Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 501 times
19 July 2025
More and more foreigners and investors are choosing Turkey as their new home. What begins as a temporary relocation often turns into long-term residency, especially among families with children and remote professionals. Many decide to stay for good. The country offers more than just a warm climate and hospitality — Turkey provides real opportunities for a comfortable life and sound investments. In this article, we explore five key reasons why foreigners don’t want to leave Turkey — and how to stay here legally.
Turkey’s climate varies by region, but most areas popular with foreigners — such as the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts — enjoy mild winters and long, sunny summers. These coastal regions boast around 300 sunny days per year, warm sea from May through October, and a year-round abundance of fruits and vegetables, all of which contribute to a high quality of life. Many families find the local climate especially beneficial for children: there are no harsh winters, and the fresh sea air promotes good health. For many, the weather becomes the primary reason they decide to stay after a vacation or a temporary work assignment.
Another major advantage is relatively low cost of living in Turkey compared to most developed countries. Day-to-day expenses are significantly lower than in Western Europe or the Gulf States. Rental prices, groceries, and transport costs are all notably cheaper. For example, renting a typical apartment in Istanbul or Antalya costs significantly less than a similar property in London or Dubai. Compared to post-Soviet countries, the cost of living in Turkey is slightly above average, but thanks to the favorable exchange rate, a foreign pension or salary can offer a much higher standard of living than back home.
Turkish real estate offers an ideal balance of price and quality. The average price per square meter is significantly lower than that of most coastal European countries. Meanwhile, construction quality continues to improve: new residential complexes feature swimming pools, security, and family-friendly infrastructure.
Investment potential is also strong. In recent years, Turkey has been among the global leaders in real estate price growth, with property values continuing to rise, supported by steady demand from both local and foreign investors. Rental income is also attractive: gross rental yields in Turkey are higher than in many European cities.
Besides profitability, foreigners appreciate the security of property rights: Turkish laws fully protect foreign property owners, including inheritance rights. This means expats can pass their Turkish property to heirs under the same conditions as citizens.
Turkish culture is centered around family. Every city offers parks, playgrounds, family cafes, and community events. Foreign parents often say their children feel safe and welcomed in Turkey. The country also enjoys relatively low crime rates, which adds to the peace of mind.
Turkey’s location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East is another major draw, especially for frequent travelers. From major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, it’s easy to fly almost anywhere in the world. Daily international flights connect Turkey with European capitals, the U.S., the Gulf region, CIS countries, and Southeast Asia.
Quick trips home, short vacations, or business travel are all very manageable. Turkey’s geography also makes weekend getaways to places like Italy, Hungary, or the UAE not just possible, but affordable and convenient.
Digital nomads, including IT specialists, designers, marketers, and other online professionals, value Turkey for its affordable lifestyle and comfortable living conditions. Many freelancers and remote workers earning in foreign currencies choose to live by the sea while spending significantly less than they would in Europe.
Major cities and coastal towns offer everything needed for remote work: reliable internet, coworking spaces, cafes, and well-developed infrastructure. The social aspect is important too, as Turkey has a growing number of international communities, making it easy to find both friendships and professional networks.
Those seeking rental income benefit in several ways. Entry prices are relatively low — it’s possible to buy a holiday apartment or a city flat for less than in similar locations in Europe. Rental yields of Turkish properties are also high: resort areas like Antalya and Alanya generate strong seasonal returns from tourists, while Istanbul offers year-round demand. On top of that, rising property values allow investors to profit from capital appreciation.
There are also tax incentives: for example, Turkey offers VAT exemptions on property purchases made in foreign currency by non-residents.
Turkey’s mild climate, free of harsh winters, is ideal for retirees. It promotes year-round physical activity and has a positive effect on health. Pensioners from Europe and CIS countries often point out that their living costs in Turkey are far lower than at home, meaning even a modest pension is enough for a comfortable life.
Turkey also has an excellent and affordable healthcare system. Retirees can access regular medical checkups and treatments without needing to travel abroad or face financial strain.
Turkey has become one of the most comfortable destinations for families relocating with kids. In major cities, international schools offer British, American, or Russian curricula, allowing children to continue their education in a familiar language and system. Many Turkish private schools also provide high-quality education, early English instruction, and smooth integration into the local education system.
Family life in Turkey, including food, clothing, education, and leisure, costs less than in most European countries. Parents can afford more for their children: from extracurricular activities and family vacations across Turkey to more spacious housing.
Another major group includes affluent buyers whose primary goal is obtaining Turkish citizenship. Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program is among the fastest and most straightforward in the world — thousands of families have already taken advantage of it.
While many investors initially don’t plan to stay permanently, they often change their mind after experiencing life in Turkey. A Turkish passport grants visa-free access to 123 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and much of Latin America and Asia. Turkey also has an E-2 visa agreement with the U.S., allowing Turkish citizens to live and run businesses in America. This option is especially popular among Russian and Chinese nationals, for whom Turkish citizenship offers greater mobility and alternative travel routes.
