Moving to Turkey: Visas, Work, and a Practical Relocation Plan for 2026

Are you thinking about moving to Turkey? Relocation is about more than simply getting a visa and finding a place to live. How you approach the move will depend on your future goals. Are you seeking to settle temporarily, indefinitely, to find work, or apply for citizenship?

Each will have a bearing on your immigration process – your reason for moving and how long you intend to stay – alongside your nationality.

With this in mind, Global Citizen Solutions has produced this guide to walk you through the steps you’ll need to take to move to Turkey, helping you in understanding your immigration options and pinpointing exactly what you’ll need to arrange before you finalize your move.

Relocating to Turkey: Key Details

The route to moving to Turkey will depend on your intention, whether you are seeking to reside as a visitor, long-term, or as a means to unlock Turkish citizenship.

Working legally in Turkey may require more than a residence permit, as this does not automatically provide you with the right to work. You will generally need a work permit or exemption.

Residence status and tax residency apply differently in immigration, as being a legal resident does not automatically make you a tax resident. Liability to pay taxes will depend on your length of stay, activities, and financial situation.

Housing and everyday costs are usually lower in Turkey than in the US or UK, although costs invariably depend on the city, neighborhood, and your lifestyle.

Property investments can support an application for Turkish residency or citizenship when relevant requirements are met, but buying property will not automatically guarantee either.

Before you decide to relocate to Turkey, you’ll want to fully understand why you’re moving and how long you intend to stay in the country.

This will influence your immigration pathway that you should take. For example, whether you can travel to Turkey freely or whether you would need a Turkey immigration service. This will also allow you to determine what you can legally do in the country, such as work.

To clarify these differences, if you are simply spending a short period of time in Turkey or annually on retirement, you may not need to apply for a residence permit. Once you are clear on how long you intend to stay in Turkey, whether you need to work, whether you’ll buy property, and if, ultimately, you would like to secure Turkish citizenship, you will then have a clearer picture on which immigration route best serves your situation.

A common source of confusion when moving to Turkey is assuming that the process follows: Entry, residence, work, and then citizenship. As we’ve mentioned, your nationality, reason for staying, and how long you intend to stay in the country will determine the rules that will apply.

Entering Turkey is the starting point. Depending on what passport you hold, you may be able to enter the country without a visa or an e-Visa, or else you will need to a visa to enter. This is generally for those visiting short-term.

For example, as an American visiting for a vacation, or to spend time with family, or even if you are simply testing the waters before you move, you do not need a residence permit. You will need to have a separate Turkish visa for US citizens to work or stay beyond the 90 days permitted by visa free travel.

Work

If your reason for moving is employment, working legally in Turkey is a separate issue from permission to enter the country. A Turkish residence permit does not, by itself, give you permission to work. Foreign workers generally need to apply for a work permit or another form of work authorization, depending on the job, employer, and circumstances.

If you are moving to Turkey for work, then the process is separate from securing permission to enter Turkey. A Turkish residence permit will not allow you to work and you’ll instead need to apply for a work permit or another form of work authorization, which will depend on the job itself, the employer, and the specific situation.

Study

Students will also have their own immigration route. If you are looking into studying in a Turkish university or another educational institution, then you can secure student status. This does not automatically grant you the right to work in the country, nor provide a route to Turkish citizenship.

Family

Family reunification is a separate category. If your spouse, parent, child, or other eligible family member lives in Turkey, then family circumstances can determine the status you’ll need to secure residency in the country.

Simply entering Turkey as a visitor can apply to those reuniting with family, but those looking to live with a family member already living there may need to consider the Family Residence Permit.

Short-term residence

A short-term residence permit allows individuals to live in Turkey for up to two years for tourism, property ownership, business, or participation in Turkish language course, and can be renewed.

Investment

Investing in Turkey introduces another set of options. Depending on the type and scale of investment, you may be able to obtain residency based on your circumstances, while certain investments can lead to qualifying to apply for Turkish citizenship.

Buying property is a viable route to move to Turkey, but the investment should not be viewed in the same way as citizenship, as Turkish real estate investment involves other variables when seeking residency or citizenship, such as location, property type, minimum investment, and personal profile.

