Türkiye offers one of the most accessible and affordable destinations for digital nomads, with a brand new Digital Nomad Visa launched in April 2024. Most Western passport holders enjoy visa-free access for 90 days in any 180-day period. The country bridges Europe and Asia, offering rich history, diverse landscapes, excellent food, and a growing remote work infrastructure with coworking spaces in major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir. Cost of living is significantly lower than Western Europe, making it attractive for those earning in foreign currencies.
5
Visa Types
90
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Visa-Free Entry
Most Western passport holders can enter Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No application required - simply arrive with valid passport.
90 days
Duration
$0
— fee
+$50 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No application process required
✓Multiple entries allowed within 180-day period
✓Can explore all regions of Turkey
✓Can open basic bank account with tax ID
✓Can rent accommodation
✓Remote work for foreign employers generally tolerated
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond planned stay
•Passport must have blank pages for entry/exit stamps
•Proof of onward travel or return ticket (may be requested)
•Proof of accommodation (may be requested)
•Sufficient funds for stay (may be requested)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Instant at border
1Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity from entry date
2Arrive at any Turkish port of entry (airport, land border, seaport)
3Present passport to immigration officer
4Receive entry stamp with 90-day validity
5Keep entry stamp visible for domestic flights and hotel check-ins
•Track your days carefully using a 180-day calculator
•Get passport stamped on every entry and exit to avoid fines
•Consider border run to Greece or Bulgaria to reset your stay
•Keep accommodation receipts and return ticket accessible
•Obtain Turkish tax ID early if planning to open bank account
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Digital Nomad Visa
Brand new visa launched April 2024 for remote workers earning at least $3,000/month. Valid for 1 year with option to renew. Available to citizens of 36 countries including EU, UK, USA, and Canada.
365 days
Duration
$350
— fee
+$500 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $3,000/per_month
Alternative: Annual income of $36,000 USD also accepted. Bank statements from last 6 months showing consistent income.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal authorization to work remotely in Turkey
✓Stay for full 12 months
✓Access to Turkish banking system
✓Can rent long-term accommodation
✓Path to residence permit
✓Live in designated digital nomad hubs: Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye
✓No need for border runs
✓Family members may apply separately for dependent visas
📋 Requirements (8)
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Age between 21 and 55 years old
•University degree (diploma or certification required)
•Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts with non-Turkish companies
•Proof of monthly income of $3,000 or annual income of $36,000
•Health insurance covering entire stay in Turkey
•Biometric photograph
•Digital Nomad Identification Certificate from GoTürkiye
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 2-4 weeks after submitting at embassy
1Create account at digitalnomads.goturkiye.com
2Upload required documents (passport, degree, income proof, work contracts)
3Receive Digital Nomad Identification Certificate upon approval
4Schedule appointment at Turkish embassy or consulate in your country
5Submit visa application with Identification Certificate
6Pay visa fee and attend interview if required
7Receive visa stamp in passport (processing 2-4 weeks)
Process: Renewal possible by reapplying through the same process. Must continue to meet income requirements and maintain valid employment/contracts.
Renewal: Can convert to residence permit for longer stays. After 8 years of continuous legal residence, eligible for long-term residence permit.
💡 Pro Tips
•Start the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate application well in advance
•Prepare 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income
•Keep work contracts and client agreements organized
•Consider consulting an immigration lawyer for complex situations
•Istanbul and Antalya have the best digital nomad infrastructure
•Join local digital nomad communities for networking and tips
E-Visa (Tourist/Business)
TouristPopular
Electronic visa for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry. Quick online application through official evisa.gov.tr portal. Valid for tourism and short business visits.
30d
Duration
$50
— fee
+$50 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Instant to 24 hours
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
E-visa feeVaries by nationality: $20-60 USD. Some nationalities free.
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Travel insuranceRecommended for all travelers
$50—
Required Total
$50—
+ Additional (estimated)
$50—
Estimated Total
$100—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with minimum 60 days validity beyond visa expiry
•Some nationalities require supporting visas (Schengen/US/UK)
•Cannot extend while in Turkey
•Single entry for some nationalities (30 days only)
💡 Tips
•Only use the official website evisa.gov.tr - beware of third-party scam sites
•Apply at least 48 hours before departure for safety
•Keep both digital and printed copies of your e-visa
•Check your specific nationality requirements as conditions vary
•E-visa fees vary from free to $60 depending on nationality
Short-Term Residence Permit
Special ProgramPopular
For those wanting to stay longer than 90 days. Valid for up to 2 years, renewable. Popular option for digital nomads, retirees, and property owners.
