جابجایی خانواده و سبک زندگی

Please Note:

The information below is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While we do our best to keep it up-to-date, laws, procedures, and requirements in Turkey are constantly evolving. Every case is unique — your situation may differ due to nationality, personal background, or recent legal changes.

hat’s why we always recommend speaking with the expert advisors first.

Can I bring my family with me if I move to Turkey? – Yes. If you have a work permit or a long-term residence, you can apply for family residence permits for your spouse and children under 18 to join you. The main requirements: proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) apostilled and translated, your proof of income to support them (the law asks for income ≥ minimum wage per family member, roughly), and adequate accommodation in Turkey. Family residence permits are typically granted for 1-2 years at a time and can be extended. If you’re coming as a student, you can’t sponsor family immediately unless you have means, but your spouse could come on a tourist visa and then you figure out a longer-term plan. Also, if you are moving to Turkey not for work but say you bought property or want to retire here, you and your spouse can each get short-term residence permits independently (one isn’t “sponsoring” the other per se, you both qualify on your own via property or financial means). But for work-based moves, yes, your immediate family is usually covered under family reunification.
Is it easy for spouses of expats to work in Turkey? – Not automatically. A spouse on a family residence permit is not allowed to work unless they obtain their own work permit. Being married to you doesn’t give them work rights (unless they later get citizenship or long-term resident status). However, after 3 years on a family residence permit, a foreign spouse may apply for work permit without the usual constraints (this is something the law mentions to ease integration). In practice, many spouses either teach their language, work remotely, or volunteer, etc., unless they find an employer willing to sponsor them. If the spouse finds a job, the employer must apply for a work permit and meet the criteria (5:1 ratio, etc.). So it can be challenging unless the spouse has in-demand skills. On the bright side, if your spouse does get a work permit, they’ll have more flexibility since being married to a Turk or to a foreigner on work permit can somewhat ease the bureaucratic perception (for example, some exemptions exist from work permit fees for spouses of Turkish citizens). But plan as if the accompanying spouse won’t be able to easily work formally, at least initially.
What are the schooling options for my children? – As mentioned earlier, you have Turkish public schools, private Turkish schools, and international schools. If your kids are young and you plan to stay long, some expat parents put them in local schools so they pick up Turkish and integrate. Education in public schools is in Turkish (except some schools have a few subjects in English or another language if they are designated foreign language high schools). International schools (e.g. British, American, French, German schools in Istanbul/Ankara) teach in those languages and follow those curricula (IB, A-levels, etc.), but tuition can be quite high (could be $10k-$20k per year per child). Private bilingual schools are another compromise – some teach half in English, half in Turkish. Homeschooling is not officially recognized in Turkey for locals, though some expats choose online schooling if they can’t afford international schools. Turkey also has “Anadolu Liseleri” (Anatolian High Schools) which are selective public high schools that often teach in English/German/French partially – if your child knows Turkish well, they could test into those. Pre-schools (kindergartens) are widely available and not too expensive, which is good for little ones to socialize and learn language. Overall, there’s no shortage of schools, but the language of instruction is the big factor in choosing.
How do I find housing suitable for a family (larger apartments or houses)? – Turkey has plenty of larger apartments (3-4 bedrooms) in cities, and also houses or villas especially on the outskirts or smaller cities. You can use local real estate websites (like sahibinden.com) or go through an agent. Many expat families in Istanbul live in compounds or sites outside the city center where there are villas or townhouses with gardens (e.g., in areas like Zekeriyaköy, Göktürk, or expat-heavy neighborhoods). Rent for a villa or large apartment in expat enclaves can be high, but still often less than comparable in Western cities. Safety-wise, these compounds are gated and often have playgrounds. If you prefer city living, many urban apartments are in mid-rise buildings with security, etc. It’s recommended to consider commute to work vs. space trade-off. Istanbul traffic is notorious, so some families choose to live near international schools and have the working spouse commute or vice versa. Also, when renting, ensure the heating and insulation are good – Turkish apartments can be cold in winter if poorly insulated (check for central heating or individual gas combi boiler). For purchasing, foreigners often buy in new developments that have family amenities. Engaging a real estate agent who has worked with expat families can help a lot in finding a place that meets Western expectations (like having built-in closets or a real bathtub – not all Turkish apartments have those by default).
