Immigration to Turkey - A guide for Expats

• Technology and IT – Turkey’s tech industry is booming, with demand for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts. Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara are home to many tech startups and multinational companies.
• Healthcare – The healthcare sector is expanding, and foreign professionals like doctors, nurses, and medical technicians are in high demand. Opportunities are available in private hospitals and medical tourism.
• Construction and Real Estate – With ongoing infrastructure projects, foreign professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction management are sought after. Large cities like Istanbul and Antalya are key hubs.
• Tourism and Hospitality – Tourism remains a significant sector. Foreign workers in hospitality, travel agencies, and as tour guides are needed, especially in major tourist areas.
• Education – The demand for English teachers, university professors, and education administrators continues to rise, particularly in international schools and universities.

Work Permit and Visa Requirements

To work in Turkey, foreigners need a work visa and a work permit. Here’s a brief breakdown:

• Work Visa: Apply at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Residence Permit: After arrival, apply for a residence permit for work purposes.
• Employer Application: Your employer must submit a work permit application to the Turkish Ministry of Labor.
• Eligibility: You must meet certain qualifications and secure a job offer from a Turkish employer.

Tips for Securing a Job in Turkey

• Research the Market: Focus on high-demand sectors like tech, healthcare, and construction.
• Network: Attend job fairs and events to connect with locals and expats.
• Customize Your CV: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the Turkish job market.
• Learn Turkish: Although English is widely used, speaking Turkish can give you an advantage.
• Use Job Portals: Websites like Kariyer.net, LinkedIn, and Indeed Turkey list job openings.

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Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate in Türkey has gone down to 10.9% in the Month of May 2022 from 11.2% in the last month, which was the lowest unemployment rate since the month of February 2022. The number of employed persons rose by more than 350 thousand from the previous month to 30.840 million where as the number of unemployed population decreased by 56 thousand to 3.786 million. Unemployment rate is the share of labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. Also the participated labor force gone up till 53.6% from the revised 53.2 percent a month earlier and the youngster unemployment rate for the population aged between 15 years to 24 years was up 0.2% at 20.3%. These days the unemployment is a growing problem in Türkey because of the lack of opportunities which will provide plenty of jobs. Other causes are fast growing population and labor force, skill mismatching, lack of enough information in the market, structural adjustment programs, sluggish economic growth and the market setup. Employment rate in Türkey is 46.50% in the month of the March 2022, from 46.70% the month of February 2022.

For more information please visit: tradingeconomics.com

Economy of Turkey  

The economy if Türkey is an emerging economy by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). World Bank classifies this nation as an upper middle class income country in terms of the country’s per capita GDP. This country is the largest producer of agricultural products, textiles, transportation equipment’s, motor vehicles, consumer electronics and home appliances, etc. Nowadays, the declining value of the Turkish Lira especially during the year 2018-2022 Turkish currency and debt crisis had an impact on the decreased USD base nominal GDP numbers. According to the International Monetary Fund database of first quarter of the year 2022, this nation is forecasted to have the world’s 23^rd largest nominal GDP and 11^th largest GDP by PPP at the end of the year 2022. The freedom score of this nation’s economy is 56.8 percent which makes it the 107^th freest economy in the 2022 year index. This country is major exporter of transport equipment, machinery, metal products, apparel, electronics, foodstuffs, textiles, plastic products and imports goods are fuels, machinery, chemicals, and semi finished goods, transport equipment.

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org  and heritage.org

Renting and buying of real estates for foreigners 

Renting: 

Renting a property is possible in Türkiye for expats as well as locals. Many properties for rent are available in this country as you can see on many online portals. To get the accommodation that fulfills your taste and need requires effort and time. You can contact directly to the owner while you are in this country or can take your friend’s help. You can also find the property by contacting a real estate agent or by mouth publicity.

One or two months’ rent you need to give as a deposit to the land lord. Make a contract before you take the property on rent. Generally only for 12 month the lease is made for renting. Renting an apartment or a house for short term is cheaper than buying a property. The amount of rent may vary from city to city as it depends on the place and size of the property. Prices in the major cities are comparatively higher than the rural areas. 

Documents: 

• Passport Photocopy
• Identity Proof
• Photos passport size
• Contract with the names of landlord and tenant 

Buying: 

Buying a property in Türkiye, is now easy that once buying a house was very difficult for expats. In Mugla, the property ownership is high by foreign national. Expats do not need to a residence permit to buy a house, the thing they need is their Foreign Identity Number (Yabanci Kimlik Number). This you can get without any cost from the foreign departments of the Turkish National Police (TNP). The buyers are eligible for residency after purchasing the property and people who brought a property of more than $250,000 are also eligible for the Turkish Citizenship.

