Looking for Pakistani Expats in Istanbul?

Thinking about moving to Istanbul as a Pakistani? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what Pakistani expats in Istanbul wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• The climate and environment appeal. 72% of expats in Istanbul rate the climate and weather positively, and Pakistanis praise the clean environment and good air where they live.

• The culture and faith feel familiar. Pakistanis mention the food, the culture, and the ease of practising their religion as a comfortable fit.

• Careers can be a step up. Some describe better career prospects and more independence than at home.

• The expat community is a resource. A wide expat network offers the chance to exchange ideas and gain experience, and 87% rate the natural environment positively.

• The language leads to exclusion. Only 27% of expats in Istanbul find it easy to get by without Turkish, and Pakistanis say the barrier shuts them out of much of daily life.

• The welcome can feel cold. Only 51% rate friendliness positively, and some describe rigidity or hostility toward foreigners.

• The economy strains budgets. Just 16% rate the state of the economy positively and 16% the general cost of living, with prices high against a local income.

• Getting things done is hard. Only 18% find bureaucracy easy, and 33% rate political stability positively.

For Pakistanis, Istanbul offers a familiar culture and faith, a clean environment, and a step up in career and independence. The trade-offs are the language barrier, a cool welcome, and the economy. It rewards those who invest in Turkish and lean on the expat community.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our Pakistani members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

InterNations is the perfect place for Pakistani expats in Istanbul to find the help and resources they have been looking for. The "Queen Of Cities" will soon become your new home with our InterNations community - we help you to take full advantage of your new life here!

• Get to know Istanbul’s Pakistani expats.
• Join today and find everything you need through our Expat Forums and entries from fellow Pakistanis in Istanbul.
• Read through our extensive Expat Guides to receive useful information on Istanbul.

Our Istanbul community is also very active offline. Our members get to enjoy a range of events and activities on monthly and weekly basis, e.g. a great dinner at Istanbul’s fanciest restaurant organized by our InterNations Ambassadors, or a weekend trip to explore Turkey’s unique vibe. These events and activities are a perfect and casual way to get in touch with fellow Pakistani expats in your city and Pakistanis in Turkey. Interested? Simply sign up for membership and join the ranks of our Pakistanis living in Istanbul.