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Australia to Turkey Relocation Guide 2026
Moving from Australia
to Turkey: Complete Guide
Everything Australian nationals need to know about relocating to Turkey — ATO departure procedures, superannuation rules, CGT for non-residents, the Age Pension abroad, the Australia-Turkey tax treaty, and your Turkish residence permit.
Quick Answer
What do Australian citizens need to know about moving to Turkey?
Australia's main departure complexities are superannuation (stays locked — no early access), CGT rules for non-residents (you lose the 50% discount), and the Age Pension portability regime (paid for 26 weeks then reassessed). The Australia-Turkey DTA (2010) protects most income from double taxation. Medicare becomes unusable in Turkey and eventually ceases.
- ›Notify the ATO of your departure — file a final resident tax return for the departure year
- ›Super stays locked until preservation age regardless of where you live
- ›Review your CGT position before departure — non-residents lose the 50% discount
- ›Age Pension portable for 26 weeks, then reassessed under Working Life Residence formula
- ›Cancel Australian private health insurance and arrange Turkish cover before you leave
Before leaving Australia
Your Australian departure checklist.
Super, CGT, and Medicare are the three big issues for Australians departing. Complete these six steps to exit Australian residency correctly and protect your superannuation and investments.
Notify the ATO of your departure
Inform the Australian Taxation Office of your departure date. You will file a tax return for the year you leave, covering the Australian income year up to your departure date. After that, you are an Australian non-resident for tax purposes. Your tax-free threshold is removed as a non-resident — Australian-source income is taxed at non-resident rates from the first dollar. The ATO has an online tool to help determine your residency status.
Understand your Medicare position
Medicare eligibility for Australians living abroad is complex. Once you have been overseas for 5 years, Medicare eligibility generally ceases (certain exceptions apply for government employees). Before reaching that threshold, you technically remain eligible but practically cannot use it. Cancel your private hospital cover on departure (it cannot be used in Turkey). Arrange Turkish private health insurance — required for the Turkish ikamet permit.
Inform Centrelink of any benefits
If you receive any Centrelink payments (Family Tax Benefit, Disability Support, etc.), notify Centrelink of your departure. Portability rules vary: some payments are portable for 6 weeks, others cease immediately. The Australian Age Pension has its own portability regime (see tax section). HECS/HELP debt stays with you — assessed against your income when you file Australian returns. If you earn below the repayment threshold overseas, no repayments are required.
Leave your superannuation in place
Superannuation cannot be accessed early just because you leave Australia. Super remains locked until you reach your preservation age (currently 60 for most people). You can stop contributions. If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to claim a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) — but Australian citizens and PRs cannot access DASP. Your super fund will continue to manage your balance until preservation age.
Plan for CGT as a non-resident
Australian residents are entitled to a 50% CGT discount on assets held for over 12 months. Non-residents do NOT get the 50% CGT discount on most assets. If you sell assets (shares, investment property) after becoming a non-resident, the full gain is taxable. The main residence exemption may not apply if you sell your home while a non-resident. Foreign resident capital gains withholding (12.5%) applies to property sales over $750k even if CGT isn't ultimately owed.
Manage Australian banking
Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and Westpac generally maintain non-resident accounts. NAB may restrict non-resident access after 12 months. Keep at least one Australian account for ATO tax refunds, super fund communications, and property management (if retaining investment property). For large transfers (superannuation at preservation age, property sale proceeds), use OFX or Wise for competitive AUD–TRY exchange rates.
Pre-departure checklist
Full checklist for Australian nationals.
Australia's superannuation system and CGT regime make departure planning more complex than most countries. Addressing these before you leave can save significant tax.
Tax & financial planning
Australia-Turkey tax treaty & superannuation.
The Australia-Turkey double taxation agreement (2010) allocates taxing rights. Australian-source income — rental income from Australian property, Australian dividends, Age Pension — retains Australian tax obligations for non-residents. Turkish-source income is taxed in Turkey.
The CGT rules are the most significant financial risk for Australians departing. If you hold shares or investment property with large unrealised gains, modelling the tax cost of selling before vs after departure is essential.
Superannuation remains subject to Australian tax rules regardless of your residency — the trustee of your super fund continues to operate under Australian law, and gains inside the fund are taxed at 15% regardless of where you live.
Australia-Turkey DTA (2010)
Modern treaty covering income, capital gains, and pensions. Turkish tax residency (183+ days) protects most employment and business income from Australian taxation.
CGT for non-residents
Non-residents lose the 50% CGT discount. Foreign resident capital gains withholding (12.5%) applies to property sales over $750k. Consider selling high-gain assets before departure.
Superannuation
Cannot be accessed early by leaving. Stays locked until preservation age (60 for most). DASP is only for temporary visa holders — not available to citizens or PRs.
Banking in Australia
Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac maintain non-resident accounts. Keep one account for ATO, super fund, and property-related transactions. OFX and Wise for AUD–TRY transfers.
Where do Australians settle?
Best Turkish cities for Australian expats.
Istanbul
Istanbul is the natural first choice for Australian expats — a global city with strong English, a young international population, and the closest Turkish equivalent to Sydney's urban energy. Turkish Airlines flies direct to Melbourne and Sydney.
Antalya
Australians drawn by the Mediterranean climate, outdoor lifestyle, and cost savings choose Antalya. The quality of healthcare, modern airport, and established expat services make it highly practical for retirees.
Izmir
Izmir appeals to Australians who appreciate a secular, progressive city atmosphere. The Aegean lifestyle, beach access, café culture, and relaxed pace feel reminiscent of a smaller Australian coastal city.
Frequently asked questions