Moving to Turkey
from Spain (2026)

Visa-Free Entry for Spanish Citizens

Entering Turkey from Spain

Spanish residents can fly directly from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Málaga to Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, or Izmir. Flight time is approximately 4–5 hours. One-way flights typically cost €80–300. You will clear immigration in approximately 10–20 minutes — just show your Spanish passport. No customs inspection or visa processing is needed.

Residence Permit (İkamet) Requirements

• •Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• •Proof of address: rental agreement, electricity bill, or hotel confirmation
• •Proof of income/funds: €300/month minimum demonstrated in bank account
• •Health insurance: private or SGK (Turkish social insurance)
• •2 passport-sized photographs

Cost Comparison: Spain vs Turkey

Setup Costs

Monthly Budget in Turkey

Your cost of living depends on lifestyle, city choice, and housing. Here are typical monthly budgets for different comfort levels in coastal cities (Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye):

Spanish Tax Obligations When Moving to Turkey

Modelo 720: Declaring Foreign Assets

This is CRITICAL. Spanish residents (and even non-residents with Spanish-source income) must file the Modelo 720 annually if total foreign assets exceed €50,000. This includes:

• •Turkish bank accounts (all balances)
• •Turkish property (declared value)
• •Turkish investments, businesses, or stocks
• •Any Turkish-held retirement accounts

Penalties for non-compliance: €5,000–25,000+ per item per year. Failure to disclose can trigger investigations. File before 31 March each year.

IRPF Non-Resident Status

If you establish primary residence in Turkey (ikamet + 183+ days/year in Turkey), you cease being a Spanish tax resident. Notify Spanish tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria) of your change of residence.

As a non-resident, Spanish-source income is taxed at flat 19% IRPF (not progressive rates). This applies to:

• •Spanish pension (state or private)
• •Rental income from Spanish property
• •Spanish business income
• •Capital gains on Spanish property or investments

Deregistration (Baja) from Padrón

To establish non-resident status, you MUST deregister from your municipal padrón (census). Contact your ayuntamiento or visit in person with your passport and proof of Turkish residence (ikamet). Request a "baja" (de-registration). This is essential and can take 2–4 weeks. Obtain a certificate of de-registration as proof.

Healthcare in Turkey

The EU healthcare reciprocal agreement (S1 forms) does NOT extend to Turkey. Your Spanish healthcare coverage is invalid here.

Private Health Insurance

This is the standard choice for expats. Cost: €35–75/month depending on age and coverage. Major providers: Acibadem, American Hospital, Liv Hospital, Allianz, AXA. Coverage is excellent; waiting times are short. Many doctors speak English in Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir. Routine visits cost €20–50 without insurance.

Turkish Social Security (SGK)

If working in Turkey and contributing to SGK, you gain coverage. Cost: ~5% of gross salary. Coverage is basic but functional. Many expats prefer private insurance for better English support and shorter wait times.

Best Cities for Spanish Expats in Turkey

Turkey vs Other Popular Spanish Expat Destinations

How Turkey compares to other destinations where Spanish expats commonly move:

Working in Turkey as a Spanish Citizen

EU freedom of movement does NOT automatically extend to Turkey. Work opportunities for Spanish expats:

• •
  Remote work for Spanish/EU employers: Most common. Legally allowed if you hold an ikamet. Arrange taxation with your home country and Turkish authorities.
• •
  Work permit (sponsored by Turkish employer): Employer must sponsor. Process takes 4–8 weeks. Salary requirements and job market vary. Relatively uncommon for expats.
• •
  Self-employment (freelance/business): Requires registering a Turkish business (tax number, company registration). Setup cost: €100–500. Ongoing compliance required.

Frequently Asked Questions