Expat Life in Turkey: How To Relocate and What To Expect

 With one foot in the West and one in the East, Turkey boasts a unique position as a bridge between economies, cultures, and global political spheres. This, alongside the country’s high quality of life and low cost of living, makes it a popular option for expats across all walks of life seeking a change of pace.

In this article, we’ll take a look at expat life in Turkey, exploring the top cities and areas you should consider relocating to. We’ll also break down some general considerations of living in Turkey and provide practical advice for successful relocation.

The Benefits of Living in Turkey as an Expat

Turkey offers several advantages that make it an attractive location for foreign citizens looking for a second home:

Advantage	Explained
Low cost of living	On average, the cost of living in Turkey is significantly lower than in many Western countries
Advantageous tax regime	Turkey has a residential-based tax system, and only taxes non-residents for income earned within the country
Well-developed healthcare system	The country offers excellent healthcare, especially in the private sector, which is why it’s become a popular spot for medical tourism
Good geographical location	Turkey’s geographical location gives residents easy access to both Europe and Asia

Turkey offers several pathways to residency and citizenship, which provide a straightforward way to relocate to the country. Investment is generally the most popular route, since it doesn’t have any residency requirements or a language proficiency test.

The Cons of Living in Turkey

While living in Turkey as an expat has its advantages, there are also trade-offs to keep in mind before you decide to relocate there. They include:

• Road safety: Traffic conditions in Turkey can significantly differ from what expats are used to, and driving in some parts of the country can generally be described as aggressive and fast
• Limited space in international schools: Although many international schools in Turkey conduct classes in English or other foreign languages, their capacity is often limited, and tuition fees can be high
• The language barrier: Despite English being commonly spoken across the country, dealing with local bureaucracy and official paperwork often requires some knowledge of Turkish

These challenges can vary significantly depending on where you choose to live, with large cities presenting different obstacles than small towns. Researching your intended destination can help you ensure a smoother transition and a more enjoyable experience.

Top Expat Neighborhoods in Istanbul

In addition to being Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul is home to the country’s biggest expat communities. It offers modern environments with around-the-clock access to amenities alongside distinct traditional areas that preserve Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods for expats include:

1. Bomonti
2. Şişli Center
3. Zeytinburnu
4. Beşiktaş
5. Nişantaşı

Bomonti

Bomonti is one of Istanbul’s most established residential districts with dense clusters of renovated industrial buildings, high-rise towers, and international hotels. The neighborhood offers a modern, urban lifestyle with easy access to cafes, gyms, coworking spaces, and well-maintained communal areas.

The district sits between Şişli, Nişantaşı, and Taksim, all of which are also desirable neighborhoods. It’s also within easy reach of major private hospitals, as well as Levent and Maslak, two of the city’s business hubs. This makes Bomonti popular with healthcare professionals, expats working for multinational companies, and finance and tech experts.

If you intend to commute or travel regularly, Bomonti also has excellent connectivity with access to the M2 metro line, the Dolmabahçe Tunnel, and the E-5 and TEM highways.

Şişli Center

Şişli Center is another central district of Istanbul, located on the European side of the city. It’s a practical, well-connected residential zone that is primarily composed of dense mid-rise buildings and commercial centers.

The district’s central location and connection to Istanbul’s public transportation system make it a great hub for exploring the city. Residents also benefit from direct access to Şişli-Mecidiyeköy Metro Station, which connects the city’s commercial and business hubs. It’s also home to several shopping malls and numerous corporate offices, and a wide range of everyday amenities.

Şişli Center is mainly popular with local professionals and families seeking accessibility without the premium prices often associated with Bomonti and Nişantaşı.

Zeytinburnu

Zeytinburnu is one of Istanbul’s fastest-evolving neighborhoods. The area is characterized by new construction and primarily mixed-use buildings with contemporary architecture and efficient layouts. In recent years, it has shifted from an industrial zone to a more residential and lifestyle-oriented environment.

The district’s location is also worth noting. It’s bordered by the Sea of Marmara to the south and the historic Fatih district to the east, combining waterfront living with proximity to some of Istanbul’s most important cultural landmarks. 

Zeytinburnu is a greener part of Istanbul with larger layouts, which makes it attractive to:

• Families looking for a calmer part of the city
• Professionals who want apartments with good connections to commercial districts
• Expats looking for modern living at a lower price point than Şişli or Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş is one of Istanbul’s most centrally located and vibrant districts. Known for its strong neighborhood culture, high walkability, and liveliness, it attracts a mix of international students, young professionals, and long-term residents. The presence of both Bahçeşehir University and Yıldız Technical University further reinforces the area’s youthful atmosphere.

The area offers immediate access to the Bosphorus, strong public transport links, and proximity to Istanbul’s major business hubs. Beşiktaş also contains several important historical monuments, such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, which adds to the area’s cultural significance.

