Living in Türkiye: The Complete Guide for Foreigners

Türkiye sits where Europe meets Asia, and living in Turkey appeals to a wide mix of people. Retirees on fixed pensions come for the warm coast. Remote workers are drawn by fast internet and a lively café culture. Families come for good private schools and a welcoming society. Entrepreneurs come for a market of more than 85 million people. Each year, hundreds of thousands of foreigners make the move, from Istanbul’s crowded neighbourhoods to the quiet villages of the Aegean.

This is our most complete guide to living in Türkiye. It covers the legal side — visas, residence permits, work and taxes — and the everyday side: where to live, what things cost, renting and buying a home, healthcare, banking, phones, transport, language, culture and safety. It ends with a step-by-step moving checklist. Use the table of contents to jump straight to the part you need, or read it from start to finish before your first trip.

Most people start in the same way. They visit first, often more than once, to see a few cities and seasons before they commit. If your nationality needs a visa and is eligible for the Turkey eVisa, that first trip can be arranged online in a few minutes.

Why Foreigners Love Living in Turkey

Every new arrival has their own reasons, but the same advantages come up again and again when foreigners explain why they chose Türkiye.

• Climate and nature. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts have long, hot summers and mild winters, with more than 300 sunny days a year in places like Antalya. Inland, you find mountains, lakes, forests, ski resorts and the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia.
• A lower cost of living. Prices have risen sharply in recent years. Even so, rent, food, eating out, public transport and many services remain cheaper than in Western Europe, North America or the Gulf, especially outside central Istanbul.
• Excellent private healthcare. Türkiye is one of the world’s leading medical tourism destinations. Large cities and resort areas have modern private hospitals, often with English-speaking doctors and short waiting times.
• Culture and history. Few countries have this many layers of history: Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman. Ephesus, Troy, Pamukkale, Hagia Sophia and thousands of lesser-known sites are part of everyday life.
• Food. Turkish cuisine is varied, seasonal and based on fresh produce from weekly markets. Eating well is easy and affordable.
• Hospitality. Turkish people are famously warm towards guests. Neighbours bring food, shopkeepers offer tea, and a few words of Turkish open many doors.
• Connectivity. Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the world. Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum and İzmir have direct flights to many European cities, so trips home are easy to organise.
• Clear legal routes. The residence permit system is codified in law and works mostly online. Foreigners can own property, and there are well-defined paths to long-term residence and citizenship.
• New tax incentives. Since 2026, Türkiye offers a 20-year income tax exemption on foreign-source income to qualifying new residents. Our guide to the tax benefits of moving to Türkiye explains the details.

The Honest Downsides of Living in Turkey

A realistic picture helps you prepare. These are the points that expats most often wish they had known before they moved.

• Inflation and currency swings. Annual inflation was still around 30% in 2026, and the Turkish lira has lost much of its value over the past decade. Prices, rents and fees can change quickly, so budget with a generous margin.
• Bureaucracy. Residence permits must be renewed, documents often need apostilles and sworn translations, and rules are tightened from time to time. Patience and good organisation are essential.
• Language. English is common in tourist areas and among younger people in big cities, but much less so in offices, hospitals and smaller towns. Without some Turkish, daily admin can be hard work.
• Stricter permit rules. In recent years the authorities have looked more closely at tourism-based residence permits. They have also closed some neighbourhoods to new foreign residents, and raised the property value needed for a property-based permit.
• Earthquakes. Türkiye is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The age and quality of your building matter more than in most countries.
• Summer heat and crowds. July and August can be very hot on the south coast and in the interior, and resort towns change character completely during the season.
• Phone registration. A phone bought abroad only works on Turkish networks for a limited time unless you register it and pay a substantial fee (see the phones section below).

None of these is a reason not to come, but each one affects your planning. The rest of this guide shows how to deal with them.

Step One: Entering Türkiye Legally

Every move begins with a legal entry. Which route you use depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay.

