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Living in Turkey
Official information for British people moving to and living in Turkey needs to know, including residency, healthcare, and driving.
Published 2 December 2020,
Last updated 29 August 2021.
Living in Turkey as a British
Turkey has a rich culture with several developed cities that have many historical sites and landscapes to offer plenty of adventure, and sightseeing. The climate too remains to be pleasant which combined with the low cost of living in Turkey, several real estate investments, and employment opportunities to make the overall lifestyle experience much pleasing and happier.
How long a British Citizen Can Stay in Turkey?
Foreigners with British nationality can live in Turkey for some period. British citizens could visit and stay within Turkey for travel or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days timeline. However, if you plan to live in Turkey for more than 90 days, then you will be required to submit a residence permit in Turkey one month before the completion of the allowed 90 days.
Turkey’s government demands that your passport should be valid for at least another six months from the date of entry to the country. It’s also necessary to have a blank page within the passport for the reason to have entry and exit stamped on it.
Other British Nationalities
Those who come under different kinds of British nationalities, such as; British overseas citizens, Britain-protected individuals, and so on, should check with the Turkish consulate-general for visa requirements before their travel to Turkey.
Since such types of entities carry the United Kingdom special passport, the application for a visa must be made at the Turkish consulate-general before travel.
Benefits for a British Living in Turkey
Those British nationals who choose to live in Turkey are eligible for several kinds of benefits back in the United Kingdom.
Not only do they get tax credits for up to eight weeks for living in Turkey for about a year, but also might be eligible for other benefits such as; the State Pension, Winter Fuel Payment, Maternity benefits, Child benefits, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Bereavement benefits and so on.
Those who are crown servants or are employed in cross-border work are further eligible for greater benefits which can be useful to check before traveling to and living in Turkey.
Our legal firm in Turkey can handle all of your legal affairs.
Other Important Things You Should Know About Living in Turkey as a British
Healthcare
There are no mutual healthcare agreements between Turkey and the United Kingdom. Before entering the nation, you should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance. In Turkey, European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are not accepted. Doctors who speak English can be found in Turkey. It’s also a good idea to double-check that your medications are legal in Turkey.
Working in Turkey as a British
A criminal records check in the United Kingdom may be required for some employment (known as a DBS check) in Turkey. Learn how to apply for a work visa in Turkey. You must apply for a work permit from the United Kingdom at the Turkish consulate closest to you (London or Edinburgh). You’ll need to arrange an appointment with the embassy and provide information from both yourself and your employer.
Bringing Your Own Car To Turkey
If you live in a territory other than Turkey, you can import your car for private use in Turkey if it is registered in your home country. You have 730 days to retain your automobile in Turkey. After that, you must spend at least 185 days in another country. Even if it is a different car, you cannot bring it back without remaining overseas for 185 days. You can bring your vehicle back to Turkey for another 730 days once this time expires.
Disclaimer
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Turkish authorities. OutlookTurkey will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
