Moving to Turkey from the UK: Complete guide

Planning on moving to a country that bridges Europe and Asia? Turkey is a popular destination for expats, offering a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western cultures. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Turkey from the UK, including the cost of living, visa options, popular expat destinations, and much more.

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders. With the Wise account from the money services provider Wise, as a UK resident you can send, spend and convert money in 40+ currencies at great mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Looking to take your savings with you? Wise can also help you with large transfers.

Learn more about the Wise account

Table of contents

Can you move to Turkey from the UK? What are the requirements to move to Turkey? How long can a British citizen live in Turkey? How to move to Turkey from the UK Moving to Turkey with pets Visas and residence permits in Turkey How to apply for residency How to renew your residency Options for retiring to Turkey from the UK Living in Turkey - The key facts Popular cities and locations for expats Cost of living in Turkey Opening a Turkish bank account Renting and buying property in Turkey Healthcare in Turkey Finding a job and working in Turkey Studying in Turkey Save on your relocation costs to Turkey with Wise Conclusion

Can you move to Turkey from the UK?

Yes, you can move to Turkey from the UK, as long as you’re able to meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents in time.

We’ll take you through the step-by-step process and show you how to move to Turkey from the UK.

What are the requirements to move to Turkey?

British citizens can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to explore visa and residence permit options.

For stays exceeding 90 days, you should either apply for a long-term visa before traveling or obtain a residence permit from the local authorities in Turkey. If you intend to work in Turkey, make sure you have the necessary permits in place.¹

The specific requirements can vary depending on your situation. Here’s a summary of the main ones:

• A passport with at least six months validity from your arrival date
• A visa
• A residence permit
• A work permit (if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient funds

How long can a British citizen live in Turkey?

British citizens can live in Turkey as long as their residence permit remains valid. As the permit nears expiration, be sure to explore renewal options to extend your stay.

After living in Turkey for 8 years, you can apply for permanent residency, allowing you to stay indefinitely.²

How to move to Turkey from the UK

There are several routes for moving to Turkey, including education and employment. If you plan to work there, here are the steps to follow:

1. Do job market research

Since employment is one of the routes for moving to Turkey, make sure to research the Turkish job market. Begin by looking into in-demand positions and salary averages.

2. Secure a job and gather the necessary documents

Once you secure a job and sign a contract, your employer will apply for your work permit on your behalf. Be sure to provide them with any necessary documents.³

3. Find a place to live

While waiting for your work permit, you can start looking for accommodation. You can browse online listings or consult a real estate agent.

4. Look into health insurance and Turkish banks

Take the time to do some research on the Turkish private healthcare options and the facilities in your area. Also, this could be a good opportunity to explore Turkish banks and international bank accounts and check if any offer the option to apply online.

💡 Read more: Cash or card in Turkey: Which is the best way to pay?

5. Read customs and imports rules before packing

Before you pack, make sure to check Turkey's customs and import rules. This will help you avoid bringing items that are not allowed or exceeding the limits for duty-free items.

6. Consider hiring a moving company and pack only the most valuable items

Pack your most valuable items yourself, such as some important documents and personal valuables. For everything else, hire a moving company to handle the packing and transport.

Moving to Turkey with pets

If you plan to transport your pet to Turkey, you must follow specific rules and regulations. This includes meeting vaccination requirements, having a valid pet passport, ensuring your pet has a microchip and obtaining an import permit. You’ll also need to acquire an international health certificate from your pet’s veterinarian within 10 days before departure.⁴

Keep in mind that certain dog breeds are banned in Turkey, so it’s important to check whether your pet is on that list.⁵

To ensure your pet meets all the health and documentation standards for transportation, it’s a good idea to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Visas and residence permits in Turkey

Turkish visas are divided into five main categories:

• Tourist/Businessperson Visa
• Official Visa
• Student/Education Visa
• Working Visa
• Other Visas⁶

Student visas may also be issued for internships and Turkish language courses. Meanwhile, working visa subcategories include permits for professionals such as artists, journalists and lecturers, among others.⁶

Most Turkish visas allow a stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. After that, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit.

