How To Live Abroad In Turkey – Cost Of Living In Turkey, How To Get A Visa, Pros and Cons Of Expat Life

01/04/2024

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Overview: Living In Turkey

QUICK SUMMARY- EXPAT LIFE IN TURKEY

  • Cost to live in Turkey for a single person = ~$1000 - $1200 per month <jump to budget details>.
  • High quality of life with some of the lowest prices in the world. 
  • Simple long-term visas available for most expats. 
  • Beautiful landscapes and historic cities.
  • Potentially higher level of culture shock and language difficulties. 

It's hard not to be in awe when living in Turkey. Something as simple as walking to the gym can mean wandering past a 130 AD Roman gate. Meeting a friend for coffee can mean drinking a cup under the shadow of the Hagia Sofia, considered one of the "Seven Wonders Of The World."

As a mashup of Eastern and Western culture, expats living in Turkey are spoiled with choices. Expat life in Turkey can be spent in historic cities filled with the colorful chaos of Middle-Eastern bazaars or unwinding with a Mediterranean lifestyle of lounging on sun-kissed beaches.

Immigrating to Turkey can be a fantastic experience for both seasoned and new expats. However, many newcomers should be aware of the challenges of living in a foreign country with significant cultural differences (seriously, what is up with all the freaking cats???).

This guide article will help you understand the pros and cons of living as an expat in Turkey. I will cover the visa and residence process, the best cities for expats to live in, quality of healthcare, potential tax considerations, and how to estimate a realistic expat cost of living.

Whether you're moving to Turkey as a potential retirement destination, digital nomad hub, or simply a home base, no matter what stage of life you're at, this Ultimate Guide can help you understand the process, pitfalls, and potential of living in Turkey. 

  • Learn how much it costs to live in Turkey and the kind of lifestyle this monthly budget allows.
  • Save money on housing, transportation, and food with advice from locals and expats living in Turkey.
  • Understand what options are available for legally retiring and immigrating to Turkey long term.

Other Guides On Expat Life In Turkey

Who is this guide meant for?

The power of Nomadic FIRE is combining Financial Knowledge with Minimalist Principles and leveraging Geographic Arbitrage to reach Financial Freedom in 10 years or less.

I have designed this series of Ultimate Overseas Living Guides for 3 types of people: 

  1. 1
    Digital Nomads working remotely and looking to jump-start their path to Financial Independence.
  2. 2
    Expats looking to live abroad and leverage Geoarbitrage.
  3. 3
    Retirees and looking to Reinvent their Retirement and upgrade their Quality of Life.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY  <click to expand>

  • Dial Country Code:  +90 
  • Total Population: 84.34 million (2020)
  • Capital city: Ankara Population: 5.7 million 
  • Neighboring Countries; Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia,  Azerbaijan, Iran, Georgia, Syria, and Iraq.
  • Official Language: Turkish
  • Time: Arabia Standard Time (GMT+3)

Living In Turkey- Expat Life

Woman living in Turkey as a Foreigner looking at the Galata Tower


What is the quality of life in Turkey like?

Quality of Life

Turkey has a lot to offer expats looking to live in an affordable Mediterranean country long-term. The same attractions making the country a must-see destination for tourists have the same allure for expats immigrating to Turkey. Foreigners and locals alike enjoy the rich culture, historical sites, and sunny beaches and coasts. But expats, in particular, can appreciate the straightforward visa process, quality healthcare, transportation infrastructure, and affordable cost.

Do they speak English in Turkey?

English Score

Only 17% of the country speaks some English. However, the numbers don't accurately represent what most expats will experience living in Turkey.

Anyone over 20 will likely speak some English, as, over the last two decades, the public school system here included English language primary school education. At the most prestigious universities, classes are even taught primarily in English.

In addition, Turkey is 6th in the world for foreign visitors. Foreigners living in major cities (Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara) or any tourist beach town along the coast will find English spoken often.

How hard is it to learn Turkish?

The quality of English spoken in expat cities in Turkey will be helpful, as learning to speak Turkish will require practice and perseverance. The US State Department grades Turkish as a "Hard" Language (Category III). With significant structure and linguistic differences to English, the Turkish language requires roughly 44 weeks and 1100 hours of classroom studying to reach Professional Working Proficiency 3/3+ or C1 on the CEFR scale.

