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Moving to Turkey from the UK

30th August 2024

 

Are you thinking about moving from the UK to Turkey? Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide move to Turkey every year, with British citizens making up part of this group. Whether you’re an individual looking for a fresh start, an expat ready to relocate for work, or part of a family, Turkey has a range of visas, locations, healthcare and benefits to consider before committing to your move.

Benefits of moving to Turkey

 

In addition to its warm and mild climate throughout the year, Turkey offers a range of benefits for expats, families, couples, and individuals looking to move there.

2. Climate

Turkey boasts a diverse climate, with something for everyone. The Mediterranean coasts enjoy hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making them perfect for beach and outdoor lovers. Inland areas have more continental climates, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters, offering a variety of activities year-round.

1. Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to the UK, Turkey generally has a lower cost of living. This includes affordable housing, whether renting or buying property. In 2023, the average price of a house was TRY 2,691,780, which is around. £64,347. You can also benefit from lower prices for groceries, dining out, and everyday necessities. You can also enjoy a high quality of life with your money, stretching it further. Turkey’s lower costs make even luxuries like dining at high-end restaurants, staying in quality hotels, or enjoying cultural activities more accessible. Be aware that this can also mean that wages might be lower than in the UK.

 

1. Cultural Experience

Turkey has a deep historical and cultural heritage. From ancient ruins like Ephesus and Troy to the Ottoman architecture in Istanbul, there is always something to explore. Throughout the year, there is a wide array of national traditions and festivals and local festivals celebrating everything from cherry blossoms to camel wrestling. Turkish cuisine is also renowned for its richness and variety. If you move to Turkey, you can enjoy fresh and tasty dishes such as kebabs, mezes, baklava, and Turkish tea and coffee.

2. Great Education

Public schools in Turkey follow the national curriculum in Turkish and are free for residents. Private schools offer curriculums in English, making them ideal for British immigrants. Tuition for private schools ranges from £4,000 to £16,000 per year, reflecting higher standards, better facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities.

British families can enrol their children in accredited British online schools, allowing them to follow the UK curriculum from anywhere. 

Higher education in Turkey is also good, with many universities offering English courses. Tuition fees for public universities range from £400 to £1,600 per year, while private universities charge between £4,000 and £16,000 per year.

Visa Requirements

Depending on your reasons for moving to Turkey, you will want to apply for different types of visas. An effective way to determine the best visa is to research or consult with the Turkish Embassy in London. To start you off, let’s take a look at some of the options available.

Work Visa

To live and work in Turkey, you must obtain a work visa and a work permit:

• You need a job offer from a Turkish employer to get a work permit. 
• Your employer must apply for your work permit with Turkey’s Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Services. 
• Once your work permit is approved, you can apply for a work visa at the Turkish consulate in the UK. 

The work permit and work visa are generally valid for one year and can be renewed. Documents such as your passport, a copy of your job offer, proof of qualifications, and health insurance are compulsory for your application. 

 

Residence Permits

There are several types of residence permits, depending on your circumstances.

Family Residence Permits are great for spouses and children of those legally residing in Turkey. These permits are valid for up to two years and can be renewed. 

Those moving to Turkey for educational purposes should apply for a Student Visa, valid for the duration of the study program. You will also be eligible to apply for this residence if you plan to study at the university level. You do not need to apply for a Student Visa if you already have a Family Residence Permit.

If you have resided in Turkey for at least eight years under a shorter-term residence permit, you can apply for a long-term residence permit.

 

Other Visas

If you are moving to Turkey for reasons other than work, there are various other visa options available:

Retirement Visa: While there is no specific retirement visa,  if you’re looking to retire abroad in Turkey, you can just apply for a Short-Term Residency Permit, until you are eligible for a Long-Term one.

You must apply for all visas through the Turkish Embassy in the UK.

 

Healthcare

Moving from the UK to Turkey involves many adjustments, one of the most important being healthcare. You need to know here to ensure you and your family stay covered and healthy.

 

Public Health Insurance:

Expats who are employed in Turkey or self-employed can access public health insurance through the Social Security Institution. Employers are required to register employees with SGK and make contributions on their behalf. Public health insurance covers a range of medical services, including primary care, specialist consultations, hospitalisation, and prescriptions. There may be extra payment to cover certain services. The family members (spouse and children) of insured individuals are also covered by the public insurance policy.

 

To access public healthcare services, you need an SGK health card. You can get this card once you register with SGK through your employment. 

Private Health Insurance:

While public health insurance is available, many people prefer private health insurance to access more services, shorter waiting times and better facilities. Leading private insurance providers include Allianz, AXA, and Groupama. 

The cost of private health insurance premiums depends on factors like age, health condition, and the level of coverage. Be prepared to pay anywhere from £85-£425 annually for full coverage. If you are employed, check if your employer provides private health insurance, as many employers offer health insurance as part of the benefits package.

 

Locations

Whether you’re moving for work, leisure, retirement, or with your family, Turkey offers a diverse range of regions to suit you.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a vibrant city with a rich history and is the largest city in Turkey. It offers a range of accommodation options, from historic homes to modern apartments. 

Full of culture, landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, bustling markets like the Grand Bazaar, and the city’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene means there will always be something to do in your free time.

Known for its upscale environment, the suburbs of Istanbul are home to many expats and offer excellent schools, parks, and other family-friendly recreational facilities. It is a convenient choice for families thanks to the extensive public transport system, including metro lines, trams, buses, and ferries, providing easy access to various parts of the city.

Ankara

As Turkey’s capital, Ankara offers a more relaxed pace than Istanbul. Residents can explore museums like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, enjoy performances at the State Opera and Ballet, or relax in the numerous parks and gardens.

Housing is diverse, including modern apartments and family homes. The city is known for its universities and international schools, making it an ideal location for families with children.

 

Izmir

Izmir is known for its atmosphere, beautiful coastline, and historical sites. Coastal areas like offer stunning sea views, lively promenades, and a relaxed lifestyle. Izmir’s proximity to beaches and mountains provides outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and sailing opportunities. 

There are also many universities, shopping centres, and parks, making this area ideal for families seeking a mix of education and recreation. Izmir has a mixture of greenery, quieter environments, and a suburban feel with easy access to the city centre.

 

Start your move to Turkey today by contacting a member of the Eurogroup team today.