For many people, the words ‘Digital Nomad’ conjure up images of sitting on a tropical beach somewhere. But for a digital nomad, the world really is your oyster, and sometimes, it’s good to think out-of-the-box.
To live in Turkey is one place that is worth considering for any digital nomad. After all, this is an ancient country with a unique culture and rich history that provides a real adventure to discover. Plus, hospitality is a big part of Turkish culture, so you can expect a warm welcome. As well as being home to plenty of magnificent beaches, Turkey is absolutely dripping with history, so if you’re into culture, Turkey is a place you shouldn’t ignore. Plus, the food is absolutely delicious.
Turkey has so much to offer location-independent workers, including a cost-of-living that’s far below that of North America or Western Europe. But before you go booking your plane ticket, let’s take a look at what it takes to become a Digital Nomad in Turkey.
Legal Requirements for Digital Nomads in Turkey
To live in Turkey you should be aware that they've introduced a brand-new visa that’s almost tailor-made to attract Digital nomads.
Here’s what you need:
- Be a citizen of one of 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, or Belarus.
- Be aged between 21 and 55.
- Fill out an online application and prove your status as a Digital Nomad. This will involve:
- Proving you are University graduate
- Showing a work contract with a non-Turkish company or, if you’re self-employed, showing a business contract between you and your clients.
- Showing documentation proving you have an income equivalent to US$3000 per month or US$36,000 per year.
- If you have all that, you need to take the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate the website will give you to your nearest Turkish Consulate. If you are already in Turkey, it’s possible to apply for the DNIC, then apply for a residence permit online.
When you consider that this can get you a visa that will allow you to live in Turkey and work for up to one year, and that you can renew the visa for an even longer stay, it becomes quite a tempting offer.
Benefits of Living in Turkey
Turkey has so much to recommend it as a place to live and work. Consider the following benefits of living in Turkey:
1. Affordability
One of the main perks of being a digital nomad is being able to live somewhere more affordable than North America or Western Europe and make your money go further. That’s especially important if you’re just starting your digital nomad journey. The cost of living in Turkey is significantly cheaper than it is in the English-speaking world or in Western Europe. The estimated living costs for a single person are around US$600 per month, not including rent. A one bedroom apartment in the center of a major city will cost you around US$600 per month, whereas if you’re willing to live outside the city center, your rent could be closer to US$400 per month.
In other words, you could live quite well as a single person in Turkey for around US$1000 per month, if you don’t feel a need to live in the center of Istanbul.
2. Scenery and climate
Turkey is a Mediterranean country, which means long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Turkey is home to incredible beaches and resorts, and the swimming season stretches well into the fall here. The summer heat can be intense, but on the other hand, Turkey’s mountains are home to several ski resorts, so if you find yourself missing winter, it’s often only a short drive away.
3. Culture
The Hagia Sofia. The Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque. The Topkapi Palace. These are all world-class cultural attractions, and they are all within a short distance of each other in Istanbul. That’s to say nothing of the other historical and cultural sites you’ll find throughout this large country.
Once the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, Istanbul then became the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and as the historic meeting place between Europe and Asia, the city is extraordinarily rich in cultural attractions. Plus, outside Istanbul itself, you can find incredible cultural experiences just about everywhere you go.
4. Ex-pat and digital nomad communities
It’s great to discover the world for yourself, but sooner or later, you may find yourself longing for company. Luckily, major cities like Antalya, Bodrum, and Istanbul are home to large communities of ex-pats and digital nomads. That makes it easy to find support and build a social life, especially if you’re Turkish isn’t what it could be.
5. High-speed Internet
A good Internet connection is the lifeblood of any digital business. Luckily, high-speed Internet isn’t hard to find in Turkey, at least in major cities. Along with your home Internet connection, you’ll be able to find Internet cafés that offer upload and download speeds that are comparable to those of any other country.
6. Food
Turkish cuisine is famous around the world, and rightly so. The delicious flavors of the Mediterranean combine with the legacy of the spice trade that made Istanbul rich to create one of the world’s great culinary traditions. It’s almost impossible not to eat well in Turkey, and depending on where you come from, you’ll probably find the food a lot cheaper than you’re used to.
7. Travel
Turkey’s location between Europe and Asia, along with several major international airports, makes it a fantastic hub for traveling to other places. It’s very easy to explore Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from here, so if you intend to move around a lot, Turkey can make an excellent home base.
8. Hospitality
Hospitality is built into Turkish culture. Turkish people are sometimes alarmingly friendly, and that’s even more true outside the major cities than it is within them. Wherever you go in Turkey, you can be almost sure of a warm welcome, which makes settling in a lot easier.
