Discover the greatest aspects of life as an expat in Turkey, including the advantages and disadvantages, favorite spots, obtaining residence, and much more.
What if you could try before you buy into the dream? If you're considering Turkey as a potential retirement destination, as a place to relocate with your family, or simply as somewhere you believe you'd feel at home no matter what stage of life you're in, wouldn't it be ideal to be able to try before you buy into the fantasy?
The purpose of this article is to provide you with information about what it's like to live as an expat in Turkey, where expats reside in Turkey, and what you need to do in order to migrate and settle down as smoothly as possible.
What is it like to live in Turkey?
Turkey is a large and diversified nation with a wide range of scenery, ranging from mountains to salt flats to the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea and all in between. Sunny, steeped in history and folklore, contentious, and just plain lovely, this island is a must-visit destination. The combination of Eastern and Western civilizations is also rather pleasing.
Despite the fact that Turkey is a Muslim-majority nation, the country has a secular air about it. Naturally, there remain conservative sentiments within the population, and right-wing parties still dominate, but the overall impression one gets while in Turkey is that it's a country that is near to Europe.
It's more obvious in big cities, where there are massive shopping malls and supermarkets, as well as international coffee shops.
The people of Turkey are very kind and welcoming. Most tourist sites have multilingual employees that work in stores and restaurants. They can communicate in English, German, French, and Russian, and they don't seem to mind at all that they are doing so. If you can acquire some basic conversational Turkish as a result, you will be treated with much more respect.
There are conservative sections of Turkey, but they are very seldom hotspots for foreigners living there.
In general, Turkey will continue to be exotic, but only modestly so, and not overpoweringly so. When compared to major western nations, you will discover that living in Turkey is calmer and less stressful than in those countries.
Is it a smart idea to relocate to Turkey?
Turkey can provide its citizens with a pleasant environment, and an active and healthy lifestyle and most expats think that moving to Turkey provides them with excellent value for money.
Before making the decision to relocate to Turkey, educate yourself about the culture and customs of the country. Look into your options for locations, consider renting first before purchasing a house in Turkey, establish plans based on your income and residency status, and, most importantly, ensure that your health care requirements are covered.
Learning the language will be really beneficial. All government offices in Turkey exclusively speak Turkish, and if you do not speak the language, everything becomes 100 times more difficult.
A decent job or a consistent source of money is quite vital. To really appreciate Turkey as a wonderful value-for-money location, you must have your income paid in one of the main currencies, rather than in Turkish lira (the local currency).
It is possible to have a wonderful time in Turkey if you follow the appropriate steps.
What you should know before relocating to Turkey
If you want to relocate to a non-tourist area in Turkey, you will not encounter many individuals who speak English, making day-to-day communication more difficult.
You are relocating to a Muslim nation, and as such, you should feel at ease and appreciative of this reality. Prepare yourself to hear the adhan (call to prayer) in Arabic (not Turkish) five times a day for the rest of your life.
In Turkey, though, things are a bit different. Some areas are really conservative, and people may look at you strangely if you are wearing shorts, so keep this in mind while traveling.
If you consume food, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan (a month-long period of fasting), you stand a good possibility of being criticized.
A warm welcome with open arms awaits you nearly without exception. Turks are always willing to go out of their way to make you feel welcome. However, you will not be able to totally and completely fit in; it is not always feasible to do so. As a result, a large number of expats find up settling in ever-expanding expat communities.
Walking across a road in Turkey should be done with caution since Turks are aggressive drivers who do not respect pedestrians.
In general, Turkish people have a strong disdain for norms and processes that do not meet their wants, so if you're considering relocating to Turkey, be aware that not everything will operate as expected at all times.
You shouldn't expect to find work in Turkey anytime soon. Turkish regulations are not very inviting to international job searchers, and most local businesses need applicants to have a strong command of the Turkish language in order to get their operations up and running. Finding well-paying work will be difficult unless you are being moved by your employer or are being recruited by a large multinational organization.
Even if your Turkish friends do it in front of you, refrain from criticizing the nation, the cuisine, the culture, or anything else.
Turkish coffee is not as widely consumed as one would expect. Not to imply that they don't drink it, but çay (tea) is the clear victor in this competition.