Visa exemption

Citizens of many countries can enter Türkiye without a visa for short stays, usually up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visa exemption is meant for tourism and short business visits. It does not give you the right to work or to live in the country.

The Turkey eVisa

Citizens of eligible countries can obtain an electronic visa online before they travel, instead of applying at a consulate. For most eligible nationalities the eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some nationalities receive a shorter single-entry eVisa, and some can only use the conditional eVisa if they meet extra conditions, such as holding a valid Schengen, UK, US or Irish visa or residence permit. Check the list of eligible countries and the full requirements checklist before you apply.

For future residents, the eVisa is most useful for scouting trips. It lets you visit several cities, see properties, meet estate agents and lawyers, and test the climate in different seasons before you decide. It is also the most common way to enter before you apply for a residence permit from inside the country, as long as you apply before your permitted stay ends.

Consular visas

You need a consular visa if your nationality is not eligible for the eVisa or visa exemption, or if your purpose is not tourism or business. Purposes that require one include work, study, joining family on certain routes and the digital nomad programme. Our guide to Turkish visa types explains every category, and eVisa vs consular visa shows which route applies to you.

Staying Longer: Residence Permits Explained

Once you want to stay beyond what a visit allows, you need a residence permit (ikamet izni). Residence permits are governed by Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and managed by the Presidency of Migration Management. Applications are made online through the e-İkamet system, followed by an appointment at the provincial migration directorate. Our complete guide to Turkish residence permits goes into each step in detail. Here is the overview.

The main types of residence permit

How the application works

1. Enter Türkiye legally on a visa exemption, an eVisa or a visa.
2. Find accommodation and secure a notarised rental contract or a title deed. Check first that the neighbourhood accepts new foreign residents.
3. Arrange health insurance that covers the whole permit period.
4. Complete the online application on e-İkamet before your visa or visa-free stay ends, and book your appointment.
5. Attend the appointment with your passport, photos, documents and proof of payment of the fees.
6. Receive your residence permit card by post at your registered address.

The fees include a card fee and a permit fee. The permit fee depends on your nationality and the length of the permit. Both are updated every year, so check the current amounts when you apply. Applications are made through the official e-İkamet portal of the Presidency of Migration Management.

Closed neighbourhoods

To avoid high concentrations of foreign residents, the authorities close some neighbourhoods (mahalle) to new residence registrations by foreigners once the share of foreign residents passes a set threshold. The list covers areas of Istanbul, Antalya, Alanya and other popular cities, and it changes over time. Always check that an address is open before you sign a lease or buy a property for your permit application.

Rules that keep your permit valid

• The 120-day rule. A short-term residence permit can be cancelled if you spend more than 120 days in total outside Türkiye in the past year.
• Address changes. If you move, you must update your registered address within the legal deadline, usually 20 working days.
• Renewals. Apply to renew before your permit expires; the system lets you apply up to 60 days in advance. Late applications can lead to fines and problems with your status.
• Electronic notifications. Many applicants must register for the national electronic notification system (UETS), which the migration authority uses to send official decisions.

Long-term residence and citizenship

After eight years of uninterrupted legal residence, you can apply for a long-term residence permit with indefinite validity. Citizenship is possible through naturalisation after five years of uninterrupted residence, through marriage to a Turkish citizen after three years of marriage, or through investment, for example by buying real estate worth at least USD 400,000 and holding it for three years. Türkiye allows dual citizenship. Our Turkish citizenship guide compares the routes.

Working in Türkiye

A residence permit on its own does not allow you to work. To take a job with a Turkish employer, or to work in Türkiye for a Turkish company, you need a work permit, normally applied for by your employer through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Highly qualified people, investors and scientists may qualify for the Turquoise Card, which leads to a permanent work and residence status. Business owners can work through their own company once it meets the legal conditions. Our guide to work permits and the Turquoise Card covers the details.

