Immigration to Turkey
Turkey is attracting highly-qualified foreign professionals and experts from other countries. Many expats are relocating to Turkey from the USA, European countries or neighboring states. If you are among those, check the guide we prepared to learn basic facts about working and living in Turkey. Discover the most convenient and reliable services for international removals to Turkey and the average cost of moving house to Istanbul.
Ankara UTC +3 Turkish lira 112
82 million Turkish +90 On the right side
Visa regulations for Turkey
The citizens of many countries don’t need a visa for moving to Turkey for a short term. In case you are going to relocate to Turkey for less than 90 days and your purpose of visit concerns business activities, sports, tourism, or cultural events, feel free to apply for a tourist visa.
Here are the most popular visa types among expats who plan to immigrate to Turkey:
- Official visa is for diplomats moving to Turkey to carry out international missions and implement projects.
- Student/education visa is issued to those who move to Turkey for ERASMUS internships, AISEC internships, language courses, or studying in the university.
- Working visa is suitable for those who are going to immigrate to Turkey for employment.
- Other visa types vary in terms of the purposes of your visit ranging from the medical treatment to family reunification.
Property information. Rentals in Turkey
Turkey is a very popular destination among foreigners who want to buy real estate property in the countryside, big cities, or coastal areas. The average price for a square meter ranges between €320 and €2000 depending on the district and the region. Some expats prefer renting an apartment, so they think of this option long before they immigrate to Turkey. The average cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment is about €150-€300. If you are moving to Turkey with your family and children, a 3-bedroom will cost about €250-€500 per month.
The cost of living in Turkey
Turkey is a comfortable country for living not only in terms of the favorable climatic conditions and friendly people but also because of the low cost of living. After you immigrate to Turkey, you will notice that the prices for food, basic services, utility bills, and accommodation are reasonable. However, the costs of living in Istanbul and Ankara are higher as the cities are the largest and the most expensive in Turkey.
The job market in Turkey
The Turkish economy is being characterized by sustainable growth over the last several years. Along with the agricultural and textile sectors, tourism industry and electronics are booming and offer many job opportunities for foreigners. Even though it is not easy to obtain a work permit in Turkey, highly qualified professionals in the medical field, engineering, and IT are always welcome. Native speakers from the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada are also in demand. They can easily immigrate to Turkey and work as the teachers of English or other foreign languages.
School and education in Turkey
Public schools in Turkey are free of charge for both nationals and foreigners. It is worth mentioning that private schools also stick to the Turkish national curriculum, but some of those offer bilingual education. Many expats moving to Turkey choose international schools for their children which offer British, German, and French curriculum. Most international schools are located in Ankara and Istanbul.
There are many higher educational institutions in bigger cities of Turkey. Students from different parts of the country usually move to Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa to study at universities.
Age: 3-6 Age: 6-12 Age: 12-18
Compulsory: No Compulsory: Yes Compulsory: Yes
Healthcare in Turkey
Expats moving to Turkey will discover that the healthcare system of Turkey is different from the European or American one. There are no general practitioners, so every citizen and legal resident can directly refer to a needed medical professional upon necessity. Foreigners who have a valid residence permit for at least a year are eligible to apply for a public healthcare insurance scheme.
The quality of public healthcare services in Turkey differs across the country. That is why many expats usually opt to choose private healthcare insurance. Turkey is already known as a medical tourism destination as many private clinics in Istanbul and Ankara employ highly-qualified English-speaking doctors with international education and years of practice abroad.
Driving in Turkey. Should I get a driving license for Turkey?
- For driving in Turkey, you must have either an International Driving Permit or a notarized copy (in Turkish) of your foreign driving license. If you stay in Turkey for more than 6 months, you must obtain a Turkish license.
- Driving in Turkey can be stressful, as drivers usually do not use signals and do not stick to the rules on the road.
- If you plan to live in Istanbul as a student, you can benefit from the convenience of the comprehensive transportation system in the city. There are lots of city bus routes, taxis, metro lines, and ferries connecting the two parts of the city.
Source: Eurosender