Learn Some Turkish Basics

Contrary to what some foreigners expect, the Turkish language uses Latin letters, not Arabic. You can read written Turkish, even if you don't understand it. But by picking up a few phrases, foreigners living in Turkey will find Turkish people excited and appreciative of your learning their language. 

Here is the "Secret" method that the US State Department, FBI, and overseas military uses to learn new languages quickly and effectively- The Pimsleur Method

Avoid hours doing mindless repetitive vocabulary. Pimsleur focuses on quick, easy-to-digest organic learning to get you conversational as fast as possible.

Is It safe for expats to live in Turkey?

If you relied solely on Western media, you might question where it is safe to live in Turkey. Some of what the media covers are true; the political situation, the issues with freedom of the press, and curtailing of free speech are troublesome. However, as callous as it sounds, expats life is hardly affected.

Tourism is a significant part of the Turkish economy. Over 45 million tourists visit Turkey each year, the 6th most visited country globally. The safety of tourists, and more importantly, maintaining the country's tourism-based economy, is a priority for Turkey. 

EXPAT INSIGHTS

Firsthand experience living in Turkey as a foreigner

„

Pros of living in Turkey as a foreigner

Compared to the US, Canada, Western Europe, living is generally cheaper, with the exceptions of electronics and shipping services and more than anything, brand name goods.

[Turkish Cuisine]. There isn't even a comparison. Turkish and Mediterranean food is way, way, way superior to most Western/Eastern European cuisine, and its only competition is the rest of the Mediterranean. If aliens landed on Earth and asked for food, I'd point them anywhere from Southern Spain to Turkey...

Overall, some of the best natural places in the world. From the Black Sea region's forests, to the Aegean coast, to places like Cappadocia, and ruins, etc. 

JimAmerican Living In Turkey

„

New expat who has lived in Turkey for about 8 months.

Things I like:

I'm sure it's not perfect, but you (as a society, rather than politically) seem to have handled the integration of different cultures and ideologies well. Despite the massive influx of immigrants into Istanbul, I haven't ever sensed the same tension you will in parts of the UK.

Hospitality. Of course. I've had people stop me in the street to ask me where I am from and to wish that I enjoy my time in Istanbul. The welcome you feel just going into restaurants and businesses is like no other...

The way you treat stray dogs and cats is a model for other countries where they are considered a pest. The truth is if you treat them nicely and they have a nice life then they wont become a nuisance.

-UK Expat

Living In Turkey- Visas and Residency Permits

Woman living in Turkey standing in the sun next to the Hidirlik Tower

Can foreigners live in Turkey? Yes, for up to 3-months easily. More than 3-months requires a residence permit.

retire in Turkey visa policy map

Visa Policies For Immigrating To Turkey Image Source

Do I Need A Tourist Visa?

Maybe. It depends. Turkey is a potential candidate country to join the European Union, but its visa policy is a bit messy.

For example, Turkey does not require a visa for any tourist from an EU country, except Cyprus and Latvia. My Austrian girlfriend can arrive in Turkey, show her ID (not even a passport!), and stay up to 90-days out of every 180 days for FREE. German citizens can enter Turkey for free, even if their passport or ID have expired!

Citizens from the USA have more requirements to enter Turkey. US citizens need to sign up for a Turkey e-visa online before arrival. Americans can still stay 90-days out of every 180 day period, but an e-visa costs $51.50 ($50 visa fee + $1.50 service fee)

Turkey visa for US Citizen

Turkey visa for US Citizen

Non-US citizens can visit the Turkey e-Visa website to check their countries' specific Turkish visa requirements and costs.

Does Turkey Have A Retirement Visa?

Turkey does not have an explicit retirement visa; however, their Short-Term Residence Permit for Foreigners, called "e-Ikamet," can be used by expats to live in Turkey for up to two years. Don't let the "Short-Term" in the name fool you. As the e-ikamet is renewable, expats who want to live in Turkey long-term use this Turkish residence permit as a retirement visa. After eight years of residing in Turkey, expats can apply for permanent residency and retire in Turkey permanently.