How do I bring my pet to Turkey? – Turkey is generally pet-friendly (especially for cats and dogs). To import a pet, you’ll need: a microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, and a veterinary health certificate issued by an official vet authority in your country (and likely an apostille or certification). Turkey also requires a rabies titer test for pets coming from certain countries (to prove sufficient antibodies) done at least 3 months before entry – check the latest requirements. You’ll present these at customs on arrival. Each traveler can bring up to 2 pets (there are slight variations in regs, but that’s a guideline). Airlines require an appropriate carrier and may have their own rules (sometimes direct flights are best). Upon arrival, typically if your paperwork is in order, it’s smooth – your pet might not even need quarantine if all requirements are met. Once in Turkey, find a local vet to continue any vaccinations (note, Turkey has street dogs/cats and thus rabies exists in wildlife, so keep your pet’s shots updated). Big cities have excellent vet clinics and even pet transport services. If renting a house, check with landlords because some apartments don’t allow pets (or large dog breeds). In public, dogs are supposed to be leashed; certain breeds like pitbulls are banned/restricted. But overall, you’ll see lots of Turks with pets, and also many community cats and dogs that are looked after kindly by locals.
What is the process for bringing household goods to Turkey? – If you get a residence permit, you’re allowed a one-time duty-free import of used household goods under “temporary import” status (especially if you’re coming on a work permit, you can get a “duty-free entry” for your personal items). Typically you’d hire an international mover who knows Turkish customs rules. They’ll require your residence permit, passport, and a detailed inventory. Avoid bringing too many new items in unopened boxes because customs might charge duty on brand-new goods. Electrical appliances from Europe will work (same voltage); from North America, the voltage difference means you might need transformers or just buy new ones here. Note that import of vehicles is more complicated – cars face heavy duties unless you have a specific duty-free status (like foreign press, diplomats, or certain work visa statuses can get a “blue plate” car). For normal expats, importing a car isn’t usually feasible cost-wise, so people buy local cars. But furniture, clothes, etc., you can bring. Shipping via container can take weeks, and once arrived, customs clearance will involve paperwork and possibly fees for the agent. Many expats find it easier to just rent furnished or buy IKEA-type furniture locally than shipping entire households, but if your company is paying, it’s fine. Turkey has IKEA, and local furniture is quite good and not expensive, which is something to consider.
Are there active expat communities or groups in Turkey? – Yes, especially in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and resort towns like Antalya, you’ll find expat networking groups (both professional networks and social ones). There are Facebook groups (e.g. “Expats in Istanbul” etc.), meetup.com events, and some cities have expat associations or Chambers of Commerce mixers. Istanbul has various international cultural centers and clubs. In addition, a lot of foreigners connect through language exchanges, sports clubs (like Istanbul has rugby and running clubs popular with expats), or volunteering organizations. Don’t hesitate to reach out online – Turkey has a big digital nomad and expat presence on social media, willing to help newcomers. Also, many Turks have lived abroad or are very open to international friendships, so you might find your social circle a mix of locals and expats rather than just expats. For families, international schools become a hub to meet other parents. There are also organizations like IWI (International Women of Istanbul) that arrange events. So, you certainly won’t be alone – the expat scene is vibrant, and sharing experiences helps because everyone navigates similar challenges (residence permits, finding pork bacon, etc. – yes, by the way, you can find pork at specific stores in big cities).
