Many are wondering how to move to Turkey. The country with a comfortable climate and high quality of life beckons expats. An absolute advantage in favour of relocation is the affordable prices for property in Turkey. You can buy an apartment much cheaper than in resort towns in Europe. Moreover, you have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit and citizenship when purchasing real estate, which is just as important when relocating. Let’s look at things to know before moving to Turkey, how to relocate, and where to start preparing for this big change. Useful tips from those who have already walked this path will help you avoid wasting time and money.
Content:
- Tip 1: Find out the cost of living in Turkey and realistically estimate your possibilities
- Tip 2: Have a test period
- Tip 3: Choose the city
- Tip 4: Take care of paperwork
- Tip 5: Be prepared for the hardships of the first year
- Profitably buy Turkish real estate on Turk.Estate
Tip 1: Find out the cost of living in Turkey and realistically estimate your possibilities
Your financial standing should be one of the most important factors when deciding whether to move to Turkey. To work in the country, you must apply for a special permit and understand what field you plan to make money in. For the average retiree with a minimum pension, such income will also not be enough, especially if you factor in the costs of paid health insurance. You need to have a clear understanding of your financial capabilities and have a cash cushion or other sources of funds.
Irina, retiree:
All my life I’d been annoyed by slushy winters, but I couldn’t move to warmer climes as I had to take care of my elderly relative. When the situation changed, I realised that nothing was keeping me in Moscow anymore, and I decided to relocate to Turkey. Then I sold the apartment I inherited in Moscow, bought a house in Avsallar, and still had some money left. At that time, I managed to enter the programme for obtaining a residence permit for the purchase of real estate. Fast forward to now, I’ve been living here for 3 years, having no regrets about the decision I made. I also rent out my apartment in Moscow, so I have extra income in addition to my pension.
Tip 2: Have a test period
Not rushing with your relocation and property purchase is another important tip. In Turkey, there are many things to consider before you decide to settle down, so it is worth testing the waters first. It is difficult to form an understanding about the country and make a decision about moving to Turkey based only on a positive experience you had with your holiday. To choose a specific city and evaluate its advantages and disadvantages, it is worth studying it from the inside, which is why many people prefer not to buy an apartment in Turkey right away but to rent it first.
Ivan, internet marketer:
In light of recent events in my country, I started thinking about moving. Turkey was my country of choice, and I began researching how to relocate. Why here? I also considered Dubai but realised that I simply couldn’t afford it at this point. I started with Istanbul but found it a little expensive and too noisy for me. I moved to Mahmutlar and settled here.
Tip 3: Choose the city
When relocating to Turkey, start with understanding what you expect from your future home. Also, make sure to take into account the specifics of the current rules for obtaining an investment residence permit. There are many great destinations in Turkey for expats. If you prefer an unhurried lifestyle, small towns are more right up your alley. It is worth considering Side, Belek, and Mahmutlar. If you want to make your expat life in Turkey action-packed, look at Istanbul or Ankara.
Sergey, maths and computer science teacher:
I’ve gotten to live in Alanya and Antalya but eventually chose Mersin. I feel more comfortable here, and it’s less noisy. I haven’t bought a home yet, as I wanted to pick the region first.
Tip 4: Take care of paperwork
You should take care of the legalities. Expats in Turkey will not be able to stay legally without a residence permit. The most accessible way to receive one is by investing in real estate. To obtain it, the following documents are required:
- Completed residence permit application form;
- Original and copy of your international passport with translation, certified by a local notary;
- 4 biometric photos;
- Proof of income or steady financial means to cover the entire period of stay;
- Proof of payment of the residence permit fee and card fee;
- TAPU (real estate title deed);
- Valid health insurance.
Movers to Turkey should bear in mind that one can only obtain a residence permit in specific areas, not just anywhere in the country. The government has listed settlements in which foreigners are prohibited from obtaining residency through investment. The list contains a total of over 1,160 areas. The restriction applies to, among others, Istanbul and a number of cities in the provinces of Alanya and Antalya.
Also, before relocating in Turkey, you need to prepare all your personal documents, certifying their authenticity with an international stamp—an apostille. It is advisable to get not only primary documents, such as birth certificates of children, marriage or divorce certificates, stamped but also secondary ones. It is likely that your diploma, which now seems unnecessary, will come in handy in the future.
Evgenia, freelancer:
I looked for information on how to move not only from Turkish expats on forums but also from real estate brokers. Along with selecting an apartment, they explained to me what papers would be required for both the transaction and relocation. Everything was really quick and hassle-free.
Tip 5: Be prepared for the hardships of the first year
Living in Turkey as an expat can be stressful. There is no point in comparing your experience of holidaying in a hotel with mundane life and the need to solve everyday issues. Introverted expats living in Turkey have an easier time upon arrival in the country. Those who enjoy social interactions face the first problem—not having a solid social circle. Other adjustment challenges include:
- Communication difficulties due to insufficient English skills;
- Being unaccustomed to the local mentality: the Turks are quite noisy and may seem intrusive;
- Poor punctuality, which is one of the biggest issues hindering the quality of service.
Vyacheslav, tourism officer:
I basically knew the country from the inside—not only because of my job but also thanks to multiple holiday trips, so I did not see any particular difficulties as an expat in Turkey. Except, of course, the paper bureaucracy. Other than that, I gradually got used to the local communication style. You don’t have to speak Turkish as knowing English is enough. In large cities, people can easily use Russian to converse with locals as well. However, the Turks are hopelessly slow. Be prepared that the A/C recharger may not show up not only at the appointed time but also on the appointed day.
Profitably buy Turkish real estate on Turk.Estate
2024 may be your year to relocate if you dream of living in Turkey. Expat life comes with its challenges and joys. When deciding to move to a new country, you need to get to know the local routines and come to an understanding of which region to choose and what to do in the future. If you are an aspiring expat, Turkey is easy when it comes to getting residency and navigating the various formalities.
When relocating, it is important to find your new permanent home. Our website contains a wide selection of property for every taste and budget. Listings are published directly from developers and real estate agencies. The search system is equipped with filters allowing you to select the type of housing and location you are interested in. You can calculate prices in dollars and euros. Specialists are readily available and will be happy to tell you everything about property in Turkey, expat life, and relocation. To get advice, just leave a request in the contact form. Start your search for an apartment or villa in Turkey right now!