Living in Turkey is quickly becoming one of the top choices for expats. As one of the top countries offering citizenship by investment, expats from across the globe are taking the plunge and moving to this stunning country.
However, before you pack your bags, it is important to know what living in Turkey is truly like for expats.
In this guide you will learn about:
Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey
Pros of living in Turkey
1. Fantastic investment opportunities
Turkey has fantastic options for investors. The Turkey citizenship by investment program is ideal for those that want to invest in the Turkish economy while obtaining citizenship for their families. Investment options include real estate, a bank deposit, government bonds, investment fund shares, capital investment, and opening a business.
2. Cheaper cost of living
Turkey has become a popular destination for expats, offering excellent living conditions. Whether choosing the scenic Mediterranean coast or the vibrant cities of Istanbul and Ankara, expats benefit from a European lifestyle at a more affordable price. Compared with other European countries and the US the cost of living in Turkey is significantly more affordable.
3. Strategic location
Turkey is situated between the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, making it an ideal location for travelling and business. Investors looking for a convenient location for shipping and trading often find Turkey a great option for multinational corporations.
4. Mediterranean lifestyle
One of the main draws to living in Turkey is the sensational Mediterranean lifestyle. From beach day bliss with gorgeous sunny weather to outdoor activities for the whole family. Whether you have a young family or are looking for the ultimate retirement destination, Turkey offers something for everyone.
5. Diverse property market
Turkey’s real estate market is particularly diverse. From modern city apartments to gorgeous villas by the Mediterranean sea, buying property in Turkey is a great investment. Whether you want to live in the country full time or rent out your property, the options are endless.
6. Thriving economy
Turkey has a thriving economy. The country holds the 18th place for largest gross domestic product globally in 2024. As the Turkish economy continues to grow, as does the investment potential.
7. Expat-friendly environment
Expats in Turkey often find it easy to integrate into local life thanks to welcoming communities and friendly locals. This allows you to make friends more easily and get acquainted with everyday life in Turkey much more quickly. The locals are also extremely inviting, helping those looking to make Turkey their forever home.
Cons of living in Turkey
1. Job scarcity
One of the main challenges for many people living in Turkey is the inability to work without a work permit, which can be difficult to obtain. If you plan to work for a Turkish company, the employer must demonstrate that no Turkish citizen is qualified for the position before hiring a foreigner.
2. Language barriers
Citizens of Turkey speak the Turkish language. If you are planning to move to Turkey to study or for business purposes it is very important that you learn to speak Turkish to ensure you can communicate efficiently for day to day living in Turkey. However, of the bad things about living in Turkey, it’s not all negative, with many tourist areas in Turkey speaking English fluently.
3. Turkish bureaucracy
Learning how to overcome Turkish bureaucracy can be a challenge. Generally, anything with permits and permissions can be extremely slow which may be frustrating. This is one of the main reasons that investors should consult with an immigration specialist to ensure there are no mishaps in applications as this can take even longer.
What is life like in Turkey for expats?
If you’re wondering what it’s like for expats in Turkey, you aren’t the first. Many expats from across the globe are looking for what they can expect from living in Turkey. Here are some of the main things to consider.
Education in Turkey
The education system in Turkey is quite similar to most countries across the globe, with public and private options available.
There are various levels of education in Turkey, including:
- Pre-primary school: Optional schooling for children between the ages of three and five.
- Primary school: Compulsory for children between six and 14. There are eight years in total, generally going from elementary school to lower secondary school.
- Secondary school: Compulsory for children between 15 and 18, forming both vocational and general high schools.
Most expats in Turkey choose to place their children in private or international schools as the curriculum tends to follow either UK or US schooling. Public schooling in Turkey is presented in Turkish which may be a struggle for expat learners.
Luckily, in most private schools in Turkey they offer Turkish as a subject to prepare learners to communicate with locals in daily life.
Healthcare in Turkey
Turkey offers both public and private healthcare, with the public system funded through Universal Healthcare Insurance for Turkish citizens. Overall, healthcare in Turkey meets international standards.
Visitors and expats in Turkey should note that the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are not valid there. Instead, you can opt for Universal Health Insurance or private health insurance.
Turkey offers a range of public and private hospitals. Private hospitals are often the preferred choice for expats in Turkey due to English-speaking staff and high service quality.
Important to note: Medical coverage is mandatory for obtaining work permits or residency in Turkey as set out by Turkish immigration regulations.
Turkey Visa Options for Expats
Turkey citizenship by investment
The Turkish citizenship by investment program offers a variety of appealing option to invest in Turkey to obtain citizenship. Let’s take a closer look at the various investment opportunities:
- Real estate: $400,000
- Bank deposit: $500,000
- Government bonds: $500,000
- Investment fund shares: $500,000
- Capital investment: $500,000
- Job creation: Create full-time employment for at least 50 individuals
Many foreign investors prefer the real estate route for Turkish citizenship because it allows them to acquire a second home or vacation property while obtaining a Turkish passport in just a few months (ranking 94th based on GCS Global Passport Index) . The program is particularly attractive for those looking to retire in Turkey.
Turkish residence permits
If you’re not interested in obtaining Turkish citizenship, then the residence permit may be a good fit.
The Turkish residence permit is for stays over three months. You must apply for the permit after being in Turkey for one month. The permit is usually valid for two years and requires you to prove where you are staying and that you have the funds to live in Turkey without relying on the Turkish government.
Turkish citizenship by naturalization
Once you have remained a resident in Turkey for at least five years you can obtain Turkish citizenship by naturalization. This timeline may be shorter in certain cases like being married to a Turkish national.
The requirements for the Turkish naturalization process include:
- You must maintain valid residence permits for Turkey.
- Proving you are financially dependent to the Turkish embassy.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Show adequate language proficiency through a language test.