The advantages and disadvantages of living in Turkey
When considering a move to Turkey, there are both pros and downsides to consider. It's important to be at least aware of both before you relocate in order to be prepared for anything that may come your way.
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| Living in Türkiye Pros And Cons. |
The drawbacks of living in Turkey (Cons)
The bureaucracy in Turkey
When you wish to register your residence in Turkey, get a work permit, or import your automobile and household goods, you will have to deal with a mountain of paperwork.
You will be required to visit dozens of government agencies that are only open for a few of hours each day, and you will be given contradicting information no matter which direction you turn in your search for answers.
Also, keep in mind that the majority of authorities do not speak English.
If you are fortunate enough to locate a willing and kind runner who is willing to assist you for a little price, please accept their offer of assistance.
There are no universally recognized credentials for tradespeople.
Every guy you encounter in Turkey will tell you that, yeah, he is a plumber, electrician, builder, plasterer, tiler, or whatever it is that you are searching for in terms of a profession.
However, there is no formal training or certification that can be obtained in any element of the construction industry, and the odds are that you will have a superior understanding of how things are done.
If you are capable of doing anything, go ahead and do it. If you are unable to do so, we wish you the very best of luck. Consult with other expats for references and suggestions.
Strays (or stray animals)
There are a large number of strays, street dogs, and cats, which might be frightening to foreigners when they first arrive. However, things are starting to look up in the world.
You may notice that a significant number of stray dogs have ear tags and seem to be properly cared about. They are cared for by an animal welfare organization, spayed and immunized, and are examined on a regular basis in accordance with the color and number of their identification tag.
Donations and volunteerism are two ways that you may assist organizations that care for stray animals. Alternatively, you may adopt a few animals as pets, as many expats do.
The Brightside of living in Turkey (Pros)
The quality of living in Turkey is excellent.
For the majority of the year, the weather is so pleasant that it is possible to live outdoors. Meals may be served on the terrace and walks can be enjoyed in the spring, autumn, and even winter - even on chilly days, guests can turn on a patio heater to be warm while sheltering from the wind and taking advantage of the winter sun.
This outdoor lifestyle is not only healthier, but it also results in much more social contact, which is beneficial to one's mental health.
Most individuals experience a general sense of well-being during the summer months, thanks to the increased vitamin D levels brought on by the sun.
The emphasis is entirely on being outdoors, having barbecues, going to the beach, sailing, strolling, and socializing with friends in restaurants, rather than paying for movie tickets or taking the family to a costly theme park for the day.
The cuisine is very delicious.
The amount of fresh vegetables cultivated in the immediate area is astounding. The local markets are where you should buy, and you should learn to subsist entirely on fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and bread rather than going to the store and relying on vacuum-packed ready meals.
Affordability of living expenses
If your income is derived from sources outside of Turkey (such as pensions, investments, and so on), you will typically discover that your income in Turkey is worth far more than your income in your home country.
Eating out and buying locally produced vegetables are both quite reasonable options. Turkey's cost of living is far lower than in other nations, such as the United Kingdom, making it an attractive option for many people.
How much does it cost to live in Turkey on a monthly basis?
Turkey is a fantastic value-for-money location, and many expatriates discover that their money lasts longer and buys them more in Turkey than it does in their own country.
Expats like living in Turkey since, on average, the cost of living is cheaper than in most Western nations, and Turkish prices come as somewhat of a nice surprise when compared to their home country.
This, however, is dependent on the place you choose.
If you want to live in a city, you should anticipate increased living expenditures. In this sense, Turkey is not significantly different from any other nation in the world where the cost of urban life is higher than the cost of rural living.
The cost of living in Istanbul is rather high. As a matter of fact, it is the most costly region to reside in Turkey. It is characterized by increased rentals as well as greater day-to-day expenses such as transportation, food, utilities, and eating out. You may live comfortably in Istanbul if you have around $1000 leftover after paying your rent.
Moving closer to the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, on the other hand, you will find that the costs of practically everything will be much lower. Some of the most popular seaside expat destinations, such as Fethiye, are around 20% less expensive than Istanbul. Many individuals also find them to be more pleasurable places to live in.
