Moving to Turkey
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Week-by-week what to expect
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Healthcare in Turkey
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Country Relocation Guide
Moving to Turkey
from Spain (2026)
Spanish citizens enter Turkey visa-free. Similar Mediterranean lifestyle at 60% lower cost — what to expect when making the move.
Quick Answer
Spanish citizens enter Turkey visa-free for 90 days — no e-Visa required. For longer stays, apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit. Turkey offers a strikingly similar Mediterranean lifestyle to Spain's coastal regions at roughly half the cost. Antalya is the most popular destination for Spanish expats.
Visa-Free Entry for Spanish Citizens
No visa needed
EU/Spanish passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit (ikamet) from within Turkey. The process is the same as for all foreigners.
Cost Comparison: Spain vs Turkey
| Expense | Spain (major cities) | Turkey (Antalya/Izmir) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment rent | €700–1,200 (Madrid/Barcelona) | €200–450 (Antalya/Izmir) |
| Monthly groceries | €250–400 | €150–250 |
| Eating out (mid-range) | €12–25/meal | €5–12/meal |
| Private health insurance | €80–150/month | €35–75/month |
| Weather (summer) | Hot, dry (similar) | Hot, dry (similar) |
| Beaches | Excellent | Excellent |
Setup Costs
Moving from Spain to Turkey — Setup Costs
Best Cities for Spanish Expats
Antalya
Mediterranean coast, warm climate, large international expat community. Konyaaltı beach area comparable to Costa del Sol. Strong English and increasingly Spanish spoken.
İzmir
Turkey's most European-feeling city. Vibrant café culture, relaxed Aegean lifestyle, excellent food scene. Cosmopolitan and progressive — reminiscent of Barcelona in atmosphere.
Bodrum
Sailing culture, turquoise bays, upmarket coastal village feel. Attracts affluent European expats. Comparable to Mallorca but with lower costs.
Fethiye
Stunning Ölüdeniz lagoon area, strong international community, good sailing. Very relaxed pace reminiscent of smaller Spanish coastal towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Turkey?
No. Spanish (EU) passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit from within Turkey. There is no cost to enter Turkey as an EU citizen.
Is Turkey cheaper than Spain?
Significantly cheaper. Antalya rents are 60–70% lower than Barcelona or Madrid. Grocery costs are roughly 40% lower. Eating out is 50–60% cheaper. For a Spanish person accustomed to Mediterranean coastal living, Turkey offers a very similar lifestyle at dramatically lower cost.
Is the lifestyle in Turkey similar to Spain?
More similar than most Europeans expect. Both countries share Mediterranean climate, beach culture, late dining culture, strong café life, and similar attitudes to outdoor living. Turkish coastal cities like Antalya and Bodrum feel culturally familiar to Spanish expats in many ways.
Can Spanish citizens work in Turkey?
Not automatically. EU freedom of movement does not extend to Turkey. To work legally in Turkey, you need either a work permit (sponsored by a Turkish employer), or to run your own business (requires a company). Many Spanish expats work remotely for Spanish/EU employers while living in Turkey.
What about Spanish pension income in Turkey?
Spanish state pension income is generally taxable only in Spain under the Spain-Turkey double taxation treaty. Turkish tax authorities typically do not tax foreign pension income for short-term residents. Consult a tax professional if you're spending more than 183 days/year in Turkey, as this may trigger Turkish tax residency.