Table of Contents
Living in Turkey as a Foreigner
When we assist our international customers in establishing companies or businesses in Turkey, many of them inquire about living in Turkey as a foreigner. They want to learn everything, some out of fascination, and others because they wish to live overseas as ex-pats. To begin with, Turkey readily compares to any other country in terms of an exquisite ex-pat living.
Moving to Turkey means taking advantage of a beautiful climate, healthy and wonderful Turkish food, a new life at a much slower and less expensive pace, meeting new friends, great value for money, and a cross-cultural ambiance of people from all over the globe.
However, fitting into ex-pat life is not the same as visiting on a vacation. Many ex-pats would attest to the fact that there are certain challenges to overcome. Let’s take a look at what you should know before relocating to Turkey.
Our legal firm in Turkey can help with all the permits you need to obtain before living in Turkey as a foreigner.
In this article, we are going to talk about the frequently asked questions by ex-pats about living in Turkey as a foreigner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Turkey as a Foreigner
How Much Money Do You Need in Turkey to Live Comfortably?
The amount of money you’ll require is determined by where you’ll be relocating. Istanbul, the most expensive destination in Turkey, has high rental rates, and shopping, eating out, and socializing are all pricey. Similarly, any visitor familiar with Turkey would testify that areas like luxury Kalkan cost more than cheap Altinkum on the Aegean coast.
Ex-pats on a tight budget should budget at least 5000-7000 Turkish lira each month, but more if they want to reside in major cities or retire with more perks. More information about the cost of living in Turkey may be found here. For example, 1000 USD is equivalent to 8000 Turkish lira, thus, living in Turkey as a foreigner should be easy for many.
Do People in Turkey Speak English?
This varies depending on where you travel in Turkey. Turkey is very diversified and varied as the world’s 37th biggest country. Living as an ex-pat on the Aegean and Mediterranean beaches is typically simply because here is where many of Turkey’s beach vacation spots are located; as a result, foreign tourism is a big source of revenue, and most people understand and speak English.
If you visit cities around the Black Sea, in the southeast, or central Anatolia, such as; Konya or Kayseri, your chances of meeting English-speaking people are slim. In this case, we strongly advise studying Turkish, even if it’s only one word each day.
What is it Like to Tive in Turkey as a Foreigner?
Many foreigners find living in Turkey to be perfect, as seen by the vast expatriate populations strewn over towns, cities, and villages in Turkey. The present exchange rate of the Turkish lira against other international currencies ensures a comfortable existence for any retired foreigner with a respectable pension. Many retired ex-pats put their money in high-interest savings accounts as well. They withdraw the interest each month after paying taxes, so their net value is never impacted. Thus, living in Turkey as a foreigner is a great idea.
If you can’t retire, you’ll need to learn how to work in Turkey and obtain work permits. This arduous endeavor becomes even more difficult if you are unemployed, don’t speak the language, and lack the necessary social skills to blend in. Overall, our advice is to first straighten out your money, and if you can afford to live in Turkey, you will be able to live comfortably. Nonetheless, several variables have an impact on ex-pats in Turkey.
Residence Permit and Health Insurance in Turkey
A valid residency permit and health insurance should be your top two considerations when living and working abroad in any nation. Any stay in Turkey longer than 90 days necessitates the submission of an application for a residence visa. Most applications are accepted provided ex-pats can show they can support themselves financially.
They obtain one-year permission at first, then seek a two-year permit. Expats over the age of 65 do not require health insurance but will foot the price in the event of a medical emergency. It’s required for those under the age of 65 to apply for health insurance. The majority of individuals who retire in Turkey do so through the government-run SGK scheme. Living in Turkey as a foreigner requires getting a residence permit and health insurance. More information about residency permits in Turkey may be found here.
Settling in After You Move To Turkey
Expatriates may be enthusiastic about the prospect of relocating to Turkey, but they need to allow themselves at least six months to settle in. You may feel a cultural shock, homesickness, or even the infamous ex-pat syndrome, no matter how well prepared you are to live overseas. Many retirees are unsure what to do with their vast amounts of free time, and some wind up spending every day in the bar.
Some folks, on the other hand, miss their families back home. The good news is that settling in in Turkey is only temporary and that every hurdle can be surmounted. Think outside the box and connect as much as possible, is our advice. Many English-speaking nationalities are commonly found in expatriate groups, guiding and assisting, but don’t forget to make friends with Turks as well.
You Can Buy Property in Turkey or Rent One
Renting or buying property is a personal choice when relocating to Turkey. Many individuals buy real estate because of the inexpensive pricing, short processing times, and minimal operating and maintenance expenditures. Others rent because they are only in the country for a short time or because they are short on cash. Renters should acquire a lease and browse around to discover what the typical rent is in the region they want to live in. Living in Turkey as a foreigner also means getting your own place, which you can call home, be it rent or purchase.
Related Article: Living in Turkey as a British.