Buying real estate is the most popular and reliable way to live legally in Turkey. A residence permit based on property ownership allows foreigners to stay in the country long-term without needing to leave every few months.
The minimum property value required for a residence permit is $200,000 — this amount must be recorded in the title deed (Tapu). Foreigners can apply for a one- or two-year renewable short-term residence permit. The property must be residential and fully owned — not shared or a plot of land. The residence permit also covers immediate family members — the applicant’s spouse and minor children.
This is an ideal solution for anyone seeking a stable and legal basis for living in Turkey. It combines real estate investment with the peace of mind that comes from no longer needing to worry about visa restrictions.
Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program aims to attract foreign capital. As of 2025, a Turkish passport can be obtained by purchasing one or more properties with a combined value of at least $400,000 and agreeing not to sell them for at least three years.
Citizenship is granted not only to the investor but also to their spouse and children under 18. In practice, the process takes between six and twelve months.
The main benefit is full Turkish citizenship, which comes with all the rights of a local citizen, including the right to work, vote, access public healthcare, and apply for permanent residency in other countries.
Not every foreigner is ready to purchase property right away — this especially applies to remote workers, entrepreneurs, or students. For these groups, there are alternative legal pathways. One is the Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2024. It targets remote professionals aged 21–55 who earn a steady income from a foreign company.
This visa is typically issued for one year and allows the holder to live in Turkey while continuing to work online for a non-Turkish employer. However, it’s important to note: the Digital Nomad Visa does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship — it’s a temporary option for those who want to stay without applying for a traditional residence permit.
Aside from this visa, some remote workers still apply for short-term residence permits based on long-term property rental. While these permits used to be easy to renew, rules have become stricter: rental contracts alone are no longer sufficient — additional grounds are now required to extend the stay.
One of the most common mistakes is overstaying a tourist visa or exceeding the allowed visa-free stay. Turkey allows many nationalities to stay visa-free for 30 to 90 days: EU and UK citizens can stay up to 90 days, while Russians are allowed 60 days. But some people fall in love with the Turkish lifestyle and stay too long without obtaining a residence permit.
Overstaying can result in fines or even a re-entry ban. Immigration authorities also keep records of violations, which may complicate future residence permit applications.
To avoid these consequences, simply stay within the permitted duration. If you plan to stay longer, apply for a residence permit or find another legal way to extend your stay.
Following recent immigration policy changes, some foreigners have tried to use unofficial or questionable tactics to stay in Turkey, but these usually lead to serious consequences.
A common example is a fake rental contract. Previously, a lease agreement was enough to obtain a tourist residence permit, leading some to use fake documents or list addresses where they did not live. Now, immigration services verify declared addresses, and if the applicant is not found at the registered location or the lease is found to be fake, the permit is revoked.
Another tactic involves manipulating property values. To meet the legal thresholds for residence or citizenship, the property’s official value must reach a certain amount. Some sellers and buyers inflate the amount shown on the Tapu or undervalue it to reduce taxes. If an official valuation reveals a mismatch with the declared price, the application will be denied.
Cutting corners on health insurance is also risky. A valid medical insurance policy from an accredited company is mandatory for a residence permit. If a fake policy is detected during a check, it may result in refusal or even deportation for document fraud.
Turkish law treats employment very seriously: any foreigner earning income while in Turkey must either have a work permit or hold the appropriate visa status. Technically, tourist or property-based residence permits do not allow any form of work — not even remote work.
If it’s discovered that someone has been working without proper authorization, it may be considered a breach of residency conditions. Consequences include cancellation of the residence permit and even deportation.
If you're planning to live in Turkey while working remotely, it’s best to take the legal route from the beginning — either by applying for the Digital Nomad Visa or registering a company and obtaining a work permit as its director.
Buying real estate during the construction phase carries certain risks, especially for foreigners planning to use the property for a residence permit or citizenship.
The main risk is project delays or cancellations. In this case, the buyer receives no title deed because the property has not been completed, and without a title deed, neither residency nor citizenship applications are possible.
Another risk involves the developer. If the construction company goes bankrupt or abandons the project, it’s extremely difficult to recover funds, and without property ownership, the legal grounds for staying in Turkey are lost.
At Luxury Estate Turkey, we work only with verified projects — from reliable developers with all permits, completed buildings, and proper insurance coverage.
Luxury Estate Turkey provides full support throughout the purchase process — from verifying the seller’s documents to preparing bilingual sales contracts in Turkish and Russian, ensuring your rights are protected. After the purchase, we assist with all necessary paperwork.
We only present properties that meet your goals — whether it’s a sea-view apartment in Alanya for a residence permit or an investment property for Turkish citizenship. You’ll receive thoroughly vetted options that align with your legal and financial objectives.
We help you achieve your goal — whether it's starting a new life by the sea, relocating for work, or securing second citizenship for you and your family.
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