Is it straightforward to get work in Turkey?
In order to be employed in Turkey, you must first get a work visa. Because Turkey's population is relatively young, the country enjoys a plentiful supply of labor. A foreigner is considerably more expensive to recruit than a Turkish resident, thus few businesses would bother to apply for a work visa for a foreigner if they can engage someone from the country's own workforce.
It is more likely that you will find a job in Turkey if you are employed by an international firm that has a branch in Turkey and is willing to move you to that country.
Those who are capable of instructing and who have prior teaching experience are in a better position. If you're going to teach English in Turkey and you're a native speaker of the language, you'll have an easier time finding employment. Some big private schools are having difficulty finding English language instructors, to the point that they are ready to recruit persons who have little or no teaching expertise in the subject. These are occupations that are quite well compensated.
It is simpler to obtain well-paying work in large cities like Istanbul and Izmir than it is in coastal areas, which are more popular with foreigners.
Employability is the most popular method to get work on the coast if you want to live there and require a job. The most typical approach to finding work is to ask your local expat companies if there are any openings. You will not be compensated well, though.
If earning a particular amount of money is a goal, starting your own business or working remotely for an international corporation is a better alternative than looking for employment in your own country.
What is the procedure for obtaining a visa and establishing permanent residency in Turkey?
If you just wish to visit Turkey for a short period of time, you may apply for an E-Visa Turkey online. It is for people who want to visit Turkey for vacation or business reasons that this application is being made.
For foreigners who will be in Turkey for less than three months, a tourist visa will be sufficient to pay your expenses throughout your stay.
Foreign nationals from certain countries do not even need to submit an application for an e-visa in order to enter Turkey as temporary guests. If you are unsure, contact the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
If, on the other hand, you want to settle in Turkey permanently, you will be required to apply for a visa for permanent residence in the country.
Is it possible for me to live and work in Turkey permanently?
If you want to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days, you must submit an application for a residence permit in advance of your arrival.
A Turkish resident permit permits you to stay in the country for a length of more than three months in any six-month period. When wanting to live, work, or study in Turkey permanently, you'll need to get a Turkish visa.
Aside from that, the permit will enable you to marry, get a Turkish driver's license, obtain a tax identification number, create a bank account, acquire property, make investments, and do a variety of other tasks.
The only documentation required if you have been engaged by a Turkish-based company and are relocating to Turkey for work purposes is a work permit, which also functions as a residency permit.
Permission to stay in Turkey for an extended period of time
If you have been lawfully residing in Turkey for at least eight years without interruption under the terms of a residence permit given by the Turkish authorities, you may be eligible to apply for a Turkish long-term permit, which is equivalent to an indefinite license to stay.
Information on how to apply for a Turkish residence permit
You must submit your application within one month of your arrival in Turkey.
To apply, go to the Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs website and fill out an online form.
You will be taken to the "Central Appointment System" page after your application has been submitted to the system. Thereafter, you must schedule an appointment with the Directorate General of Migration Management, which is located in your area.
You will be provided with the location of the closest DGMM office as well as a list of the papers that are necessary. You will be able to choose the day and hour of your appointment from a list of available options. In addition, you'll have to pay for the application and residency card expenses.
Anyone under the age of 65 who wishes to apply for a Turkish residence visa must have comprehensive health insurance, whether it is provided by the government or by a private company.
Turkish Citizenship Program
The quickest approach to establishing a permanent residence in Turkey is to get a Turkish passport via the Citizenship by Investment program. You may do this in as little as two months by making property investments starting at $250,000.
On our Residency & Citizenship By Investment page, you may discover further information as well as expert guidance.
Is it possible to establish a company in Turkey?
Foreign nationals are welcome to establish a company in Turkey. It is strongly recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional organization to do this. Limited liability corporations (LLCs) and other company structures are registered and established with the assistance of many firms.
In Turkey, the process of registering and establishing a corporation might take up to three days. In the case of a corporation created by foreign nationals, there are no prerequisites for Turkish involvement in the capital or management.
In Turkey, the procedure for establishing a limited liability company is as follows:
Requirements:
- There must be a minimum of two stockholders.
