Can foreigners obtain Turkish citizenship? What does it take to move to Turkey and settle in smoothly? We’ve gathered the most essential information about legalization and life in Turkey.
Benefits of Living in Turkey
What’s attracting a growing number of high-net-worth entrepreneurs, investors, and families to Turkey? The answer lies in a combination of opportunities and lifestyle factors that make the country increasingly appealing:
Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey serves as a gateway to multiple regions, providing seamless access to different markets. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to grow. Istanbul Airport is one of the world’s largest international hubs, offering easy connections to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Appealing Citizenship Options: Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program is known for its efficiency and straightforward process. With over 5,000 successful applications, the program continues to gain popularity.
Pro-Business Environment: Turkey’s economy is diverse and dynamic, with strong agricultural and manufacturing foundations, a rapidly growing service sector, and an emerging hub for technology and innovation. Moreover, Turkey stands out as one of Europe’s most crypto-friendly environments, adding to its business appeal.
Advanced Healthcare System: Significant investments in modern healthcare infrastructure have positioned Turkey as a leader in medical tourism, with cutting-edge facilities attracting patients from around the world.
Real Estate Opportunities: Turkey is the only European market offering luxury property developments across four iconic coastlines: the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black, and Marmara Seas. This unique blend of investment potential and coastal lifestyle continues to draw discerning buyers.
How to Move to Turkey and Obtain a Residence Permit
Purchasing property is one of the easiest ways to secure a Turkish residence permit. A two-year residency card is available for those who buy real estate worth at least $200,000.
The permit can be renewed as long as the property remains in the owner’s possession. Immediate family members, including spouses and children under 18, are also eligible to relocate.
However, not all properties that meet the price requirement qualify for a residence permit. The experts at Astons can help you find the perfect property that meets migration service requirements. Our specialists will ensure the transaction is secure and assist with all necessary documentation for your residency application.
Other options include securing a job offer from a Turkish employer or enrolling in a local university.
Where to Travel in Turkey: Something for Everyone
Turkey is far more than just an all-inclusive beach destination. It is a country with an ancient history, rich culture, and unique traditions. Every region offers something special to explore.
- For a beach getaway, head to the Aegean or Mediterranean coast.
- Thermal springs and wellness resorts can be found in Afyon, Bursa, and Yalova.
- Winter sports enthusiasts can ski in Uludağ, Erciyes, or Kartalkaya.
- Museums, palaces, historic mosques, and scenic ferry rides on the Bosphorus await in Istanbul.
- Unique Turkish attractions include the cave city of Cappadocia, historic wooden mansions on the Princes’ Islands, Pamukkale’s thermal pools, and the ruins of Antioch’s tomb.
- For families with children, visit The Land of Legends theme park or Adaland, Turkey’s largest water park. If you prefer an active holiday, try scuba diving in Kaş or Bodrum, go yachting in Fethiye or Marmaris, or hike the Lycian Way.
- For luxury travelers, Turkey offers private yacht charters along the Turkish Riviera and helicopter tours over Istanbul’s skyline.
- Want to immerse yourself in local culture? Join a pottery workshop or take a Turkish cooking class.
In Central Anatolia, near Cappadocia, brightly painted ceramics make for popular souvenirs, and you can try your hand at crafting traditional pottery. In Istanbul, cooking classes often feature Ottoman imperial cuisine, with dishes like goose kebab and lamb-stuffed melon.
Important! With a residence permit or Turkish passport, you’ll enjoy discounted or even free entry to many museums and palaces.
Shopping in Turkey
Turkey has a rich shopping culture dating back to the world’s first shopping mall, the Grand Bazaar. While Istanbul remains the primary destination for luxury shopping, high-end retail experiences can be found throughout the country:
In Istanbul, the prestigious Nişantaşı district resembles Paris’s Champs-Élysées, lined with international brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Chanel, as well as sought-after Turkish designers. The historic Grand Bazaar offers high-quality artisan goods, including fine jewelry, hand-woven carpets, and antiques. Bağdat Avenue provides a more relaxed experience with boutiques, while İstinye Park and Zorlu Center are among the city’s most exclusive shopping malls.
In Ankara, the districts of Çankaya and Gaziosmanpaşa feature upscale shopping centers like Armada and Next Level. Coastal regions like
Bodrum and Antalya center their luxury shopping around marinas and waterfront areas, with Palmarina and Bodrum Marina in Bodrum, and TerraCity and Antalium Premium Mall in Antalya serving as premier destinations.
For traditional Turkish crafts, areas such as the Arasta Bazaar in Istanbul and the old quarters of Antalya and Bodrum contain artisanal shops featuring handcrafted items like Turkey’s famous Iznik ceramics.
Prime Locations for Living in Turkey
Turkey offers diverse real estate markets across its various regions, each with unique advantages and lifestyle opportunities:
Istanbul: As Turkey’s largest city spanning two continents, Istanbul features upscale neighborhoods like Beşiktaş and Nişantaşı with modern apartments and penthouses showcasing breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
Bodrum: Often called “The St. Tropez of Turkey”, Bodrum is currently the country’s trendiest high-net-worth destination. The Bodrum Peninsula is known for luxury villas with sea views, private docks, and exclusive beaches in areas like Yalıkavak and Türkbükü, designed for those seeking leisure and privacy.