Remote work is a different case. If you work online for an employer or clients outside Türkiye, look at the official digital nomad programme. It is aimed at people aged 21 to 55 with a university degree and a minimum foreign income. Our digital nomad guide explains who qualifies and how the visa and residence permit fit together.

Living in Türkiye as a Retiree, Remote Worker, Family or Entrepreneur

The same country can feel very different depending on your stage of life. Here is how the main groups of newcomers usually experience Türkiye, and which routes they tend to use.

As a retiree

Retirees usually live on a short-term residence permit, either while renting or, more securely, as owners of a home worth at least the official minimum. Most settle on the Mediterranean or Aegean coast, where expat communities, private hospitals and direct flights home make life easy. The main things to plan are private health insurance, which becomes more expensive with age, how your pension will be taxed, and how to stay within the 120-day absence rule if you spend summers at home. Our guide to retiring in Türkiye covers retirement in depth, from residence options to the best towns and monthly budgets.

As a remote worker

Remote workers love Türkiye for its fibre internet, cafés and coworking spaces, and its time zone (UTC+3 all year round), which overlaps with both European and Asian working hours. Short stays work on a visa exemption or an eVisa. Longer stays need a residence basis, and the digital nomad programme now offers a clear framework for qualifying people. Istanbul, İzmir, Antalya, Fethiye and Kaş are the favourite bases. See our digital nomad guide.

As a family

Families value Türkiye’s safe neighbourhoods, child-friendly culture, international schools and good private hospitals. Most choose Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir or Antalya, where schooling options are widest. One parent usually holds the main residence basis — work, property or a short-term permit — and the rest of the family receive family residence permits linked to it. Start school applications early, and budget for tuition separately.

As an entrepreneur or investor

Foreigners can set up companies in Türkiye with the same rights as Turkish citizens, and company formation is relatively fast. Running your own company can give you a basis for a work permit. Investors can also qualify for citizenship through property or other qualifying investments. Take legal and tax advice early, as the choice of company structure, residence status and tax residency all affect each other.

Choosing Where to Live

Türkiye is a big, diverse country, and your experience will depend largely on where you settle. This table gives a quick overview, followed by a closer look at the most popular places.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a world city of more than 15 million people, split between Europe and Asia by the Bosphorus. It has the most jobs, the best international schools, the widest range of hospitals and the busiest cultural life in the country. Expats often choose Kadıköy and Moda on the Asian side for their relaxed, creative atmosphere. Beşiktaş, Cihangir and Nişantaşı are popular for central living. The northern suburbs and Bosphorus villages suit families looking for more space. The downsides are traffic, high rents in popular areas and long commutes.

Ankara

The capital is less touristy and more orderly than Istanbul. It is green, well planned and home to embassies, ministries and major universities. Winters are cold and snowy and summers hot and dry. It suits people who work for international organisations, academics and anyone who prefers a calmer, more Turkish city with lower housing costs than Istanbul.

İzmir and the Aegean coast

İzmir is often described as the most relaxed big city in Türkiye. It has a long seafront promenade, a mild climate, a liberal atmosphere and good public transport. It is a favourite with remote workers and families. Nearby Çeşme, Alaçatı and Urla offer beaches, vineyards and windsurfing. Further south, Kuşadası and Didim are popular with retirees.

Antalya

Antalya combines the services of a city of more than two million people with beaches, mountains and a long warm season. It has large private hospitals, international schools, shopping centres, an international airport and an established foreign community in districts such as Konyaaltı and Lara. It works well for retirees and for families who want coastal life without giving up city infrastructure.

Alanya, Side and the Riviera towns

Alanya is one of the best-known expat towns in Türkiye. It has many residents from Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Russia and Ukraine. Housing is relatively affordable, and gated complexes with pools and gyms are common. The town has a wide range of English- and German-speaking services. Some neighbourhoods have been closed to new foreign residence registrations, so check the current situation carefully before you choose an address.