How do Turks generally view foreigners living in Turkey? – Mostly, Turks are hospitable and curious about foreigners. In cosmopolitan areas, locals are used to expats and generally very friendly and helpful (sometimes overly hospitable!). They may take pride in showing you Turkish culture. In smaller towns, foreigners might get more curiosity since it’s rarer to see an expat, but that often translates into friendly interest. Being respectful of Turkish customs (like being mindful around religious practices, learning some Turkish) will earn you respect in return. There can be some bureaucracy frustrations (language barrier, etc.), but at an interpersonal level, expect a warm welcome. Of course, as in any country, there are some socio-political undercurrents: Turkey hosts many refugees and migrant workers, so sometimes public sentiment can blur “western expats” with other immigrant groups – you might hear grumbling about “foreigners” in context of jobs or economy, but generally Western expats are seen separately and often positively (as they contribute to economy, tourism, etc.). It’s good to be aware of basic sensitivities: Turks can be nationalistic, so avoid harsh criticism of Turkey in early conversations. If you demonstrate you love the country while also being who you are, you’ll likely be embraced as “ours now” by Turkish friends.
What if I want to retire in Turkey? – Turkey is increasingly popular as a retirement destination due to climate, cost of living, and healthcare. There is no specific “retirement visa”, but many retirees obtain a short-term residence permit (renewable annually or for 2 years) on the basis of renting or owning property. You need to show a certain amount of savings or income to support yourself (no official number, but if you can show the equivalent of a few hundred dollars per month of stay, that usually suffices, plus having local bank account helps). Healthcare: retirees over 65 aren’t required to have private insurance for residence permit, but you’d then rely on paying out of pocket or using travel insurance. You can’t join SGK after age 65, so many retirees purchase private health insurance plans up to age 75 or so (costs rise with age). Some keep insurance from their home country that covers emergencies abroad. Day-to-day, life can be really good: coastal towns like Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum have sizeable European retiree communities. The biggest challenges are language (in smaller towns English is less spoken) and adapting to things like different bureaucracy. But many foreigners retire happily here, often citing the friendly neighbors and active social life. Tax-wise, if you’re a tax resident, check how your pensions are taxed in Turkey vs if there’s a treaty. Often, foreign pensions aren’t taxed in Turkey if you can show you paid taxes on them at home, but you’d need professional advice on that point.
How is the healthcare system in Turkey for foreigners? – Turkey has a well-developed healthcare system with both public and private hospitals. Foreign residents can access public healthcare by enrolling in the national health insurance (SGK) after one year of residency, or immediately if they have employment (work permit) that provides social security. Many expats opt for private health insurance or just pay out of pocket at private hospitals, since costs are relatively lower than in Western countries. Private hospitals in Turkey, especially in big cities, are modern and have internationally trained doctors (Turkey is known for medical tourism in areas like surgery, dentistry, fertility). Public hospitals are cheaper but can have longer wait times and not all staff speak English. For emergencies, ambulances and emergency care at state hospitals are provided regardless of insurance and are very affordable. Overall, foreigners find healthcare quality in Turkey to be high, with many doctors speaking English. It’s advisable for expats to have some form of health coverage because while costs are lower, paying cash for a major procedure can still add up.
Do I need health insurance in Turkey as an expat? – Yes, having health insurance is strongly recommended, and in fact required for residence permit applications if under age 65. You can either buy a local Turkish private insurance plan (which is inexpensive but may have limited coverage caps), or if you’re eligible, enroll in the public SGK. To join SGK voluntarily, you need to have had a residence permit for at least one year (and not be over 65, and not already covered by an international treaty). SGK comes with a monthly premium (about 3-4% of minimum wage per month, which in 2025 might be around 1000-1500 TL/month) and covers you and your dependents for most treatments at state hospitals (and some private ones with co-pay). Many expats do a combination: have a basic local insurance to meet residency requirements and also pay out-of-pocket for private care as needed because it’s affordable (for example, a specialist consultation might be $20-50, a MRI $100). Travel insurance could suffice for short stays but once living here, switch to longer-term coverage.
Are hospitals in Turkey of good quality? – Yes, many Turkish hospitals (especially private ones) are of very high quality, often JCI-accredited with state-of-the-art facilities. Turkey invests heavily in health infrastructure; there are large “city hospitals” that are ultra-modern. Doctors are well-trained – many speak English, especially in private sector or if educated abroad. Turkey is a popular destination for medical tourism due to quality and cost, which is a testament to its healthcare standards. Of course, like anywhere, the quality can vary: a small public clinic in a village won’t compare to a private university hospital in Istanbul. But overall, foreigners are usually impressed by the care they receive. It’s not uncommon to find English-speaking doctors, or hospitals that have international patient departments with translators.
