Moving to Turkey: Everything You Need to Know Before the Big Move

Are you thinking about moving to Turkey in 2024? Good choice! Turkey is one of the best places to live for those looking for amazing history, a welcoming community, a fantastic education, and a thriving expat community.

In this guide you will learn about:

• Visa options for moving to Turkey
• Moving to Turkey from the US
• Things to consider before moving to Turkey
• The pros and cons of living in Turkey and more

Facts About Turkey

Here are some interesting facts about Turkey you should know before taking the big leap and moving to this exquisite country:

Visa Options for Moving to Turkey

Moving to Turkey for Work

If you’re looking to work in Turkey, the country offers a work visa. One of the main differences here between Turkey and other countries is that the employer must apply for the visa on behalf of the employee with the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS). They will need to provide information such as an employment contract.

Once you arrive in Turkey for work you have one month to register your place of residence with the Turkish Address Registry System.

Moving to Turkey to Study

Turkey is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to study. Moving to Turkey to study offers a world of opportunity for fantastic education opportunities, incredible historic culture, and lower tuition costs compared to the European Union and US.

Students moving to Turkey need to obtain a student visa before starting their educational journey. Depending on the program there are various Turkish student visa options ranging in duration.

Once arriving in Turkey, it is up to each student to register at the nearest Turkish police department within a month. After which they must obtain a student residence permit from the Directorate General of Migration Management.

Moving to Turkey for Family Reunification

Moving to Turkey to be with family is one of the main reasons for seeking residency. Here, applicants must apply for the family visa. Once you’ve arrived in Turkey you must apply for a family residence permit at the Directorate General of Migration Management.

The Turkish family residence permit is valid for two years and is available to spouses of Turkish citizens, dependent children over 18, and minor children of a Turkish citizen.

Turkey Citizenship by Investment

The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program is the ideal option for those seeking citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the Turkish economy. There are a range of investment options including:

• Real estate: Minimum investment of $400,000 in Turkish property.
• Bank deposit: Deposit at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank account.
• Government bonds: Invest a minimum of $500,000 into Turkish government bonds.
• Fixed capital investment: Invest $500,000 in a Turkish business.
• Investment fund shares: Invest at least $500,000 into a venture capital fund or real estate investment.
• Job creation: Start a company that provides at least 50 jobs.

Making the choice to invest in Turkey is one of the top ways to obtain citizenship in this stunning culturally rich country.

Moving to Turkey from the US

What to expect

Moving to turkey as a foreigner is an exciting time, but it’s always best to know what to expect before taking the big leap. Here is what you can expect as a US expat in Turkey:

• Culture: There are massive cultural differences between the US and Turkey, which may be a bit of a culture shock for US expats. Turkey offers a mix of eastern and western cultures, while the US is predominantly western.
• Religion: Around 99% of Turkish citizens are Muslim, whereas the US has a large variety of practicing religions. It’s important for US expats to remain respectful of the cultural and religious beliefs of Turkish citizens.
• Language: While you don’t need to speak Turkish to move there, it will make living in Turkey a lot easier. English is widely spoken in tourist hotspots but it’s not the norm. If you’re moving to Turkey, learning the basics of Turkish can save a lot of frustration. You can also get to know a lot more about the culture and day to day life from the locals.
• Cuisine: Turkey offers diverse cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Eating out is more affordable than the US, and local markets offer fresh produce. Gathering to eat as a community is also very important in Turkish culture with many celebrations surrounding dining together.
• Healthcare: Healthcare in Turkey is a lot more accessible and affordable than in the US. Most expats opt for private health insurance which is also affordable. For citizens and those with permanent residence Turkey offers either free healthcare or significantly reduced prices.

Cost of living comparison

Looking at the cost-of-living comparison between the US and Turkey can provide some insight into what US citizens can expect from living in Turkey:

Visa options

There are two types of Turkey visas available for US citizens:

1. The Turkish e-visa (electronic visa) which US citizens must obtain before travelling to Turkey. This is largely for travel and business, with the Turkish e-visa lasting 90 days.
2. The Turkish sticker visa is ideal for those who want to stay in the country for longer than 90 days. This visa is predominantly for work or study with varying visa types for the purpose of the visit.

