Türkiye for digital nomads: where to rent an apartment, how much it costs to live, and how to get a residence visa for remote workers
Turkey is rapidly becoming one of the most attractive hubs for digital nomads. Its ideal location between Europe and Asia, developed infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and official Digital Nomad Visa program make the country a magnet for remote workers from all over the world. Housing is particularly attractive: for example, an apartment with a sea view in Alanya can be rented at a very reasonable price and for a long-term stay.
In April 2024, Turkey officially launched its digital nomad program, joining the ranks of Mediterranean countries actively attracting remote workers. The country offers a high standard of living, a warm climate, and a rich culture. This article explores life in Turkey for remote workers in detail.
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- How to find out the cadastral value
Digital Nomad Visa in Turkey – Everything You Need to Know
The Digital Nomads Turkey Visa is a special type of residency permit that allows remote workers to legally reside in the country while continuing to work for foreign companies or clients. The program was officially launched in April 2024 and is administered by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in conjunction with the Directorate of Migration.
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
An important restriction: the program is only available to individuals aged 21 to 55. This requirement is mandatory and cannot be excluded.
Visa requirements
Financial criteria remain key for application approval. Applicants must demonstrate a stable income of at least USD 3,000 per month or USD 36,000. This requirement ensures that the applicant is able to support themselves financially without having to work in the local labor market.
A university degree is mandatory. You will need to provide a diploma or certificate confirming your university completion. This document must be translated into Turkish or English and notarized.
Employment activity must be documented. Employees must provide an employment contract with an employer registered outside of Turkey. Freelancers and sole proprietors must provide contracts with clients or companies also located outside the country.
The complete package of documents includes:
A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Turkey.
A biometric photograph of the established format.
A certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence.
International medical insurance.
Bank statements for the last 6 months.
A document confirming your residential address in Turkey.
Diploma of higher education.
Employment contract or agreements with clients.
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Turkey for Remote Workers: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Turkish residence permit application process for freelancers consists of three main stages, each of which requires careful consideration and strict adherence to requirements.
The first step is obtaining a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. To do this, register on the official portal , complete an online application, and upload scanned copies of all required documents. The system verifies the information provided and, if it meets the requirements, issues an identification certificate. The certificate specifies the consulate or visa center to contact for the next step.
The second step is to visit the Turkish consulate or visa center with your ID certificate and all original documents. The consular officer will review your documents and may ask additional questions about your employment and plans to stay in Turkey. A visa fee is also payable.
The third step is waiting for a decision. After submitting your documents, the review process takes approximately 30 days. If approved, you will receive a visa that will allow you to enter Turkey and obtain a residence permit.
There's an alternative route to obtaining a visa for digital nomads in Turkey if you're visiting the country as a tourist. After obtaining an online ID, you can immediately apply for an annual residence permit through the Migration Directorate portal, bypassing the consulate. After submitting your online application, you'll need to visit your regional Migration Directorate to submit biometric data and original documents.
Validity and renewal
The initial Digital Nomad visa is valid for one year. After this period, the program can be extended, making it attractive for long-term planning. To extend, an application must be submitted at least 60 days before the current permit expires.
The renewal conditions include proof that you continue to meet the original requirements: maintaining remote employment in Turkey, having sufficient income, and having health insurance. You will also be required to provide proof of payment of taxes, if applicable.
Taxation for remote workers
Tax obligations for Digital Nomad visa holders depend on the nature of the employment relationship and the method of income generation.
Remote employees who receive their salaries from foreign employers enjoy a more favorable situation. If their salaries are deposited into a bank account opened outside of Turkey or transferred in US dollars to a Turkish account, the income is not subject to taxation in Turkey.
For freelancers, the tax status situation is more complicated. Technically, freelancers are required to pay local income tax. However, there are significant tax breaks for self-employed individuals, especially for IT specialists. IT professionals can receive a discount of 50% to 80% on the basic tax rate. Entrepreneurs under 29 are also eligible for additional tax incentives.
It's important to understand that tax laws can be complex and subject to change. It's highly recommended to consult with a qualified tax advisor specializing in working with expatriates in Turkey to optimize your tax situation and avoid unexpected liabilities.
Where are the best places for digital nomads to live in Turkey? Top 5 cities
Istanbul is a cosmopolitan center
Istanbul remains the undisputed leader among Turkish cities for digital nomads. This metropolis, with a population of over 15 million, offers a unique blend of European and Asian cultures, a robust business infrastructure, and the country's most vibrant remote worker community. Istanbul also boasts the most developed coworking infrastructure in Turkey, with locations throughout the city, state-of-the-art equipment, and a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
The average cost of living in Istanbul in safe areas, excluding rent, is $1,000 per month. Internet quality in the city remains high. Turkcell provides average speeds of 48–75 Mbps, and 5G is available in central areas. Vodafone and Türk Telekom offer slightly slower speeds but also provide a stable connection sufficient for video conferencing and remote work.
