Expat Life in Turkey
Expat life in Turkey is a whirlwind experience as you settle in. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the shores of the Bosphorus, Türkiye offers a blend of history, modern living, and international appeal that continues to attract foreigners from around the world. Whether you're drawn by the rich Ottoman heritage, mesmerised by Turkish music and addictive soap operas, or intrigued by investment opportunities, life in Türkiye offers something for everyone aside from the gorgeous beaches, lots of sunshine and traditional cuisine.
As a nation that straddles Europe and Asia, Türkiye seamlessly blends conventional culture with modern convenience, making it an increasingly popular destination on the Global Residence Index. However, practical matters are just as important as lifestyle. From understanding visa categories to navigating public transport, dealing with import tax on imported goods and electronics, or learning how the Yeni Türk Lirası works, settling in Türkiye is both exciting and complex.
Key Points About Expat Life in Turkey
Living in Turkey
Culture & Lifestyle: A vibrant mix of East and West, ancient history, and modern conveniences.
Popular Expat Areas: Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir, and Ankara offer diverse lifestyles for different needs (retirement, business, family).
Working in Turkey
Work Permits Required: Types include short-term, permanent (after 8 years), and independent (for freelancers, more challenging to obtain).
Job Sectors for Expats: Education (especially English), tourism, IT, construction, and hospitality.
Restricted Professions: Some, like law and pharmacy, are limited to Turkish nationals.
Cost of Living & Money Management
Affordable Living: Lower costs compared to Western countries, especially outside major cities.
Savings: High interest rates attract expats depositing large sums.
Utilities: Water, internet, and council taxes are inexpensive.
Money Tips: Monitor currency rates, fees, and bank offers; use local banks for high-interest accounts.
Residency & Citizenship
Residency Permits: Start with a 1-year permit, renew for 2 years, and apply for long-term residency after 5 years.
Healthcare Requirement: Individuals under 65 must have insurance (public SGK or private).
Citizenship by Investment: Available for property purchases of at least $400,000, includes family members.
Healthcare and Education
Public (SGK): Covers most medical needs; affordable and accessible in cities.
Private Insurance: Offers quicker access and a broader range of services.
Medical Tourism: Turkey is a significant destination for affordable, quality procedures.
Schools: Quality English-language schools are mainly located in large cities (e.g., IICS, MEF, Koc School).
Curriculum: Many follow IB or international standards.
Transport & Driving
Public Transport: Buses and domestic flights are cheap and efficient.
Driving: Foreign licenses are valid for 6 months; MB plates are available for expats; importing vehicles is a complex process.
Language & Integration
Language: Basic Turkish is helpful but not mandatory in tourist areas.
Integration: Turks appreciate cultural engagement; traditions vary by region.
Expat Communities: Active social and support networks ease adjustment.
Lifestyle & Travel
Outdoor Living: Clean air, coastal life, and fresh Mediterranean food promote health and relaxation.
Attractions: UNESCO sites, beaches, historical ruins, and mountain getaways.
Leisure: Many retirees enjoy hobbies and slower-paced living.
Challenges to Consider
Bureaucracy: Paperwork and procedures can be slow and complex.
Economic Volatility: Currency fluctuations and inflation may impact finances.
Traffic & Urban Stress: Especially in Istanbul and other large cities.
Healthcare Gaps: Rural areas often lack access to services available in urban areas.
1: Working as a Foreigner
Foreigners can work, but there are legal requirements. The most important thing is obtaining a work permit (çalışma izni). There are different types of work permits: a short-term permit, a permanent permit for those who have legally worked for eight years or more, and an independent work permit for freelancers or those planning to start their own business. However, this last one is more challenging to obtain.
Employers must apply for a work permit and provide a valid passport, a signed job offer or employment contract, and documentation of professional qualifications. Note that certain professions, such as dentistry, pharmacy, law, and customs brokerage, are restricted to Turkish citizens only.