There are six main types of residence permits in Turkey:

• Short-term residence permit
• Family residence permit
• Student residence permit
• Long-term residence permit
• Humanitarian residence permit
• Residence permit for victims of human trafficking²

However, if you obtain a work permit, it also serves as a residence permit.⁷

How to apply for residency

You need to apply for a residence permit within a month of arriving in Turkey. Begin by visiting the website of the Directorate General for Migration Management. After you enter certain information, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment at their office.⁸

At the appointment, you’ll need to provide documents such as proof of health insurance, evidence of sufficient funds and a notarised copy of your passport.⁸

How to renew your residency

You can renew your residence permit through the same Directorate General of Migration Management website. Be sure to apply on time, as missing the due date could lead to problems.⁹

Options for retiring to Turkey from the UK

Turkey doesn’t have a specific retirement visa, but UK citizens can retire there through different routes.

One option is obtaining a residence permit, typically valid for two years. After holding a residence permit for eight years, you can apply for Turkish citizenship and fully enjoy your retirement.¹⁰

Another option is the Turkish Citizenship by investment programme, which is more expensive. Investment choices range from $400,000 to $500,000, including real estate, bank deposits and job creation.¹⁰

If you manage to retire in Turkey, you can also claim your UK state pension there. It can be paid into a UK bank account or a Turkish one, in which case you’ll be paid in the local currency. You can choose how often you’ll get paid - anywhere from 4 to 13 weeks. Contact the International Pension Centre to get the most recent information.¹¹

Living in Turkey - The key facts

Here are some basic facts you should know about Turkey if you’re considering moving there:

💰 Currency:	Turkish lira (TRY)
🗣️ Main language:	Turkish
👥 Population:	87,597,662¹²
🇬🇧 Number of British expats:	around 34,000¹³

💡 Read more: What’s the best currency to take to Turkey from the UK?

Popular cities and locations for expats

Turkey offers a wide range of lifestyles, from tranquil summer resort towns to vibrant metropolises. Expats have recognized this diversity, which is why their top choices for Turkish cities to settle in vary.

Coastal areas are particularly popular, with locations like the Bodrum Peninsula, Fethiye and Altinkum being favored by many expats. However, Turkey’s major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir, also attract a significant number of foreigners.¹⁴

Cost of living in Turkey

On average, the cost of living in Turkey is significantly lower than here across all categories. Let’s see how much you’d save from your move to Turkey from the UK.

For example, rent is nearly 60% cheaper and groceries cost about 35% less. Dining out is around 47% less expensive and a monthly transportation pass is approximately 58% cheaper. There's also a notable difference in property prices, with Turkey being 50-80% more affordable.¹⁵

The most striking difference is in utilities, where you'll pay more than 80% less on average in Turkey.¹⁵

Opening a Turkish bank account

Opening a bank account in Turkey should be one of the first things you do after moving. It’s crucial for covering rent, managing daily expenses and getting payments from your employer.

Some of the largest Turkish banks include Ziraat Bank, Akbank, İşbank, and Yapı Kredi. Most banks will ask for the same key documents, such as your passport, Turkish tax ID number and proof of address. Some banks may allow you to open an account even if you’re not yet a resident, so it’s always best to check with each bank for their latest policies.¹⁶

Whether you’ll be able to keep your UK bank account after moving depends on your bank. For example, Barclays closes your account once you move abroad.¹⁷

Renting and buying property in Turkey

You can rent and buy property as a UK citizen if you meet the legal requirements. For example, foreigners can’t buy more than 30 hectares of property and can only acquire a limited in rem right.¹⁸

However, you don’t need to be a resident to buy property in Turkey. Additionally, many banks offer mortgages to foreign nationals, making the process more accessible.¹⁸

Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, you could consult a real estate agency and get professional help. You could also search property websites on your own and here are some that are popular at the moment:

• Hepsiemlak
• Zingat
• Emlakjet
• Rentola
• Properstar

Healthcare in Turkey

Turkey offers universal public healthcare to all its residents. Many services, such as emergency and primary care, are fully covered, while others are quite affordable. However, you can only access public healthcare benefits after residing in the country for a year.¹⁹

Turkish public healthcare is funded through the contributions from workers, employers and the government. People pay different contribution rates, but everyone receives equal care and coverage.¹⁹

To access healthcare, you’ll need to register at your local Social Security Institution (SGK) office in Turkey. Each time you renew your residence permit, you’ll also need to visit an SGK office.¹⁹

Health insurance

Expats can access public health insurance in Turkey after living there for a year. In the meantime, you may want to consider private health insurance options.¹⁹

Many people also opt for private insurance in addition to their public coverage. The private sector offers shorter wait times, state-of-the-art hospitals and modern equipment.

