Moving to Turkey
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Country Relocation Guide
Moving to Turkey
from New Zealand (2026)
E-Visa requirements, residence permit process, time zone considerations for remote workers, NZ superannuation portability, KiwiSaver withdrawal, and the most practical Turkish cities for New Zealanders.
General · Ask the Turkey assistant
Quick Answer
New Zealanders need an e-Visa (USD $36 online) to enter Turkey, then apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit for stays beyond 90 days. Turkey is dramatically cheaper than New Zealand — Antalya costs 60–70% less than Auckland. NZ Super is portable to Turkey but with 10.5% tax withheld. The main challenge for remote workers is the 9–10 hour time difference to New Zealand.
Entry Requirements for New Zealanders
New Zealand passport holders need a Turkish e-Visa, available at evisa.gov.tr for USD $36. It permits a 90-day stay within a 180-day window. Apply at least 24 hours before departure — approval is usually instant.
For stays beyond 90 days, apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit from within Turkey. This requires proof of accommodation, health insurance (mandatory), and a Turkish tax number.
Residence Permit (Ikamet) Process
Step 1: Arrive in Turkey on e-Visa. Register with the Migrant Services (Goc Idaresi) office in your city within 10 days.
Step 2: Obtain a Turkish tax number (VKN) from the local Vergi Dairesi (tax office). Free and instant.
Step 3: Secure private health insurance. Mandatory for ikamet. EUR €400–900/year for comprehensive coverage.
Step 4: Apply for ikamet at Goc Idaresi with: passport, proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed), health insurance certificate, and tax number. Fee is EUR €50–150. Processing takes 5–10 working days. Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years.
Time Zone Considerations for Remote Workers
Turkey (UTC+3)
09:00
Your morning
Auckland (UTC+12/13)
18:00–19:00
NZ late afternoon
The 9–10 hour gap means Turkey's 09:00–17:00 overlaps with NZ's 18:00–02:00 — workable for async roles or teams tolerant of flexible hours. Many NZ expats in Turkey shift to 12:00–20:00 schedules to overlap NZ mornings.
Strategies for Remote Work Across Time Zones
- •Shift start time: Begin work at 12:00 Istanbul time (21:00 NZ), finish at 20:00 Istanbul time (05:00 NZ the next day). Capture 8 hours of NZ business day.
- •Async-first workflow: Use email, Slack, and recorded meetings. Reduce real-time calls to 1–2 per week during overlap hours (18:00–21:00 Istanbul = 03:00–06:00 NZ).
- •Client calls strategy: Offer to take meetings 18:00–21:00 Istanbul time. This is early morning for NZ. Worth the sacrifice for key clients.
- •Hire NZ-based help: Employ a NZ contractor for 20 hours/week to cover your NZ business hours. Split billing with them. Allows you to maintain NZ client relationships.
NZ Superannuation (NZ Super) While Living Abroad
Good news: NZ Super is portable to any country, including Turkey. You can receive it directly into a Turkish bank account or international account. No age restrictions change.
Tax withholding: The NZ Inland Revenue withholds tax at 10.5% from your overseas NZ Super payments. This is automatic for non-NZ residents. If you are in Turkey and claim Turkish tax residency (183+ days), you must declare NZ Super as income to the Turkish tax authority.
DTA benefit: The NZ-Turkey Double Taxation Agreement allows you to claim foreign tax credits. If Turkish income tax is lower than 10.5%, the difference may be refundable. File annually with a Turkish accountant.
Action: Before leaving NZ, notify the Inland Revenue via Smartstart.ird.govt.nz that you are emigrating. Provide your Turkey address and bank details. Start receiving payments after confirming tax resident status in Turkey.
IRD Tax Residency & Departure from NZ
Departure rules: If you cease to be a resident of NZ (typically by leaving for 183+ days), you must notify the IRD. Your tax residency ends on your departure date. Cease paying ACC levies.
183-day test: You are tax resident in Turkey once you spend 183+ days there in a 12-month period. Once Turkish tax resident, worldwide income (including NZ employment income if you still work for NZ clients) is taxable in Turkey at 15–20% depending on income level.