Buying a property of your own gives a sense of responsibility and happiness. While buying a property, prices may vary due to various aspects. For instance, the property is in the city centre or is in outskirts, its size, near the coastline or in the middle of the country, etc. It is suggested to take the services of a lawyer before purchasing any property. The signing process may take time as the lawyer will make all the necessary documents including the checks to guarantee that the property is registered on your name. It is suggested to hire a lawyer and a translator if you are not good in Turkish or English. 

Process: 

• Passport
• Recent photograph
• Foreign Identity Number
• Mortgage Papers 

For more information please visit: expatfocus.com

Climate

The climate in Türkiye is Mediterranean Climate. It is hot and dry in summer and in winter days are mild and rainy. Near the Black Sea region, near the coastal areas, it is observed that the summers are cool and in winter the weather is warm. At the higher parts the climate is more snowy and cold than the other areas in Türkiye. This nation has four distinct seasons. Temperature varies, making Türkiye a perfect holiday destination. 

Spring: This season lasts for three months only as it starts from the month of March, ends in the month of May. At this time various multi colored flowers, trees can be seen. The weather is temperate and mild with little rain throughout the country. This is the best time to visit Türkiye. 

Summer: This season starts from the month of June with some light rains, ends in the month of August. Days are warmest, as a result people go to the seaside to swim and take sunbath. Activities like surfing, parasailing, biking and paragliding are done by the locals. 

Autumn: This season starts from the month of September and ends till the month of November. Fall in this country is pretty mild and enjoyable. Weather is moderate, days are shorter and you will also experience some rain during this season. 

Winter: This season starts from the month of December and ends in February. The weather is cool, rainy and snowy but sometimes you might also experience some sunny and mild days in this season. In the mountains it is as cold as you might also come to see a snowfall. 

Languages

There are numerous languages spoken in Türkiye but the official language is Turkish. This language is spoken by more than 95% population of Türkiye. It is used in educational institutions and government offices. There are also some other languages spoken by people which are Kurdish, Azerbaijani, Aramic, Bulgarian, Georgian, Megleno Romanian, Arabic, Greek, Zazaki, etc. English is only spoken in the urban areas or by the people in the tourist destination. It is suggested to take a tour guide with you or a Turkish friend who will help you communicate in the rural areas or the areas where people don’t speak English. It is always helpful either learn the language or learning some basic words from that language, of the country you are visiting. In Turkish “Merhaba” or “Selam” means Hello, when people meet each other they generally greet with “Merhaba” or “Selam”, both has the same meaning. The only difference is, “Merhaba” is a formal way and “Selam” is the informal way of greeting. “Gunaydin” means Good Morning or “Ingilizce konusabiliyor musun?” means “Do you speak English?”. German is also spoken by many Turks, especially in the western and the southern regions of this country due to its historic relations and business interactions with Germany. 

Other languages: 

• Other Turkic Languages
• Balkan Languages
• Laz
• Circassian Languages
• Other Caucasian Language
• Western European Languages
• Jewish Languages, etc. 

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org

Traffic

Driving in Türkiye is possible for an expat and is an easy task compared to the African and the Latin American cities, as some people may think as the roads are little dangerous to handle. An Expat can drive for at least six months with their EU license in this nation. For new driving license you have to apply to any traffic registration office and the old one will be submitted in the same place. The rush hours are 7.00 am to 10.00 am as there are many students and workers on the road to reach the school/universities and offices. And in the evening the rush hours are 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm as people are in their way to return home. Major city like Istanbul is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world with more approx population of 18 million people. Driving on the highways or on the rural areas is safe but if you drive in big cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir or Antalya, then it can be tricky sometimes. Most of the roads are in good condition but a few roads are chaotic, have large potholes and bumpy surfaces. Here you can rent a car here with a driver. According to the traffic rules, traffic runs on the right hand side of the road. Seat belt for driver as well as passenger is mandatory while driving. The speed limit is below 50km/h in urban areas, 90km/h outside urban areas.  And on highways the speed limit is 120km/h. 

Documents needed as a foreigner: 

• Driver’s age should be of 16 years or above
• Vehicle’s registration papers
• insurance copy
• Driver’s license (International Driving Permit)

 For more information visit: rac.co.uk

Currency

The Lira (₺) (TRY) (TL) is the official currency of Türkiye, issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. One lira is subdivided in 100 kuruş. The paper currency is in six denominations, ₺5, ₺10, ₺20, ₺50, ₺100, ₺200. Coins are available in 25kr., 50kr., ₺1, 1kr., 5kr., 10kr. Coin of 1kr., 5kr., 10kr. are nowadays rarely used but are still legal and in circulation.

