Planning On Moving to Turkey, Here’s Your Guide to a Journey to a New Lifestyle

Living in Turkey has become a popular choice for many foreigners seeking adventure and a change of scenery. If you're considering making the move, it's natural to have questions and concerns. In this article, we provide tips and insights to help simplify the process and make your transition smoother.

While Turkey offers an attractive cost of living and boasts 81 cities, not all may be suitable for everyone. Generally, the western part of the country is more popular among expatriates, offering a more familiar environment and attracting educated locals. These cities also see more economic activity and tourism. Before making your decision, there are some important factors to consider.

Learning beginner-level Turkish may be necessary:

Learning basic Turkish can greatly improve your experience and affordability in Turkey. While not essential to enroll in a course, locals are supportive and willing to help you learn. In tourist cities, language barriers are less of a concern, but speaking Turkish can earn you discounts and enrich your interactions, contributing to the affordable living in Turkey.

Renting A Property In Turkey:

Every region in Turkey has its own distinct lifestyle and cost of living, influencing your choice of accommodation.

Rental prices vary significantly across Turkey, with major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir typically commanding higher rents due to their economic and cultural significance.

Within these cities, rental costs can fluctuate based on factors like proximity to amenities and city centers.

On the other hand, smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options, catering to various budgets and preferences.

Buying A Property In Turkey:

For those considering buying property in Turkey, the process is relatively straightforward, with the government welcoming foreign investment.

However, there are restrictions on purchasing property in certain zones, and foreigners must obtain a property appraisal report before finalizing a purchase to ensure fair value.

Owning property in Turkey can also come with residency benefits, as foreign property owners are eligible for short-term residence permits and, in some cases, long-term residency or citizenship opportunities based on specific investment criteria

Working in Turkey:

Finding work in Turkey as an expat can be both challenging and rewarding, depending on your skills and adaptability.

Common sectors for expat employment include teaching, tourism, real estate, and international business. Multinational companies also offer opportunities in finance, marketing, IT, and engineering.

However, some professions are reserved for Turkish citizens to protect local employment, such as dentistry, nursing, and law.

Knowledge of Turkish is advantageous, especially for roles involving local interaction, but English suffices in international settings and certain sectors.

To obtain a work permit, you'll need a job offer, and your employer typically initiates the application process. The permit serves as your residency permit, eliminating the need for a separate one.

Expats find job opportunities through online portals, networking, and LinkedIn. Those with strong networks often find more opportunities.

But If you want to start a business in Turkey it is feasible but requires navigating legal procedures, tax regulations, and possibly language barriers. Seeking legal and financial advice is advisable for a smoother process.

Cost Of Living In Turkey:

The cost of living in Turkey varies based on your lifestyle and chosen city.

For a comfortable lifestyle, you might budget between $1,000 to $2,500 USD per month, with major cities like Istanbul on the higher end.

Ankara and Izmir are slightly less expensive, but still range from $1,500 to $2,000 USD monthly.

Typical expenses include $200 to $300 USD for groceries per month and dining out, which ranges from $3 to $5 USD for inexpensive restaurants to $15 to $25 USD for mid-range options.

Transportation costs are reasonable, with monthly passes averaging $30 to $50 USD.

To save money, consider shopping at local markets, using public transportation, and living outside city centers.

Compared to Western countries, the cost of living in Turkey is generally lower, making it appealing for expats seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life. However, income levels and currency stability should be considered.

Healthcare in Turkey:

Turkey's healthcare system offers both public and private options, with notable advancements in recent years.

Private hospitals in major cities provide care on par with European standards.

Private healthcare is favored by expats for its quality and relatively lower costs. Consultations with specialists typically range from $50 to $100 USD, while surgeries vary widely in price.

Emergency services are responsive, with a national emergency number (112) connecting to ambulance services.

Health insurance is mandatory for residents, with premiums ranging from $500 to $1,500 USD annually.

Banking Basics in Turkey:

The banking sector, regulated by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), is generally safe, but economic volatility can affect stability.

Opening a bank account is straightforward for expats, requiring standard documents like a passport and Turkish tax ID.

Turkish banks provide typical services such as savings and current accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment options. Online banking and ATM access are convenient, with most ATMs offering English language options.

Transferring money in and out of Turkey is manageable, but watch for exchange rates and fees.

Understanding tax laws is essential, as residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Turkish income.

Keeping abreast of Turkey's economic situation is prudent, especially regarding currency fluctuations, which can impact savings and investments.

Transportation in Turkey:

Public transportation is extensive and reliable, with buses, metro, trams, and ferries available. Smart card systems like Istanbulkart make accessing public transport easier and cost-effective.

Traffic congestion is a concern, particularly in large cities like Istanbul, but road conditions are generally good.

Expats can use their foreign driving license for six months, after which a Turkish license is required. Renting a car is convenient and straightforward, with insurance coverage essential.

For longer distances, domestic flights and inter-city buses are popular and affordable options, offering efficient travel across different regions of Turkey.

Education In Turkey:

International schools, such as Istanbul International Community School and the British International School, offer familiar curricula like IB, American, or British GCSE and A-Levels. Tuition fees typically range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year.

Alternatively, local schools provide structured education in Turkish. While immersion in the local culture is enriching, language barriers may exist. Costs are lower, covering essentials like books and uniforms.

The Turkish curriculum emphasizes Turkish culture, history, and language, which may differ from what your child is accustomed to. Integration may take time, especially for non-Turkish speakers. Some families opt for additional language support or tutoring to aid in adaptation.