While you do have to show enough income to support yourself, the income requirement for residency permits are only equal to the Turkish minimum wage. As of 2021, the gross minimum wage is at 3,577 TRL, equivalent to $386. There are no requirements to purchase real estate, start up a business, or buy government bonds. You can even start the application process online on the Ministry of the Interior website

You will then be required to make an appointment at your local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (DGMM) to complete the permit process and pay the visa fees.

My article detailing the step-by-step process of applying for the e-ikamet is nearly complete. Click here to get an update when the article is released.

Does Turkey have a "Golden Visa" Program?

Yes. Turkey has one of the most cost-effective Citizenship by Investment or Golden Visa programs in the world. Starting in 2018, the Turkish government even reduced the financial investment necessary and cut the processing time down to 2-3 months.

Expats interested in taking "Living In Turkey" to the next level can acquire Turkish citizenship by investing any of the amounts below:

  • Real Estate $250,000
  • Bank Deposit, Government Bond, or Capital Investment Fund $500,000 USD, equivalent foreign currency, or Turkish Lira

The application can include a spouse and any dependent children under 18 years old

Does Turkey Have A Digital Nomad Visa?

Mostly No, but somewhat yes. You are technically not allowed to work on a tourist visa. Turkish law explicitly states

"Foreign nationals who are within the scope of this Law are forbidden to work or be employed without obtaining a work permit." -Law No 6735 Section 3 Article 6 Heading (2) Law on International Workforce. 

Getting a short-term residence permit allows you to live in Turkey, but working in Turkey requires a separate work permit. You could apply for a work permit as a "freelancer," but that requires establishing a Turkish company.

While you are unlikely to get caught if your clients, payments, billing, and banking are outside the country, you are technically not allowed to work. As in many countries, Turkish Employment law has not caught up with the concept of remote work. Digital Nomads working in Turkey operate in the grey areas of Turkish immigration law.

Living In Turkey- Living Costs

American expat living in Istanbul Turkey shopping at the Grand Bazzar

Here are examples of real-life expat budgets on the monthly costs to live in Turkey

The average cost of living in Turkey in US dollars is between $1,000 -$1,200 per month. 

As housing costs skyrocket in the US, the comparative cost of living in Turkey as an expat looks even more attractive than last year. In the 2021 ranking of most expensive expat cities in the world, Istanbul, the most expensive city in Turkey, ranked 173th out of 209 cities globally, dropping 17 spots compared to 2020.

My cost of living in Antalya, Turkey, was $1000 per month, equivalent to 861 Euros or 728 Pounds. 

How expensive is Turkey in comparison to other countries?

If Turkey joins the EU, Ankara will be the cheapest capital city in the European Union, beating Bulgaria or Romania as the most affordable capital in Europe. In addition to being an inexpensive place to live, Turkey has a lot more going for it than just its prices. Not only are living expenses in Turkey low, but when you consider the value your get for your dollar, prices are even more attractive.

For example, Istanbul has a clean, well-maintained, extensive, and punctual public transportation system complete with metro, tram, bus, funicular, cable car, and ferry boats. These transportation options rival many transportation systems in the EU and outshine any US city alternatives. Yet, tickets for one-way trips start at 0.30 cents (2.5 TRL).

Living Expenses

 1-Person

Total Monthly Budget

$1,162

$999

$1,381

$1,419

$3,670

Cost of Living in Turkey vs. The USA

If you compare the cost of living in Turkey per month to a medium-cost city (Portland, OR) in the United States, moving to Turkey could reduce your living expenses by 70%.

Is it expensive to live in Turkey?

NO, but as with every country, where you live will influence your costs. As the former capital, largest city, and most popular city for expats and tourists, Istanbul is the most expensive. Moving from Istanbul to any other major city will save you an additional 20% off your living costs in Turkey.

However, Istanbul is famous for a reason, and even as the most expensive city, one-bedroom apartments in the city center rent for under $500 per month. Considering the city's culture, history, and the high standard of living you can enjoy, the additional cost is worth it.