Fethiye, Kaş and Kalkan

These smaller towns on the Turquoise Coast attract people who want nature: sailing, hiking on the Lycian Way, paragliding and swimming in clear bays. Fethiye has a long-established British community and a full range of services. Kaş and Kalkan are smaller, quieter and more seasonal. Dalaman Airport serves the area.

Bodrum

Bodrum is the most glamorous corner of the Aegean, with marinas, beach clubs and whitewashed villages around the peninsula. It is lively in summer and much quieter in winter. Property and living costs are among the highest in the country.

Bursa, Eskişehir and other inland cities

If you want an authentic Turkish city with lower costs, Bursa and Eskişehir are worth a look. Bursa sits at the foot of Uludağ, a ski mountain, and is a historic Ottoman capital. Eskişehir is a lively university city with trams and a pleasant riverside. Both have good hospitals and fast train links to Istanbul or Ankara.

Climate and Seasons by Region

The weather varies far more than many visitors expect. Choose your region with all four seasons in mind, not just the holiday months.

The Cost of Living in Turkey in 2026

The cost of living in Türkiye depends heavily on where you live, how you live and how you earn your money. Prices have risen fast in recent years, partly because of high inflation and partly because demand for housing in popular areas has grown. If your income is in euros, pounds or dollars, your purchasing power remains strong. Even so, plan for prices to keep rising in lira terms.

Indicative monthly budgets

The ranges below are indicative monthly budgets for one person living comfortably, based on mid-2026 estimates. Rent is the biggest variable: a sea-view flat in a sought-after area can cost several times more than a similar flat a few streets back.

A couple usually needs roughly 1.5 times a single budget. Families with children in international schools should plan for tuition separately, as it can be the largest item in the budget.

What is cheap and what is not

• Usually affordable: fresh fruit and vegetables from weekly markets, bread, local restaurants, public transport, taxis outside Istanbul, haircuts, domestic help, local wine and beer in some areas, mobile data and home internet.
• Often expensive: imported goods, electronics, cars and fuel, alcohol in restaurants, international brands, international schools, and rent in the most popular neighbourhoods.

Money-saving tips

• Shop at the weekly neighbourhood market (pazar) and local bakeries.
• Eat where locals eat; lunch menus in workers’ restaurants (esnaf lokantası) are excellent value.
• Avoid paying “tourist prices” for long-term rentals by searching on Turkish property portals and visiting in the off-season.
• Use public transport cards and the shared minibuses (dolmuş).
• Keep part of your savings in a stable currency and convert money as you need it.

Finding a Home: Renting in Türkiye

Most newcomers rent for the first year. Renting lets you learn a neighbourhood through all four seasons, and a notarised rental contract is the usual basis for a first residence permit.

How renting works

• Where to search: Turkish property portals, local estate agents (emlakçı), expat groups and word of mouth. Visiting in person makes a big difference.
• Furnished or unfurnished: both are common. Unfurnished flats in Türkiye often come without white goods, and sometimes without light fittings.
• Costs at signing: expect the first month’s rent, a deposit (often one to three months’ rent) and, if you use an agent, a commission commonly equal to one month’s rent plus VAT.
• The contract: ask for a written contract, and have it notarised if you will use it for your residence permit. Check the registered address carefully and confirm that the neighbourhood is open to new foreign residents.
• Rent increases: for residential leases, the annual increase on renewal is limited by law to the average rate of consumer price inflation over the previous 12 months.
• Building charges: apartments in complexes (site) usually have a monthly maintenance fee (aidat) for security, gardens, pools and cleaning. Ask who pays it before you sign.

Setting up utilities

Electricity, natural gas and water contracts are opened in the tenant’s name with the local supply companies. You usually need your passport, your Turkish tax number or foreigner identification number, the rental contract and the meter numbers. Internet and TV subscriptions are arranged with private providers. In apartment blocks, ask the building manager (yönetici) or caretaker (kapıcı) for help — they know how everything works.

