerstones of your freelance career.
Finding freelance work can be daunting for beginners, especially when it comes to finding freelance work in 2025. But don't worry, you can make this process easier by using the right platforms and building a portfolio that highlights your competencies. For example, if you're a content writer, blog posts or articles you write; if you're a web developer, projects you've completed should be included in your portfolio. Then, turning to job sites is a logical step.
The most popular platforms for finding jobs in the European market include Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal and Freelancer.com. These platforms allow you to connect with customers around the world. For example, when a project ad is opened on Upwork, you can attract the attention of customers by offering proposals that match your competencies. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is a powerful tool to expand your professional network and connect directly with companies in Europe. Also, by creating a personal website or blog, you can ensure that customers find you in organic searches with SEO optimization. According to Google Trends, terms such as “freelance work” and “remote work” have a high search volume in Turkey, indicating that demand is growing in this area.
Being professional and transparent in communicating with customers makes a difference in the process of finding a job. Keep delivery times realistic while offering your quotes at competitive prices. In addition, customer reviews and feedback increase your credibility on the platforms. You can strengthen your portfolio by taking on small projects with low fees initially, then move on to larger, high-paying jobs. Another of the most effective ways to find freelance work is to establish a professional network on LinkedIn and be active on the platforms.
The freelance world offers quite wide opportunities for people with different abilities and interests. The demand for technological and creative fields, especially in the European market, is very high.
In which areas can you work freelance? Come and see it together!
Software Development
Software development is one of the most demanded and lucrative areas of the freelance world. Technology companies and startups in Europe are looking for freelancers specialized in languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP and C# for web and mobile application development, database management or artificial intelligence projects. For example, backend development for an e-commerce platform, integration of payment systems for a fintech company or a mobile application project are among the jobs that can be completed with high fees. According to Statista, in 2025, software development will account for about 30% of the global freelance market, and this rate is even higher in Europe. On platforms like Upwork, the hourly fees for software developers are usually between 20-50 EUR. To succeed in this area, it is critical to build a portfolio by sharing projects on GitHub and demonstrate proficiency in popular frameworks (React, Django, Node.js).
Graphic Design
Do you want to get your creativity talking? Then graphic design is for you!
Projects such as brand identities, social media images, website presentations, product packaging or advertising materials are frequently requested by agencies and brands in Europe. Designers who specialize in tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Figma can work with clients, especially in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For example, designing a logo for a Berlin-based startup or crafting social media campaign images for a London firm, both prestigious and lucrative projects. On platforms such as Fiverr for those looking for freelance graphic design jobs, a graphic design project can be charged between 50-500 EUR. To be successful, it is important to have a strong portfolio on platforms such as Behance or Dribbble and follow current design trends (e.g. minimalism, 3D graphics).
Content Production and Digital Marketing
Content production and digital marketing is a rapidly growing freelance field in Europe. SEO compliant blog posts, product descriptions, social media content, email campaigns or advertising texts are indispensable for freelancers, ecommerce firms, digital agencies and brands. Especially the production of content in English is a great advantage for Turkish freelancers, because professionals who are fluent in English are in high demand in Europe. For example, writing product descriptions for an Amsterdam-based e-commerce site or creating a social media strategy for a Paris agency are among the common projects. According to SEMrush's 2025 data, digital marketing is one of the fastest growing categories in freelance jobs. Those who want to work in this field can stand out by improving their skills in SEO tools (e.g. Ahrefs, Yoast), Google Analytics, and social media management. Average fees range from 100-1000 EUR on a project-based basis.
Translation and Localization
Translation and localization are a great need in Europe's multilingual market. By translating in English, German, French, Spanish or other languages, you can offer services for websites, mobile applications, marketing materials or technical documents. Companies in Europe need localization specialists to adapt their products to different countries. For example, localizing a Spanish brand's website for the English market or translating a German company's user manual into Turkish are common types of business. Translation projects are usually charged per word, and in Europe this rate ranges from 0.05-0.15 EUR. To be successful, it is essential to learn to use CAT tools (e.g. SDL Trados) and to master linguistic and cultural nuances. In addition, proficiency in multiple languages provides a competitive advantage.
