Imagine working from a sunny terrace overlooking the Bosphorus or from a cozy café in the heart of Istanbul. Turkey’s new digital nomad visa program is now making this a reality. As of April 2024, Turkey is finally joining the many other countries inviting professionals to work remotely as digital nomads from their country. In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about Turkey’s digital nomad visa, including eligibility, application process, and tips for living and working in Turkey!
Remote work is more popular than ever, with working professionals now able to explore the world while they earn a living. Countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, and now Turkey offer specialized visa programs to attract a growing community of digital nomads. Turkey’s vibrant culture, rich history, and strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia make it a prime destination for digital nomads.
Eligibility Requirements
Turkey’s digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers looking to live and work in Turkey for an extended period. Eligible applicants must:
- Have a job that allows them to work remotely
- Meet a minimum income requirement of $3,000 USD or $36,000 USD annually
- Hold a university degree
- Be between the ages of 21-55
- Be from one of the countries below
Applicants are accepted from the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania , Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus.
Application Process
The application process for Turkey’s new digital nomad visa is very straightforward.
- Visit this website to review requirements and to ensure you are eligible to apply
- Submit an application on the same website, uploading relevant documents to prove your eligibility
- Diploma or certificate showing that you are a university graduate
- Document showing that you work as a digital nomad (contract with your employer or with your business if self-employed)
- Document proving that you have a monthly income of $3,000 USD or $36,000 USD annually.
- Biometric photo
- The platform will review your submitted documents to determine your eligibility for the visa. A decision will be made and communicated to you via email and you’ll be assigned a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate if approved
- Apply for a Digital Nomad visa at a Turkish consulate using your Digital Nomad Identification Certificate
- Alternatively, if you’re already in Turkey, you can apply for a residence permit online here once you receive your Digital Nomad Identification Certificate
- Go to your appointment at a Provincial Migration Management Office (immigration office) in Turkey on the date and time designated to officially receive your visa and complete any other necessary paperwork
Other Considerations
An initial digital nomad visa from Turkey will be granted for 6 months to one year, with the opportunity to be extended for one or two more years after that.
You’ll also need to have at least six months of validity on your passport or travel document from your time of arrival in Turkey.
Living in Turkey as a Digital Nomad
As an American who lived abroad in Istanbul for over a year, I know firsthand both the beauty and challenges that come with living in Turkey as a foreigner. Moving abroad to any new country can be a nerve-wracking endeavor, but if you prepare and plan ahead, your transition will be smooth and rewarding.
The city of Istanbul is literally the bridge between Asia and Europe, connecting both continents via the Bosphorus Strait. Turkey offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, making it a fascinating place to live. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of the Mediterranean coast, there’s always something new to explore. The food scene is also incredible – Turkish food is so flavorful and varied.
Domestic flights between Turkish cities are quick and generally cheap, making weekend trips around the country a reality. Turkey is also a great country to road trip around. I did a 2-week long road trip around central and western Turkey in the summer of 2022 and it was an unforgettable experience. There are so many historical and cultural attractions to explore around the country. I truly only scratched the surface!
Turkey is well-equipped for digital nomads with regard to internet and infrastructure. High-speed internet is widely available, and there are numerous co-working spaces and cafes in the major cities. Cafes offer free high-speed internet for patrons, and it’s common to sit at and work from a cafe for hours. Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are hubs for co-working, offering modern facilities and a chance to connect with other digital nomads.
Joining local digital nomad communities can provide valuable networking opportunities and support as you adjust to expat life in a new city. Many cities in Turkey have regular meetups, workshops, and social events for foreigners and digital nomads. Check out platforms like Meetup and the Internations app for local digital nomad communities and events. I’ve attended a few of the Internations social events in Istanbul and I recommend them!
How to be Respectful as a Digital Nomad in Turkey
With the current exchange rate in Turkey, the cost of living for Americans in Turkey is much lower than in cities across the US or in other parts of the world. According to Numbeo, the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Istanbul is a little over $2,000. Istanbul is by far the most expensive city in Turkey – there are smaller cities and villages across the country where you can live off of much less than that.
It’s important to remember, however, that the low cost of living enjoyed by Americans and other foreigners comes at the cost of soaring inflation rates and a volatile economic situation for the local Turkish people. Digital nomads should be aware of this and sensitive to the situations of locals, doing what they can to be respectful and do their part to support the local economy.
Additionally, while Turkey prides itself for its secularism, Islam is the most common religion practiced in the country. Some of the smaller cities and villages are more conservative than the larger cities like Istanbul and Izmir. If you visit those areas (or religious spaces in general), it’s important to dress modestly and adhere to the cultural standards for the region.
Here are some practical ways digital nomads in Turkey can be respectful:
- Support local vendors and shop locally rather than at large chains
- Learn key phrases from the Turkish language to use in day-to-day interactions with locals
- Dress modestly in conservative areas and in religious spaces
- Research and learn more about Turkish customs and adhere to them as best you can while living in Turkey!
My e-book is filled with practical tips on traveling to Turkey and serves as an ultimate guide for all things Istanbul. I discuss the culture, food, local customs, and other key information that will help ensure a great trip to the largest city in Europe.
Turkey’s new digital nomad visa program offers an exciting opportunity to experience a rich culture while working remotely. With its affordable cost of living, vibrant communities, and excellent infrastructure, Turkey is an ideal destination for digital nomads.
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