By Justin Mays:
Turkey is a multicultural country, and while it is highly
diverse, there are still some things foreigners should know before moving here.
People from all around the world have chosen the cities of Turkey to live in
for access to better opportunities, while some have selected Turkey as their
retirement destination and settled in the stunning coastal towns and villages
of this country.
Today’s blog discusses 9 things every foreigner should know
before moving to Turkey.
1. Permits to Live in Turkey
Foreigners can visit Turkey on a 90-day visa. However, those
who want to move to Turkey must get a residence permit or work permit to reside
legally in Turkey. You can apply for a residence permit on the e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr website.
If a foreigner gets employment, they will need a work permit
to stay and work in Turkey. You can read our blog post, 5 Best Jobs in Turkey for Foreigners, to learn more about the jobs
available for foreigners in Turkey.
You can also watch Prime Property Turkey’s "Weekly Report" Ep. 5, where our hosts Justin and Peter discuss the new updates regarding obtaining residency in Turkey through property.
Please subscribe to us for more of such content.
2. Shop Like a Turk
Shopping is the favorite past-time of the Turkish people.
Every week, street markets, or what Turks call “Sosyete Pazarı,” are set up
where Turkish people stock up on the freshest fruits, vegetables, and dairy
products.
The best part is that the prices are economical despite the
fantastic produce available, and this is because the buyers are getting their
groceries directly from producers.
You will discover some great finds here in clothing and
accessories since many of these markets have stalls selling export-quality
surplus items.
For antique lovers, Turkey has unique flea markets that sell
old books, antique decor, etc.
So, when you move to Turkey, ditch the grocery store and visit your local weekly street and flea markets for the best deals.
3. Turkish Diet & Cuisine
Turkish cuisine dates back to the Ottoman Empire and has
many vegetable and meat dishes. Turkish people also love to have soup,
especially during winter.
Yaprak Sarma is a delicious vegetable dish that includes
rolls of vine leaves filled with a mixture of rice, onions, etc. In addition,
Turkish kebabs such as Adana Kebab, Iskender Kebab, etc., are world famous for
their mouth-watering tastes.
Once you try Turkish food, you will know it is unlike any
other food you have tasted.
Moreover, Turkish people enjoy eating seasonal fruits and
vegetables packed with flavor and readily available at stores and
markets.
Further Reading: Guide to Moving to Turkey From the USA
4. Know the Cultural Differences
Turkish people are, in general, highly friendly. Foreign
nationals moving to Turkey find it extremely easy to make friends. Don’t be
afraid to talk to people and introduce yourself.
In terms of culture, there are some things you should know
before moving here. Always take your shoes off when entering the home of a
Turk. The host will offer you a spare pair of slippers to wear inside.
Turkish people value and respect their guests, which is why
they will do anything to make them feel welcome and comfortable. So, if you get
invited over for dinner by a Turk, expect a large amount of food on the table
since Turkish people are highly hospitable.
5. Cost of Living in Turkey
The average salary in Turkey is around 10,000 per month.
Compared to their home countries, expats from the USA and EU can live in Turkey
in comfort and ease since housing, bills, groceries, etc., are a lot cheaper.
Except for certain areas, you can easily find apartments,
villas,
and homes almost everywhere in Turkey.
Transport costs are also low since affordable metro trains,
buses, and trams can take you anywhere you want without hassle.
We have a detailed blog post on the Cost Breakdown of Retiring in Turkey that you can check out to find out
more about the cost of living in Turkey.
Further Reading: Living in Turkey as a Digital Nomad
6. Try to Pick up Some Turkish
Turkish holds 15th place as the world’s most-spoken first
language. Many locals in expat-heavy towns and major cities in Turkey, like
Istanbul, can speak English. However, since Turkish is the national language,
government agencies communicate in Turkish and knowing some basics of the
language can help in such situations.
You can start off slow by learning one word per day and move
on to memorize phrases.
Further Reading: Residency by Investment in Turkey
7. Try Local Goods
You probably want to ship some of your favorite furniture
pieces and decor when you move to Turkey, but that may not be such a smart
thing to do. Not only is it an utter hassle, but you will also have to pay
exorbitant taxes.
Consider buying your furniture and decor locally since
numerous local companies such as Koctas, Istikbal Mobilya and Bellona sell
exceptional furniture designs at economical prices to decorate your home.
8. Weather in Turkey
Since Turkey spans Asia and Europe, people who live here
enjoy all four seasons. The Mediterranean Region gets quite hot during the
summer, while the temperatures are not extreme in the winter. In Istanbul, the
summers are dry and humid. However, Istanbul receives rain and snow during the
winter.
You can choose the region of Turkey you want to live in
based on your temperature preferences.
9. Benefit From the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
Turkey is one of the best countries for investors to tap
into since it has a massive property market. Furthermore, there is also a
myriad of incentives offered to foreign investors.
One of the biggest ones being the acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by investment. This program, initiated by the Turkish
government, allows foreigners to become Turkish citizens via a real estate
investment of at least USD 400,000 and agree not to sell it for a minimum of
three years.
Taking advantage of this program will be profitable in the
long run since you can get your hands on a powerful passport and reside in one
of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Further Reading: Is Buying Property in Turkey a Good Investment?
A Final Word
Turkey offers foreigners an incredibly healthy way of living
and a wonderful climate. Expats living in Turkey have no trouble settling in
and benefitting from the many available facilities.
We hope this blog post helped you understand Turkey and
prepared you for your move to this gorgeous country. You can contact us so that
we can help you find the home of your dreams.
More to read from us:
Istanbul Real Estate | How to Find Your Home
Explore the Elite Wanda Vista Apartments in Istanbul
Cost Breakdown of Retiring to Turkey