Video Editing and Animation
With the rise of video content, social media and advertising, freelance has become a popular area in the world. Freelancers who specialize in tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects or DaVinci Resolve for YouTube videos, trailers, motion graphics or short ad videos often collaborate with content creators in Europe. For example, editing video for a London-based YouTuber or making animated advertising video for a Parisian agency, from jobs that are in high demand. On Fiverr and Upwork, a video editing project can be charged between 100-1000 EUR. To succeed in this field, it is important to develop storytelling skills, offer fast delivery, and follow current video trends (e.g., vertical videos, 3D animations).
Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
Data analytics and artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing field for freelancers with technical skills. Companies in Europe need reporting and analysis services using Python, R or SQL to make data-driven decisions. For example, as a data analyst, you can analyze sales data for a retail firm or pre-process data for an AI model. Furthermore, machine learning and AI integrations are in demand, especially in the fintech and healthcare sectors.
Apart from the main industries above, there are many different areas for freelance work. Training and consulting, for example online coaching, business strategy or career consulting, are popular among professionals in Europe. Voiceover is especially in demand for commercials, games or educational videos. It offers opportunities for illustration, children's books or digital art projects. Virtual assistant is a service needed for small businesses in Europe for tasks such as email management, calendar planning or customer relations. To succeed in these areas, it is critical to build a strong portfolio in your area of expertise and to be active on platforms that suit your target audience.
Freelance work requires a range of competencies beyond technical skills. In order to compete in the European market, it is important to focus on the following skills:
· Area of ExpertiseA: You must have in-depth knowledge in an area such as software development, graphic design, digital marketing or translation. For example, in software, competence is expected in tools such as JavaScript or Python, and in design, in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
· Communication Skills: Being able to communicate fluently with clients in Europe in English or other languages can be called the building block of freelancer work. It is important to write clear and professional emails, express yourself well in video calls.
· Time Management: To manage multiple projects at the same time, a disciplined working order is essential. Tools like Trello or Asana can help you organize your projects.
· Customer Management: Understanding customer expectations, responding quickly to revision requests, and building long-term relationships increase your chances of getting a job again.
Europe offers unique opportunities for Turkish freelancers. First, hourly or project-based wages in Europe are often higher compared to the local market in Turkey. For example, an hourly wage for a software developer at Upwork can range between 20-50 EUR, while in Turkey the figure can remain lower. In addition, working with clients in Europe offers you the chance to take part in global projects and strengthen your portfolio at an international level.
Freelancers doing business in the European market get acquainted with innovative projects in different sectors. For example, a graphic designer might design a brand identity for a startup in Berlin; a content writer might write SEO-friendly product descriptions for an e-commerce firm in Amsterdam. This diversity provides both professional development and cultural richness.
Moreover, business processes in Europe are often more structured and reliable. Payment security, professional communication and contract-based work reduce risks for freelancers. However, in order to take full advantage of these advantages, it is necessary to manage the processes of receiving payments well. Because getting paid from Europe to Turkey for Freelancer jobs also brings some challenges.
Freelance work sites are the main tools that enable Turkish freelancers to easily reach projects in Europe. Using the right platforms to find work in the European market plays a key role in the success of your freelance career. Freelance platforms reach customers around the world, making it easy to find jobs in areas such as software, design or translation.
Here are the most popular platforms and their features:
· Upwork: Used by more than 5 million businesses worldwide, this platform offers a wide range of business opportunities including software, design, writing and marketing. Upwork operates with commission rates ranging from 5-20% and stands out for its secure payment systems. It is one of the most popular options for freelancers from Turkey. So, how do you find a job at Upwork? Upwork makes finding a job pretty easy thanks to its user-friendly interface. Once you have created your profile, you can apply by filtering jobs that match your abilities. Search by criteria such as keywords, category, budget and delivery time to find the projects that best suit you. Upwork is also easy to use in Turkey.
