Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 22 times
27 August 2025
Over the past years, Turkey has transformed from being primarily a tourist destination into one of the most popular places for permanent living. More and more foreigners are considering moving to Turkey — and there are solid reasons behind this choice.
In this article, we will carefully examine how suitable Turkey is for foreigners: from cost of living and safety levels to work opportunities, healthcare, and residence permits. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision.
Turkey is known for its mild climate and diverse landscapes. On the Mediterranean coast, there are up to 300 sunny days a year, winters are short and mild, and the swimming season lasts from May to October. For those used to long, cold winters, life here feels completely different: you can swim in the sea for most of the year, and in winter head to a ski resort — without even leaving the country.
Turkey is a country with a thousand-year history where Eastern and Western traditions meet. This is visible in its cuisine, architecture, music, and urban rhythm. Turkish hospitality is legendary: it is normal to welcome new neighbors, offer help, and invite them for tea. Strong family traditions are evident everywhere — respect for elders, love for children, and care for relatives.
In Turkish cities and coastal towns, modern infrastructure is combined with a more relaxed lifestyle than in Western metropolises. Healthcare deserves special mention: Turkey has established itself as a leading destination for medical tourism. For foreigners, medical services remain affordable and meet international standards.
The country lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and international airports in Istanbul and Antalya connect to nearly every major capital worldwide. Turkey also maintains a simplified visa regime for many countries, making travel to visit relatives or trips across Europe and Asia much easier.
Large expat communities are well-established in popular regions. Istanbul, Antalya, and Alanya have English-language schools, kindergartens, business associations, and cultural clubs. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken, while learning Turkish opens up even more opportunities for integration.
As of 2025, living expenses in Turkey remain noticeably lower than in many Western countries. The average monthly budget is approximately $1,200 per person, or around $3,000 for a family of four, including rent.
Housing: Rent is the main expense, yet even in large cities, it is cheaper than in Western capitals. A one-bedroom apartment in central Istanbul costs approximately $800–$ 900 per month, while in Antalya, the cost is around $600. In London or New York, similar housing costs several times more.
Food: Thanks to developed agriculture and fresh produce markets, food remains affordable. A liter of milk costs about $1, a loaf of bread — $0.8, a dozen eggs — $2. Lunch at an inexpensive café is $5–8, while dinner for two at a good restaurant is $30–40.
Transport: Public transport is well-developed and inexpensive. A monthly pass in Istanbul is about $40, in Ankara and Antalya, $10–15. Taxi fares average $0.6 per kilometer. Fuel costs about $1.2 per liter, which is lower than in most European countries.
Utilities: Electricity, water, and gas bills are below the global average. A family spends about $60–70 per month, plus another $10–15 for internet.
Healthcare and Education: Even private services are much cheaper than in Europe. A doctor’s appointment costs $30–50, while private schools in Antalya are several times less expensive than their Western counterparts.
Official statistics confirm that crime rates in Turkey are lower than in the US and most CIS countries, and violent crime is significantly less frequent than in many European cities.
The main risks are petty theft, usually pickpocketing in markets, public transport, or tourist areas. Serious crimes are rare, especially in districts where foreigners live. Tourist resorts and large cities are regularly patrolled, and modern residential complexes add another layer of security with guards and video surveillance.
Geography also matters. The most popular regions among foreigners — Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, and Muğla — are far from the Syrian border and consistently rank among the safest in the country.
Istanbul is a world-class metropolis and the country’s financial and cultural hub. Many foreigners move here for career opportunities — international headquarters, a dynamic job market, positions in IT, education, trade, and logistics.
With over 15 million residents and dozens of diverse neighborhoods, Istanbul offers every lifestyle. Sultanahmet is steeped in history with mosques and palaces, while Levent boasts modern skyscrapers. Expats are concentrated in districts such as Beyoğlu, Nişantaşı, and Kadıköy, where international schools, restaurants, and English-speaking services are common.