Buying Property as a Foreigner

Foreigners from most countries can buy property in Türkiye in their own name, with some restrictions near military and security zones and limits on the total land area a foreigner can own. Buying can give you stability, a stronger basis for a residence permit and, above certain values, a route to citizenship.

The buying process

1. Get a Turkish tax number (it takes minutes at a tax office) and open a Turkish bank account.
2. Choose the property, ideally with an independent lawyer who checks the title, debts, mortgages and building permits.
3. Sign a sales agreement and pay a deposit, with clear conditions.
4. Obtain the official valuation report from a licensed appraiser; it is required for the title transfer.
5. Bring the funds through the banking system and keep the currency exchange documents.
6. Complete the title deed (tapu) transfer at the Land Registry office, with a sworn translator if you do not speak Turkish.
7. Take out compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) and register for utilities.

Costs and taxes

• Title deed fee: 4% of the declared value, legally split between buyer and seller, although in practice the buyer often pays it all.
• VAT: applies to new-build sales by developers, with rates that depend on the size and characteristics of the property.
• Annual property tax: low by international standards, a small percentage of the assessed value, with higher rates in metropolitan areas.
• Other costs: lawyer’s fees, the valuation report, translation, notary fees, DASK insurance and, where applicable, the agent’s commission.

Property and residence

Owning a residential property is a recognised ground for a short-term residence permit. For applications based on property ownership, the property must meet a minimum official value — currently USD 200,000 — confirmed by a licensed valuation. The property must be residential and owned in your name. Your family members can usually be included.

Check the building, not just the view

Because Türkiye is highly seismic, building quality matters. Prefer buildings constructed under modern earthquake regulations, ask for the building permit and occupancy certificate (iskan), and consider an independent structural report for older buildings. Many towns are renewing their older housing stock through urban transformation projects, and that can affect older blocks.

Healthcare in Türkiye

Healthcare is one of the strongest arguments for living in Türkiye. The country has a dense network of state hospitals, university hospitals and private hospitals. Private hospitals are usually modern and many are internationally accredited.

Public and private care

• State hospitals offer good care at low cost for people covered by the national insurance system (SGK), but can be busy, and staff may speak little English.
• Private hospitals are faster, more comfortable and more likely to have English-speaking staff and international patient departments. You pay directly or through private insurance.
• Family doctors (aile hekimi) provide basic primary care for registered residents.
• Emergencies: call 112. Emergency treatment is available at state hospitals for everyone.

Health insurance for residents

Private health insurance covering the entire permit period is a standard requirement for most residence permit applications. Insurers offer specific policies designed for residence permits, which are inexpensive for younger people and more costly with age. Some insurers set an upper age limit for new customers, so older applicants should arrange cover early and compare options with a broker.

After one year of legal residence, many foreign residents can apply to join the general health insurance scheme run by the Social Security Institution (SGK) by paying a monthly premium. The premium is linked to the minimum wage. Once you are covered, you can use state hospitals and family doctors, and get part of the cost of private hospital care reimbursed.

Pharmacies and digital health

Pharmacies (eczane) are everywhere and pharmacists are a good first point of contact for minor problems. At night and on holidays, a rota of duty pharmacies (nöbetçi eczane) stays open. Prescriptions are fully digital. Residents can see their medical records, test results and prescriptions in the e-Nabız app and book state hospital appointments through the central MHRS system.

Money and Banking

Your tax number and identification number

Your first official number in Türkiye is usually a tax number (vergi numarası). You need it to open a bank account, sign many contracts, buy property and register utilities. It is issued quickly at any tax office on presentation of your passport, and can also be obtained online. When you receive a residence permit, you also get a foreigner identification number, starting with 99, which is used across government services.

Opening a bank account

Major Turkish banks open accounts for foreigners, though requirements vary by bank and branch. Some will open an account with a passport and tax number, while others ask for a residence permit. Turkish banks offer accounts in lira, euros, dollars and pounds, good mobile apps and contactless cards. Many expats also use international multi-currency accounts to move money between countries at lower cost.

