The vibrant culture and history of Turkey, paired with its favorable economic opportunities, position it among the top countries for Indians to emigrate to. From the busy streets of Istanbul to the peaceful surroundings of Cappadocia, the newcomers are greeted with warm hospitality in certain regions of Turkey.
But in case you are an Indian citizen, and want to go live in Turkey, how do you go about it? What other legal avenues are available? And how does one adjust to life, job, and residency in turn? This is a comprehensive reference guide on how to move to Turkey from India in 2024.
1. Respecting the Visas and Residency Essentials
For Indian nationals, who want to relocate to Turkey, visa and residency options are an essential aspect. Here’s a resume of the most frequently used types of visas:
Short Period Visa
To Indians, Turkey provides many short-duration visa categories based on the type of visit:
- Tourist Visa
- For those who want to visit Turkey first before deciding to relocate, it is wise to apply for a short-term tourist visa. This visa typically allows entry into the country for a period not exceeding 90 days in a hundred and eighty days span.
- Business Visa
- In case the relocation is due to work, business activities, or seeking business meetings or conferences for a short time, it is also possible to apply for a business visa.
Long Term Period Visa
- Work Visa
- In the event you have secured employment in Turkey, a work visa suits you more. This is one of the most common approaches employed by Indians. Your work arrangements in Turkey must be approved by the government, so obtaining a work permit is a requirement.
- Student Visa
- For Indians desiring to travel to Turkey to learn, a student visa is a must. Numerous universities in the country have adapted to the demand of offering programs in English which has made the country one of the most sought-after by students wishing to advance their education.
- Family reunification visa
- In case one has relatives, or other close family back in Turkey who are citizens or legal residence permit holders, they may make an application for a family visa which will allow residing with them and enjoy some certain rights to residency.
- Investment Visa
- The use and the inflow of foreign-invested capital is encouraged in the real estate and business sectors in the Republic of Turkey. There are prospects of applying for residency and even Turkish nationality with the ‘Golden Visa’ scheme in Turkey, especially so with real estate investments.
2. Locating Available Work within the Turkish Territory
The developing economy of Turkey is a magnet for people from all walks of life. Here are the primary fields where Indian experts can find jobs in Turkey:
Popular Sectors for Employment
- Technology and IT
- The tech industry in Turkey is on the rise which has created a demand for software developers, data scientists, and other IT personnel.
- Education and Language Teaching
- English teachers are in high demand and this explains why a lot of Indians with teaching qualifications are able to get jobs in Turkish schools especially private ones.
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Tourism as a sector is key in the economy of Turkey and so professionals are needed in hotels, tour companies, and other related industries.
3. Cost of Living and Standards of Living in Turkey
Migration from India to Turkey brings about a variety of changes in terms of lifestyle and several quite familiar faces mainly due to the country's cultural ties. Here’s a look at lifestyle in Turkey in more detail.
Cost of Living
Turkey shows significant differences in the cost of living index according to the city:
- Housing
- In cities with bigger populations such as Istanbul, rent fees are more exorbitant as compared to smaller towns. For instance, a single-roomed apartment located in the city center of Istanbul may cost within the range of $400-600 per month but this price falls in the suburbs or less congested cities.
- Food
- While in other countries where groceries are quite expensive; Turkey is quite cheap when it comes to grocery prices. The average cost of a meal in an intermediate-priced restaurant is approximately $8-10.
- Transportation
- The most preferred option regarding transport is the use of public transport due to its cheapness. Monthly public transport passes in a place like Istanbul would cost approximately $20-40.
4. Difficulties and Advice When Relocating to Turkey
It can be fun and interesting to live in Turkey for an Indian, however, moving presents some difficulties:
Difficulty of Communication
Although some Turks do speak English mostly in the cities and tourist places, it is suggested that you learn how to speak in the Turkish language to ease your experience. Having some knowledge of Turkish is beneficial in day-to-day activities like going out shopping or traveling within.
Adjusting to the Discipline of the Turkish Society
Being in Turkey therefore is not a walk in the park especially when you are not seeking to avail of any services that will require you to fill in forms to some degree Expect some paperwork to be done and procedures observed in every step taken in Turkey. For instance, opening a bank account, signing a rental lease, and many more, will require time and patience plus a clear understanding of the procedures.
Considerations for Indians Living in Turkey
Being positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkey’s cultural setting is also diverse for most Indian expats. Its active labor market, expanding economy, and cosmopolitan society are some of the reasons why most career-focused Indians consider Turkey for employment. Moreover, the living standard is comparatively moderate and the cuisine, environment, and even the weather are quite enticing in the case of Turkey, be it a working class, a student, or even a retiree, life in Turkey is commendable.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that switching residence from India to Turkey must be a multi-faceted decision. It is so because this country has such a friendly climate, many opportunities, and uncomplicated visa-obtaining processes that make it ideal for Indians wishing to settle down elsewhere. If you are attracted to the culture, employment, or even the beauty of the country, the chances are that Turkey is that country where you can start over with amazing opportunities ahead.
If you are prepared to advance your pursuits, first see what kind of visa aligns with your aims and get ready for cultural adjustment while seeking jobs in Turkey. Moving to Turkey would be a great way to embark on this new adventure!