Foreigners often find employment in specific sectors open to foreigners, including education (especially teaching English), tourism and hospitality (like working in hotels or travel agencies), IT and technology, and construction or engineering.
2: About Savings Interest Rates
Currently, most banks offer high interest rates on savings and time accounts, depending on the deposited amount. This attracts foreigners, as they receive interest monthly after paying tax. This provides a living allowance without requiring consideration of capital and net worth. Expats who have sold property in their home countries take advantage of the interest rate by depositing the cash from their home sales into accounts. However, remember rates constantly fluctuate, so should you want to take your money back to your home country at a later date, you could either gain or lose.
3: Money Management
Most foreigners living abroad say that as soon as they moved, their finances got complicated. Reasons included managing property in two countries, the constant fluctuations in exchange rates, and the differences in tax laws between their host and home countries. When your monetary affairs are not in order, opportunities slip in to lose money. Therefore, get into the habit of managing your money from the get-go. Shop around at all the banks for the best deals, and keep a weekly eye on the financial market.
4: Easy-going Lifestyle
Retired foreigners who do not work enjoy a relaxed and healthy lifestyle, especially in coastal resorts. For years, scientists have promoted the benefits of seaside living, including cleaner air, easing of mental disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Couple this fact with Turkey’s healthy diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish, and you have a healthy lifestyle.
The general vibe of being without commitments is an excellent lure, as expats find themselves with more time to pursue hobbies such as walking, reading, golfing, or photography. In most destinations, established groups offer assistance with settling in, navigating bureaucracy, or simply socialising with like-minded people, making it easy for an expat to adopt a more relaxed lifestyle than they are accustomed to back home.
5: The National Identity
Once you make the permanent move, the culture, traditions, national identity, and society expectations become more visible. For the first few months, learn about cultural traditions. However, another great way to familiarise yourself is through travel. Meeting locals and learning about the history of various places slowly unravels the national identity and social fabric of society. Turks have quirky characteristics, such as a tendency to be late. Knowing this prevents misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations. In addition, from east to west, traditions and cultural heritages differ, so treat each interaction as an entirely new experience.
6: The Turkish Language
Societal expectations suggest that people living in another country should know or be learning the local language. Many retired pensioners do not speak or understand Turkish, though, and this is mainly because, in most expat destinations, locals speak perfect English. Older people encounter problems when learning a second language because experts say the best time to become bilingual is during childhood.
Foreigners can get by without knowing Turkish, but learning the most common words helps daily living situations and improves your confidence. These words include days of the week, numbers, household objects, key phrases, and commonly used greetings. Set a goal to learn two words a day if your memory capacity is limited.
7: Transport and Driving
Turkey excels in improving transportation infrastructure. The new airport in Istanbul improves connections between countries and the rest of Turkey. Expats will mainly use it when airports like Bodrum, Dalaman, and Antalya scale back their programs in winter.
A good domestic airline network is already in place, but traditionally, Turks always favour the cross-country bus system, a cheap, frequent, and clean method of travel. Alternatively, owning a car has become more popular because the government introduced easier credit terms.
Foreigners considering driving should carefully weigh the benefits of bringing their foreign car into the country. Often involving a lot of paperwork, the vehicle has to be returned after six months. Instead, they buy Turkish cars and apply for MB plates, indicating that they belong to a foreign resident. Foreigners can only drive with a foreign license for six months and then must obtain a Turkish license.
8: Turkish Residency and Healthcare
Foreigners on a tourist visa can stay for up to 90 days out of a 180-day period. To live here permanently or extend your allocated time, apply for a residency visa. The first application is valid for one year, but subsequent applications are valid for two years. These laws are constantly evolving, so stay informed about current news and events.
Use the official website for applications, or consider employing a company to assist you through the process for a small fee. Insurance is required for individuals under 65, and most expats sign up to the government’s SGK scheme for foreign residents. Certain restrictions apply; however, private policies are available for those who are not eligible.
9: Is Turkey a Good Place for Expats to Live?