Paying in daily life

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in cities, and contactless payments are standard. Carry some cash for markets, small shops, minibuses and tips. In restaurants, a tip of around 5–10% is appreciated when service is not included. Turkish lira is the only legal currency for most domestic transactions, including rents and property sales between residents.

Shopping and Everyday Errands

Daily life in Türkiye is convenient. Neighbourhood grocery shops (bakkal) and discount supermarket chains are on almost every corner, larger supermarkets and shopping centres stock international products, and bakeries sell fresh bread several times a day. The weekly market (pazar) is the best place for seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives and spices, often at a fraction of supermarket prices.

Home delivery is part of the culture. Food delivery and grocery apps operate in all large cities and many resort towns, and parcels are delivered by cargo companies, which often leave a notice if you are out. Online shopping is widespread, although imported goods ordered from abroad may be subject to customs duties and limits.

Many services come to you. Water is delivered in large bottles to your door, gas cylinders are delivered in areas without mains gas, and tradespeople — plumbers, electricians, locksmiths — are usually quick to arrive. Ask neighbours or your building caretaker for trusted names; personal recommendations count for a lot in Türkiye.

A few practical tips help newcomers settle in faster:

• Tap water is treated in cities, but most people drink bottled or filtered water.
• Keep copies of your passport, residence permit and tax number on your phone; you will be asked for them often.
• Shops in tourist areas often stay open late, and many businesses open on Sundays.
• Official paperwork usually requires a Turkish address and a Turkish phone number, so set both up early.

Taxes in a Nutshell

You generally become a Turkish tax resident if you settle in Türkiye or stay more than six months in a calendar year. Residents are taxed on their worldwide income at progressive rates from 15% to 40%. Non-residents pay tax only on income from Turkish sources.

Since 2026, a new regime introduced by Law No. 7582 makes Türkiye much more attractive for newcomers. Individuals who become Turkish tax residents and who had no Turkish residence or tax liability in the previous three calendar years can benefit from a 20-year exemption on income and gains earned outside Türkiye, along with a 1% inheritance tax rate during that period. Pensions paid by social security institutions are generally exempt from Turkish income tax, and Türkiye has double taxation agreements with more than 80 countries.

Tax rules are complex and depend on your situation in both countries. Read our full guide to the tax benefits of moving to Türkiye, and take advice from a qualified adviser before you move.

Phones, Internet and Digital Life

Mobile phones and the IMEI rule

Türkiye registers mobile phones by their IMEI number. A phone bought abroad works with a Turkish SIM card for a limited period — currently 120 days — after which it is blocked on Turkish networks unless it has been registered and the registration fee paid. The fee is set each year and is high: in 2026 it was well over the equivalent of USD 1,000. Many long-term residents buy a phone in Türkiye instead, or keep their foreign phone on roaming or an international eSIM.

SIM cards and internet

The three mobile operators — Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom — offer prepaid and contract plans with generous data. You need your passport to get a SIM card, and later your residence permit for a contract. Fibre internet is widely available in cities and many coastal towns, with speeds that easily support video calls and streaming. In rural areas, mobile data and fixed wireless are common alternatives.

Online government services

Once you have a residence permit, you can access e-Devlet, the government’s online portal. It lets you check your residence status, address registration, tax records, health records, vehicle information and much more. Setting it up at a PTT post office early on saves a lot of time later.

Getting Around

Public transport

Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, Bursa and other large cities have metro, tram, bus and ferry networks. In Istanbul, one rechargeable card, the Istanbulkart, works on almost all public transport, including the ferries across the Bosphorus. Shared minibuses (dolmuş) connect neighbourhoods and towns cheaply. Taxis are plentiful; insist on the meter or agree the fare in advance.

Travelling around the country

• High-speed trains connect Ankara, Istanbul, Konya, Eskişehir and other cities.
• Long-distance coaches are comfortable, frequent and inexpensive, with drinks and snacks served on board.
• Domestic flights link dozens of airports at reasonable prices, which makes a long country easy to cross.