365d
Duration
$345
— fee
+$600 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱2-6 weeks after appointment
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Residence permit card feeFixed fee for permit card issuance
$20—
Residence permit feeVaries by nationality and duration (approximately $50-100)
$75—
Health insurance (1 year)Mandatory coverage for entire permit duration
$150—
Notarized lease agreementRequired for proving accommodation
$100—
Additional (estimated)
Document translation and notarizationFor foreign documents if required
$100—
Legal assistanceImmigration lawyer for application support
$500—
Required Total
$345—
+ Additional (estimated)
$600—
Estimated Total
$945—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with minimum 60 days validity beyond requested permit
•Completed online application via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
•Biometric photographs
•Proof of accommodation (notarized rental agreement or property deed)
•Proof of sufficient income (approximately $675/month minimum)
•Valid health insurance covering Turkey
•Turkish tax identification number
•Proof of legal entry to Turkey (entry stamp)
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain Turkish tax identification number from local tax office
2Secure accommodation with notarized rental agreement
3Purchase Turkish health insurance for permit duration
4Create account on e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
5Complete online application and upload documents
6Pay applicable fees online
7Receive appointment date at Provincial Migration Office
8Attend appointment with original documents
9Receive residence permit card by mail within 15-20 days
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work for Turkish employers (requires work permit)
•Must maintain valid address and income proof
•Certain Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya districts closed to new foreign residents
•Must renew before expiration
•Counted time contributes to 8-year long-term permit eligibility
💡 Tips
•Start application process early - appointments can be weeks out
•Keep all original documents with you for the appointment
•Check if your district accepts new foreign residence registrations
•Notarized rental agreement must be signed by landlord in person at notary
•Keep copies of all submitted documents
•Register your address with local muhtar (neighborhood authority)
Work Visa & Permit
Work
Required for employment with Turkish companies. Employer-sponsored process through Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Work permit serves as residence permit.
365d
Duration
$460
— fee
+$340 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-6 weeks total (30 days Ministry processing)
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Work visa fee (single entry)Paid at Turkish embassy/consulate
$160—
Work permit feeVaries by duration and sector
$300—
Additional (estimated)
Multiple entry visaInstead of single entry if needed
$190—
Document authenticationFor foreign diplomas and documents
$150—
Required Total
$460—
+ Additional (estimated)
$340—
Estimated Total
$800—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Job offer from Turkish employer
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Employment contract
•Diploma and professional certificates (authenticated)
•CV/Resume
•Employer company documents (Trade Registry, tax records)
•Police background check
•Medical examination results (if required)
📝 Application Steps
1Receive job offer from Turkish employer
2Apply for work visa at Turkish embassy/consulate in home country
3Receive 16-digit reference number from embassy
4Employer applies for work permit with Ministry of Labor within 10 working days
5Submit required documents to Ministry
6Ministry processes application (up to 30 days)
7Upon approval, embassy issues work visa
8Enter Turkey within 180 days of visa issuance
9Register with Provincial Migration Office within 20 working days
10Employer registers with SGK (Social Security) within 30 days
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer
•Cannot change jobs without new permit
•Complex application process
•Employer must meet Turkish employment ratio requirements
•Certain professions restricted to Turkish nationals
💡 Tips
•Start process 2-3 months before intended employment start
•Ensure employer is experienced with foreign worker permits
•Keep copies of all submitted documents
•Register with SGK promptly to start social security contributions
•Some skilled professionals may qualify for 3-year work permit exemption
Yes! Turkey launched its Digital Nomad Visa in April 2024. It allows remote workers aged 21-55 from 36 eligible countries to live and work legally in Turkey for up to 1 year, with renewal options. Requirements include a minimum monthly income of $3,000 USD ($36,000 annually), a university degree, and proof of remote employment or freelance contracts with companies outside Turkey. The application starts online at digitalnomads.goturkiye.com where you obtain a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate, then apply at a Turkish embassy or consulate.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while on a tourist visa in Turkey?