Property bright-line test: If you own NZ property and sell it within 5 years of purchase, you may owe NZ bright-line tax even while residing in Turkey. The DTA does not exempt this. Plan property sales carefully.
Final tax return: File a final NZ tax return for the year you departed. Include all NZ income earned up to departure. You may be entitled to rebates or refunds if you worked part-year only.
KiwiSaver Withdrawal for Permanent Emigration
Eligibility: If you are emigrating permanently from New Zealand and have been a member for 3+ years, you can apply for a full KiwiSaver withdrawal.
Application: Contact your KiwiSaver provider (ASB, ANZ, Smartshares, etc.) and request the permanent emigration form. You must declare that you are leaving NZ permanently and will not return as a resident.
Timing: Withdraw before you leave NZ if possible. This simplifies tax treatment. Withdrawals made after you leave NZ can trigger complications with the IRD.
Taxation: The withdrawal is a lump sum that may be tax-free if you have been out of NZ for 2+ years. But if withdrawn within 2 years, it is taxable income. Consult an IRD-registered tax agent before leaving.
Transfer abroad: You can transfer the funds to a Turkish bank account. ANZ and ASB facilitate international transfers for former residents, though fees apply. Wise is cheaper for NZD → EUR conversion.
NZ-Turkey Double Taxation Agreement (DTA)
What is covered: The DTA between New Zealand and Turkey prevents double taxation on income earned in both jurisdictions. If you pay tax in Turkey on NZ-sourced income, you can claim credits in Turkey (or exemptions from NZ tax, depending on treaty rules).
Employment income: If you are a Turkish tax resident earning income from a NZ employer or NZ clients, the DTA allows you to claim the 10.5% NZ tax withheld as a credit against Turkish income tax. Turkish income tax is typically 15–20%, so you may owe additional Turkish tax.
NZ Super payments: NZ Super withholding (10.5%) qualifies for DTA relief. Turkish tax accountants can help file a DTA certificate (Form 6015-style declaration) to optimize tax treatment.
Important: The DTA does NOT exempt you from Turkish income tax. You still owe tax in Turkey. The DTA simply prevents the same income being taxed twice at full rate. Hire a Turkish muhasebe (accountant) familiar with expat taxation.
Healthcare in Turkey: No Bilateral Agreement with NZ
No free healthcare: Turkey has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with New Zealand. You cannot use your NZ ACC equivalent or public healthcare. Private health insurance is mandatory for all residents and ikamet holders.
Insurance costs: Comprehensive private insurance costs EUR €400–900/year for expats. Covers outpatient, inpatient, emergencies, and often dental/optical. Compare providers: Acibadem, American Hospital, Private Turkish insurers.
Healthcare quality: Turkish private hospitals are excellent. Istanbul and Antalya have world-class facilities. Procedures cost 50–70% less than NZ. Many Kiwis come for dental work and surgery.
ACC equivalent: There is no state-funded accident compensation in Turkey like ACC. Your private insurance must cover accidents. Does not cover occupational injuries automatically — additional cover needed.
Prescription costs: Medications are cheap. EUR €5–20 for common antibiotics, painkillers. Pharmacists are highly trained and can dispense without prescription (unlike NZ). No repeat scripts needed — just ask the pharmacist.
Bringing Pets from New Zealand to Turkey
Quarantine: Turkey requires a 30-day quarantine for pets from most countries, including New Zealand. The cost is EUR €30–50/day at approved facilities. Before importing, confirm current NZ MAF and Turkish regulations.
Documentation: Required: rabies vaccination certificate (at least 1 month old, not older than 12 months), health certificate from NZ vet (issued within 10 days of travel), microchip registration, import permit from Turkish Ministry of Agriculture.
Airline logistics: Only Air New Zealand and Turkish Airlines fly this route regularly. Both allow pets in cargo (not cabin) for EUR €300–500 one way. Kennel required (EUR €100–150). Total cost: EUR €600–1,500 including quarantine.
