Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey proudly graces the shores of the Bosphorus. This magical land of history and hospitality has much to offer: an abundance of cultural treasures, unforgettable scenery, and the possibility for countless adventures. Foyer Global Health will guide you through your expatriation to Turkey with information key to assist in your successful relocation to this country.
Moving to Turkey: visa & residence permits
Before you settle in, secure the correct visa and comply with residence permit rules.
Turkey Visa Options
- Citizens of many countries can apply for a 90-day e-visa online.
- Some nationalities are exempt from visas for short tourist stays.
Residence Permit (İkamet)
- For stays over 90 days, apply for an ikamet within 100 days of arrival.
- Retirees without employment may obtain a two-year renewable permit.
- After eight years of continuous residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Work Permit
- With a job offer, apply for a work permit via your home-country consulate; your employer registers you locally. A work permit doubles as a residence permit.
Best places in Turkey to live as an expat
Turkey offers a range of cities and coastal towns to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
- Istanbul is the cosmopolitan heart of Turkey, straddling two continents. Expats are drawn by its career opportunities, international schools and rich urban life.
- Antalya on the south coast combines scenic beaches and a well-established retiree community, with a low cost of living and easy access to nature.
- Izmir blends modern amenities with traditional waterfront charm. Its moderate climate and expat networks make it ideal for families.
- Ankara is the capital and a political-industrial centre. It offers stable job markets and rents generally lower than Istanbul’s.
- Fethiye and Bodrum are popular with digital nomads and investors seeking coastal living.
Working in Turkey
Whether you seek local employment or wish to start your own business, Turkey accommodates various work styles.
- Employment Contracts can be local, freelancer or expat status. Legal working hours cap at 45 per week, with conservative attire in many sectors.
- Job Search relies on LinkedIn, local recruitment agencies and expat forums in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
- Digital Nomads benefit from good internet and plentiful co-working spaces across major cities.
- Entrepreneurship is straightforward foreigners set up companies under the same regulations as Turkish citizens.
Accommodation & real estate
Choosing where to live depends on your profile, budget and long-term plans.
- Renting: Use Sahibinden and similar sites to find apartments. Expect to pay USD 300–700 for a two-bedroom outside city centres; in central Istanbul rents start at USD 700.
- Buying: Non-citizens may purchase property with certain restrictions. Many view real estate as both a home and a long-term investment.
- Lease Tips: Seek furnished units, clarify utility responsibilities, and ensure your rental agreement is registered for your residence permit application.
Education for expat families
For families moving to Turkey, schooling is a top priority. Turkish State Schools teach in Turkish, which can prove challenging without language skills. Private International Schools in Istanbul and Ankara offer British, French and International Baccalaureate curricula in English. Apply early, as spaces fill quickly.
Health & Insurance
Access to quality healthcare and the right insurance plan is essential.
- Public Healthcare in Turkey is universal but may involve long waits and limited English in government hospitals.
- Private Clinics in major cities offer modern facilities; consultations typically cost USD 30–60.
- Health Insurance is mandatory for residence permit renewals. Expats often choose a private international health insurance plan for comprehensive coverage in Turkey and abroad.
- Pharmacies: Widely available; prescription and over-the-counter medicines are affordable in Turkish lira.
Top experiences in Turkey
From ancient wonders to natural marvels, these highlights showcase the best of life in Turkey.
- Cappadocia Ballooning – Float over otherworldly rock formations and cave dwellings at sunrise in central Anatolia.
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul – Wander one of the world’s largest covered markets, where over 4 000 shops sell carpets, spices and jewellery.
- Topkapı Palace – Explore the opulent former seat of Ottoman sultans, with its harem quarters and imperial treasury.
- Lycian Way Hike – Trek sections of this 540 km coastal trail, passing ancient ruins and turquoise bays along the Mediterranean.
- Ephesus Ruins – Walk the marble streets of this Greco-Roman city, admiring the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre.
- Bosphorus Ferry Crossing – Sail between Europe and Asia on a short, scenic ferry ride that reveals Istanbul’s skyline.
- Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque – Witness the architectural dialogue between Byzantine and Ottoman eras in Sultanahmet Square.
- Traditional Turkish Bath – Relax in a 16th-century hammam such as Kılıç Ali Paşa, where marble chambers and steam therapies await.
- Safranbolu Ottoman Houses – Stay overnight in restored wooden mansions in this UNESCO-protected town known for its spice markets.
- Kordon Promenade, İzmir – Stroll along this seaside boulevard, enjoying street food stalls and sunset views over the Aegean.
Pros & cons of expat living in Turkey
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living compared with the US and Europe | Language barrier—learning Turkish is essential |
| Rich culture, history and varied landscapes | Turkish lira volatility can reduce purchasing power |
| Warm hospitality toward expats | Bureaucracy for visa and residence permit applications |
| Modern infrastructure in cities like Istanbul and Ankara | Traffic congestion in major urban centres |
| High-quality private healthcare options | Conservative social customs outside cosmopolitan districts |
Moving to Turkey offers a unique blend of East-West culture, affordable living and dynamic opportunities. Whether you choose the vibrant streets of Istanbul, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia or the coastal charm of İzmir, your new life as an expat in Turkey awaits. Foyer Global Health stands ready with tailored international health insurance and expat support services to help you thrive in your new home.