English-speaking doctors and medical staff

Depending on where you live in Turkey, finding English-speaking doctors may be a challenge. In rural public hospitals, medical staff typically speak only Turkish, so investing in private insurance could be a good option.

Medication and prescription requirements and restrictions

Make sure to contact the Turkish Embassy for the latest information on whether certain medications are banned in Turkey. Also, always carry your medication in its original packaging and in your hand luggage.

Finding a job and working in Turkey

You can work in Turkey as a British citizen if you obtain a work permit. Once you find a job and sign a contract, your employer will apply for the permit on your behalf. Since UK passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Turkey, you can visit to attend interviews with potential employers.³

The average salary in Turkey is around 15,000 TRY per month across all professions. However, earnings vary by industry and location, with larger cities offering higher salaries.²⁰

For example, IT professionals earn around 30,000 TRY per month, while physicians make up to 45,000 TRY on average. In Istanbul, salaries are higher, with an average of 20,000 TRY, whereas in İzmir, they are closer to the national average at 16,000 TRY.²⁰

Studying in Turkey

Turkey has over 200 universities, most of which are state-owned. Some, like Koç University, Ankara University and Istanbul University, rank highly on global lists of top institutions.²¹

Many universities offer English-language programmes, including these top-ranked ones. For example, both Koç University and Ankara University provide courses in English.²¹

To study in Turkey, you must first enroll in a course and apply for a student visa. Since this process can take up to eight weeks, it’s important to start early. Once you arrive, you’ll also need to apply for a residence permit.²¹

Tuition fees vary by university and programme. On average, annual tuition for Bachelor’s degrees in English ranges from 3,500 TRY to 12,000 TRY, while Master’s degrees typically cost between 4,500 TRY and 7,000 TRY per year. Once you find a programme that you’re interested in, it’s best to contact the university directly for details on fees and possible scholarships.²¹

Save on your relocation costs to Turkey with Wise

Before moving to Turkey, you’re likely to have lots of costs to cover. Some of these, such as real estate costs, visa application fees and rental deposits, will need to cross borders and can get expensive because of the transfer fees and exchange rate markups.

Open a Wise account as a UK resident and you can send money between the UK and Turkey for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is always safeguarded.

You can also get the Wise card for a one-time fee of £7 to spend in TRY from the moment you step off the plane. It works in 150+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency whenever you spend, only adding a tiny, upfront currency conversion fee*.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits of using Wise:

Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, upfront, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rates Dedicated support for large transfers Sophisticated security and anti-fraud measures, with your money safeguarded under regulatory protections Trackable and fast transfers to 140+ countries Low-cost spending in 150+ countries with the Wise card Earn a return on your GBP, USD and EUR balance with Wise Interest**

Sign up with Wise today 🚀

**Capital at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Wise Interest isn’t currently available to use with a Turkey address.

Conclusion

• The main routes for moving to Turkey from the UK are the Student visa and the Working visa
• After arriving in Turkey, you must apply for a residence permit within a month
• Turkey doesn’t have a retirement visa, but the Citizenship by investment programme is an option
• You can rent or buy property in Turkey even before becoming a resident
• Turkey has universal public healthcare, but you can access it after a year of living there
• The cost of living in Turkey is significantly lower compared to the UK

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Sources used:

1. Gov.uk - living in Turkey
2. Presidency of Migration Management - residence permit types
3. Turkish Council - job opportunities for foreigners
4. Pet Relocation - pet transport to Turkey
5. Daily Sabah - banned dog breeds
6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Turkish visas
7. Presidency of Migration Management - work permit
8. Visa Guide - Turkey residence permit
9. Directorate General for Migration Management - homepage
10. Global Citizen Solutions - retiring in Turkey
11. Gov.uk - State Pension if you retire abroad
12. Worldometers - Turkey population
13. Forth Capital - number of British expats
14. Spot Blue - popular locations for expats
15. Numbeo - cost of living comparison between the UK and Turkey
16. B2B Pay - opening a bank account in Turkey
17. Barclays - living outside the UK
18. Gov.uk - buying property in Turkey
19. International Insurance - healthcare in Turkey
20. Livetecs - average salary in Turkey
21. Jeduka - study in Turkey

Sources last checked on date: 30-Jan-2025