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship sits in a different category altogether, as it’s not just about visiting or living there as a foreigner, but gaining Turkish nationality. The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program can provide a route to citizenship if the minimum investment and legal requirements are met.

This means someone considering an investment, such as buying property in Turkey, should first decide whether their intention is to live there, invest there, or obtain citizenship and a Turkish passport. Those objectives can overlap, but they are not interchangeable, and their requirements and consequences can differ.

Route comparison

The paperwork and other requirements depend on whether you’re immigrating to Turkey as a visitor, obtaining residence, working, or seeking citizenship.

• Visiting: Check whether your nationality allows entry without a visa or whether you’ll need one to enter Turkey. Have your passport, proof of accommodation, and any required documents ready before traveling.
• Residence: If you plan to retire in Turkey or stay past the entry period you’re permitted, you’ll need the appropriate residency visa. Requirements vary, but may include a passport, photos, proof of accommodation, and health insurance. In 2026, the residence permit document fee is 964 TL, while other fees vary by nationality and circumstances. First-time applicants who entered the country visa free may also need to pay a 9,376.40 TL single-entry visa fee.
• Work: Working in Turkey is distinct from entering or living there. You generally need a Turkish employer to sponsor you and work authorization from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
• Citizenship: Citizenship has its own application and documentation requirements. Depending on the route, you may need civil records, proof of residence, tax returns, identity documents, and supporting evidence. The citizenship program requires a significant investment, starting at $400,000, and submission of the application through an authorized representative.

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 UK or US expat in Turkey:

Culture: There are massive cultural differences between the UK and the US, and Turkey, which may be a bit of a culture shock for expats moving there. Turkey offers a mix of Eastern and Western cultures, while the UK and US cultures are predominantly Western.

Religion: Around 99% of Turkish citizens are Muslim, whereas the UK and the US have a large variety of practicing religions. It’s important for UK and 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, speaking the language will make living there much easier. English is widely spoken in tourist hotspots, but it’s not the norm. Learning the basics of Turkish can save a lot of frustration, especially if you’re moving to Turkey for work. 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 in the US and the UK, 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.

Safety: Safety: Though generally accessible to expats, safety conditions in Turkey can present concerns, depending on the location.

The US Department of State currently advises travelers to exercise increased caution because of terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detentions, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns of terrorism, demonstrations, and crime in some areas. Both governments advise against travel to certain areas near Turkey’s borders with Syria and Iraq. 

Healthcare: Healthcare in Turkey is accessible and more affordable than in the US and the UK. Private health insurance is also affordable. Turkish citizens and eligible residents can access Turkey’s public healthcare system through the General Health Insurance (GSS) scheme.

Foreign residents must meet specific eligibility requirements, and some healthcare services may involve contributions or co-payments. However, the OECD’s Health at a Glance 2025 reports that healthcare prices in Turkey are 18% of the OECD average.

Besides determining immigration status, moving to Turkey as an American or another nationality also involves considering how you will earn income, pay taxes, access healthcare, and manage your money.

Income

Check the work authorization requirements if you plan to seek employment in Turkey. A residence permit alone isn’t enough. Employees will need the appropriate work permit. Remote workers, business owners, and the self-employed should check which rules apply to them.

A digital worker may be eligible to apply for a short-term residence permit under the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate, whereas someone starting a business in Turkey may need to consider the requirements for establishing and operating a business, as well as whether they need work authorization.

Tax

Holding a residence permit and tax residency are not the same status. Physical residence for a significant period of time can lead to an obligation to pay taxes in Turkey.

A 20-year income tax exemption introduced in June 2026 may exclude certain income earned outside Turkey by foreign nationals, provided they were not resident in Turkey or subject to full tax liability there during the three years prior to 1 January 2026.

A separate consideration is Turkish property taxes, which can apply to property owners regardless of whether the property was purchased to use as a personal residence, for investment, or to obtain residency or citizenship.

Healthcare

Turkey has both public and private health services. Private hospitals such as Memorial Ataşehir Hospital in Istanbul and Medstar Private Hospital in Antalya provide a range of health treatments. Healthcare costs can also vary considerably between providers and treatments, but Turkey’s overall healthcare price level is lower than in other Western countries.

