Question 1

Do Saudi nationals need a visa to enter Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Saudi Arabian citizens can obtain a Turkish e-Visa online at evisa.gov.tr. The process is straightforward and typically processed within 24 hours. Saudi nationals are eligible for a 90-day tourist visa allowing multiple entries. For stays beyond 90 days per 180-day period, a Turkish residence permit (ikamet) is required. Saudi nationals have been among the top foreign property buyers in Turkey for several years, partly driven by ease of entry and the residency-by-property route.

Question 2

Is Turkey more affordable than Saudi Arabia for property investment?

Accepted Answer

Significantly yes — relative to purchasing power for Saudi citizens holding SAR. Turkey's Mediterranean coastal property (Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum) is dramatically cheaper than Riyadh or Jeddah real estate. A luxury villa in Antalya costs €150,000–500,000; comparable properties in premium Riyadh compounds cost far more. Istanbul property starts from €80,000 for a small apartment and goes to multi-million euro for Bosphorus-view properties. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment programme requires $400,000 minimum — accessible for Saudi investors as a second passport and asset diversification play.

Question 3

What are the lifestyle differences between Saudi Arabia and Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Turkey offers a significantly more liberal social environment than Saudi Arabia — alcohol is widely available, entertainment venues are plentiful, and dress codes are informal in cities and beach resorts. For Saudi nationals accustomed to a conservative domestic environment who travel internationally, Turkey's lifestyle is broadly familiar from visits: it combines Islamic heritage (mosques are omnipresent, halal food is the default) with modern European-style social freedoms. Istanbul has world-class restaurants, nightlife, arts, and cultural scene. Turkish Mediterranean resorts like Bodrum and Antalya are popular Saudi summer destinations, and many Saudis already know Turkey from holidays.

Question 4

Can Saudi nationals buy property in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Saudi nationals can legally purchase real estate in Turkey. Saudi citizens have been consistent top-10 foreign property buyers in Turkey. The military clearance requirement (standard for all foreign buyers) applies but is routinely processed. Property purchases of $400,000+ are eligible for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment programme — a popular option for Saudi nationals seeking a second passport with Schengen access. Popular purchase areas include Istanbul (Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü — popular with Arab buyers), Antalya, and Bodrum.

Question 5

What are the tax implications for Saudis moving to Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax on wages (though the recent 2.5% Zakat on business assets and a 15% VAT applies for residents). Moving to Turkey as a tax resident (183+ days) introduces progressive Turkish income tax of 15–40% on worldwide income. This is the most significant financial planning consideration. Turkey's proposed 20-year foreign income exemption (passed by parliament, pending formal gazette publication) could make Turkey very tax-efficient for Saudis with foreign-source income during the exemption period. There is no Saudi-Turkey double taxation treaty that would provide income tax relief (because Saudi has no personal income tax to generate double taxation). Consult a Turkish mali müşavir before establishing Turkish tax residency.

Question 6

What banking options are available for Saudi nationals in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Banking is generally straightforward for Saudi nationals in Turkey. Most Turkish banks — Garanti BBVA, Akbank, Ziraat, İşbank, QNB Finansbank — open accounts for Saudi nationals with a valid passport, Turkish tax number, and residence permit. Arab Bank Turkey and QNB Finansbank (Qatar National Bank subsidiary) have relevant expertise. Bank transfers from Saudi Arabia to Turkey via SWIFT work normally. For large property purchases, international wire transfers are standard. Some Saudi banks have international transfer services — AlRajhi Bank and Al-Ahli Bank have international departments.

Question 7

Which Turkish cities are most popular with Saudi visitors and investors?

Accepted Answer

Istanbul is the primary destination — it combines luxury shopping (Nişantaşı, the Grand Bazaar, luxury malls), halal dining, historical Islamic heritage (Sultanahmet, mosques), and a vibrant city lifestyle. Saudi visitors and buyers have particularly favoured Başakşehir and Beylikdüzü in Istanbul, which have established Arab expat communities, Arabic-language services, and a familiar family-oriented environment. On the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a major Saudi summer destination — beach resorts, luxury hotels, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Bodrum appeals to higher-net-worth Saudi property investors seeking luxury villa investments.

Question 8

Is Turkish healthcare good enough for Saudi expats?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Turkey's private hospital sector is among the best in the region. JCI-accredited private hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya offer treatment quality comparable to private healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Medical tourism from Saudi Arabia to Turkey is an established industry, particularly for specialties like orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and cosmetic procedures. Private health insurance is required for the Turkish residence permit and provides access to the private hospital network. SGK (public healthcare) is available to employed residents. For Saudi nationals accustomed to high-standard private healthcare in Riyadh or Jeddah, Turkey's equivalent is accessible and of good quality.

Category	Saudi Arabia	Turkey
1BR apartment (city centre)	€500–1,500 (Riyadh/Jeddah)	€250–550 (Antalya) / €400–900 (Istanbul)
Luxury villa purchase	€500k–3m+ (Riyadh compounds)	€150k–1m+ (Antalya/Bodrum coastal)
Restaurant meal (mid-range)	€10–30	€6–18
Groceries (monthly, 1 person)	€150–300	€100–170
Private hospital consultation	€50–150 (private)	€25–80 (JCI-accredited)
Personal income tax	0% (no personal income tax)	15–40% progressive
International school fees/year	€6,000–25,000	€5,000–25,000 (Istanbul)
Monthly transport	Car-dependent, low fuel cost	€15–35 (public) / €80–200 (car)

Moving from Saudi Arabia
to Turkey

Why Saudi nationals choose Turkey.

Islamic cultural familiarity

Property investment hub

Geographic proximity

Mediterranean lifestyle

High-quality private healthcare

Gateway to Europe

Your Saudi Arabia to Turkey roadmap.

Apply for Turkish e-Visa

Get your Turkish vergi numarası (tax number)

Choose a base and secure accommodation

Arrange Turkish private health insurance

Apply for Turkish residence permit (ikamet)

Open a Turkish bank account

Saudi relocation checklist

Saudi Arabia vs Turkey: key figures.

Top Turkish cities for Saudi nationals.

Istanbul

Antalya

Bodrum

Saudi Arabia has no income tax. Turkey does. Plan ahead.

Frequently asked questions — Saudi nationals moving to Turkey.

Explore Nearby Country Relocation Guides

Essential guides for Saudi nationals moving to Turkey

Moving from Saudi Arabiato Turkey