· Fiverr: Ideal for fast and small-scale projects for those who want to generate income with Fiverr. Fiverr operates with a 5.5% commission rate and is especially popular in areas such as graphic design, translation, and video editing. With service packages called “Gig”, you can quickly reach customers.
· Toptal: A platform designed for high-level capabilities. While the software is a rigorous attribution process for developers and designers, it offers highly paid projects. Ideal for those who want to work with technology companies in Europe.
· Freelancer.com: With more than 50 million users, it offers a large business pool. In addition, Freelancer.com is a guide for Turkish users, and it is important to create a strong profile on this platform where the competition is high.
· PeoplePerHour: Especially suitable for creative work (design, writing, marketing). Being based in Europe provides an advantage for those who want to work freelance in Turkey.
Although getting a job from Europe offers high earnings, the process of getting paid has some obstacles for Turkish freelancers. Traditional banking methods, such as SwiftTransfers, can be costly with high transaction fees (30-50 EUR) and exchange rate losses. Also, transfer times can take 3-5 business days, which makes cash flow difficult
These challenges are some of the biggest obstacles that freelancers face when buying jobs from Europe. However, with the right tools and platforms, it is possible to facilitate these processes. For example, Offering the opportunity to have a valid IBAN across the SEPA region, UPTION reduces costs and speeds up transfer times, reducing time costs.
As mentioned above, one of the biggest challenges for freelancers from Turkey to Europe is transfer payments to Turkey quickly, securely and at low cost. Traditional banking methods are fraught with high SWIFT fees, exchange rate losses, and long transaction times.
Many freelancers from Europe face high costs, complicated procedures and bank problems when bringing their earnings to Turkey. That's right at this point. European Account advantage offered by Uption It offers a great solution and creates an environment of trust for those who ask whether it is safe to work as a freelancer.
UPTION, for freelancers living in Turkey in the European region (valid in all SEPA countries) assigns an IBAN. In this way, receiving payments from employers or platforms in Europe becomes as easy as if you had a bank account in Europe.
Easy Account Opening
• No need to go to Europe to open a European Account via UPTION.
• The whole process is digital. In the UPTION app, just click on the “Open Account in Europe” button from the “My Accounts” menu.
• In a short time, the application will be evaluated and your account will be activated.
Low Transaction Fee
•Account opening is completely free.
•Only per transaction when receiving payment from Europe 3 EUR inThere is a surcharge.
A very economical solution compared to banks and traditional methods.
No Problem with Procedure
Opening a bank account in Europe often requires a face-to-face meeting, a residence permit, or paperwork.
• With UPTION, these processes are completely eliminated.
Ease of Payment with European IBAN
• A SEPA compliant IBAN is provided so that employers in Europe can pay you.
• Payments sent from Europe are transferred quickly and securely to the UPTION Europe Account.
• If you wish, you can instantly convert the balance in your account to Turkish Lira and spend it as you wish.
Moreover, you can do all this very quickly. With traditional methods such as SWIFT, transfer periods of 3-4 days are reduced to 1 day with UPTION. Payments sent during business hours arrive in your UPTION Europe Account on the same day.
specifically For freelancers who receive regular payments from Europe UPTION Europe Account provides a great advantage for freelancers who want to manage their business digitally and move their earnings safely to Turkey.
You can also spend safely both at home and abroad by easily converting the payments you receive to your European Account into any currency (USD, EUR, TL) with your UPTION Card.
As a result, if you are looking for a payment instrument that offers reliable and convenience to do freelance business to Europe and receive payments from Europe, Uption's European Account is the most suitable and reliable solution for you. Saving both time and expense, you can quickly transfer your earnings from Europe to Turkey.