Northern Cyprus also uses lira (₺) currency as their official currency. The lira’s exchange rate has deteriorated since the year 2018 by reaching the level of ₺4.5/US$. This has recovered partially in the year 2021 with the rise of government’s interest rates.

Payment Transaction

Turkish vendors and shopkeepers accept cash, cards or online payment. As well as checks and invoices are some of offline methods to transfer money used in this country. Cash is the original and the oldest payment method, used by more than 90% Turkish population. Domestic cards, international credit cards, debit cards, eWallets and bank transfers are also the payment methods used in Türkiye. Bank transfers and Digital wallets are least popular amongst Turks. Payment system has transformed over the time with the advanced technology. There are many ways to make and receive payments online, such as PayPal, Troy, BKM Express and American Express (AMEX), etc. PayPal is the simplest way to receive payment from anywhere in the world. It is available in more than 230 countries and supports approx 25 currencies.

List of online payment methods in Kenya: 

• Cash
• Checks
• Bank Transfer
• PayPal
• BKM Express (eWallet)
• Visa
• Master Card
• American Express
• Troy

For more information visit: about-payments.com

Cost of living in Turkey

In 2025, Turkey continues to offer a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western nations, making it an attractive option for expatriates and immigrants. Housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs remain affordable, though they can vary by city and lifestyle. For the latest updates on the cost of living in specific cities, resources like Numbeo, expatriate forums, and local Turkish websites provide valuable, up-to-date information on daily expenses. Whether you’re planning to move to Turkey or simply visiting, understanding the local cost of living can help you plan your budget effectively.

• Housing Costs: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from 500 to 1,500 USD per month.
• Food and Grocery Costs: Groceries are affordable, with chicken costing 5 to 7 USD per kg and meals at local eateries around 5 to 10 USD.
• Transportation: Public transport fares range from 0.5 to 1 USD, with taxi fares starting at 2 USD.
• Utilities and Internet: Monthly utilities cost 50 to 100 USD, and internet services range from 10 to 20 USD per month.
• Healthcare Costs: Public healthcare is affordable, with private consultations costing between 30 to 50 USD.

Affordable Cities in Turkey:

• Antalya: Affordable housing, low transportation costs, and a large expat community. Local markets offer fresh produce at low prices.
• Izmir: Lower rent and grocery costs compared to Istanbul. Offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional local markets.
• Bursa: One of the cheaper cities with affordable housing, good public transportation, and many local markets for fresh goods.
• Eskişehir: Known for its low living costs, affordable rent, and numerous local markets offering fresh produce.
• Konya: Very affordable cost of living, especially for rent and food. Local markets are abundant, with fresh and affordable produce.

Apartment Rent

The city of Istanbul has the expensive apartments followed by the capital city Ankara and Bursa in Türkiye. Fully furnished one bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost you approx 4,172TL and same apartment, outside city will cost approx 2,800TL. A furnished studio apartment of 2 to 3 bedrooms in the city centre will cost you approx 6,533TL and outside the city it will cost you approx 4,788TL. Finding accommodation here is challenging so asking your colleagues, friends, shopkeepers or waiters in the nearby café or restaurants will be helpful. As you wander on the streets and see some sign boards of ‘To let’ will also be useful. In many Turkish cities renting a one bedroom apartment, in the city centre will cost around as much as a two bedroom apartment outside the city center. The cheapest Turkish cities to stay are Konya, Iskenderun, Hatay, Mersin and Sanliurfa, etc. If your stay is for short term then there are many sites on the internet to help you get your accommodation. While talking to the landlord take along the real estate agent or a Turkish speaking friend with you so that the conversation will be clear and easy as not many Turks are fluent in English. You will get the ideas of the cost of monthly rent in the below mentioned site. Property showing websites also mentions prices below so that you can choose according to your need and comfort. 

