Moving to Istanbul, Turkey: Your Complete Guide to Relocating and Living in the Heart of Two Continents

Moving to Istanbul, Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Turkey is an exceptional country where the East meets the West, and nowhere is this more evident than in its bustling metropolis, Istanbul.

Moving to Istanbul, Turkey offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern conveniences, making it an increasingly popular choice for expats from around the world, including those from the USA.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Istanbul and why Turkey, especially its largest city, is a fantastic place to live, work, or retire.

Why Move to Istanbul, Turkey?

Istanbul is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern life. 

As Turkey's economic and cultural hub, moving to Istanbul means living in a city that’s 

constantly evolving while being steeped in history.

From its famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to its lively neighborhoods like Taksim and Kadıköy, Istanbul offers an enriching experience for anyone who calls it home.

What Are the Living Costs in Istanbul?

Moving to Istanbul, Turkey, comes with the benefit of a more affordable cost of living compared to the USA and many European countries.

While some imported goods can be expensive, locally-made products, food, and services are very affordable.

Renting property is quite cost-effective, especially compared to other major cities around the world.

The cost of healthcare and public transportation is also considerably lower, making moving to Turkey an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollar further.

For more details on living expenses, you can read blogs on the cost of living in Turkey or healthcare services for foreigners in Turkey.

How to Find Accommodation in Istanbul

When moving to Istanbul, finding a place to live is one of the first tasks you’ll need to handle.

Whether you plan to rent or buy property, the process is relatively straightforward, but the price will vary depending on the location and type of accommodation.

Renting Property in Istanbul

Renting property in Istanbul can be simple and cost-effective. 

There are furnished and unfurnished rental options available.

Most leases last for a year, with the option to extend at the end of the term. 

Websites like Sahibinden.com are popular for finding rental listings, but you can also work with a local real estate agent (Emlak) to find the perfect home.

Buying Property in Istanbul

Property in Istanbul is a good option if you are going to live it permanently.

Foreign citizens are permitted to purchase real estate in Turkey, and the process has been facilitated even more over the last year.

You can read more about Buy Properties for sale in Istanbul.

You can also get Turkish citizenship by investing in a property for USD400k+. 

This could open up the possibility of longer-term expats settling in Turkey.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment Through Real Estate

Citizenship by Investment Program: Turkey allows foreign nationals to get citizenship in exchange for investment in real estate;

It also allows you to become a citizen if you invest at least $400,000 in a property and keep it for three years (but only makes your spouse and children under 18 citizens, not everyone).

One of the quickest and easiest methods to obtain a future in Turkey with all benefits as citizens (such as health, education, etc.) entrenched is to live freely and work without limitation.

You can read more about health insurance in Turkey. 

Learning the Turkish Language

Although English is a widely supported language in Istanbul, especially if you are spending your time around touristy places where even the locals can manage basic communication, being able to speak Turkish will definitely help you better integrate into society.

You can use language learning apps like Duolingo to start, and private tutors are cost-efficient in Istanbul.

There are additionally plenty of language schools in the city that resemble minnow trappers, and offer courses for little to no money with which beginners as well as serious learners can comprehend.

Transportation in Istanbul

Since the public transportation in Istanbul is efficient and cheap this would be a plus for anyone who will move to Turkey.

Because Amsterdam was never built for cars, it is effectively accessible by public transportation instead and features a network of buses.

Istanbul: The number of tourists is nearly 13 million There are more than enough public transportation options in the Turkish capital, which indeed is considered one of the most congested cities in Europe.

Istanbul has also 2 major airports ( IGA and SAW) which is really convenient for expats to often visit their home countries or travel.

More about Airport transfer.

Money Sending, Receiving in Istanbul

If you are a foreigner coming to Turkey to live, work, or do business in Istanbul — ShareMoney can help You send Your Money here and from İstanbul back home.

There are several ways to do this, including international bank transfers and services like:

• Wise.com
• Western Union
• MoneyGram. 
• You can also use the CryptoCurrency transaction platforms such as:
•  Binance.com

Turkey’s banking system is well-developed, and setting up a local bank account is a simple process once you have a residence permit.
 

Banks like:

• Kuveytturk.com.tr
• Garanti Bank
• Ziraat Bank

Employment and Work Permit in Turkey

Getting a job in Turkey — Jobs for expats are available, especially if you speak English as your native language or work in an industry like tourism and hospitality- A searchable list of jobs from all over the Internet is published anywhere.

The most commonly used job search platforms are 

• Linkedin
• Kariyer net
• Indeed.Com

In order to work in Turkey legally, you will need a Turkish work permit, which is generally organized by the employer.

As a digital nomad, you can live there on a residence permit and work for another remote company abroad.

Health Insurance and Health Care in Turkey2024

You can take advantage of Public and Private Healthcare in Turkey — one that is known to be among the top healthcare systems around Istanbul.

In Turkey, all people (born or foreign) are covered by health insurance.

Foreigners can approach private health insurance with pretty high-quality services for more available prices.

Istanbul boasts a wealth of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers offering outstanding quality healthcare, which also makes it the most sought-after destination for treatment (Medical Tourism).

Making Friends in Istanbul

Something that you will quickly realize when moving to Istanbul is the people are some of the warmest and most welcoming folk around.

Registering for language courses, speaking seminars, or just discovering the city are simple ways you can meet new individuals and make pals.

The expat community in Istanbul is large and diverse, making it easy to connect with others who share your interests and background.

Conclusion

Living in Istanbul, Turkey provides expats with a blend of modern living and traditional culture.

Istanbul has some of the best living conditions, including a low cost of living, good healthcare, and social activities, making it ideal if you are moving for work or retiring in this country.

We hope this guide helps you be in tip-top shape for your move to Turkey.

To help find a place to stay, work, or get citizenship done refer Turkey Advisors and we will be supporting you step by step.