Move to Turkey
with confidence.
Visas, residency permits, taxes, healthcare, banking, housing, and expat life in Turkey — explained clearly by people who've done it.
Ask me anything about moving to Turkey
Hi! I'm your Turkey relocation assistant. Tell me where you're moving from or what you'd like to know.
Where would you like to start?
Ask me anything about moving to Turkey
Hi! I'm your Turkey relocation assistant. Tell me where you're moving from or what you'd like to know.
Where would you like to start?
Essential guides
Everything you need
to relocate.
Turkey Residence Permit Explained
Step-by-step guide to obtaining a short-term or long-term residence permit in Turkey — requirements, costs, and timelines.
Cost of Living in Turkey
A detailed breakdown of monthly expenses for expats: rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and healthcare.
Healthcare in Turkey for Expats
How to access public and private healthcare, register with SGK, and navigate health insurance as a foreigner.
Taxes for Foreigners in Turkey
Understand Turkish income tax, residency tax rules, double taxation treaties, and what you owe as an expat.
Buying Property in Turkey
The complete guide to purchasing real estate in Turkey as a foreigner — legal process, title deeds, and costs.
Best Cities in Turkey for Expats
Compare Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Alanya for affordability, community, and quality of life.
Moving from the Netherlands to Turkey
A country-specific relocation guide for Dutch nationals — permits, banking, deregistration, and practical steps.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
How to obtain Turkish citizenship through real estate investment or other approved investment pathways.
Verified partners
Relocation professionals
you can trust.
Vetted immigration lawyers, property agents, tax advisors, and relocation specialists — all with expat experience.
Immigration Lawyers
Qualified Turkish immigration attorneys specializing in residence permits, citizenship, and visa appeals.
Find a specialistReal Estate Agents
Licensed agents with expat experience — from rental search to title deed acquisition.
Find a specialistTax Advisors
Cross-border tax experts who understand both Turkish and international tax obligations.
Find a specialistRelocation Consultants
End-to-end relocation support — from pre-departure planning to settling in.
Find a specialistCertified Translators
Sworn translators for notarized documents, permits, contracts, and government filings.
Find a specialistExpat Insurance
Private health and life insurance providers that meet Turkish residency requirements.
Find a specialistCost of living
How far does
your money go?
Turkey remains one of the most cost-effective countries in Europe and the Middle East for expats. A comfortable life in Istanbul can cost as little as €1,200/month for a single person — and significantly less in coastal cities.
Single person monthly budget
Antalya / Alanya
Single person monthly budget
Istanbul
Family of 4 monthly budget
Outside Istanbul
Family of 4 monthly budget
Istanbul with international school
Istanbul vs Antalya
Monthly estimateEstimates in EUR based on mid-2026 exchange rates. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and neighbourhood.
Best cities for expats
Where will you
call home?
Compared by cost, community, healthcare, internet, and long-term liveability.
Istanbul
The global city. Unmatched professional opportunities, international schools, and a vast expat network — at a higher cost of living.
Cost index
€€€
Expat community
Very large community
Internet
Excellent
Healthcare
World-class
Why expats choose Istanbul
- Largest expat community
- International flights
- Top private hospitals
- Business hub
Residency & legal
How to get your
residence permit.
The step-by-step process for obtaining legal residency in Turkey — from your first appointment to receiving your ikamet card.
Enter Turkey
Arrive on a tourist visa or visa-free (most nationalities get 90 days).
Choose Permit Type
Short-term, long-term, student, family, or humanitarian residence permit.
Book Appointment
Apply online via the e-ikamet system and schedule a directorate appointment.
Prepare Documents
Passport, photos, health insurance, proof of address, financial means, application fee.
Attend Appointment
Visit the Foreigners Department (Yabancılar Şubesi) with all original documents.
Receive ikamet
Your residence permit card (ikamet) arrives by post within 2–8 weeks.
Short-term Permit
For property owners, students, and those with financial means. Valid 1–2 years, renewable.
Read guideLong-term Permit
After 8 years of legal residency. Permanent right to remain with no renewal required.
Read guideTurkish Citizenship
Via real estate investment ($400K+), 5 years residency, or marriage to a Turkish citizen.
Read guideWhy Turkey
Why 1 million+ expats
chose Turkey.
Lower Cost of Living
Live comfortably on a fraction of Western European costs. Rent, food, and services are significantly cheaper.
Favorable Tax Environment
No wealth tax. Competitive income tax rates. Double tax treaties with 90+ countries.
High-Quality Healthcare
World-class private hospitals at a fraction of Western prices. Fast, efficient, and English-speaking staff.
Property Investment
Real estate prices are low compared to Europe. Foreigners can buy property freely. Strong rental yields.
Citizenship Pathway
Turkish citizenship available via $400,000 real estate investment. Includes visa-free access to 110+ countries.
Remote Work Base
Affordable, well-connected, and with excellent infrastructure for digital nomads and remote professionals.
Established Expat Life
Large, welcoming expat communities in multiple cities. International schools, clubs, and networks.
Retirement Quality
Warm climate, low living costs, and access to quality healthcare make Turkey ideal for European retirees.
Sourced from official channels
Cross-checked against official Turkish government sources (goc.gov.tr, GİB) and updated regularly.
Written by Bartu Cavusoglu
Real experience from someone who has personally navigated the Turkish immigration system.
Always up to date
Turkish immigration law changes frequently. We monitor and update guides within days.
Popular guides
More essential reading.
Turkish Residence Permit (İkamet): Complete Guide
How to Open a Turkish Bank Account as a Foreigner (2026)
Alanya vs Antalya: Which City is Better for Expat Life?
Health Insurance for Your Turkish Residence Permit
Property Taxes in Turkey: What Foreign Owners Pay
Moving from Germany to Turkey: Complete Guide
Get started
Ready to make
the move?
Start with our complete relocation checklist and residency guide — free, clear, and legally up to date.