Turkey needs no introduction or advertising, as it is one of the best and most popular travel destinations known for its warm climate, stunning beaches, delicious food, and unique culture.
The digital nomad community in Turkey is still relatively small, but it is growing rapidly, and new coworking spaces are popping up in the country’s cities just as fast.
Turkey should definitely be at the top of your list if you are looking for an affordable place with a good internet connection to live in Europe as a digital nomad. But will you be able to pack your bags and move freely to this country? You will, but there are some nuances you need to be mindful of. In this guide, we will talk about a digital nomad visa in Turkey and other options for staying in the country for more than 90 days.
Content:
- Turkish visas
- How can a digital nomad get a visa?
- Best places for digital nomads to live in Turkey
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- İzmir
- Antalya
- Bursa
- Cost of living in Turkey
- Bottom line
Turkish visas
EU/EEA citizens can stay in Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days continuously. To extend your stay, you’ll need to apply for residency. To obtain a residence permit in Turkey, you need to provide proof of accommodation (lease or deed), health insurance, and an account statement showing sufficient funds to live in Turkey ($500 for each month you spend in the country).
How can a digital nomad get a visa?
There is no such thing as a digital nomad visa in Turkey. However, you can apply for a short-term residence permit that will allow you to stay in the country for one year. As Turkey is becoming popular among digital nomads, it is quite possible that this category of visa will be introduced in the near future.
Best places for digital nomads to live in Turkey
Turkey is a great country for digital nomads. There are many beautiful and affordable places where you can work and live comfortably. Let’s take a look at the most digital nomad-friendly cities in Turkey.
Istanbul
Istanbul is the city that never sleeps! It is a vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis offering all kinds of entertainment, ranging from world-class shopping and dining to historic sites and internationally acclaimed nightclubs.
Most expats live in the city centre, in neighbourhoods such as Beyoğlu, Şişli or Ortaköy. These areas combine western and eastern influences, bringing the best of both cultures. As a workspace, digital nomads in Istanbul can use the city’s numerous cafes or coworking spaces.
Here are the top three coworking spaces in Istanbul:
- CoBAC
- Impact Hub Istanbul
- DAM
There are many other coworking spaces in Istanbul, so you can always find a place that will fully meet your needs.
Ankara
The capital of Turkey, Ankara, is a modern metropolis with a rich history and culture. This city is home to the country’s best universities. Ankara is a great place for young professionals and their families.
Most of the expats in Ankara live in areas such as Kavaklıdere or Sihhiye. If you are wondering if Ankara is a safe place to live, the answer is yes! The city has a very low crime rate.
Digital nomads in Ankara can take advantage of the numerous coworking spaces. The best of them are located in the centre and offer many amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
Here are the best coworking spaces in Ankara:
- CoZone
- eOfis Ankara Next Level
- Ancowork
İzmir
İzmir is a beautiful coastal city located on the Aegean coast. With its sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere, İzmir is the perfect place to live and unwind after work.
Most expats in Izmir live in neighbourhoods such as Alsancak or Konak. These amazingly green areas boast stunning landscapes. İzmir is also considered one of the safest cities in Turkey.
Here are the best coworking spaces:
- Originn Coworking
- Withco Coworking
- GoyaHub
Antalya
Antalya is a stunning coastal city in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Sunny weather and the resort-like atmosphere of this area are perfect for a leisurely paced life, productive work, and recreation.
Expats here live in districts such as Konyaaltı or Lara. These areas are popular for their safety, sandy beaches, beautiful parks, and waterfalls.
Antalya is also known for its wide range of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Digital nomads in Antalya can work from home or in cafes. When you want to take a break from business, you can fully embrace the city’s resort offerings.
Bursa
Bursa is a beautiful city located near the Sea of Marmara, at the foot of Mount Uludağ. With its lush parks and gardens, historic landmarks and traditional Turkish baths, Bursa is an ideal place not only to work, but also to relax and recharge.
Most of the expats living in Bursa settled in areas such as Cumhuriyet or Tophane. Digital nomads can choose one of the city’s many cafes or coworking spaces, including:
- Nextlab
- Workinton Bursa
- Regus
Cost of living in Turkey
The cost of living in Turkey is significantly more affordable than in other European countries. For example, a meal in a restaurant will cost about $4 to $10 in the budget-friendly segment and $10 to $20 in the mid-segment.
The average monthly rent is between $400 and $600.
Of course, the cost of living will vary depending on where you choose to live. Some cities like Istanbul are more expensive than others. However, Turkey in general is quite an affordable place to live.
Bottom line
Turkey is a digital nomad-friendly country. It has everything you need for life: well-developed infrastructure, stable internet, diverse foods, and rich culture. Besides, living here is much cheaper than in many other European countries.