Accommodation options
Short-term living: Rentals
When you first arrive in Turkey, the easiest way to make a home is probably to take advantage of short-term living in the form of vacation rentals. That’s especially true if you don’t speak Turkish, because you’ll struggle to find a long-term apartment rental if you can’t interact with the locals.
Companies like AirBNB and VRBO can help you find a place to stay before you arrive in Turkey. On the other hand, if you do speak Turkish or know someone who does and can help you, you can use online platforms like sahibinden.com and Hürriyet Emlak to find somewhere more long-term. Local real estate offices can also help, and in the cities, you may find some real estate agents who speak English.
Long-term living: Buying Property in Turkey
If you fall in love with Turkey and want to make it your permanent home, you’re in luck. Foreigners are allowed to buy property in Turkey, though you will most likely need a long-term residence permit. Mortgages are also available to foreigners, though you may pay a higher rate of interest than a Turkish citizen would. It’s also worth noting that downpayments in Turkey may be higher than what you’re used to, often around 20 to 30% of the property value. Then again, when you consider that property is cheaper here than in many places around the world, that may not be such a big issue. Even in pricey Istanbul, you can get cheap apartments for less than US$200,000. And if you’re willing to live outside the city, property is even cheaper. Plus, given the way Turkish real estate prices are rising, buying a place could be a very good investment.
Popular locations for Digital Nomads
Istanbul
Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis where East meets West, offering digital nomads a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Areas like Beyoğlu and Kadıköy are popular for their lively atmosphere, rich culture, and diverse dining options. With its bustling markets, iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and thriving expat community, Istanbul is an exciting and dynamic base for digital nomads. This is where you’ll find the best amenities, some of the top cultural attractions, and the country’s largest expat community. It’s also where people are most likely to speak English. However, it’s also home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country.
Kalkan
Kalkan is a picturesque coastal town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, perfect for digital nomads seeking a tranquil yet inspiring environment. Known for its stunning Mediterranean views, charming old town, and crystal-clear waters, Kalkan offers a serene work-life balance. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like sailing, diving, and hiking. Kalkan’s laid-back vibe, combined with its beautiful scenery and warm climate, makes it an ideal location for digital nomads looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while remaining productive.
Izmir
Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, offers digital nomads a perfect blend of modern urban living and rich historical heritage. Known for its beautiful coastline, the city’s relaxed atmosphere, vibrant arts scene, and excellent culinary offerings add to its appeal.
Healthcare
This is another area where Turkey really shines. After all, there’s a reason why it’s one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism.
Hospital treatments, including dental treatments, are state-of-the-art in Turkey. The state provides universal healthcare for all citizens, but there is also a robust private system that offers access to better facilities, and it’s far cheaper than in Western countries. For example, a coronary bypass in Turkey costs US$14,000 – a procedure that could cost up to $200,000 in the United States. A planned Cesarean section is around US$300, instead of the $35,000 it would cost in the US.
If you live in Turkey for less than a year, you will need private healthcare, and it’s a good idea to arrange your own private health insurance to pay for it. Once you’ve lived in Turkey for more than a year, you are eligible to enroll in the public health insurance scheme, which costs around US$30 per month.
Culture
Turkey has a lot going for it as a destination for digital nomads, but it’s important to recognize that Turkish culture may be very different from what you’re used to at home. While Turkey is officially a secular country, more than 99% of the population is Muslim, and Turkey is certainly less secular than it used to be.
It’s important to be conscious of local customs and traditions when living here. For example, don’t expect businesses to be open during Islamic holidays. Also, Turks are proud of their country and culture, so don’t insult the country if you want to be welcomed. Then again, that’s true in most places.
It’s also important to remember that while Turkey is generally considered safe, it has had issues in the past with terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Ankara and Istanbul, among other locations.
On a smaller scale, street harassment can be an issue, particularly in Istanbul. While unwelcome sexual advances are criminalized, single women in particular may find the reaction they get on the streets of the city to be overwhelming and even threatening. That’s not to say that many women don’t willingly make their homes in Turkey, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you plan to become a digital nomad here.
LGBT digital nomads should be aware that Turkey’s attitude to gay rights is complex. Homosexuality is not a criminal offense and gender reassignment surgery is legal, but there is no constitutional protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex couples are not recognized, and LGBT people are not allowed to adopt children.
Digital Nomad Turkey
With incredible scenery, rich history, excellent food, and world-class healthcare, Turkey makes a fantastic destination for anyone considering the digital moment lifestyle. Of course, it’s worth remembering that no country is perfect, and Turkey has its problems, too. Security can sometimes be an issue, and attitudes toward women, Jewish people, and LGBT people may sometimes seem oppressive compared to those in the West.
With that said, Turkey offers an experience you simply won’t find anywhere else. The country has made strong efforts to be welcoming to digital nomads, so if you’re up for the challenge, this can make a great base for a digital nomad lifestyle.