- The amount of capital required is TL 5,000.
Benefits:
- The process of incorporation is rather quick (3 days)
- Foreign shareholders are permitted to own 100 percent of the company.
- A total of 100 percent of foreign directors are permitted
- Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is granted automatically.
- There is no need for Turkish involvement in the administration of the enterprise.
- Domestic and international stockholders are treated in the same manner.
Is it possible for me to get medical treatment in Turkey?
Once you have been a legal resident in Turkey for one year, you are eligible for the Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK) plan, which provides free state healthcare.
When you enlist, you will obtain an SGK health insurance ID card, which you may use to gain access to a variety of services at state-run medical facilities. The plan is supported by monthly fees collected from each member.
Make an initial application at your local SGK office to be considered for enrollment. You will need to bring your residence permit, passport, and proof of address with you to the interview. You will be provisionally registered and given a Provizyon Sorgulama Cevap (Provisional Sorgulama Certificate) (Provisional Enquiry Reply).
The premium for the first month of coverage will be due at the time of application.
Is it necessary to have private health insurance coverage in Turkey?
You will not be able to acquire a residence permit in Turkey unless you have comprehensive health insurance coverage of some kind. In addition, you will not be able to access the public healthcare system until you have been lawfully resident in Turkey for at least one year. So, in short, the answer is yes, you must need health insurance for at least one year after you turn 18.
Furthermore, private hospitals (özel hastane) and clinics provide superior facilities as well as highly-trained personnel who are more likely to know English than public hospitals and clinics.
It is true that private health insurance in Turkey is more costly than your monthly SGK payments, but the premiums are still quite reasonable. You may also avoid waiting in large lines at government-run hospitals.
If you intend to live in Turkey for an extended period of time or if you suffer from a chronic illness, you should consider purchasing health insurance coverage.
What is the most desirable location to reside in Turkey?
Several expat enclaves are already growing in Turkey, notably along the country's southern coastline, as is often the case when foreign nationals relocate to a popular international destination.
Many expats find the thought of relocating to Turkey's Turquoise Coast quite appealing, as they can enjoy the temperature, beaches, and other facilities that are essential for a pleasant life in the sunshine.
If this is something that interests you, it will not be difficult to discover a location where you will feel at ease without having to go through a lengthy transition period.
Take, for example, the city of Altinkum. At times, this region has been referred to as "Little Britain". It is home to one of the biggest British expat populations in the world, as well as all of the amenities that go with it, such as cafés and restaurants.
If you are looking for a more international experience, the Antalya area is a good choice. It has a more European vibe to it than other tourist sites in Turkey. There are more international expats permanently residing in Antalya than there are in any other region of Turkey. Foreigners looking to purchase property in Turkey consider it the second most popular place, which has an impact on the price of real estate there.
If you are looking for something a little more tranquil and traditional, consider visiting the Dalaman area. It isn't particularly popular among foreigners just yet. The town of Dalaman is located inland, and the closest beach is around 10 kilometers distant, necessitating the use of a vehicle to go there.
The nicest thing about Dalama is that it is not very well-known among visitors, which is also a plus. Because of this, unlike coastal towns, Dalaman is never suffocating with tourists during the peak tourism season.
In order to experience the excitement of city life, moving to Istanbul would be the perfect option for you. Istanbul is a one-of-a-kind city that is welcoming, eclectic, and lovely. You will also discover that, despite the fact that Istanbul is the capital city, it is still cheaper than other renowned European cities.
Detailed information on where to live in Turkey can be found in our guide to the Best Places to Live in Turkey for Expats, which includes more than 100 recommendations.
Conclusions on life in Turkey
Turkey has so many positive attributes that it may easily become your ideal home away from home. Many expats like their lives in Turkey and would never contemplate relocating anyplace else in the world.
However, adjusting to a new culture or relocating to a different nation is a very individual process. What is excellent for one person may be terrible for another.
While doing preliminary research before relocating is essential, it will not provide you with a comprehensive understanding of whether Turkey is the correct nation for you.
The best course of action is to spend some time in the nation as a temporary resident and network with other expats before committing to a permanent relocation.
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