Antalya - a Mediterranean paradise
Antalya offers the perfect balance between work and play. This Mediterranean resort boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, a warm climate, and stunning beaches, while maintaining the necessary infrastructure for comfortable remote work.
The average cost of living in Antalya, excluding rent, is $800 per month. The city has its own digital nomad community, and many local cafes actively welcome remote workers, offering stable Wi-Fi and comfortable conditions.
Antalya is characterized by its distinct seasonality. In summer (June-September), the city fills with tourists, prices rise, but the atmosphere becomes livelier. In winter (November-March), there are significantly fewer tourists, prices fall, and the weather remains mild and comfortable for work and exploring.
Alanya is the best coastal option
Alanya is an excellent alternative for digital nomads who want to live on the Mediterranean coast but prefer more affordable prices than Antalya or Bodrum. This city on the southeastern Turkish coast boasts a particularly warm climate, picturesque nature, beautiful beaches, and well-developed infrastructure for foreigners.
Alanya has been attracting European retirees and expats for many years, so services for foreigners are well developed here, and many locals speak English or Russian.
The average cost of living is $600 per month, excluding rent. Groceries, transportation, and entertainment are cheaper here than in Istanbul and Antalya. Gazipasa Airport is located 40 km from the city and provides connections to major European destinations. Internet quality meets the needs of remote work, and major providers provide a stable connection.
Izmir is a city on the Aegean Sea
Izmir often remains in the shadow of Istanbul and Antalya, but this is precisely what makes it attractive to those seeking an authentic Turkish experience without mass tourism. Turkey's third-largest city offers a more relaxed pace of life, affordable prices, and high-quality infrastructure for expats.
The average cost of living in Izmir is between USD 600 and USD 700 per month without rent, making the city one of the most affordable options among other major Turkish cities.
Internet quality is high, and providers provide stable speeds for remote work. The city has an international airport with direct flights to many European cities, making it convenient for digital nomads planning travel.
Bodrum: A Premium Resort for Remote Workers
Bodrum is an elite resort on the Aegean coast, renowned for its yacht marina, nightlife, and international atmosphere. It's a destination for high-net-worth expats willing to pay premium prices for quality of life and prestige.
The average cost of living in Bodrum is approximately $1,200–$1,800 per month, excluding rent. The quality of services meets European standards. Internet is reliable, although in some locations further from the center, speeds may be slower than in larger cities. The community here is international, consisting primarily of entrepreneurs, investors, and high-level creative professionals.
How much does it cost to live in Turkey?
Renting a home in Turkey
Rents vary significantly depending on the city and neighborhood. In Istanbul, a one-bedroom apartment costs between $500 and $1,200 per month. Antalya and Alanya offer apartments in the $400–$1,000 range and above.
The rental price is influenced by several factors: the area and its prestige, the availability of furniture and appliances, proximity to the city center or the coast, the view from the windows, the condition of the building, and the availability of additional amenities such as a swimming pool, security, and parking.
Utilities and communications
Utilities in Turkey remain moderate. Electricity, gas, and water for a one-bedroom apartment cost between $60 and $120 per month. Home internet costs between $15 and $30 per month at speeds of 100 Mbps or higher.
Mobile phone service costs between $10 and $25 per month. Most plans include unlimited calls within Turkey and a mobile data plan of 10 to 50 GB.
Food products
Grocery expenses for one person range from $200 to $400 per month, depending on preferences and where they shop. Basic groceries cost on average as of 2025:
Bread (500g): 32 TRY.
Milk (1 liter): 40 TRY.
Eggs (15 pieces): 90 TRY.
Chicken breast (1 kg): 230 TRY.
Rice (1 kg): 87 TRY.
Local cheese (1 kg): 380 TRY.
Tomatoes (1 kg): 55 TRY (depending on season).
Local apples (1 kg): 60 TRY.
Fruits and vegetables are significantly cheaper in season. Local markets offer fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets.
Transportation and additional expenses
A monthly pass costs around $15–50 (depending on the city) and covers the metro, buses, and trams. Taxis start at $1.20 per ride plus $0.50–$1 per kilometer. Renting a scooter or bicycle costs $50–$150 per month. A gym membership costs around $50 per month. A movie ticket costs $5–$7.
Where and how to look for housing in Turkey
Finding suitable housing in Turkey requires some preparation and an understanding of the local market. There are various approaches, each with its own advantages and limitations.
Independent search is possible through various specialized online platforms. However, it has significant limitations. The language barrier makes communication with landlords difficult, and lease agreements are usually written in Turkish.
Working with a professional real estate agency solves most of these problems. Agencies specializing in foreign real estate, such as Altop Real Estate, provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process. This includes finding properties that meet your needs and budget, arranging viewings with an interpreter, verifying the legal status of the property and the landlord, assisting with negotiating rental terms, drafting a lease agreement in a language you understand with explanations of all clauses, and supporting with obtaining residence visa documents, as a lease agreement is a mandatory requirement. The professional assistance of Altop Real Estate will be especially valuable for those moving to Turkey for the first time and unfamiliar with local customs.
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