Our more in-depth guide on the visa requirements for US citizens to Turkey offers more details on what US citizens need to know about the specific visa requirements for Turkey.

Moving to Turkey from the UK

Moving to Turkey from the UK is a big decision, with big cultural differences and ways of life, it’s important to understand how Turkey differs from your home country.

Cost of living comparison

One of the biggest considerations is the cost of living between the UK and Turkey. With many UK citizens considering retiring in Turkey, knowing what the day-to-day expenses are is important. Let’s take a look:

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Turkey?

The cost of moving to Turkey will depend on a variety of factors, including where you’re moving from, shipping needs, and lifestyle choices. Here are some of the basic costs:

The cost of moving to Turkey will vary dramatically based on your needs. It’s best to speak with an immigration specialist to know exactly how much moving to Turkey will cost.

Moving With Pets to Turkey

Moving to Turkey permanently can mean that your furry friends are coming along for the adventure. While its an exciting time for everyone, moving with a pet is always stressful. But have no fear, there are ways to move with pets to Turkey.

Here are the basics of what you need to move pets to Turkey:

• Health clearance from a vet
• All required blood tests and screenings
• All pets must be microchipped
• Vaccination booklet with all up-to-date vaccines
• A pet passport

To make the process easier, working with an established pet courier service is recommended to ensure everything is in place when its time to move to Turkey. They can also help with your pet’s specific requirements as not all animals are permitted in Turkey.

Moving Belongings to Turkey

If you’re moving to Turkey permanently it is highly likely that you will have belongings you want to bring with you. Shipping and freight are generally for larger items that you can’t carry on or transport on a passenger aircraft. The cost here will vary depending on the size of the items.

Remember, you’ll need to declare all items to port authorities and the following is required:

• Proof of residence
• A power of attorney if you can’t collect the items yourself
• A detailed list of the items shipped

Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey

Pros of living in Turkey

1. Accessible healthcare: One of the main benefits of moving to Turkey is access to the affordable healthcare. Turkey’s healthcare system offers fantastic service at a much lower cost to other countries in the EU and US.
2. Friendly and hospitable locals: Turkish people are well known across the globe for being extremely friendly and accepting of expats.
3. Low cost of living: Compared with the US and countries in the EU, the cost of living is significantly lower in Turkey. You’ll notice these differences in rent, education, healthcare, and daily essentials.
4. Historic culture: Turkey is home to an incredibly rich history and culture that offers expats a chance to really explore and engage with the local way of life. From the historic architecture to the fascinating blend of western and eastern culture, Turkey is a treasure trove of adventure.
5. Opportunity to obtain a Turkish passport: Once you obtain Turkish citizenship you are eligible to get a Turkish passport. This opens a lot of doors in terms of travel, with 68 visa free travel countries for Turkish passport holders.
6. Thriving expat life: There are many expat communities in Turkey, inviting foreign nationals from across the globe. This can make things easier in terms of getting to know others in a similar situation, who understand what you and your accompanying family members are going through.
7. Fantastic education system: Turkey has a great education system, offering a range of options, including private high schools, international primary schools, and renowned universities.

Cons of living in Turkey

Like with any other country, moving to Turkey also has some hurdles to consider, including:

1. Language barriers: The main language in Turkey is Turkish. Although you will find English is widely spoken in tourist hotspots. Still, learning Turkish is advised to be able to understand and communicate the basics.
2. Limited work opportunities: Job opportunities in Turkey are limited. There are strict conditions to obtain a work permit or visa, with the Turkish government limiting positions for foreign workers.

While there are cons to moving to Turkey, the benefits certainly out way the challenges. Overall, Turkey offers a high quality of life for a fraction of the cost compared to European countries and the US.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Turkey