For more information visit: expatistan.com

Taxes

Taxes has an important part in every country’s economy. In Türkiye are regulated by Revenue Administration under the tax procedure law (TP). It handles the rights, burdens, carrying out duties along with principals of accrual. It also consist procedural and official provisions of all the tax laws. Tax procedure law has five main sections taxation, taxpayer duties, valuation, penalty, provisions and tax cases. Most taxes are levied by the central government and some are by municipalities of this country. Tax year in Türkiye starts from 1^st January and ends on 31^st December, but the tax return due date, when the tax return must be filed is from 1^st March to 31^st March. A Turkish tax has three main parts income taxes, Taxes on expenditure and taxes on property. Income tax also has two types’ individual income tax and corporate income tax. Some of the rules and provisions are the same for both the parts. The VAT rate bands are 1%, 8%, 18%. Citizens of Türkiye pay their taxes on their worldwide income but non residents pay tax only on their Turkish source earnings. Income tax is imposed only on taxable income after some deductions and allowances. There are no special tax rules for foreigners.

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org

Health Insurance

Healthcare in Türkiye has both the private and public healthcare system.  Türkiye has universal healthcare since the year 2003. It is called Universal Health Insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası), funded by the amount deducted as tax from the employee’s salary. Currently it is at 5% rate. Public sector funding covers more than 75% of health expenditure. Türkiye has one of the highest obese populations, as approx 29 percent adults are dealing with obesity. Due to the major health problem, universal health insurance coverage was introduced, as a result the general quality of health service improved as well as the patient’s satisfaction. The treatment coved are emergencies, work accidents and vocational illness, infectious diseases, preventive health services, childbirth, fertility treatment, cosmetic surgery deemed medically necessary and extraordinary events (injuries from natural disaster or from war). Private healthcare sector is also getting bigger here as many people opting for private health insurance as it offers short waiting lists and high quality service. Many insurance companies give health plans and coordinate with the hospitals and doctors time to time. 

For more information visit: en.wikipedia.org

Important addresses 

Istanbul International Airport
Tayakadın,
Terminal Cad No:1,
34283 Arnavutköy/Istanbul,
Turkey
Ph: +90 4441442
Website: istairport.com

Ankara Esenboga Airport
Balıkhisar Mh., Özal Bulvarı,
Akyurt/Ankara,
Turkey
Ph: +90 312 590 40 00
Website: esenbogaairport.com

Antalya International Airport
Yeşilköy,
Antalya Havaalanı Dış Hatlar Terminali 1,
07230 Muratpaşa/Antalya,
Turkey
Ph: +90 242 444 74 23
Website: antalya-airport.aero

Marmaray Sirkeci Train Station
Hocapaşa Mahallesi Ankara Cadddesi,
Halil Lütfü 4,
іş Merkezi K: 1 No: 113,
Hoca Paşa, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul,
Turkey
Website: tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr

Haydarpasa Train Station
Rasimpaşa,
34716 Kadıköy/Istanbul,
Turkey
Ph: +90 216 348 80 20

Florya Train Station
Basınköy,
Florya Cd.,
34153 Bakırköy/Istanbul,
Turkey

Embassy of Ireland
Büyükesat,
Uğur Mumcu Cd. No. 88 D:No.88,
06700 Çankaya/Ankara,
Turkey
Ph: +90 312 459 10 00

British Consulate General Istanbul
Kamer Hatun,
Meşrutiyet Cd. No:34,
34435 Beyoğlu/Istanbul,
Turkey
Ph: +90 212 334 64 00
Website: gov.uk

Polish Embassy
Kavaklıdere,
Çankaya Mahallesi,
Atatürk Blv No: 241,
06680, Çankaya,
Turkey
Ph: +90 312 457 20 00
Website: ankara.msz.gov.pl

Australian Consulate
Harbiye,
Asker Ocağı Cad. Süzer Plaza No:15,
34357 Şişli/Beşiktaş/Istanbul,
Turkey
Ph: +90 212 393 33 00
Website: turkey.embassy.gov.au

Summary

Türkiye, an intercontinental country located mainly in Asian continent and a small portion in the European continent. Ankara is the capital city in the middle of Türkiye and a centre for performing arts, State Opera and Ballet, Orchestras and national theater companies. Istanbul is the financial hub and the largest city, which is considered as half in Asia and half in Europe. Türkiye is famous for its colorful markets, history beautiful houses and monuments, food and beverages. Türkiye is on many of people’s bucket list to take a trip here. Türkiye is a place where people come for job and tour, so this is a good place to get work as long as you have strong international professional connections. People are friendly, hospitable and respectful. Nightlife here is vibrant with lit lantern streets, music and discos. The city like Istanbul and Antalya has plenty of lounge bars. Many Places are safe and fun to visit, if you have a local friend or you know where they are and what areas to ignore. Türkiye is safe to visit as crime rate is relatively low but it is suggested to stay alert all the time and safeguard your valuable things. Turkey is an Islamic, upper middle class country but allows everybody to follow their religion and this makes it a culturally diverse.