Monthly Budgets For Major Cities In Turkey

Estimated cost of living in Istanbul, Turkey = $1,200

Estimated cost of living in Izmir, Turkey = $1,100

Estimated cost of living in Ankara, Turkey = $1,050

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Average Salary and Minimum Salary In Turkey

Average Salary in Istanbul = $984 

The average salary in Istanbul is a good benchmark to understand the "real" cost of living in Turkey. If your monthly income as an expat is greater than the average salary in Istanbul, then you can afford a middle-class lifestyle in Turkey's most expensive city. An average lifestyle in a high-priced city becomes richer in any of Turkey's less expensive cities. 

Workweeks are 45 hours per week. Overtime is allowed but with an additional 50% of hourly pay. As Turkey is a Muslim country, expats working and living in Turkey should not expect Western holidays like Christmas off. However, employees are entitled to a minimum of 14 vacation days after one year of work.

Median Monthly Salary In Istanbul

  • FINANCE MANAGER- $6,660
  • IT MANAGER- $3,242
  • SOFTWARE ENGINEER- $3,024
  • ISTANBUL COST OF LIVING- $1,200

Salary Data For Istanbul Image Source

What is the minimum salary in Turkey?

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare set the 2021 gross minimum wage in Turkey to 3,577 TRL, equal to $386 per month.

Living in Turkey- Cities and Sites

Get the highlights of the best things to see and best cities to live in.

What are the best cities to live in Turkey as an expat?

Istanbul

Istanbul may be one of the most distinctive cities in the world. Straddling two continents and connecting two cultures, Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, is a fascinating blend of East and West.

Located on the Bosphorus, dividing Europe and Asia, the city has been a crossroads of cultures since its founding in 330 AD. 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites fill the town with Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and a mix of Christian and Muslim history sites, including the Hagia Sofia, considered one of the Wonders of the World. 

Today, Istanbul is still one of Europe's most culturally rich cities with a large expat community, a delicious food scene, and bustling nightlife. With 15 million people, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis that offers expats a taste of Turkish culture and cuisine combined with a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Antalya

Nested next on the Mediterranean Sea, near several charming small beach towns, Antalya is the gateway to Turkey's "Turquoise Coast." Expat retirees moving to Turkey for a Mediterranean lifestyle of warm weather and gorgeous beaches can relax in Side, Kas, Alayna, or several other smaller island or coastal towns in the region. 

Expats searching for low-cost beach life with the conveniences of a larger city will find Antalya a perfect combination of historical city and relaxing coastal resort. 

AVERAGE LIVING EXPENSES For ANTALYA, TURKEY

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Antalya has miles of beautiful beaches; Konyaalti and Lara Beach are favorites. But expat life in Turkey isn't merely about lounging on sun-kissed beaches. Founded in 200 BC, Antalya's historical center, Kaleici, is a trip through ancient history. Several historical monuments built in the second century mingle between Old Town's numerous restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. 

Izmir

Izmir is the third-largest city in Turkey after Istanbul and the capital, Ankara. Located on the Aegean coast, the town offers a mix of modernity and tradition. Founded nearly 3000 years ago, like many cities in Turkey, Izmir has a long history. Stunningly preserved ancient monuments, including the Agora of Smyrna, fill the city; the historic port of Ephesus and the Greek ruins of Pergamon lie 1-hour and 1.5 hours away, respectively.


Izmir is blessed with nearly 400 miles / 600+ km of pristine coastline and over 60 beaches nearby certified "Blue Flag" for water quality and environmental cleanliness. With warm water and safe white-sand beaches, Izmir is an ideal city for expat families.