Nişantaşı

Primarily known for its high-end boutiques, cafes, tree-lined avenues, and long-term residents, Nişantaşı is Istanbul’s most upscale neighborhood. Historically a seat of the Ottoman Empire’s elite, the area carries a reputation of prestige, which continues to attract affluent locals and expats looking for a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The neighborhood’s buildings feature older architectural charm, and its walkability, vibrant streets, and strong identity make it one of the city’s most popular central districts. Nişantaşı also offers numerous restaurants, cinemas, museums, and shopping malls, which make it both a social and cultural hub.

Best Cities To Live in Turkey as an Expat

While Istanbul may be the most popular choice for expats living in Turkey, it’s not the only option. If you look further east or south, you’ll find several other cities that offer a different lifestyle, atmosphere, and cultural experience, with lower average prices.

Beyond Istanbul, some of the best cities for expats in Turkey include:

1. Antalya
2. Ankara
3. Izmir
4. Bodrum

Antalya

Located in the southern part of Turkey on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a resort city with a large expat community. The city’s coastal climate, alongside its modern infrastructure, makes it very popular with retirees, remote workers, and families looking for the benefits of city living without the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

While life in Antalya is slower, it’s far from provincial. The city enjoys great healthcare options, particularly in the private sector, as well as a strong public transportation network and weekly food markets that help keep the cost of living down. If you prefer a more active lifestyle, Antalya offers numerous hiking trails, beaches, and year-round outdoor recreation.

Ankara

Ankara is the capital and the second-largest city in Turkey. It lies in the heart of the country and is surrounded by mountains, which makes it a great option for expats who might not want to deal with the humidity of a coastal city. 

Being the capital, Ankara offers many opportunities to expats looking to integrate into Turkish culture. The city has a strong cultural heritage with numerous museums, art galleries, universities, and historical sites. It also has a fantastic public transit system, excellent healthcare facilities, and numerous modern developments. 

While not as calm as Antalya, life in Ankara is more stable than in Istanbul, which makes it an attractive option for professionals, academics, and affluent expats seeking long-term stability.

Izmir

Izmir is another Turkish city that’s popular with expats, located on the Aegean coast. It’s widely known as one of the most westernized cities in the country, which is mainly due to it being an international travel hub as well as a popular cruise port.

The city offers access to a strong hospital network, reputable universities, and a growing number of private schools. It’s also a very walkable city, though it does offer a well-developed city transit network that connects it with surrounding districts. Izmir is generally popular with families and retirees looking to move there for the long term.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a town on the Aegean coast that developed from a small fishing town in the 1950s, when many Turkish intellectuals and artists were drawn to it. Today, it’s considered a premier destination for retirees and affluent expats looking for a vibrant, luxurious lifestyle.

The town is highly pedestrian-friendly, but it also has a public transit system that connects the town center with popular destinations in the vicinity. Notably, this also includes ferry services to nearby Greek islands. The one important trade-off of living in Bodrum is that summers can be dry and hot, often exceeding 36°C.

Moving to Turkey as an Expat: What Are Your Options?

Turkey offers a range of migration pathways, which makes it accessible to foreigners with different goals. As a result, you can find well-established expat communities that cater to investors, retirees, and property owners.

Each pathway comes with its own set of requirements, and understanding them is key to a smooth relocation process. While some applicants choose to support the country economically through investment or job creation, others qualify through more straightforward routes, such as property ownership or long-term residence.

Some of the most common residency and citizenship pathways include:

Pathway	Criteria
Citizenship by investment (Golden Visa)	Investing at least USD 400,000 in a real estate property, Depositing a minimum of USD 500,000 as a bank deposit, bond, or financial investment, Making a fixed capital investment of at least USD 500,000, or Creating at least 50 jobs in Turkey
Long-term residency	Legally residing in Turkey for at least eight consecutive years, subject to additional requirements
Short-term residency	Owning a residential property in Turkey, Conducting scientific research in Turkey,  Establishing business connections, or Other purposes, such as tourism or medical treatment

Once you meet the criteria, the application process is relatively straightforward. However, it still involves strict documentation requirements and multiple review stages, where even small errors can lead to delays and rejection. For this reason, many applicants choose to work with experienced professionals to ensure the process is handled correctly from start to finish.

For expert help and seamless relocation, partner with Nomad Capitalist.

Ensure a Carefree Expat Life in Turkey With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist is an advisory firm that helps high-net-worth individuals secure residence abroad while meeting their lifestyle and financial expectations. We’ve supported more than 1,500 customers in relocating their families, optimizing tax liability, and managing their assets.

We achieve this through our Action Plan—a custom strategy tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We also provide specialized support for every part of the Plan, from legally reducing your tax liability by applying for a second citizenship to setting up offshore banking.

To get your Action Plan, first you need to fill out a short form to determine whether we’re a good fit. Once approved, we will:

1. Schedule a one-on-one call to get an overview of your needs and circumstances
2. Use this information to create a personalized Action Plan
3. Present you with the Plan, then put it into motion over 12 months while handling the administrative work
4. Provide you with lifetime support regarding any questions, concerns, and updates to your Action Plan

While implementing the Plan, we will handle all the administrative workload related to your relocation, ensuring the process is completed smoothly. Partner with Nomad Capitalist today and enjoy all the benefits of living in Turkey as an expat!