Manuel Garrido Turkey has become an increasingly attractive destination for immigrants from around the world, offering a mix of economic opportunity, vibrant culture, and a relatively straightforward path to residency or citizenship.
Whether you’re drawn by the low cost of living, the appealing climate, or the chance to invest in a high-growth market, immigration to Turkey has something to offer everyone.
In this guide you will learn about:
Turkey’s Immigration History
Turkey has always been a popular option for immigration. The country is situated at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, making it the ideal place for business and those seeking refuge, with the country bordering Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Syria, and Iran.
Throughout Turkey’s history, refugees from the Balkans and Middle East have made their way across the Turkish boarder for better opportunities.
Today, Turkey is one of the most popular options for those seeking investment opportunities, along with a lower cost of living, healthcare benefits, and fantastic education options. Overall, immigrating to Turkey has become popular for immigrants from across the globe.
Current Immigration Policies in Turkey
Turkey has welcoming immigration policies, with a range of visa options available depending on immigrants needs and wants. Whether you are looking for long term residency, family reunification, global investment opportunities, or full Turkish citizenship, Turkey offers something for everyone.
As Turkey offers one of the fastest pathways to citizenship in the world, it is no surprise that the country is quickly becoming a hotspot for those seeking a second citizenship. This along with dual citizenship allowances, make Turkey one of the most sought-after countries, particularly for its Turkey citizenship by investment program.
Read our Turkey Citizenship by Investment Guide
Turkey Immigration Types
There are several pathways for immigrating to Turkey, depending on your goals and circumstances. These include:
- Study: International students can apply for a student visa to pursue education at Turkish universities and institutions.
- Family reunification: Foreign nationals with family members legally residing in Turkey may apply for residence under family reunification programs.
- Work permits: Individuals with job offers from Turkish employers can apply for a work visa and permit to live and work in the country.
- Citizenship by investment: Foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment, such as purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000.
Immigrating to Turkey: Step by Step
Here are some basic steps to immigrating to Turkey:
- Step one: Determine the purpose of your stay: You first need to select the purpose of your stay to ensure you meet all the requirements. For example, if you choose to invest in Turkey for citizenship, you must meet all eligibility requirements, including making the minimum investment and having a Turkish residency permit.
- Step two: Understand the visa requirements: Each Turkish immigration pathway has its own set of requirements and regulations set out by the Turkish government. Ensure you understand this in full before applying.
- Step three: Apply for a residency permit: Whether you are applying for Turkish citizenship or a long-stay visa, you are required to obtain a Turkish residence permit initially from Turkish authorities.
- Step four: Settle into Turkish life: Once you have a Turkish residence permit you can begin settling in, including obtaining a Turkish tax ID number, opening a Turkish bank account, and ensuring your health insurance coverage is sufficient for your stay.
- Step five: Consider Turkish citizenship: If you remain in Turkey for five years you can obtain Turkish citizenship by naturalization. Alternatively, you can apply for Turkey citizenship by investment which takes between 3-6 months once you meet all the requirements.
Immigration to Turkey from the USA, UK, and Canada
Immigration To Turkey from USA
Americans often immigrate to Turkey for the range of citizenship benefits, including affordable healthcare and fantastic education system. US citizens can visit Turkey for 90 days without a visa, but if you want to extend your stay to see what living in the country could be like, the Turkish visa for US citizens allows for longer stays before making the big move.
Immigration To Turkey from UK
Turkey is one of the most popular options for UK citizens looking to obtain a second citizenship and the ideal location for a holiday home. The Turkey citizenship by investment for UK citizens is a fantastic option, with one of the main pathways to a second citizenship being buying Turkish property in exchange for Turkish citizenship.
Immigration To Turkey from Canada
Canadians are drawn to Turkey for its low cost of living and gorgeous Mediterranean climate. Whether you’re looking for a great option for a holiday home or a second citizenship, the Turkey citizenship by investment for Canadians offers a range of investment opportunities.
Pros and Cons of Immigrating to Turkey
Pros of immigrating to Turkey
Here are some of the pros of immigrating to Turkey:
- Low cost of living: Compared to countries in Western Europe and the US, the cost of living in Turkey is significantly more affordable.