Locals consider the city one of the country's more westernized cities making Izmir perfect for new expats. Foreigners can gradually acclimate to local customs, culture, and challenges of living in Turkey

What are the Top 3 Things to See and Do In Turkey

  • Hagia Sofia In Istanbul- A marvel of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sofia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the Wonders of the World. Located in the heart of the city of Istanbul, the Hagia Sofia started as a church built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 537 AD.
    The church was the largest cathedral in the known world until the Ottoman empire converted the church into a mosque after capturing Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) in 1453. The Turkish government established it as a museum in 1935, until 2020 when Turkish President Erdogan converted back into a mosque.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride In Cappadocia- Fairy hills, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides- Cappadocia, located in the mountainous region of Central Turkey, sounds like a fairy tale adventure.
    The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you up in the sky to see the land below, with its valleys and stone chimneys. With your experienced pilot as your guide, you can enjoy the breathtaking views as you float above the stunning landscape.
  • The Cotton Castles In Pamukkale- Pamukkale is an ancient spa and bath site near Denizli, Turkey. Aptly named "Cotton Castle," these snow-white terraces are natural phenomena caused by thermal mineral deposits cascading into clear blue bathing pools. Pamukkale is a UNESCO site and is a jaw-dropping beautiful Instagram photo, and everyone wants the same picture. Unless you are lucky with a slow day, you will deal with large crowds of tourists.

 INSIDER TIP : Avoid The Crowds- In the same area as Pamukkale is The neighboring city of Hierapolis, also founded as a Roman spa in 190 BC, was also known as "The City of the Dead." Compared to the crowds at Pamukkale, Hierapolis is an underrated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Abandoned in 17 AD after an earthquake, Hierapolis contains several well-preserved ruins to explore, including a theater, the Temple of Apollo, and a massive necropolis, containing the Tomb of The Apostle Philip, one of Jesus's 12 disciples.

Living In Turkey- Healthcare


Health Care

Turkey has a Universal Healthcare System covering all Turkish citizens. This robust health care system ranks 70th out of 191 countries by the World Health Organization. For reference, the US ranks 37rd. However, a more recent ranking placed Turkey 29th out of 95 countries, two spots better than the US at 31. However, the quality of medical care varies. Expats can find high-quality care with Western standards in private hospitals in major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, where US-trained English-speaking doctors have modern equipment and international accreditation.

How much is healthcare coverage in Turkey?

A Temporary Residence Permit requires purchasing private Healthcare coverage. You will find many well-known international health insurers offering an array of health insurance plans. The average monthly cost to cover a 36 to 45-year-old male with Allianz, Mapfre, or AXA is roughly $35/325 TRL. This premium would cover 100% of emergency costs and 60% co-insurance for other non-emergency medical treatments.

To save even more on healthcare costs, expats living in Turkey with a Temporary Residence Permit for over a year can apply for Turkey's public health insurance. However, most expats recommend buying a private insurance supplement to access better-equipped private hospitals for any complicated health issues.

 INSIDER TIP : Turkish Healthcare For European Citizens- As of 2020, foreign citizens living in Turkey from Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Netherlands, North Cyprus, and Romania do not need to purchase additional coverage to meet the health insurance requirement to apply for residency in Turkey. Due to a healthcare reciprocity agreement, these countries' national healthcare qualifies.

Did you know that most US-based health insurance does not protect you outside of the US. Your insurance may not provide adequate medical coverage in a foreign country.


My International Health Insurance covers me everywhere I travel for roughly $60 per month.  

Will My Home Country Health Insurance Cover Me?

Most US-based health insurance does not provide adequate medical coverage in a foreign country. You will either need to get coverage from a Turkish insurance company or get Expat Health Insurance. Either option will be cheaper than what you pay for medical insurance in the US. 

Europeans from select countries with a Turkish Health care reciprocity agreement (see list above) are covered. 

Living In Turkey- Money and Taxes


The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). At the time of this writing, the exchange rate is 1 US Dollar = 7.53 TRY. For reference, 1 Euro = 8.87 TRY.

  • $1000 = €861 Euros  
  • $1000 =  Â£728 Pounds

Moving Money

Foreign exchange and international wire transfers play a crucial role in expats' daily lives. It’s important to understand how foreign exchange works and the effects international transfer fees can have on your cost of living.

Getting paid in USD, but paying bills in a foreign currency can kill your local buying power, especially if your bank gives you crappy exchange rates and charges you foreign transaction fees or international wire transfer fees. 

Wise.com is the easiest banking solution I've found for living abroad

Receive money as if you were still at home.

You don't need to hassle with multiple bank accounts. Receive your rental income, salary, pension, etc., using your Wise banking details.