The city is also Turkey’s cultural capital, with museums, theaters, concerts, and festivals all year round. Families value the wide choice of international schools. While costs are higher than on the coast — rents and prices are 1.5–2 times those in Antalya — safety levels are high, and many foreigners say they feel safer here than in other global megacities.
Antalya is the capital of the Turkish Riviera, where resort life blends with the conveniences of a large urban center. Unlike Istanbul’s fast-paced rhythm, Antalya attracts with its climate, sea, and calmer lifestyle.
The city, with a population of about 1.3 million, functions both as a tourist hub and as a developed metropolis with universities, modern hospitals, malls, and a major international airport. Antalya is equally comfortable for families with children, retirees, and remote workers.
It is one of Turkey’s most international cities: English is widely spoken, and German, British, French, Scandinavian, and American communities are well established. Life here is cheaper than in Istanbul: apartments near the sea can be rented for $600–700 per month. Healthcare is particularly strong, with leading clinics and many English-speaking doctors.
The region is also among the safest in the country, with low crime rates and actively patrolled streets.
Alanya, a Mediterranean resort town with about 300,000 residents, is formally part of Antalya Province but is often considered its own center. Foreigners move here for its mild climate, affordable housing, and laid-back lifestyle. Even in winter, temperatures remain around +15…+20 °C, and the swimming season lasts from April to November.
Rent is cheaper than in other resorts: apartments can be found for $300–400 in the suburbs or $500–600 in central areas. The city offers clean air, little traffic, long beaches, promenades, and parks.
Alanya is highly international, with retirees from Germany and Scandinavia, and in recent years, large numbers of Russians, Ukrainians, and Kazakhs. Entire districts are multilingual, with stores offering familiar products, international schools, and childcare centers.
The city is especially appealing for families and retirees: it combines affordable private education, good healthcare, and a safe environment. Unlike Istanbul, Alanya is also outside the country’s active seismic zones.
Foreigners can officially work in Turkey only with a work permit. Key areas of employment include:
Teaching and Languages: High demand for teachers of English and German.
Tourism: Hotels and agencies hire multilingual staff as managers, administrators, and guides.
Real Estate and Sales: The foreign real estate market created jobs for international agents, consultants, and marketers.
IT and Remote Work: While Istanbul and Izmir host IT companies, many foreigners work remotely for international employers.
In 2024, Turkey launched the Digital Nomad Visa, allowing citizens of countries including the US and UK to live in Turkey for a year while working remotely.
The Turkish healthcare system is a mix of public and private institutions, with private clinics often reaching international standards. Many hospitals are JCI-accredited.
Insurance: A health policy is required to obtain a residence permit. Foreigners may also register with the state SGK system for nearly free treatment in public hospitals.
Costs: Even without insurance, medical services are significantly cheaper than in Europe.
Pharmacies: Widely available and well stocked, many medications can be bought without a prescription.
Maternity and Vaccination: Children’s vaccines are free and meet EU standards; childbirth in a private hospital costs far less than in the US or Europe.
Language: In major cities and tourist regions, it is easy to find English-speaking doctors.
The language is the main barrier. In tourist centers such as Antalya, Alanya, or Istanbul, you can get by with English, ut in everyday life, knowing Turkish makes adaptation much easier. Outside resort areas, most people speak only their native language, and official documents, announcements, and websites are also in Turkish.
Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities: all major cities offer Turkish language courses for foreigners, including free classes at universities and cultural centers. The language is logical, and with regular practice, progress becomes noticeable within a few months. Turks are very patient with learners: any attempt to speak their language is met with kindness and encouragement, even with a modest vocabulary.
Daily life also comes with its own specifics. Utility bills are paid through banks or special kiosks, not by paper invoices. Markets play a major role in daily life: at first, the noise and lively bargaining may be surprising, but over time, you come to appreciate the freshness of the produce and the culture of negotiation.
There are also differences in the working hours of institutions. Banks and government offices are open only on weekdays, usually until 5 p.m. Pharmacies, however, operate around the clock on a duty system, and many private shops and services stay open late — often until 10 p.m.
