The vast majority of buyers purchasing real estate in Turkey are pensioners. Warm climate, picturesque nature and hospitable locals attract older people. This article will discuss what you need to obtain a visa if it is good to live in Turkey and what to do in retirement.
Content:
- Are the borders open in Turkey?
- Healthcare for pensioners
- How do pensioners live in Turkey?
- The amount of pension in Turkey
- Pension provision for immigrants in Turkey
- Help to choose a property in Turkey
Are the borders open in Turkey?
Turkey's international land, sea, and air borders are open to foreigners who meet Turkish immigration regulations.
As of June 2023, there is no need to confirm vaccination against COVID-19 and provide tests with negative results or antibodies.
Healthcare for pensioners
The Ministry of Health is the central government body responsible for medicine and medical legislation in Turkey.
Healthcare quality depends on the area, the hospital, and whether or not it is a public or a private institution. The main advantage of Turkish healthcare is low costs compared to most European countries.
Turkish is the primary language for medical staff in public hospitals. Foreigners who do not speak it can find English-speaking and Russian-speaking interpreters in private institutions.
Foreign pensioners under the age of 65 must take out health insurance to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. There are two options:
- To buy it in a private Turkish clinic.
- To join Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK), the government insurance scheme available for immigrants who have stayed legally in the country for at least one year.
The cost of the state insurance is more than 3,000 Turkish liras per month.
People over 65 do not need insurance to obtain a residence permit. For those who can afford it, it is recommended to take out public insurance to cover treatment costs in case of health problems and protect themselves from rising prices of medical services.
How do pensioners live in Turkey?
The main reasons why foreigners decide to retire to this country are:
- Turkey attracts the middle class with reasonable prices. For example, lunch at a restaurant with rice, vegetables, meat or fish, bread, and classic Mediterranean sauces will cost around 300 Turkish liras. A liter of cold-pressed olive oil costs about 90 Turkish liras and a dozen eggs around 4 Turkish liras. Apartments in Turkey are also inexpensive.
- Beautiful nature. Turkey is washed by four seas – the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Marmara Sea. It has mountain ranges parallel to the coastline. The transparent turquoise sea watercolor harmonizes with the emerald green valleys and mountains. The abundance of plants and trees and the colors of the olive groves, pomegranate bushes, citrus trees, and fields of ripe tomatoes.
- History and architecture. Turkey is called the world's largest museum because of the many places worth seeing that attract lovers of history, architecture, and archeology. You can walk in the footsteps of mythological characters and actual historical figures, including Alexander the Great, Helen of Troy, and St. Nicholas. Istanbul is the treasury of architectural wonders such as the majestic and rich decorated Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
- Friendly climate. Turkey is a tourist destination that attracts holidaymakers all year round. Residents of coastal towns on the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas enjoy hot summers and mild winters.
The amount of pension in Turkey
10,000 Turkish liras is the maximum pension benefit in the country. This amount is usually paid to public officials (government, local authorities, police, etc.). Doctors of Science receive 8,000 Turkish Lira on average.
Pension provision for immigrants in Turkey
According to Turkish law, foreigners with work permits have the right to receive a pension after they formally work 7200 hours in the country. The accrual scheme is the same as in other countries: a certain percentage of the salary is transferred to the pension account every month. The amount of pension depends on the amount of all accruals.
Officially unemployed foreigners can also count on pensions. You need to use the Bireysel Emeklilik Sigortası program designed for individual savings. Participants of the program make a monthly contribution to a bank account to receive a pension for several years after a specific time.
Most foreigners of retirement age receive a pension that they have earned in their home state. For this, you need to submit an official application to the Pension Fund in your home country so that it transfers monthly payments to a bank account in Turkey.
Help to choose a property in Turkey
Competent Turk.Estate specialists can help you choose and buy a house in Turkey. The list of agency services includes:
- Full support during the deal. Turk.Estate clients can count on expert support throughout the entire buying process: from selecting a property to signing documents with the assistance of a notary.
- Information about the current pricing. Turk.Estate has a comprehensive database of real estate prices in Turkey. This allows the agency's clients to purchase properties at reasonable rates.
- Solving legal issues. Turk.Estate agents collect and check all the documentation required to make a purchase and sale deal.