Move your money between countries.

You can send money to more than 70 countries, always with a low and transparent fee. With Direct Debits in the US, UK, Europe, and Canada, paying your bills and subscriptions across currencies is easier.

Spend in local currency with a debit card.

Don't worry about currency rates when changing money. You can use a Wise debit card to always get the best exchange rate and avoid sneaky bank foreign transaction fees.

 

Do I Pay Taxes If I Live In Turkey?

Turkey will tax your worldwide income if the government considers you a tax resident. You will trigger tax residency if:

  • Your legal residence is in Turkey or
  • You intend to settle in the country or
  • You stay over 183 days in a calendar year

If you are a digital nomad working here, any income earned in Turkey is taxable. Additionally, you are on the hook for a combined Social Security tax of 15%: 

  • 9% Short Term Disability
  • 5% Public Health Insurance
  • 1% Unemployment.

Here is a list of countries with a double taxation agreement with Turkey.

Turkey has a double taxation treaty with the United States. If you are a tax resident here, you may be able to deduct the income tax paid to the US from the amount you owe. Speak with a tax advisor to confirm

Living In Turkey- Pros And Cons 


PROS- BENEFITS OF LIVING IN TURKEY

  • Beautiful Country-Turkey has jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes. With turquoise-blue waters surrounding the country on three coasts, the pristine beaches in Turkey are on par with Greece, Italy, and Croatia. Combined with the historical monuments, archaeological sites, and architectural contrasts of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman buildings, everyday life in Turkey is surreal. 
  • Easy To Obtain Visas- I can't say enough about the opportunities Turkey offers expats to legally stay in Turkey. While most European countries capped visitors to 90-days, Turkey provides a straight -forward path to residency and potential citizenship
  • Affordability and ValuePrices in Turkey are shockingly cheap, and with the currency rate of the US dollar, Turkey keeps getting more affordable. But it isn't just about the overall low prices, but the value you get for each dollar spent. The high living standards and quality of life you can afford in Turkey cost 70% less than in the US.

CONS- DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN TURKEY

  • Religious Culture Shock- While officially a secular country, 99% of Turkish people are Muslim. If you only listened to Western media, living in Turkey as an American can be intimidating. The culture is different, the language is different, and with a call to prayer five times a day, it even sounds different. Ignore the media that only highlights the negative issues; Turkish people are the friendliest and most helpful people you will meet. 
  • Disregard For Rules-  Turkish people don't always follow every process and regulation to the letter. If you're moving to Turkey from Western countries, don't be overly surprised if not everything goes the way you planned.
  • Language Barrier- If you interact mostly with people in their 20s or anyone who deals with tourists, speaking English is passable. However, when dealing with government bureaucrats or customer service reps, not learning Turkish makes life challenging. Need to complain about your cell phone bill? You'd better have a Turkish friend. Need to talk to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to cut some visa red tap? You're going to need a translator.

Expat Resources

This section is a one-stop resource of essential links to immigration and expats services, FAQs, foreign consulates, and embassies.

FAQs: Expat Guide To Living In Turkey

Can US citizens retire in Turkey?

Yes. Americans can easily immigrate to Turkey. US citizens can start living in Turkey with an e-Visa for up to 90 days, then apply for a short-term residency permit. After 8-years, you can apply for permanent residency.

How much money do you need to survive as an expat or retired person in Turkey?

Between $1,000 -$1,200 per month, depending on your location and lifestyle. Istanbul is one of the least expensive cities in the world, ranking 173th out of 209 cities. For $1200 per month, a single person can live a middle-class lifestyle with a one-bedroom apartment outside Istanbul's city center.

Can I extend a my Turkish temporary residence permit?

Yes, the Short-Term Residence Permit for Foreigners, called "e-Ikamet," is renewable. After eight years of residing in Turkey, expats can apply for permanent residency and retire in Turkey permanently.

Can you survive in Turkey without learning the language?

Yes, you can survive in Turkey without knowing Turkish. If you live in a major tourist destination, only speaking English and using Google Translate to communicate with locals is survivable. However, only 17% of the country speaks English. Expat life in Turkey gets more manageable with some simple Turkish phrases.