Banking

Turkish banks can make paying for groceries, rent, utilities, and other regular expenses easier. Banks may ask for identification, proof of address, tax information, and source-of-funds documents. If you are transferring substantial funds into Turkey, particularly for property or investment, keep clear records showing the source and movement of your funds.

Looking at the Numbeo cost-of-living comparison between the UK, the US, and Turkey, as of September 2026, can provide some insight into the cost of living in Turkey:

The cost of flying to Turkey from the UK and the US varies significantly depending on your departure city, destination, airline, time of year and family unit. The UK is generally cheaper; a couple living in London may have relatively affordable options to Istanbul.

In contrast, a four traveling from New York to Antalya will generally face higher airfare and longer travel times. It is worth factoring seasonal fares and how often you expect to travel back home into your overall moving budget.

Moving to Turkey permanently can mean bringing your pets along too. While it can be exciting, relocating internationally with a pet requires extensive planning in advance, as there are requirements set by both Turkish authorities and the airline.

For cats, dogs, and ferrets traveling with their owners, Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry requires appropriate microchip identification, rabies vaccination, and veterinary documentation. Depending on the circumstances, a rabies antibody titration test at an accredited laboratory within at least 30 days after rabies vaccination may also be required.

You should also check the rules for the airline you’re traveling with, as these are separate from Turkey’s entry requirements. Turkish Airlines, for example, has its own conditions for traveling with pets. The maximum combined pet-and-carrier limit for cabin travel with Turkish Airlines is 8 kg, whereas ordinary pets traveling from the UK with British Airways are transported in the aircraft hold through pet-transport arrangements, rather than as cabin baggage.

Because requirements can vary according to the animal, country of departure, and travel arrangements, check the current rules with the Turkish authorities before traveling. An experienced pet-relocation service can also help coordinate the veterinary, documentation, and airline requirements.

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 the 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

The advantages and challenges of living in Turkey can vary depending on where you live, your income, your family situation, and your reasons for moving.

Pros of living in Turkey

• Lower living costs: Everyday expenses are generally lower than in most Western European countries and the United States, according to Numbeo. However, housing is more expensive in major cities like Istanbul, as well as in other sought-after tourism destinations and neighborhoods, and the difference in cost also depends on lifestyle preferences.
• Accessible healthcare: Turkey has both public and private healthcare systems, with spending below the average cost in other OECD countries.
• International communities: Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir have established expat communities, but you should visit local neighborhoods to see what services and communities are actually available.
• Culture and lifestyle: Turkey offers historic cities, coastal areas, and a wide range of lifestyles.
• Education options: Education in Turkey comprises public, private, and international schools, with lower rates than in the US and the UK, according to Numbeo.
• Buy property to relocate: Foreign nationals may qualify for residency or citizenship through buying property in Turkey, provided the investment meets the relevant criteria, and they fulfill the legal requirements.

Cons of living in Turkey

• Language barrier: English is more widely used in tourist areas, while Turkish may be needed for everyday administrative and service matters. Consider how comfortable you are managing daily life in a non-English speaking environment.
• City differences: Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Ankara are popular cities to live in, but differ substantially in terms of housing costs and lifestyles.
• Currency fluctuations: Exchange-rate movements can affect your spending if your income is in pounds, euros, or dollars. Test how your budget is affected by currency changes.

Before you emigrate, understanding the level of safety in Turkey is essential. The US Department of State rates Turkey as “Level 2: Exercise increased caution” due to terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detention. This means travelers are advised to take extra precautions, rather than avoid travel altogether.

Regions bordering Syria and Iraq have a higher travel advisory level of “Level 4: Do not travel” due to heightened anti-Western sentiment and terrorism risk; however, these areas are generally a good distance from the country’s main tourist destinations and major expat hubs.

For those moving from the UK to Turkey, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns travelers of terrorism, demonstrations, and crime. Like the US State Department, it advises against all travel to areas close to the Turkey-Syria border.

Violent crime does occur in Turkey, although everyday crime concerns for visitors and residents include theft, pickpocketing and robbery, particularly in major tourist areas.