Most towns have communities of expats who call Turkey home, as the country offers many opportunities and experiences to enjoy its rich history and culture. The country's welcoming atmosphere and reasonable living costs make Turkey an ideal destination, and it is indeed excellent for foreign expats. But what are the specific reasons?
Outdoor Experiences: From the turquoise coast to the majestic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, expats enjoy thousands of historical monuments and attractions. From the underground cities of Cappadocia, UNESCO sites, and Aegean beaches, Turkey's diverse geography offers a wealth of experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking in the Taurus Mountains to relaxing on sunny beaches.
Average Costs of Living: Some expats set themselves up on direct debits from their banking systems and efficiently manage their households from abroad. Living costs vary from place to place, but expats typically find more affordable options outside of big cities.
Cultural Integration: Turkish citizens appreciate efforts to engage with the language and cultural differences, facilitating smoother integration into the community. However, don’t panic if your Turkish language skills are not up to par. Most retired expats settle in tourist resorts because English is widely spoken.
Safety and Security: Turkey, in general, is a safe destination. While it's essential to stay informed about the political landscape, security concerns are not significantly different from those in other European countries. Exercise standard precautions, and most expats feel secure in their new home.
10: The Cons of Living Here
Although much of Turkey offers excellent quality in everything it does, like any foreign country, certain factors can put a dampener on your day.
Traffic and Transportation: Major cities, such as Istanbul, experience severe traffic congestion. Public transportation is available and generally efficient; however, traffic-related stress is particularly prevalent in urban areas.
Economic Challenges: Although the cost of living is lower than in Western countries, financial uncertainties and fluctuations in the Turkish economy may pose challenges for foreign nationals, particularly in terms of employment opportunities and currency exchange rates.
Healthcare Variability: While major cities offer high-quality health facilities, rural areas may have limited access to medical services. Understanding the health system and Turkish hospitals is crucial.
Educational Options: While private schools are often located in major cities, quality English education may be limited in some regions. Expatriates with children may need to carefully consider their educational options.
Red Tape and Bureaucracy: Important processes can be frustrating due to the complexity of bureaucratic procedures. Expat groups on Facebook and in real life are reliable sources of information. Other expats hire fixers, who will translate and carry out the process for an extra cost.
11: Where Do Most Foreigners Live?
Live in Istanbul: Delightful Istanbul, the cultural and economic heart of this beautiful country, perfectly blends history and modernity. In the Sultanahmet district, enjoy the awe-inspiring architecture of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, making this area popular among history enthusiasts. Among all the expensive cities, Istanbul ranks at the top, so this is something to take into consideration.
Beautiful Antalya: Located along Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Antalya offers expats gorgeous beaches and a relaxed lifestyle. Areas like Lara Beach provide stunning sea views, luxurious amenities, and Mediterranean climates that attract retirees and those desiring coastal paradises. Antalya exudes a European vibe, thanks to the diverse nationalities that reside there.
Bodrum Peninsula: The Bodrum Peninsula offers several picturesque settings with Aegean allure. With its crystal-clear waters and exclusive resorts, Bodrum attracts sophisticated crowds, including celebrities and jet-setters. Bodrum is a more westernised city and is easy to settle in.
Izmir City Centre: Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, is ideal for more relaxed urban lifestyles with Westernised attitudes. The Alsancak district of this Turkish city, with its seafront promenade, boutique shops, and vibrant atmosphere, is famous for the best of both worlds. Meanwhile, coastal Cesme, on the outskirts, boasts thermal baths and pristine beaches, and is sought after by retirees seeking an upmarket lifestyle.
Fethiye: Fethiye is popular among retirees and those seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Nestled along the stunning Turquoise Coast, Fethiye offers breathtaking beauty, including the famous Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, as well as a warm Mediterranean climate year-round. Life is relaxed and affordable, with fresh produce markets, scenic coastal walks, and a wide range of outdoor activities like sailing, paragliding, and hiking. The presence of expat groups and social networks also helps new residents navigate the Turkish bureaucracy and settle in comfortably.