Can a foreigner acquire Turkish citizenship?

Yes, qualified foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship through the country's Golden Visa program. In as little as 120-days, expats who purchase $250,000 in Turkish Real Estate or $500,000 in Turkish bonds, bank deposits, or capital investment can acquire citizenship for themselves, their spouse, and any dependent minor children.

Is Turkey a good place to live?

Yes, Turkey is a fantastic place to live. Turkey is the 6th most popular country for tourism. 45+ million people can't be wrong. The Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas surround Turkey on three coasts if you want sun and sea. If you prefer history and culture, you can choose Istanbul, Antalya, or Izmir.

Useful Official Turkish Websites


About the author

Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison. I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last five years to over 40 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, Huffington Post, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Best Life, CW Network, Dr. Wealth, and others. [view press...]

  • Bravao. what an informative and stylish page.

  • Great website, super informative and straight to the point…do you have some infos on how to land a job in Turkey and/or the best websites for employment research over there. Thanks

    • Hi Hanane,

      Thanks for the compliment. I’m glad you find the content useful. Regrettably, I don’t have any employment networks or contacts for Turkey. Sorry, I couldn’t help, but I’ll keep an eye out.

      Good luck with your job search.

      Cheers,

      Marco

  • Jennifer S Sturdivant says:

    Great read. Thank you for the information. Will definitely refer back to it if I decide to make the leap. Love all the things I have learned so far about this amazing country.

    • Thanks, Jennifer. I’m glad you found the guide useful. Turkey is an underrated gem with great sites, history, beaches, and food. Definitely come and check it out. Let me know if you have any questions about living in Turkey.

      Cheers,

      Marco

  • Imtiaz Ismail says:

    Very informative and interesting

    • Hi Imtiaz,

      Glad you found it useful. Let me know if you have any questions.

      Cheers,

      Marco

  • Hi Marco – thanks for the info excellent help an in Australia looking to move to Turkey soon on a permanent basis & acquire real estate to settle down
    Who is a good contact in Turkey to get the visa etc going
    William

    • Hi William,

      Thanks for reaching out. I’m glad you found the expat information on Turkey useful. I don’t currently have a contact to help with the Turkish visa. Let me reach out to my extended network and see if there is someone I can feel comfortable recommending.

      Cheers,

      Marco

  • Excellent article about this fabulous country. The safest place I’ve ever been to, more than Italy. Turks I’ve met are hospitable and generous. My fave country in the world.

    • Hi Susan,

      Thanks for the kind words. I agree with you 100%. Turkey is underrated. Delicious Food, Friendly People, Historical Architecture, Easy Visas for US Citizens, and Low Cost of Living. Lots to love about Turkey.

      Cheers,

      Marco

  • Safari Pete says:

    Great write up Marco. What is the best website to search for 1 bedroom apartments etc to rent for 1 to 3 months.

  • Kyle Jacob says:

    Foreigners wishing to visit Egypt can now obtain an electronic Egypt e visa online through the government. There are no hassles involved in applying for a visa. Your application will be emailed to you once it has been submitted. While filling out the visa application form, you need to have some required documents prepared, and it will be processed within a few days. Depending on the type of visa and the process you have chosen.

    • Hi Kyle,

      Can you apply for the renewal/extension online now? Because that was the biggest hassle when we lived in Egpyt. For most expats, getting an Egypt visa was the easy part. We get a 30-day visa on arrival. The annoying part was getting the 6-month renewal in person at the visa office.

      Cheers,

      Marco

  • Hey Marco,
    How easy (or not) would you say it is to find “contract type jobs” – or freelancing type jobs – for the “not so young anymore”?
    Is there a cap on age to apply for a residency visa?

    • Hi Belinde,

      Depends on what you mean by contract or freelancing. Do you mean working in Turkey for a Turkish company? If so, then it is a bit difficult for the young and not-so-young alike 🙂
      Also, compared to the US or most Western EU countries, the wages would be very low. A better choice is a remote job without geographic restrictions and better pay.

      With many remote jobs, age doesn’t matter, just the ability to get the job done.

      Good luck,

      Marco

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