Immigration to Turkey: Everything You Need to Know

Immigration to Turkey has surged recently, as the country positions itself as a strategic gateway between East and West. Blending economic opportunity, cultural richness, and accessible residency options, Turkey’s migration policy offers one of the most inviting pathways for global citizens seeking a new home.

Whether you’re exploring how to immigrate to Turkey for work, study, investment, or retirement, the nation provides compelling incentives — from affordable living costs and a dynamic property market to streamlined visa processes. As a result, Turkey immigration is increasingly popular among individuals from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

In this guide you will learn about:

• The history of Turkish immigration
• Turkey’s current immigration policies
• Ways to immigrate to Turkey
• Step to immigrate to Turkey
• Pros and cons of immigrating to Turkey

Turkey’s Immigration History

Turkey’s position at the crossroads of Asia and Europe has shaped its role as a major migration hub for over a century. Bordering eight countries, including Greece, Syria, and Iran, it has long served as a strategic refuge and transit point for those fleeing conflict or seeking economic stability.

In the early 20th century, large population shifts followed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Notably, the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey relocated over 1.5 million Anatolian Greeks and around 500,000 Muslims from Greece. Throughout the 1900s, Muslim communities from the Balkans—such as those from Bosnia, Kosovo, and Bulgaria—migrated to Turkey to escape political unrest and persecution.

The country also received significant waves of migrants from the Caucasus, Crimea, and Central Asia, especially during and after Soviet expansion. More recently, regional conflicts in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and especially Syria have contributed to one of the largest refugee populations in the world residing in Turkey today.

These historical and geopolitical factors have deeply influenced Turkey’s modern migration policies and its diverse, multicultural society.

Current Immigration Policies in Turkey

Turkey’s immigration policy is regulated under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, managed by the Directorate General of Migration Management under the Ministry of Interior of the Turkish government. The country offers a structured visa and residence permit system for different immigration needs, including tourism, employment, education, and family reunification.

Foreign nationals can apply for short-term residency permits, valid for up to two years, or long-term permits after eight years of continuous legal stay. Family residence permits are available for spouses and dependents of Turkish citizens or legal residents.

For investors, the Turkey citizenship by investment provides a direct route to citizenship by purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 or making other qualifying financial contributions. This program allows for dual citizenship and has made Turkey a top destination for individuals seeking a second passport.

Types of Turkish Visas and Residence Permits

There are several pathways for immigrating to Turkey, depending on your goals and circumstances. These include:

1. Student residence permit

Who is it for: Foreign nationals enrolled in Turkish universities or recognized educational institutions.

Benefits:

• Access to Turkey’s well-developed higher education system
• Opportunity to work part-time under certain conditions
• Eligible for long-term stay leading to permanent residency

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Letter of acceptance from a Turkish institution
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Valid health insurance policy covering the full duration of study
• Completed residence permit application form

Permit validity: Matches academic program duration

Renewable: Yes

Path to citizenship: Eligible after continuous legal residence and meeting integration criteria

2. Family residence permit

Who is it for: Spouses, children under 18, and dependent relatives of Turkish citizens or legal residents holding valid residence permits.

Benefits:

• Allows family unification under Turkey’s migration policy
• Access to healthcare, education, and social services
• Pathway to independent residence permit and eventual naturalization

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Marriage or birth certificate (translated and apostilled)
• Proof of relationship and sponsor’s residence or citizenship status
• Proof of income meeting minimum support thresholds
• Health insurance for all applicants

Permit validity: Up to 3 years
Renewable: Yes
Path to citizenship: Yes, spouses can apply after 3 years of valid marriage and residence

3. Work residence permit

Who is it for:Foreign nationals employed or contracted by a company registered in Turkey.
Benefits:

• Legal employment rights with access to Turkey’s job market
• Eligibility for long-term residence after sustained legal employment
• Possibility to include dependents under family residence permits

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Signed employment contract
• Employer application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security
• Diploma or professional qualification documentation (if applicable)
• Private or public health insurance

Permit validity: 1 year initially
Renewable: Yes, with continued employment
Path to citizenship: Eligible after 5 years of uninterrupted residence and employment

4. Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program

Who is it for: High-net-worth individuals and investors seeking a direct route to Turkish citizenship without a long-term residence requirement.
Benefits:

• Fast-track citizenship (3–6 months)
• No minimum residence or language requirements
• Eligibility for dual citizenship
• Access to Turkey’s education, healthcare, and real estate markets
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries

Investment options (choose one):

• Purchase real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000
• Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank for at least 3 years
• Capital investment of $500,000 in Turkish companies
• Purchase government bonds worth $500,000 (3-year lock-in)
• Create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Investment documentation with notarized and translated records
• Clean criminal background report
• Health insurance
• Application through the Turkish authorities or a licensed legal advisor

Processing time: 3 to 6 months
Citizenship status: Granted directly to the investor, spouse, and children under 18
Dual citizenship: Permitted under Turkish law

6 Benefits of Immigrating to Turkey

Immigrating to the Turkish Republic offers a range of social, legal, and economic advantages for foreign nationals and global citizens:

1. Strategic Geographic Location

Located between Europe and Asia, Turkey is vital for international business and foreign affairs, attracting professionals and investors alike.

2. Affordable Cost of Living

The Turkish government maintains competitive living standards, with lower costs in housing, healthcare, and daily expenses compared to Western countries.

3. Access to Quality Healthcare

Both public and private healthcare services are widely accessible. Turkish citizens and residents under a residence permit can enroll in the national health insurance scheme.

4. Strong Education System

With numerous globally recognized universities, Turkey is an ideal destination for international students who enter under a student residence permit.

5. Citizenship and Residency Options

Options include long-term residence, work permits, and the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program, making it attractive to investors and skilled professionals.

6. Cultural and Lifestyle Appeal

The country blends modern amenities with deep historical and cultural roots, making life in Turkey appealing to those under international protection, digital nomads, and retirees.

Immigrating to Turkey: Step by Step

Here are some basic steps to immigrating to Turkey:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Costs of Immigrating to Turkey

While immigration to Turkey is relatively affordable, understanding key costs is important for budgeting.

1. Residence Permit Fees

• Application fee: $30–$50
• Card issuance fee: ~$20
• Health insurance: $50–$500 per year, depending on provider and age group

2. Student Visa and Residence

• Visa fee: $60–$100
• University tuition: $2,000–$10,000/year
• Additional costs: Proof of income, document translation, accommodation, and apostille authentication

3. Work Permit Costs

• Employer-sponsored application via the Turkish Ministry of Labor
• Legal processing/documentation: $100–$300
• Some employers cover application and health insurance fees

4. Citizenship by Investment Costs

• Minimum real estate investment: $400,000
• Legal, application, and government processing fees: ~$10,000–$15,000
• All documentation must comply with Turkish authorities’ requirements, including civil registration documents and certified birth certificates

5. Other Considerations

• Translation of legal documents
• Notarization and consulate fees at the Turkish consulate
• Legal counsel (optional but recommended for CBI applicants)

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.

What are the language requirements for Turkish residency or citizenship?

There are no mandatory language requirements for a residence permit in Turkey. However, applicants for naturalization may be evaluated on their ability to communicate in Turkish, as assessed by the Turkish authorities during the citizenship interview.

What are the healthcare requirements for immigrants to Turkey?

All applicants for a residence permit must show proof of health insurance that complies with Turkish law. The Turkish government strictly enforces this requirement to ensure public health standards are met.

How does Turkey’s migration policy affect new immigrants?

The Turkish migration policy is shaped by national security, humanitarian obligations, and economic strategy. Managed by the Ministry of Interior, it governs the rules for temporary protection, visa issuance, and the integration of immigrants, including Syrian refugees and others under international protection.

Are there any immigration incentives for investors or entrepreneurs in Turkey?

Yes. The Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate or making capital investments approved by the Turkish authorities.

Can refugees apply for residency or citizenship in Turkey?

Refugees, including a significant number of Syrian refugees, are protected under Turkey’s temporary protection regulation. Long-term legal residence may qualify them to apply for Turkish citizenship, subject to the evaluation of the Turkish government.