12: About Health Insurance Plans
Health insurance is essential for both locals and expatriates. Turkey's health system comprises public and private providers, and insurance helps ensure access to quality medical care. Please note that even if you stay for six months, travel insurance may not be sufficient, as providers typically do not cover extended stays. Purchase extra insurance for extended stays to get your residence permit.
Social Security Institution (SGK): Citizens and legal residents can enrol in the public health system through the Social Security Institution (SGK). SGK covers most health expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
Private Insurance: Sometimes, expatriates and locals complement public coverage with private health insurance for more comprehensive and tailored health services. Sold by foreign providers, they offer different coverage levels, premiums, and additional benefits for private hospitals. Private plans cover hospital stays, surgeries, outpatient care, dental services, and maternity care. In most cases, expats enjoy high-quality medical care.
13: The Turkish Healthcare System
Turkish healthcare has undergone significant reform, evolving into a model that combines affordability, accessibility, and modern infrastructure. Administered primarily by the Ministry of Health, Türkiye’s system includes a combination of public and private medical services. Public hospitals and clinics often provide services at little to no cost for residents enrolled in the national insurance program. With modern medical establishments, highly trained professionals, and an increasing number of hospitals meeting European Union standards, Türkiye is also a significant hub for medical tourism, attracting thousands of foreigners each year for procedures ranging from dental work to cosmetic surgery and organ transplants.
14: From Temporary Residency Visa to Permanent Residency
When people first come to live here, they will get a temporary visa for one year. People under 65, when applying, will need to provide private insurance and proof of sufficient income to support themselves. Apply in the district where you plan to live.
After this, reapply for a two-year visa. After five years of residency, foreigners are eligible for permanent residency, known as a long-term residence permit. However, the application is not guaranteed. Another way real estate investors can obtain permanent residency is by applying for the Golden Visa, which requires a property investment of at least $400,000.
15: Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment
Turkey offers a citizenship-by-investment program through property investments, as well as government bonds and a bank deposit. Foreign nationals are eligible for citizenship by purchasing property worth USD 400,000. The process begins once the investor purchases the property and obtains a formal valuation report. Next, they must secure a certificate of conformity, which confirms that the investment meets citizenship requirements.
After this, the applicant applies for a special residence permit tailored for investors. With the license in place, they submit their citizenship application to the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The entire process typically takes between four and six months from property purchase to receiving citizenship approval.
This pathway extends to the investor’s immediate family, including children under the age of 18 who receive citizenship simultaneously, as well as a Turkish passport. After the three-year holding period, investors can sell their property without affecting their citizenship status. This makes the program attractive not only for second citizenship but also for long-term investors looking to generate rental income or benefit from future capital gains. However, due diligence is essential—working with trusted legal and property professionals helps prevent issues related to misvaluation or legal complications. (More here.)
16: Private Schools for Expat Families
Turkey boasts several private schools with world-class education, mainly in expat cities. Among these institutions, the best include the Istanbul International Community School (IICS), which offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and is committed to holistic development in a foreign country. Another standout is Koc School, recognised for its rigorous academic programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Additionally, MEF International School in Istanbul has a diverse curriculum, emphasising innovation and critical thinking. These institutions prioritise English-language education, promote cultural diversity, and often offer advanced placement programs, providing students with well-rounded and internationally recognised education. Overall, the best schools commit to academic excellence, global perspectives, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.
Next Step - Our Real Estate Agent Services
With years of hands-on experience, we’ve had the privilege of helping countless clients navigate the property landscape with confidence. Whether you're buying for investment, lifestyle, or citizenship, our deep knowledge of local laws, neighbourhoods, and the citizenship-by-investment process ensures you receive expert guidance every step of the way. From the sun-soaked coasts of Didim to the heart of Istanbul, we’re here to help you make the right choice with complete peace of mind.
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