Moving to Turkey
Complete relocation guide
Moving Checklist
Before & after arrival
Relocation Timeline
Week-by-week what to expect
Cost of Living
Budgets across major cities
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
From the UK
From Germany
From the Netherlands
From Belgium
From France
From Sweden
From Norway
From Switzerland
From Austria
From the USA
From Canada
From Australia
From the UAE
Complete Relocation Guide
Moving to Turkey:
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to move to Turkey — visas, permits, housing, banking, and settling in. Legally reviewed and updated for 2026.
Turkey Relocation Blueprint
Step-by-step relocation plan covering residency setup, banking, taxes, neighborhoods, and your first-month checklist.
- Step-by-step relocation roadmap
- Printable document checklists
- Budget planning templates
- Residency & banking setup
Step-by-step
Your relocation roadmap.
Follow this sequence to move to Turkey legally and efficiently — from first research to fully settled.
Research & Planning
Define your budget, preferred city, lifestyle needs, and timeline. Determine which visa or permit type you qualify for.
Visa & Entry
Most nationalities enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your country's specific requirements before traveling.
Find Housing
Rent a furnished apartment initially while you get settled. Most landlords require a passport copy and first month + deposit.
Register Your Address
Your official address (ikametgah) is required for your residence permit application and many government processes.
Apply for Residence Permit
Submit your e-ikamet application online and schedule your appointment at the local Foreigners Department.
Open a Bank Account
A Turkish bank account is essential for paying rent, utilities, and daily life. Most banks require your ikamet card.
Get Health Insurance
Private health insurance is mandatory for most residence permit types. Obtain a policy before your appointment.
Settle In
Register your car, connect utilities, find a doctor, set up Turkish mobile service, and start building your life.
Turkey Relocation Blueprint
Want the full printable relocation checklist and step-by-step action plan?
Document checklist
What you'll need to bring.
Prepare these documents before your residence permit appointment. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays.
Full residence permit guideCore documents required
- Valid passport (min 6 months beyond your planned stay)
- Biometric passport photos (current, white background)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, pension, income)
- Turkish health insurance policy
- Proof of address (lease agreement or property deed)
- Completed e-ikamet online application
- Residence permit application fee (paid online)
- Police clearance certificate (some nationalities)
Country-specific guides
Moving from your country.
Moving from Netherlands
Deregistration, DigiD, AOW, Belastingdienst
Moving from Germany
Abmeldung, Rentenversicherung, DBA treaty
Moving from United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, NI contributions, UK pensions
Moving from United States
FBAR, FATCA, IRS worldwide taxation
Moving from France
Retraite, Sécurité Sociale, CAF, DBA
Moving from Belgium
Déregistration, Belgian pension, DBA treaty
Moving from Canada
CRA obligations, OAS/CPP abroad, residency rules
Moving from Australia
ATO reporting, superannuation, Medicare
Moving from Switzerland
Abmeldung, AHV, pillar pensions, DBA
Moving from Austria
Abmeldung, pension export, DBA treaty
Moving from Sweden
Folkbokföring, pension, Skatteverket rules
Moving from Norway
Folkeregister, NAV, Norwegian pension abroad
Moving from UAE
Tax-free income transition, visa, banking
Moving from Iran
Banking workarounds, residency, property
Moving from Iraq
Family relocation, healthcare, property
Moving from Azerbaijan
Visa-free, language proximity, business ties
Moving from Saudi Arabia
Property investment, lifestyle, tax planning
Moving from Kuwait
Mediterranean lifestyle, property, tax shift
Moving from Qatar
Visa-free, QNB Finansbank, bilateral ties
Moving from Ireland
Revenue, PRSI, Irish pension, departure rules
Moving from Denmark
Folkeregister, skat, ATP pension, DBA
Moving from Finland
DVV deregistration, Kela, Finnish pension
Moving from Poland
ZUS, PESEL, Polish pension, DBA treaty
Moving from Russia
Large Russian community, banking, residency
Moving from South Africa
SARS tax clearance, forex rules, visas
Moving from New Zealand
IRD, NZ Super abroad, tax residency exit
Moving from Spain
Baja consular, Seguridad Social, DBA
Moving from Italy
AIRE registration, INPS pension, DBA
Turkey Relocation Blueprint
Step-by-step relocation plan covering residency setup, banking, taxes, neighborhoods, and your first-month checklist.
€29
one-time · no subscription
Step-by-step relocation roadmap
Printable document checklists
Budget planning templates
Residency & banking setup
Avoid common relocation mistakes
Updated for 2026
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Moving & Shipping
Moving Your Belongings to Turkey
Shipping costs, customs rules, furniture transport, and importing your car — everything you need before you pack.
Moving with Pets
Bringing Pets to Turkey
Microchip, rabies timing, airline rules, import documents, and the best cities for pets in Turkey.
International Comparison
Compare Turkey Taxes With Other Countries
See how Turkey compares with Portugal, Dubai, Spain, and other popular expat destinations for taxes, retirement income, foreign income, property ownership, and residency planning.
Continue your research
First 30 Days in Turkey
Step-by-step action plan for new arrivals
Bureaucracy in Turkey for Expats
Tax number, ikamet, bank account — full setup guide
Finding an Apartment in Turkey
Where to search, what to check, rent ranges
Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving
Hard-won wisdom from expats who've been through it
Biggest Mistakes Expats Make
What goes wrong and how to avoid it
Annual Costs as an Expat in Turkey
Full year budget including setup costs
Residence Permit Guide
Step-by-step ikamet application process
Best Cities for Expats
Compare Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and more
Turkey's 20-Year Foreign Income Tax Exemption
Parliament passed this landmark exemption on May 21, 2026 — what it means for new residents.
Document Checklist for Moving to Turkey
Apostilles, certified translations, and scenario-by-scenario guide
Notary Services in Turkey
When and how to get documents notarised
Certified Translations in Turkey
How to get official translations for ikamet and banking
e-Devlet for Foreigners
Turkey's government portal — what you can do with it
Turkey Relocation Blueprint
Step-by-step relocation plan covering residency setup, banking, taxes, neighborhoods, and your first-month checklist.
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