Working remotely for foreign employers occupies a legal gray area in Turkey. For short stays under 90 days, it is generally tolerated and widely practiced by digital nomads. However, technically you should have proper authorization. For longer stays or to work legally and transparently, the new Digital Nomad Visa (for eligible nationalities) or a short-term residence permit are recommended options. Working for Turkish companies or clients always requires a proper work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
What is the 90/180 day rule in Turkey?
Most visa-free nationalities can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a rolling calculation, not calendar-based. For example, if you enter January 1 and stay 90 days (until April 1), you must wait until July 1 before your next 90-day allowance begins. Use an online calculator to track your days carefully. Overstaying can result in fines (approximately 100 TRY per day), deportation, and future entry bans.
How can I stay longer than 90 days in Turkey?
Options for staying beyond 90 days include: 1) Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit while legally in Turkey (requires rental contract, income proof, health insurance). 2) Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa from abroad if eligible (36 countries, $3,000/month income). 3) Do a border run to a neighboring country (Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia) to reset your 90-day period, though this requires waiting until your 180-day period allows new days. 4) Apply for a Student Residence Permit if enrolled in Turkish education.
Is it easy to open a bank account in Turkey as a foreigner?
Opening a bank account in Turkey is moderately easy for foreigners. Requirements typically include: valid passport (with Turkish translation), Turkish Tax ID number (free from local tax office), and a local SIM card. Some banks like Garanti BBVA, İşbank, and DenizBank have expat services and English-speaking staff. Tourists can open basic accounts, but full banking features may require a residence permit. Digital options like Wise or Revolut can provide Turkish IBAN without local residence. Multi-currency accounts are widely available.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Turkey?
Turkey offers excellent value for digital nomads. Estimated monthly costs: Istanbul $1,200-1,800 USD (rent $800-1,200 for 1BR apartment), Antalya $800-1,200 USD (rent $400-700), smaller cities even less. Other costs: groceries $150-250, utilities $50-100, coworking $100-250/month, SIM data $20-30/month, dining out $5-15/meal. The Turkish Lira has depreciated significantly, making Turkey very affordable for those earning in USD, EUR, or GBP. Quality of life is high with excellent food, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Is Turkey safe for digital nomads and expats?
Turkey is generally safe for tourists and expats, with major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya having low violent crime rates. Standard precautions apply: be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas, use licensed taxis or apps like BiTaksi. Areas near the Syrian border (Sirnak, Hakkari provinces, within 10km of border) have travel warnings and should be avoided. Political demonstrations should be avoided as unauthorized protests can lead to arrest. Overall, millions of tourists visit annually without incident.
What are the best cities for digital nomads in Turkey?
Istanbul is the top choice with the best infrastructure, coworking spaces (Workinton, Kolektif House, ATÖLYE), vibrant culture, and international community. Popular neighborhoods include Kadıköy, Cihangir, and Beyoğlu. Antalya offers Mediterranean lifestyle, beaches, sunshine, and growing digital nomad scene at lower cost. Izmir provides a relaxed coastal vibe with good internet and cafes. Bodrum and Fethiye are popular for beach lovers. Cappadocia attracts those seeking unique landscapes and tranquility.
Do I need health insurance in Turkey?
Health insurance is mandatory for residence permit applications but not required for tourist visa stays under 90 days. However, it is strongly recommended for all visitors as healthcare costs can be high for non-residents. Turkish private hospitals offer excellent care but are expensive without insurance. Popular international providers include SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Allianz. Local Turkish health insurance can be purchased for approximately $70-200 USD per year depending on age and coverage.
How is the internet and coworking scene in Turkey?
Internet quality in Turkey is generally good, with major cities offering fiber connections (50-100+ Mbps). Mobile data is reliable with 4G/LTE coverage nationwide from Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom ($20-30/month for tourist SIMs with good data). Coworking spaces are abundant in Istanbul (Workinton, Kolektif House - from $20/day or $150-300/month). Antalya and Izmir have growing options. Many cafes are laptop-friendly with good WiFi. Time zone (UTC+3) works well for both European and Asian remote teams.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025