Turkey
TURTurkey is a transcontinental country straddling Europe and Asia, with Istanbul serving as one of the world's great cultural and commercial crossroads. The country offers a low cost of living relative to Western Europe, a Mediterranean and continental climate, world-class healthcare facilities in major cities, and a rapidly growing digital economy. Turkey operates a citizenship-by-investment programme via real estate purchase ($400,000 minimum) and has become one of the most popular relocation destinations for expats from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia.
→ If you hold a Turkey passport, see the Turkey nationality guidePassport Rank
#51
Visa-Free
110
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Ankara
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Languages
- Turkish
- Population
- 85,340,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 5 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Mediterranean / Continental
- English Proficiency Rank
- #69
Indices
Cost of Living
27
Safety
46
Healthcare
64
Quality of Life
140
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 5 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | $700 | $480 | $220 | $90 | $30 |
| Ankara | $420 | $300 | $200 | $85 | $25 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Istanbul
Rainfall range: 15–120 mm/month · Daylight 9h (winter) to 15h (summer)
Ankara
Rainfall range: 10–55 mm/month · Daylight 9h (winter) to 15h (summer)
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 5
- Language Test
- Yes (Turkish (basic written + spoken))
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- Yes
- Fee
- $200
- Processing
- ~18 months
Real Estate
- Avg price/sqm (capital)
- $3,000
- Transaction taxes
- 4%
Foreign buyers: Foreigners from most countries may purchase freely. Citizenship by Investment (CBI) requires minimum $400,000 real estate purchase (held 3 years). Istanbul prime districts $2,000-4,000/sqm; Beyoglu/Sisli $3,000-5,000/sqm. Title deed (tapu) transfer tax 4% (split 2% each). VAT exemption for foreign-currency purchases in first acquisition.
International Schools
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| School | City | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert College | Istanbul | US + IB | $12,000–$20,000 |
| Bilkent University Preparatory School | Ankara | IB | $8,000–$14,000 |
Daily Life Logistics
Internet
60 Mbps median
55% fibre coverage
eSIM: Turkcell, Vodafone TR, Türk Telekom (TTNET)
Driving
IDP not required
Local licence required after 6 months
Exchange eligible: EU/EEA licences exchangeable; IDP valid for 6 months for tourists; bilateral exchange agreements with select countries
Pet Relocation
Quarantine: none
Rabies titre required
EU pet passport: not accepted
Safety
GPI Rank
#119
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠carpet shop over-pricing scams in Sultanahmet
- ⚠taxi meter fraud at Istanbul Ataturk/Sabiha
- ⚠exchange-rate confusion scams in tourist areas
- ⚠shoe-shine drop scam
Examples of areas to avoid: Tarlabasi back streets late night, certain Gaziosmanpasa areas after dark
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Not legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Not recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- No
- ILGA Rank
- #49
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Widely available
- Kosher Food
- Limited
- Prayer Facilities
- Common
Sample Citizenship Test Questions
Q1. Who founded the Republic of Turkey?
Answer: Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Source: Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management
Q2. In what year was the Republic of Turkey proclaimed?
Answer: 1923
Source: Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management