- Strategic location: Turkey is situated between Europe and Asia, making it the ideal location for businesses looking to expand into a global economy.
- Warm climate: Turkey offers a stunning Mediterranean climate, with natural beauty, coastal living, and mild weather.
- Low-cost healthcare: The Turkish healthcare system invites all Turkish citizens to benefit from its universal healthcare system. The private sector also offers a high level of service combined with low-cost private health insurance, with additional Turkey citizenship by investment healthcare benefits.
- Excellent education system: Education in Turkey is ideal for families looking to immigrate to the country. There are public and private options, with some of the world’s top 500 universities available in Turkey.
- Access to 128 visa free countries: Once you become a citizen and obtain a Turkish passport, you also gain access to 128 visa free or visa on arrival countries, making travel and business much more convenient.
Cons of immigrating to Turkey
While the benefits of immigrating to Turkey far outweigh the cons, it’s important to understand Turkey immigration problems too, including:
- Language barrier: The dominant language in the country is Turkish, making day to day life challenging for some. However, English is widely spoken in high tourist areas.
- Bureaucracy: Navigating the immigration system and government processes can be time-consuming and complex. Working with a Turkey citizenship lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your application for Turkish immigration goes through without a hitch.
Immigrants in Turkey Statistics
Based on statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute, in 2023, there were 316,456 immigrants in Turkey. This was a 35.9% decrease compared to 2022, with 494,052 immigrants in Turkey.
Istanbul had the greatest number of immigrants, making up 29.2%, next was Antalya with 9.5%, Ankara with 6.5%, and Mersin with 4.9%.
In 2023, citizens of the Russian Federation made up the largest share of the foreign immigrant population in Turkey, accounting for 13.2%. They were followed by citizens of Azerbaijan (8.2%), Turkmenistan (7.3%), Iran (6.7%), and Afghanistan (5.9%).
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration to Turkey
How can I immigrate to Turkey?
There are various ways to immigrate to Turkey, including through investment, a work permit, family reunification, and a study visa. You can apply through the Turkish Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management.
What are the requirements to immigrate to Turkey?
To immigrate to Turkey, you’ll typically need a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial resources, and a registered address in the country. Depending on your nationality and the reason for your stay, you may also need a visa or residence permit. Additional requirements can vary based on the specific type of permit or visa you’re applying for.
Is Turkey a good place for immigrants?
Turkey can be a great place for immigrants, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, affordable cost of living compared to many Western European countries, and vibrant cultural heritage. However, challenges such as the language barrier and limited job opportunities in certain sectors should also be considered.
What are the different types of residence permits in Turkey?
In Turkey, residence permits are divided into several categories, including short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian, and those for victims of human trafficking. Each category has its own specific requirements and purposes.
How can I immigrate to Turkey permanently?
To immigrate to Turkey permanently you need to obtain a long-term residence permit for longer than 8 years, citizenship by naturalization for more than five years, or citizenship by investment in 3-6 months.
Can foreigners apply for Turkish citizenship through immigration?
Foreigners can apply for Turkish citizenship through several immigration pathways. One option is to live in Turkey continuously for at least five years. Citizenship can also be obtained through investment or by marrying a Turkish citizen.
What is the process for immigration to Turkey from the USA?
To move to Turkey from the US, American citizens typically need either a visa or a residence permit, depending on the duration and purpose of their stay. For visits of up to 90 days, an e-visa is usually sufficient. However, for longer stays or purposes such as work or study, a sticker visa is required, followed by obtaining a residence permit.
How to immigrate to Turkey from the UK after Brexit?
To move to Turkey from the UK post-Brexit, British citizens must obtain a residence permit or work visa, depending on the purpose of their stay. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, they must follow the same immigration procedures as other non-EU nationals and are no longer covered by EU-Turkey agreements.
Is it easy to immigrate to Turkey from Canada?
Immigrating to Turkey from Canada is generally straightforward, but the ease of the process depends on your purpose of stay. Canadians can enter Turkey for short visits of up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa and obtain a residence permit.
What is the cost of immigrating to Turkey?
To immigrate to Turkey through the citizenship by investment program, you must invest at least $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in other investment options. Beyond the investment itself, you’ll also need to cover expenses related to residence permits, visa applications, and general living costs.