Is it safe to live in Turkey? – Generally, Turkey is safe for expats and families. Violent crime rates are relatively low in cities; the main concerns are petty crimes like pickpocketing or scams in tourist-heavy areas. Terrorism incidents have drastically reduced in recent years, though as a country bordering conflict regions there’s always some risk (but it’s heavily monitored and focused in border areas far from tourist zones). Political demonstrations occur occasionally in big cities – it’s wise to avoid large protests or gatherings. Traffic can be a safety issue – road accidents are more common due to sometimes aggressive driving. For women, street harassment exists but is usually limited to staring or comments; common-sense precautions suffice as Turkish people are generally respectful and helpful, and violent attacks are very rare. The southeast regions near Syria/Iraq, and some areas with past Kurdish-Turkish conflict, might be less secure – check travel advisories if going there. Day-to-day, you’ll likely feel safe walking in most areas, even at night, in cities like Istanbul or Ankara, with the usual big-city awareness.
What is the cost of living in Turkey in 2025? – The cost of living in Turkey is lower than in Western Europe or North America, but due to high inflation in recent years, prices in local currency have been rising. As of 2025, Istanbul is the most expensive city: a modest one-bedroom apartment rent in a central area might be $400-600 per month (or much more in upscale areas), while in smaller cities that could be $200-300. Utilities for an apartment can be $50-100 a month. Groceries for a couple might be $150-200 a month (local markets are cheaper). Eating out: local eateries are very affordable (a meal $5-8), while fancy restaurants might approach European prices. Gasoline and cars are pricey due to taxes. Public transport is cheap (a few lira per ride, under $0.50). Imported electronics or clothes cost about the same as in Europe or more due to taxes. Overall, an expat living modestly in Ankara or Izmir might manage on $800/month, whereas in Istanbul you’d want $1000+ for comfort. If earning in foreign currency (USD/EUR), the exchange rate often makes Turkey feel very cheap; if you earn in lira, high inflation can be challenging. On the positive side, services (like a house cleaner, barber, local produce) are quite inexpensive.
Is the language barrier difficult? Can I get by with English? – In major cities and tourist areas, many people speak some English, especially the younger generation and those in hospitality or business. In daily bureaucracy (e.g. government offices), you may not always find English speakers, so having a Turkish friend or using a translator app helps. Learning basic Turkish phrases will greatly enhance your experience – Turks appreciate any effort to speak Turkish and are very encouraging. That said, plenty of expats live in Turkey without speaking fluent Turkish by sticking to expat communities or touristic areas. English signage is common in airports, metro, etc. The language barrier is felt more in rural areas or local neighborhoods where you might need Turkish for things like cab drivers, local markets, etc. Also, official documents and websites are often only in Turkish, so eventually learning or getting help is needed for things like banking, bill payments, residency paperwork. There are also many Turkish language courses available (some even free for foreigners via municipalities). In summary, you can get by with English in many situations, but knowing some Turkish will enrich your life and is necessary for deeper integration.
How do I adapt to the culture and social life in Turkey? – Turkish culture is known for its hospitality – people are warm and welcoming to foreigners. To adapt: be friendly and open, greet neighbors, accept offers of tea (tea is a huge part of social interaction!). It’s a secular country officially, but society ranges from secular to conservative – dress code is liberal in most of western Turkey, more modest in conservative areas (especially for women visiting mosques or rural towns). Turks appreciate if you show interest in their culture – learning a bit of Turkish, trying local foods, celebrating holidays like Bayram with colleagues or neighbors will help you fit in. Family and relationships are central here, so don’t be surprised if locals ask personal questions (like “Are you married?”) – it’s a way to get to know you. Punctuality is a bit looser in social settings (a 15-30 min delay is not offensive). Be prepared for lots of socializing – Turks often gather with friends and family. Making Turkish friends will help you learn unwritten rules. Also, knowing that Turkey has a mix of European and Middle Eastern cultural norms – e.g., in business settings or dealing with government, formalities and respect are important (using proper titles, etc.). Lastly, big city life in Istanbul can be fast-paced and international, while smaller city life is more traditional – adapt expectations accordingly. Overall, show respect, be curious, and you’ll find it relatively easy to adapt as Turks are generally very gracious hosts.