Tips for Faster Adaptation
Turkish bureaucracy often feels like a challenge for newcomers. The first hurdle most foreigners face is applying for a residence permit (ikamet), which is necessary if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.
To obtain a residence permit, you need to prepare the required documents, attend an interview, and register at your address. In practice, things are much easier with professional assistance: we offer complete after-sales support, including help with residence permit applications for property buyers, connecting utilities, and opening a bank account.
Processing times vary: formally, permits are issued in 1–2 months, but in popular cities such as Istanbul and Antalya it can take up to 3–4 months.
Turkey is a modern, European-oriented country, but traditions and mentality still play an important role and should be taken into account.
Religion and Traditions
Turkey is a secular state, but most of the population practices Islam. The call to prayer is heard five times a day, and during Ramadan many people fast. Foreigners are not expected to do so, but showing respect is important — for example, not eating in public before sunset. In the evenings, families gather for iftar, and being invited to one is considered an honor. On major religious holidays such as Ramadan Bayram and Kurban Bayram, government offices and shops may be closed.
Forms of Address
Respectful address is customary in Turkey: “Bey” (for men) or “Hanım” (for women) is added to the first name. Elders are always greeted first and given priority in transport. When visiting someone’s home, it is traditional to bring a small gift — usually sweets.
Hospitality
Turks are quick to invite guests and enjoy spending time over tea and conversation. Refusing such invitations is generally not well received, so it’s better to take them seriously. You can also invite your neighbors for tea — it’s a simple way to integrate into the community. Conversation topics are usually open: politics, sports, family. If a topic makes you uncomfortable, a gentle change of subject is enough.
Everyday Differences
Punctuality in Turkey is flexible: arriving 15–20 minutes late is rarely seen as a problem. Service is often unhurried, and everyday communication tends to be loud and emotional. In warmer regions, street life continues until late at night: children play outdoors, and adults gather to socialize.
Foreigners can apply for several types of residence permits:
Tourist (by rental): Valid for 1 year, though restricted in some areas with high foreigner density.
Property-based: Buying property worth at least $200,000 grants a residence permit for 1–2 years, renewable.
Family: For spouses and dependents of Turkish citizens.
Student: For those enrolled in Turkish universities or courses.
Long-term: After 8 years of continuous legal stay.
Ways to obtain Turkish citizenship include:
By Investment: Real estate purchase of $400,000 in value. Processing takes 3–6 months and covers the main applicant, spouse, and children under 18.
By Marriage: After 3 years of marriage to a Turkish citizen.
By Naturalization: After 5 years of legal residence with a stable income and Turkish language skills.
Special Cases: By descent, presidential decree, or exceptional contribution.
Turkey allows dual citizenship, and its passport provides visa-free access to around 126 countries, as well as eligibility for the US E-2 visa.
Luxury Estate Turkey, a licensed real estate agency, has been assisting international clients since 2015. We guide you through every stage — from selecting the right district and home to settling in and adapting.
Our portfolio includes only verified properties in Turkey from trusted developers and owners. We provide free consultations by phone, Zoom, or in-office, answering your questions and giving tailored advice on locations, budgets, and investment opportunities.
Our support continues beyond the purchase: we assist with residence permits or citizenship, utility connections, banking, and provide referrals to reliable notaries, translators, and insurance agents.
We also help with adaptation: finding schools or kindergartens, doctors, fitness centers, and language courses. Our team has gone through this process ourselves and shares practical experience with clients.
Contact us today and take your first step toward your home in Turkey.
Yes. Crime rates are lower than in the US and many CIS countries. Violent crime is rare, especially in regions where foreigners live.
On average, about $1,200 per month per person or $3,000 for a family of four, including rent, food, transport, and utilities.
The top choices are Istanbul, Antalya, and Alanya.
Yes, but only with a work permit. Tourism, education, real estate, and IT are the most common fields.
The main options are renting or buying property, studying, or marrying a Turkish citizen.
Yes. The fastest option is property investment from $400,000.
Turkish Citizenship 
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