In this article, we will cover the main advantages of living in Turkey, the conditions of life, cost of living, and essential additional information you should know.
Information About Turkey and Its Lifestyle
Turkey has become a preferred destination for many looking for stability, work, or even study in recent years, thanks to its numerous advantages and quality of life.
Climate
Turkey’s vast geographical location, straddling Europe and Asia, provides it with an exceptional climate variety. You can enjoy skiing in snowy mountains and relaxing on warm beaches within relatively close proximity on the same day.
Nature and Tourism
Turkey boasts amazing tourist attractions worth visiting, with cities renowned worldwide. It ranks first among countries with blue-flag beaches and is famous for its lakes, forests, and unique historical landmarks.
Culture and Customs
In Turkey, you won’t feel alienated from your culture or environment. You’ll feel as if you’re in your own country, with cultural practices and traditions deeply rooted in Eastern and Islamic values.
Language
The Turkish language has been influenced by various languages throughout history, with many Arabic words incorporated due to cultural and religious connections that have lasted for centuries.
Living System
Turkey offers a highly advanced lifestyle system that competes with other countries. The electronic lifestyle is dominant, supported by an e-government system that keeps up with the latest scientific advancements.
Drawbacks of Living in Turkey
One major drawback is the fluctuation of the Turkish lira, which can affect living costs. Additionally, long working hours, especially in large cities like Istanbul, can be challenging.
Residence Permits in Turkey and Their Types
The Turkish government regulates the status of residents through specific permits that allow residence under certain conditions:
- Tourist Residence Permit: Renewed annually or biennially.
- Work Permit: For foreigners working under Turkey’s labor system.
- Student Residence Permit: For students of various levels.
- Property Residence Permit: For investors in real estate.
- Humanitarian Residence Permit: For special humanitarian cases.
Each permit has its own conditions and requirements.
Job Opportunities in Turkey
With its rapidly developing economy and thriving sectors, Turkey is a business hub and a rich source of goods for Europe and many other countries, continuously generating job and investment opportunities.
Cost of Living and Housing in Turkey
Turkey is considered balanced in terms of expenses relative to income for families and individuals. Here’s a breakdown:
- Housing Costs
Rental costs vary significantly. For example, a decent two-bedroom apartment in a popular area of Istanbul might start at 3,000 Turkish lira per month, whereas in upscale complexes overlooking the Bosphorus, the rent can be ten times higher.
- Food Costs
Food and drink expenses are relatively moderate. A meal at a popular restaurant typically costs around 35 lira per person.
- Transportation Costs
In Istanbul, you can use various public transportation options (metro, metrobuses, trams, buses, ferries, and even municipal public baths) with a smart card, which can be topped up via bank apps or designated devices. Transportation costs range from 3.5 to 7 lira.
- Utility Bills
Utility bills for gas, electricity, water, and internet are issued monthly. On average, these bills together can range from 350 to 500 lira, depending on consumption.
- Health Insurance
When applying for residence, the immigration department requires health insurance for each person. The cost varies by age, with an average annual cost of around 250 lira, excluding children and those over 60 years old.
Education and Study in Turkey
Turkey’s universities, both public and private, offer excellent study opportunities with high global rankings.
- Turkish Education System
Turkey’s education system is comprehensive and rich, based on modern global curricula, contributing to the high rankings of many Turkish universities.
- Turkish Universities
Turkish universities are divided into public institutions offering free or low-cost education for foreign students and private universities with varying tuition fees. Many universities have branches across Turkish provinces, covering educational needs nationwide.
- Turkish Schools
The Turkish government has focused on improving education at all levels in recent years. Public education is free, with significant investment in educational tools and resources.
Best Areas to Live in Turkey
The best area depends on your purpose: for work, densely populated cities offer more opportunities; for relaxation, tourist cities meet that need; and for industrial projects, industrial cities are well-known. For studying, choose a university-based city relevant to your field of study.
Cheapest Areas for Living in Turkey
Smaller, less populated cities are generally cheaper for housing. Living costs are relatively similar across cities, with savings on transportation due to easier mobility in smaller cities.
Best Places to Visit in Turkey
Turkey is rich in natural beauty, tourism attractions, and historical sites. Whether you’re interested in museums, mosques, markets, palaces, or various recreational activities, Turkey offers a wealth of options.
Key Tips for Living and Working in Turkey
- Learn and master the Turkish language to open more doors and opportunities.
- Adhere to Turkish laws and regulations.
- Seek advice from experts for matters like studying, starting a business, or renting/purchasing property.
- Familiarize yourself with local systems and use available apps to simplify daily life.
