Turkey
Coastal BeachesTurkey is a transcontinental country spanning Europe and Asia, bridging Eastern and Western cultures. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, it features diverse landscapes from Mediterranean coastlines to Anatolian plateaus and mountain ranges. The country has a rich history spanning thousands of years, with a vibrant blend of Ottoman heritage and modern development. Turkey's economy is one of the largest in the region, with strong tourism, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. The culture is known for its hospitality, distinctive cuisine, and artistic traditions. Life in Turkey offers a mix of modern urban amenities in cities like Istanbul and Ankara, alongside more traditional lifestyles in rural areas.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Podcasts
Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat
Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns
Living in Turkey
Best Places to Live in Turkey
Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in Turkey involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge for expats. The process begins with choosing the appropriate type of residence permit. The most common types are the Short-Term Residence Permit, Long-Term Residence Permit, and the Family Residence Permit. The Short-Term Residence Permit is suitable for expats who plan to stay in Turkey for tourism, business, study, or for digital nomads who wish to live in Turkey temporarily. It is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. To apply, expats must provide proof of sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and a valid passport. They must also have an address in Turkey and may need to provide a rental agreement or title deed. The Long-Term Residence Permit is granted to those who have lived in Turkey continuously for at least eight years on a legal permit. Applicants must prove they have not received any social assistance in the past three years, have sufficient financial resources, a valid health insurance, and pose no threat to public order or security. The Family Residence Permit is for the spouse and children of a Turkish citizen or a foreigner holding a residence permit in Turkey. It is valid for up to three years and can be renewed. Applications for residence permits are submitted online through the e-Residence system, followed by a scheduled appointment at the local Directorate General of Migration Management office. During the appointment, applicants must present the required documents, which vary depending on the type of permit. The process can be bureaucratic and may require patience and attention to detail. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the intended move date and to consider seeking assistance from a legal professional, especially if there is a language barrier or if the applicant is unfamiliar with Turkish regulations. Overall, while the process is systematic, it may be time-consuming and requires careful preparation.
Healthcare in Turkey
The healthcare system in Turkey is a mix of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides basic healthcare services to all Turkish citizens and residents, including expatriates who have worked in Turkey and made contributions to the Social Security System (SGK). Private healthcare in Turkey offers more advanced and quicker services, with many private hospitals in urban areas providing high-quality care that often meets international standards. The cost of public healthcare is relatively low, especially for those covered by SGK, while private healthcare costs can be higher but still competitive compared to Western countries. Expats and digital nomads can gain access to public healthcare by either making social security contributions through employment, purchasing private health insurance, or by paying directly for services. It is important for expats to have some form of health insurance to cover any healthcare needs, as emergency services are free, but follow-up treatments are not.
Cost of Living
Turkey offers relatively affordable living compared to Western Europe and North America. Rental prices vary significantly by location, with Istanbul being the most expensive city; a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $400-700 USD monthly, while outside the center it drops to $250-400. Property purchase prices range from $2,000-5,000 USD per square meter in major cities to much less in smaller towns. Daily expenses including food, transportation, and utilities are considerably lower than in developed Western countries, making Turkey an attractive destination for budget-conscious relocators.
Weather
Turkey experiences varied climate patterns across its regions due to its large size and geographic diversity. Coastal areas enjoy Mediterranean and Aegean climates with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Central Anatolia has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, while the Black Sea region receives significant rainfall year-round. Seasonal variation is pronounced, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) in many areas and winter temperatures dropping below freezing in inland regions.
Educational System in Turkey
The educational system in Turkey is a state-supervised system designed to produce a skillful professional class for the social and economic institutes of the nation. Compulsory education lasts 12 years and is divided into three stages: primary education (ilkokul), middle school (ortaokul), and high school (lise). Children start primary school at the age of 6 and complete it by the age of 10. Middle school continues from age 11 to 14. High school education, which follows, is typically completed by the age of 18. There are various types of high schools in Turkey, including general high schools, vocational and technical high schools, and religious vocational high schools, each catering to different student interests and career paths. The quality of education can vary significantly, with private schools generally offering higher quality education, often with international curricula, but at a higher cost. Public schools are free and widely available, but they may suffer from larger class sizes and fewer resources. The Ministry of National Education oversees the educational system, and the curriculum includes a broad range of subjects, including Turkish language, mathematics, sciences, history, and foreign languages, with an increasing emphasis on English language proficiency.
Universities in Turkey
The university system in Turkey is comprised of both public and private institutions, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The higher education system is supervised by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Undergraduate degrees typically take four years to complete, while certain programs like engineering or pharmacy may take five, and medicine takes six years. Graduate programs vary in length: master's programs usually last two years, and doctoral programs can take four years or more. Turkish universities are becoming increasingly international, with many offering programs in English to attract foreign students. The admission to universities is highly competitive and is determined by a national entrance exam. There are over 200 universities in Turkey, with the oldest and most prestigious being Istanbul University, founded in 1453. The costs for attending university in Turkey are relatively low compared to many Western countries, especially for public universities. However, private universities tend to charge higher tuition fees. Living costs in Turkey are also reasonable, but can vary depending on the city. Scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available but can be competitive. Foreign students are welcomed and there is a growing community of international scholars in Turkish universities.
Living in Turkey