Driving

Driving is on the right. You can generally drive with your foreign licence for a limited period after you become a resident — currently six months — after which you need to exchange it for a Turkish licence, under conditions that depend on the country that issued it. Fuel and cars are expensive, and importing a car is complex, so many residents buy locally or rely on public transport and taxis.

Language and Culture

Learning Turkish

Turkish uses the Latin alphabet and is phonetic, so you can learn to read it quickly. Grammar is very different from European languages, but even basic Turkish transforms daily life. Universities run Turkish courses for foreigners (often called TÖMER centres), private language schools offer classes, and online courses are widely available. Locals warmly appreciate even a simple merhaba (hello), teşekkür ederim (thank you) and kolay gelsin (said to someone who is working).

Everyday etiquette

• Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Accept tea when it is offered — it is a sign of hospitality, not a sales tactic.
• Dress modestly when visiting mosques; women should cover their hair, and everyone should cover shoulders and knees.
• Respect Ramadan: eat and drink discreetly in conservative areas during the fasting hours.
• Bargaining is normal in bazaars but not in supermarkets or shops with fixed prices.

Holidays and the calendar

The working week runs from Monday to Friday. National holidays include New Year’s Day, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on 23 April, Labour Day on 1 May, Youth and Sports Day on 19 May, Democracy Day on 15 July, Victory Day on 30 August and Republic Day on 29 October. The two religious holidays — Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı) and Feast of Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramı) — move each year with the lunar calendar. During these holidays, offices close, families travel, and transport and hotels fill up quickly.

Sport and outdoor life

Türkiye is a fantastic country for an active life. The coasts offer swimming, sailing, diving, kitesurfing and paragliding — Ölüdeniz near Fethiye is one of the best-known paragliding sites in the world. The Lycian Way and the Carian Trail are long-distance walking routes through mountains, forests and ancient ruins. In winter you can ski at Uludağ, Palandöken, Kartalkaya or Erciyes. Football is a national passion, and going to a match in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. Most towns have municipal sports centres, and golf is concentrated around Belek near Antalya.

Food and social life

Social life in Türkiye often revolves around food: long breakfasts at weekends, evening meals with friends, meyhane evenings with meze and music, and endless glasses of tea. Expat communities in coastal towns organise clubs, quiz nights, walking groups, charity work and language exchanges, which make it easy to meet people in your first months.

Families and Education

Türkiye is a child-friendly country, and families with children are welcomed everywhere. Children of foreign residents can attend Turkish state schools, which teach in Turkish and are free. Private Turkish schools often offer stronger language programmes. International schools in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Antalya and some coastal towns follow British, American, International Baccalaureate, German, French and other curricula, with fees that vary widely.

For older students, Türkiye has a large university system with many programmes taught in English and relatively low tuition fees. Our guide to studying in Türkiye explains the student visa and student residence permit.

Children of residence permit holders normally receive family residence permits linked to their parents. Plan school enrolment early, as places in popular international schools are limited.

Safety, Earthquakes and Emergencies

Personal safety

Most of Türkiye is safe for residents, and violent crime against foreigners is rare. As in any big country, use common sense. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas, be careful with unofficial taxis and “friendly” invitations to bars in tourist districts, and check official travel advice for the border regions in the southeast.

Earthquake preparedness

Earthquakes are a fact of life in Türkiye. Choose a well-built home, secure heavy furniture, keep an emergency bag with water, a torch, documents and medicines, and learn the safe places in your building. The national disaster agency, AFAD, publishes guidance and runs an emergency app. Earthquake insurance (DASK) is compulsory for property owners and inexpensive.

Key emergency numbers

• 112: the single emergency number for ambulance, police, gendarmerie, fire and other emergencies. Older numbers such as 155 (police) and 156 (gendarmerie) are routed to it.
• AFAD: the disaster and emergency agency, which coordinates the response to earthquakes, floods and fires.
• Your consulate: save your embassy or consulate’s emergency contact details on your phone.

