Application

Apply to join

Smileys is a curated community in Istanbul.

🆓 Joining is free — no subscription, no membership fee.
✍️ Every application is reviewed by hand, within 24–48 hours.
🎟️ You only pay for events you choose — prices shown before you RSVP.

Step 1 of 3 · about 3 min leftBasic Info

🤝Members who made their closest friends here

🌍Expats who found their Istanbul community

💼Founders who met their co-founders at events

Read member stories →

Basic Information

A person on our team reads every application. It keeps Smileys made of real people who live in or are visiting the city, and keeps events safe to walk into on your own.

Why we ask for these details

Neighbourhood — so we can suggest people, clubs and plans near where you live, in the right city.
Date of birth (optional) — Smileys is for adults, and it helps us review your application.
Gender — many events are gender-balanced so the mix feels comfortable. “Prefer not to say” is always an option.
WhatsApp number — so our team can reach you; event and club chats often run on WhatsApp. It is never shown publicly.

We don't sell your data or share it with advertisers. Read the privacy policy

First name *

Last name *

Date of birth

Nationality *

Where you're from — not where you live now.

Gender *

Neighborhood / Area *

Phone (WhatsApp) *

Email *

Already a member? Sign in

What to expect at your first event

First events can feel daunting. Here’s what actually happens.

A warm welcome
Every event has a host whose job is to make introductions. You will never have to walk into a room and figure it out alone.
Small, balanced groups
We keep guest lists tight — typically 20 to 60 people — and gender-balanced by default. It feels more like a dinner party than a conference.
Instant common ground
Everyone in the room chose to be here. That shared curiosity about the city is the icebreaker. The conversations start easily.
Familiar faces, fast
Members attend regularly. Within two or three events, you start recognising people. That's when it starts feeling like a community.

Basic Information

A person on our team reads every application. It keeps Smileys made of real people who live in or are visiting the city, and keeps events safe to walk into on your own.

Why we ask for these details

Neighbourhood — so we can suggest people, clubs and plans near where you live, in the right city.
Date of birth (optional) — Smileys is for adults, and it helps us review your application.
Gender — many events are gender-balanced so the mix feels comfortable. “Prefer not to say” is always an option.
WhatsApp number — so our team can reach you; event and club chats often run on WhatsApp. It is never shown publicly.

We don't sell your data or share it with advertisers. Read the privacy policy

First name *

Last name *

Date of birth

Nationality *

Where you're from — not where you live now.

Gender *

Neighborhood / Area *

Phone (WhatsApp) *

Email *

What to expect at your first event

First events can feel daunting. Here’s what actually happens.

A warm welcome

Every event has a host whose job is to make introductions. You will never have to walk into a room and figure it out alone.

Small, balanced groups

We keep guest lists tight — typically 20 to 60 people — and gender-balanced by default. It feels more like a dinner party than a conference.

Instant common ground

Everyone in the room chose to be here. That shared curiosity about the city is the icebreaker. The conversations start easily.

Familiar faces, fast

Members attend regularly. Within two or three events, you start recognising people. That's when it starts feeling like a community.