Moving to Turkey in 2024: some invaluable tips

Moving to Turkey in 2025: some invaluable tips

Recently, more and more people have been considering immigration to Turkey to reside permanently. This country is gaining popularity among expats worldwide due to its high level of comfort, favourable climate, safety, moderate taxes and affordable real estate, which is often less expensive compared to major cities in Europe and the US.

Before deciding to move to Turkey, it’s important to consider key issues such as visa processing, choosing a place to live and adapting to a different cultural environment. It’s especially crucial to think about the details of daily life that are meaningful to you. Our article provides useful tips on Turkey for anyone, whether you’re a student, an entrepreneur, a young professional, a parent needing to provide for your children's education or a retiree. We discuss “Is it expensive to live in Turkey”, examine the key advantages and disadvantages of moving for expats and determine what level of income is comfortable.

How to stay in Turkey

There are the following categories of residence permits: Short-term, long-term, family, student and humanitarian. A popular option for obtaining a residence permit is a long-term lease or purchase of property in Turkey.

Life in Turkey: An insider's view

Local beaches are popular holiday resorts that receive millions of tourists every year, making the native population friendly to foreigners. Additionally, there are large expat communities in various parts of the country that support recent relocations. Together, this ensures a quick and comfortable adaptation.

The country is fairly safe, with most crimes being related to petty fraud. The level of education and healthcare is high, with many international schools operating in the country. Local clinics are on par with European ones in terms of services and equipment.

If you’re planning to find employment in the country, it’s important to ensure in advance that you have an official contract with a local employer. If the interview took place remotely, ask the future employer to send you the contract by email, translate it into your language and study it thoroughly.

To rent a regular 1-bedroom apartment in Istanbul, you’ll need at least TL 42,000 (USD 1,200) per month. Prices may be somewhat lower in less populated regions.

Turkey immigration: Pros and cons

Some of the significant benefits of relocation include the following:

Developed economy: The exchange rate of the Turkish lira against the dollar remains relatively stable. In 2023, Turkey's GDP reached USD 1.12 trillion and grew 4.5% year-on-year;
Affordable housing: Apartments in Turkey are available at reasonable prices. For example, a studio in a new residential complex in Alanya can cost USD 38,000, which is much cheaper than in most European countries;
Climate and nature: The Republic attracts visitors with its wonderful climate, beautiful beaches and diverse natural landscapes, making the lives of sea and sun lovers especially pleasant;
Favourable tax policy: The Turkish tax system is among the 10 most favourable in the world, as per the Tax Foundation think tank. It has a progressive taxation scale ranging from 15 to 40%. The higher the income, the higher the tax rate. Corporate tax is only 20%, which is slightly lower than in the USA (21%);
High-level healthcare: Local healthcare is considered one of the best in the world. Citizens and residents can take advantage of state insurance, which covers most medical services;
Business opportunities: Turkey creates comfortable conditions for business development, including low tax rates and minimal bureaucratic barriers. The investment programme allows for citizenship if a certain amount of money is invested in the country's economy.

Here are the disadvantages of moving to Turkey for permanent residence:

Language barrier: Although many Turks speak English, it’s important to speak Turkish for full integration and a successful job search;
Lack of central heating: In resort towns, it can sometimes be wet and windy in the cold season and night temperatures can drop to +10 degrees Celsius. Air conditioners are often used to heat the premises, which leads to additional expenses on utility bills;
Low-driving culture: Traffic rules are often violated, traffic on the roads is chaotic and some drivers ignore traffic lights and do not let pedestrians pass. You need to get used to this or switch to public transport;
Heat in some parts of the country: However, the swimming season lasts all year round and there are many beaches in the surrounding area, which is a big benefit for sun and sea lovers;
Paid education: Education in a public school will cost an average of TL 50,000 (about USD 1,450) per year. However, children will study in one of the internationally recognised programmes and learn at least three foreign languages.

How to choose a reliable property for investment in Turkey from a developer

Family visa to Turkey: ways and conditions for obtaining it

How pensioners live in Turkey

How to live in Turkey while retired? Turkey is a wonderful country for seniors. Thanks to its safe environment, excellent infrastructure and high-quality healthcare, it attracts many retirees. However, it’s important to remember that the government does not pay pensions to expats; you can only rely on your income. So, how can I move to Turkey?

To obtain a residence permit, you’ll need to buy a home worth USD 200,000 or more. If you purchase an apartment worth USD 400,000 or more, you’ll be eligible to claim Turkish citizenship. A more budget-friendly option is to conclude a lease agreement for 12 months. Such a document will allow you to stay in the country for one year.

Relocating to Turkey for permanent residence

To move to permanent residence, you must first obtain a residence permit. This can be done on several grounds:

Working in one of the local companies: This will require an invitation from the employer. A residence permit is issued for one year and can be extended by renewing the employment contract;
International students enrolled in Turkish educational institutions can apply for a student residence permit for the duration of their studies;
Freelancers with a proven income of at least USD 3,000 per month can obtain a residence permit for one year with the possibility of extension;
Marriage to a Turkish citizen: This method allows you to obtain a residence permit for family reunification;
Acquisition of real estate: Investments in housing from USD 200,000 allow you to apply for a residence permit.

Accommodation in Turkey

Citizens of other countries often relocate to Turkey. Many emigrants usually mention that coming to live in Turkey was a great idea. They say that they quickly get used to the local climate and feel great in their new environment.

Is it good to live in Turkey?

Is it worth moving to Turkey with your family? Life for expatriates can be quite comfortable. This country is great for families with children, offering plenty of opportunities for work, education and spending time together. There are many kindergartens and international schools with quality programmes. You’ll also find numerous green parks for walking and picnics, safe beaches and entertainment complexes such as Aqua Fantasy, Land of Legends and Vialand.

Modern housing estates in Istanbul are often equipped with children's swimming pools and playgrounds, as well as security and video surveillance systems to ensure a high level of safety. Some projects include private on-site kindergartens and qualified nanny services. Therefore, if you’re considering moving to Turkey in 2024 with your family, the answer is unequivocal: this is a great solution.

Help to buy a flat in Turkey

Yekta Homes will be your reliable assistant in your search for a flat or a villa in Turkey . It offers a wide range of options, allowing you to sort the results by price, size, location and other criteria to find the perfect property. Discover our tips for Turkey and start your property search now.

Moving to Turkey in 2025: some invaluable tips

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