Bringing Pets and Belongings

Pets

Cats and dogs can travel to Türkiye with a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate. Depending on the country you travel from, you may also need a rabies antibody test. Requirements and airline rules differ, so check them well before you travel. Türkiye is a nation of animal lovers, and street cats and dogs are cared for collectively in many neighbourhoods.

Household goods

Foreigners who settle in Türkiye with a long-term residence basis can, under customs rules, bring used household goods and personal effects with exemptions from duty, within set time limits. Rules are detailed and paperwork is essential, so use an experienced international removal company and check the current customs conditions before you ship.

Your Moving Checklist

1. Check which entry route applies to your nationality: visa exemption, the Turkey eVisa or a consular visa.
2. Make at least one scouting trip, ideally in two different seasons, to compare cities and neighbourhoods.
3. Decide on the residence basis that fits you: short-term permit, family, study, work, digital nomad or property.
4. Gather documents at home: passport with long validity, apostilled certificates, proof of income, and sworn translations where needed.
5. Check tax and social security consequences in your home country and in Türkiye.
6. Book your travel and enter Türkiye legally.
7. Get your Turkish tax number and open a bank account.
8. Rent a home with a notarised contract, after confirming the neighbourhood is open to foreign residents.
9. Arrange health insurance covering the permit period.
10. Apply for your residence permit on e-İkamet before your permitted stay ends, and attend your appointment.
11. Register utilities, internet and a Turkish phone line, and plan for the IMEI rule.
12. Activate e-Devlet once your residence permit arrives.
13. Join SGK general health insurance after one year if it suits you.
14. Diary your renewal dates and keep your time outside Türkiye under 120 days a year.
15. Plan the long term: long-term residence after eight years, or citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner live in Türkiye permanently?

Yes. Foreigners can live in Türkiye on renewable residence permits, move to a long-term residence permit with indefinite validity after eight years of uninterrupted legal residence, and in many cases apply for Turkish citizenship.

How much money do I need to live in Türkiye?

It depends on the city and your lifestyle. As a rough guide, one person living comfortably needs around USD 1,000 to 1,500 a month in Alanya and around USD 1,600 to 2,400 a month in central Istanbul or Bodrum, based on mid-2026 estimates. Prices change quickly, so build in a margin.

Can I move to Türkiye on an eVisa?

The eVisa is for visits, not residence. It is ideal for scouting trips and for entering Türkiye legally before you apply for a residence permit from inside the country, as long as you apply before your permitted stay ends. Check the eligible countries and apply for your eVisa online.

Do I need to speak Turkish?

Not to move, but it helps enormously. In tourist areas and big cities you can manage in English, but basic Turkish makes official procedures, healthcare and everyday life much easier.

Can I work in Türkiye with a residence permit?

No. A residence permit does not include the right to work. You need a work permit for local employment, or you can look at the digital nomad programme if you work remotely for foreign employers or clients.

Is it safe to live in Türkiye?

Most of the country is safe, and many foreigners find daily life relaxed and friendly. The main risks to plan for are earthquakes, petty crime in crowded areas, and the effect of inflation on your budget.

Can foreigners buy property in Türkiye?

Yes, citizens of most countries can buy property in their own name, except in restricted zones. Property worth at least USD 200,000 can support a residence permit, and property worth at least USD 400,000 held for three years can lead to citizenship.

Which city is best for expats in Türkiye?

There is no single answer. Istanbul suits careers and city life, İzmir suits remote workers and families, Antalya and Alanya suit retirees and sun lovers, and Fethiye, Kaş and Bodrum suit people who want a coastal lifestyle. Visit several before you decide.

Travelling soon? Apply for your Turkey eVisa online in a few minutes — our specialists check every detail before submission.

Information checked in October 2026. Immigration, tax and customs rules change regularly, so always confirm the current requirements for your nationality and situation before you travel, apply or move.