Living in Turkey as an American: What to Consider
Living in Turkey as an American offers a chance to enjoy a lower cost of living compared to the US, immerse in a rich cultural and historical heritage, and savor delicious cuisine. However, if staying longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit, learn some Turkish for daily interactions, and adapt to potential cultural differences. Cities like Istanbul offer a vibrant expat community with modern amenities, while smaller towns provide a more traditional experience.
Here are some considerations for living in Turkey as an American:
- Visa requirements: US citizens need a tourist visa for stays under 90 days, but must apply for a residence permit for longer stays.
- Cost of living: Turkey is much cheaper than the US, especially for everyday expenses like food and transportation.
- Language barrier: While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning some Turkish is important for daily life.
- Cultural differences: Turkish culture emphasizes hospitality, family values, and religion, which may differ from American norms.
Cultural differences: US vs Turkey
Moving to turkey from the USA can be a daunting experience. Not only are you moving to a totally different part of the world, but the way of life is also extremely different. That’s why it’s important for Americans living in Turkey to consider the following cultural differences:
- Communication styles: Small talk is more likely to be initiated among strangers in the US when compared with Turkey.
- Hospitality: Turkish people are extremely inviting and hospitable to locals and foreigners, whereas Americans may be more reserved.
- Collectivism vs. individualism: Turkey is considered more collectivist compared to the US. In Turkey there is a great emphasis on family and community over individualism.
- Family connections: Turkey is well known for its inter-generational family ties, with families coming together often.
- Cuisine: The US has a melting pot of cuisine influences, with ethnic cuisine and fast food being available throughout the country. In Turkey, there is an emphasis on local and traditional cuisine, which the country is famous for.
Cost of living: Turkey vs the US
One of the main considerations before taking the plunge and moving to Turkey is the cost of living. You need to know what to expect in terms of cost, so you are prepared when you move to Turkey. Here are some of the basic costs of living in Turkey compared to the US:
item | Turkey | USA |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $576 | $1,757 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $970 | $2,932 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $404 | $1,445 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $670 | $2,395 |
| International Primary School, yearly for 1 Child | $9,744 | $22,473 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $39 | $46 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | $5.84 | $14 |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | $59 | $207 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $11.98 | $70.92 |
| Monthly Pass Local Transport (Regular Price) | $40,52 | $65,41 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $8.76 | $20 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $35 | $75 |
How to move to Turkey as a US citizen
Luckily, moving to Turkey as an American is quite straight forward. If you want to invest in Turkey, then the Golden Visa is the ideal option. However, if you just want to visit, the Turkish visa for US citizens is simple to obtain.
- For stays less than 90 days: US citizens are not required to obtain a tourist visa to visit Turkey for less than 90 days.
- For stays longer than 90 days: If you plan to extend your travel dates in Turkey then you will need a Turkish sticker visa. This is generally given for work, studies, and extended stays.
Paying Taxes in Turkey as an Expat
If you are planning to live and work in Turkey understanding taxes in Turkey is essential. If you plan to live in Turkey for more than six months out of the year, you are required to pay income tax. The income tax rate in Turkey is between 0-35 percent with various incentives that allow for allowances and deductions.
Non-tax residents of Turkey are not subject to income tax on their global income. The same goes for foreign employees if they have been living in Turkey for two years and are being paid by a foreign employer. But it is up to you to speak with a tax specialist to ensure you know what you are liable for while living in Turkey.
Retirees in Turkey can benefit from the reduced income rates as long as their income is coming from outside the country. Retirees will then only pay 15 percent tax on their income, whether it be from pensions, retirement benefits, or annuities.
The corporate tax rate in Turkey is 20 percent on all profits made within a tax year. There are some tax-free zones where companies are exempt from paying stamp duties, logistic VAT, and profits.
Banking in Turkey as an Expat
Expats in Turkey are free to open a bank account, with a range of Turkish banks available to expats. However, you will be required to provide certain documents including:
- A valid Turkish residence permit
- Proof of accommodation
- A tax identification number
- A valid passport from your home country or a Turkish passport if you obtain citizenship.
If your residence permit expires you are required to go through the residence permit procedure and provide an updated permit to ensure your account remains active and valid.
Where to Live in Turkey as an Expat
Turkey has many major cities worth visiting and living in. Each of them has its unique features. However, the seven best cities to live in Turkey according to expats are:
- Istanbul: The professional expat’s choice.
- Antalya: Holds tourism-related business and retirement opportunities.
- Bodrum: For high-class living.
- Bursa: For anyone looking for a city full of heritage.
- Izmir: A perfect spot for retirement.
- Alanya: A fast-growing hotspot.
- Marmaris: A sea lover’s dream.
Wherever you choose to live, there are a host of things to do in Turkey. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular cities for expats to live in.
Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with 15 million residents, is a vibrant cultural crossroads between East and West. Located on the Bosphorus, it blends rich history with modern life, offering diverse cuisine, lively nightlife, and iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia. Its mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites make it a truly unique metropolis. Luckily, there are a range of Airbnb options in Istanbul, Turkey, with long term rentals available.
Antalya
Antalya combines a historic old town with beautiful beaches and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for expats seeking an affordable coastal lifestyle. As the gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, it offers relaxing retreats for retirees in places like Kas, Side, and Alanya. From the lively Konyaalti and Lara beaches to the ancient charm of Kaleici, Antalya blends history, culture, and seaside living.
Izmir
Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, is a family-friendly destination known for its safe, sandy beaches and over 60 Blue Flag-certified shores. Located on the Aegean Sea, it offers a blend of ancient history and modern living, with nearby ruins like Ephesus and Pergamon. Considered one of Turkey’s more westernized cities, Izmir is especially welcoming for new expats easing into local culture and traditions.