Can I drink alcohol in Turkey? – Yes, alcohol is legal and available in Turkey. There is a thriving nightlife in cities like Istanbul, İzmir, Bodrum, etc., with bars and clubs. You can buy alcohol in shops (though not from 10 PM to 6 AM due to sale restrictions) and in restaurants that serve it. Many Turks drink socially, though public drunkenness is frowned upon. In more conservative areas or during the holy month of Ramadan, it’s polite to be discreet. But as a foreigner, you won’t have any issues finding or consuming alcohol in most places. Local beers (Efes, Bomonti) and the famous anise liquor Rakı are popular. Wine is also produced locally. Just note that alcohol has high taxes, so it’s more expensive than many other local goods (a beer might cost 30-60 TL in a bar, a bottle of wine 150+ TL in a shop depending on quality). Drinking in moderation in public (like a beer in a seaside park) is generally okay, but legally you’re not supposed to disturb public order.
What about smoking? – Turkey historically had a high smoking rate. Smoking is banned indoors in public places like restaurants, bars (though some have enclosed patios where people smoke). But you will see a lot of people smoking outdoors or in sidewalk cafés. As an expat non-smoker, sometimes you’ll encounter secondhand smoke in outdoor settings. Smoking is allowed in designated areas and many Turks smoke cigarettes and even water pipes (nargile). If you smoke, cigarettes are quite cheap compared to Europe (~40 TL a pack for local brands). Just follow the no-smoking signs indoors.
How is the internet and connectivity in Turkey? – Internet in Turkey is generally reliable. Major providers include Türk Telekom, Vodafone, and Turkcell (Superonline). In cities, you can get high-speed fiber in many neighborhoods (up to 100-1000 Mbps) at reasonable costs (maybe ~200 TL/month for high-speed plans). Mobile network coverage is excellent in most populated areas, with 4.5G widely available and 5G on the horizon. However, note that to get a mobile phone line as a foreigner, you need your passport and visa or residence permit and a Turkish tax number. Also, foreign phones brought into Turkey must be registered and a one-time tax (~IMEI registration costing a few thousand TL) paid if you use a Turkish SIM longer than 120 days, or the phone gets blocked. Many expats just buy a local phone or pay the registration for their foreign phone. Internet censorship exists: certain sites or services (a few Wikipedia pages in the past, some adult sites, occasionally social media during crises) might be temporarily blocked. But overall, everyday internet use (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) is fine. Many people use VPNs for unrestricted access.
Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know? – A few key ones: When visiting a Turkish home, it’s customary to take off your shoes at the door. Turks often say “Afiyet olsun” (enjoy your meal) and expect a “Thank you” or “Elinize sağlık” (health to your hands) to the cook after a meal. If someone offers you tea or coffee, it’s polite to accept at least once. In Ramadan, if you’re around fasting people, be respectful about eating/drinking in front of them (in cosmopolitan areas it’s normal, but in conservative settings be more discreet). Handshakes are common in business or formal meetings (usually not as firm as Western ones, but still polite). For greetings among friends, men often shake hands or hug, women kiss each other on both cheeks (you’ll pick up on the cues). Use “Mr.” (Bey) or “Ms.” (Hanım) after a first name in more formal address (e.g., Ahmet Bey, Ayşe Hanım). Public displays of affection (like heavy kissing) are uncommon – holding hands or a light kiss is okay, but more than that might draw stares especially in smaller cities. Respect elders – for instance, giving up your seat on the bus for an older person is expected. Finally, Turks can be very direct in questions (they might ask your age, salary, or why you aren’t married yet!). This is normal conversation, not meant to offend – you can answer vaguely or with humor if you prefer privacy. Being generous and warm in interactions will help you blend in nicely.

Family Relocation & Lifestyle | FAQs