Moving to Turkey Checklist

Check visa-on-arrival or e-Visa rules for your nationality

Most foreigners can enter Türkiye visa-free or with an e-Visa for short stays. Confirm what applies to you before booking flights.

Estimate your monthly cost of living

Run the Istanbul calculator with your real household to plan a realistic monthly budget.

Review your Turkish tax residency exposure

Days, home, family and income source determine residency. Score your situation before crossing 90 days in-country.

Check whether foreign-income rules may apply

If your income is earned outside Türkiye, see whether new-resident regimes are even worth assessing.

Research residence permit eligibility & cost

Identify the right permit type (short-term, family, student) and estimate the all-in cost for the household.

Prepare your document pack

Passport, biometric photos, marriage/birth certificates, financial statements. Anticipate apostille and translation steps.

Translate and notarise key documents

Marriage/birth certificates and academic credentials usually need translated, notarised copies — easier to arrange before flying.

Research districts and shortlist neighbourhoods

On both European and Asian sides. Visit two or three before signing a long-term lease.

Book temporary accommodation for the first 2–4 weeks

Long-term flats are easier to find in person. Plan flexible accommodation while you search.

Bridge cover with international insurance

Decide whether to keep an international policy in place during the transition, or switch to Turkish private cover on arrival.

Get a Turkish SIM card

Required to verify many local services. Major operators are at the airport and in every district.

Register your address (where required)

Your residence permit application uses your registered address — confirm what your district office expects.

Apply for your residence permit (e-ikamet)

Book the appointment online and bring the document pack from your before-move checklist.

Take out residence-permit-acceptable health insurance

Most foreigners need a Turkish private policy that meets the minimum coverage thresholds.

Get a Turkish tax number

Needed for opening a bank account, signing leases and many official processes. Free and quick at any tax office.

Open a Turkish bank account (if eligible)

Several banks offer foreigner-friendly onboarding. Bring your tax number and passport.

Sign a long-term rental contract

Use a notarised contract — important for residence permit applications and dispute protection.

Set up utilities and internet

Electricity, gas, water and home internet. Some require a deposit and proof of identity.

Save Türkiye emergency numbers

112 covers police, fire, ambulance and forest fires.

Confirm your year-end tax obligations

Once residency is settled, get a Turkish tax advisor to confirm filings, deadlines and any treaty positions.