Alternatives: Many Kiwis rehome pets in NZ before moving. Turkish animal rescue is underfunded; adopting a local cat/dog is easier and more ethical than importing from 10,000 miles away.
Once in Turkey: Animal healthcare is cheap (EUR €20–50 vet visits). Pet food (imported brands) is expensive; local Turkish brands are affordable (EUR €10–20/month). Pet ownership is common but not as regulated as NZ.
Cost Comparison: Auckland vs Turkey
| Expense | Auckland | Antalya |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | NZD $2,000–2,800/mo | €250–450/mo |
| Monthly groceries | NZD $600–900 | €150–250 |
| Eating out (mid-range) | NZD $25–40/meal | €6–15/meal |
| Health insurance | Taxpayer funded (ACC) | €400–900/yr private |
| Utilities | NZD $200–350/mo | €60–120/mo |
| Gym membership | NZD $40–80/mo | €20–40/mo |
| Coffee (cafe) | NZD $5–7 | €1.50–2 |
| Taxi ride (5km) | NZD $15–20 | €3–5 |
Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Expat in Antalya
Living costs in Antalya (single expat)
Budget varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Downtown Antalya is cheaper; beachfront areas cost 30–50% more.
Setup Costs
Moving from New Zealand to Turkey — Setup Costs
Best Turkish Cities for New Zealand Expats
Turkey has diverse cities suited to different expat lifestyles. Here is a comparison of the top five for Kiwis:
| City | 1BR Rent | Monthly (single) | Expat Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AntalyaTop pick | €250–450/mo | €700–950 | Very large | Digital nomads, retirees, beach lovers |
| Istanbul | €500–800/mo | €1,200–1,600 | Huge international | Professionals, culture, networking |
| Izmir | €300–500/mo | €800–1,100 | Growing | Balanced lifestyle, coastal |
| Bodrum | €400–700/mo | €1,000–1,400 | Established | Affluent expats, water sports |
| Fethiye | €300–550/mo | €750–1,100 | Long-established | Adventure seekers, scuba, paragliding |
Comparing Turkey to Other Expat Hotspots for Kiwis
How does Turkey stack up against other popular expat destinations for New Zealanders?
| Location | 1BR Rent | Monthly Cost | Healthcare | Visa Ease | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bali, Indonesia | USD $300–500 | USD $600–900 | Mixed quality | 7/10 | Budget nomads, beaches |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | USD $250–400 | USD $500–750 | Good private | 8/10 | Ultra-budget, remote work |
| Lisbon, Portugal | EUR €700–1,000 | EUR €1,400–1,800 | NHS-equivalent | 8.5/10 | EU residency seekers, professionals |
| Barcelona, Spain | EUR €800–1,200 | EUR €1,500–2,000 | Excellent public | 8/10 | EU base, culture, work/life balance |
| Antalya, TurkeyTop for Kiwis | EUR €250–450 | EUR €700–950 | Private, affordable | 8/10 | Budget maximizers, digital nomads |
Relocation Consultants in Turkey
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides for New Zealand Expats
Moving to Turkey — Complete Guide
Comprehensive relocation overview for all nationalities
Turkey Residence Permit (Ikamet)
Step-by-step application walkthrough
Cost of Living in Turkey
Budgets across Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, and more
Working Remotely from Turkey
Time zones, tax residency, and visa implications
Living in Antalya
Complete guide to Turkey largest expat hub
Taxes for Expats in Turkey
Income tax, double taxation, NZ DTA
NZ-Turkey Double Taxation Agreement
How the DTA protects your income
Healthcare in Turkey
Private insurance, hospitals, costs
Banking in Turkey for Expats
Opening accounts, transfers, Wise
Moving to Turkey from Australia
Similar Oceania considerations
Best Cities for Expats in Turkey
Compare 10+ Turkish destinations
Moving to Turkey Checklist
Pre-departure and post-arrival tasks
Turkey Relocation Blueprint
Step-by-step relocation plan covering residency setup, banking, taxes, neighborhoods, and your first-month checklist.
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