Antalya: Known as the “Capital of Tourism” on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, Antalya features the districts of Konyaaltı and Lara, popular among expatriates and affluent Turks for their contemporary apartments and villas with views of the Taurus Mountains and Mediterranean Sea.
Izmir: This vibrant city on the Aegean Sea combines a rich historical tapestry with modern luxury, offering everything from seaside villas and modern apartments to historic homes. Its growing reputation as a hub for commerce, technology, and education enhances its appeal and rental potential.
Fethiye and Göcek: Known for their natural harbors and marinas, these southwestern coastal towns are popular among sailing enthusiasts. Properties often feature spacious villas with sea views, extensive gardens, and expansive terraces nestled among green mountains.
Cost of Living
Turkey’s currency is the lira. As of March 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 38 lira to $1. The Turkish economy is growing rapidly, with its international credit rating rising to BB- (stable) in late 2024. Experts predict a 3% GDP growth in 2025.
Prices in Turkey
The official minimum cost of living for a family of four is around $2,200 per month as of March 2025. The minimum grocery budget for the same family starts at $600.
Living expenses vary by city. Istanbul and resort towns are the most expensive due to high real estate prices.
Approximate Monthly Expenses:
- 1-2 bedroom apartment rent: from $500 on the coast and in Istanbul’s suburbs; from $1,000 in central Istanbul.
- Utilities: from $30-100 per month. Electricity (100 kWh) costs around $12, cold water (10 cubic meters) from $2, and building maintenance from $10-100+ in modern complexes with pools and gyms.
- Mobile and internet services: from $10.
- Private health insurance: from $240 per year for adults under 35 with no serious health conditions (costs rise with age and pre-existing conditions).
- Dining out: a meal at a café costs around $25 (excluding alcohol), but prices are significantly higher in peak tourist seasons and areas.
Taxes in Turkey
Personal income tax is progressive, ranging from 15% to 40%. However, obtaining Turkish citizenship doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident.
If you don’t live in Turkey, you only pay:
- Property tax: 0.1%-0.6% of the cadastral value per year.
- Rental income tax: starts at 27% for monthly earnings above $1,000 (deductible expenses include maintenance, repairs, and management fees).
Vehicle tax: up to $150 per year, depending on the car’s age and initial value.
Work and Business in Turkey
Foreigners can only obtain a work permit through an employer. Many expats earn income from abroad or run their own businesses.
Starting a business in Turkey is possible even without a residence permit. Turkey offers investors tax and customs benefits, as well as advantageous conditions for operating in special economic zones. Some Turkish-made goods can enter the EU duty-free.
Education: Schools and Kindergartens
If parents have a residence permit, their child can attend a free public kindergarten or school, where classes are in Turkish. Public kindergartens are typically open 5 days a week until 4-5 PM.
The cost of a private kindergarten starts at $300-500 per month, with Turkish and English programs in big cities.
Children start school at the age of 6. Public education is free and follows a unified program. The quality of education largely depends on the school and teachers. High school students can transfer to specialized lyceums focusing on languages or mathematics. Public schools also include a second language in the curriculum, but classes can be overcrowded.
Private schools offer multiple foreign languages and international programs in addition to the Turkish curriculum. Tuition ranges from $300 to $1,500 per month.
Robert College deserves special mention as one of the oldest American schools outside the US and Turkey’s top academic institution. It’s considered one of the most selective universities in Europe for admission. Other noteworthy international schools include MEF International School with campuses in Istanbul and Izmir, and TED Ankara College Foundation Schools, a prestigious institution teaching a blend of the Turkish National Curriculum and the IB program.
Facts About Turkey: Check If You Know Them
- The capital of Turkey is Ankara (not Istanbul).
- Turkey’s population is 85.6M as of the end of 2024, with at least 1.5M foreigners.
- The country’s area is approximately 780,000 sq.km.
- Turkey has been an EU candidate since 1999.
- Turkish citizens can obtain a U.S. E-2 business visa for 5 years.
- Turkey is surrounded by four seas: the Aegean, Marmara, Mediterranean, and Black Seas.
- National Sovereignty Day is also Children’s Day in Turkey, celebrated on April 23. On this day, children participate in parliamentary sessions and even symbolically take over the president’s duties.
FAQ
When does the peak tourist season start, and where is the best place to go?
Turkey’s peak resort season is in July and August, when the sea is at its warmest, but daytime temperatures exceed 30°C. If you enjoy warm seas, the best destinations are Antalya and Alanya. The Aegean Sea in Dalaman and Marmaris is slightly cooler and has bigger waves, even during the season. In September and October, the water in Antalya and other Mediterranean resorts remains warm, but there are fewer tourists. Pamukkale is ideal for thermal baths from July to September.
Istanbul attracts tourists year-round, but guided tours are more comfortable in March, April, or October. In Cappadocia, air balloon flights are not possible during rain, snow, or strong winds, but the season runs all year. For skiing, the best time is from January to early March, as December and late March have unpredictable weather.
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