Guide to Moving to Turkey from USA

Turkey, a harmonious blend of East and West, boasts stunning weather, captivating beaches, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Everywhere you turn in this remarkable country, echoes of the past resonate through ancient gates, bustling bazaars, and historic buildings.

 Evolving beyond its tourist appeal, Turkey has become a sought-after destination for global citizens seeking a fulfilling lifestyle at an affordable cost. If you're a US citizen considering a move to Turkey for retirement or with your family, our comprehensive guide offers valuable insights to help ease your transition.

Explore our detailed resource on relocating to Turkey from the USA for answers to all your inquiries.

What Are the Living Costs in Turkey?

In comparison to Europe and the USA, Turkey offers a significantly lower cost of living. Locally produced goods are budget-friendly, while imported items tend to be pricier. Finding affordable accommodation when relocating from the US to Turkey is relatively easy.

Moreover, Turkey boasts excellent healthcare and transportation services that rival those of more expensive regions. Expatriates residing in Turkey can stretch their budget further than in their home countries, enjoying a higher standard of living at a fraction of the cost.

Read our blogs on the Costs of Migration to Turkey and Health Services for Foreigners to know more.

How to Learn the Turkish Language?

While Turkish is the official language of Turkey, English is widely spoken, particularly in major urban centers where it is taught in schools. In tourist hubs, you'll easily find guides and service providers fluent in English to assist you. Additionally, digital translation apps can be handy tools for communication with locals, ensuring smooth interactions even if you don't speak Turkish fluently.

Turkish people appreciate foreigners who can speak some Turkish. You can learn phrases from the locals or use language learning apps such as Duolingo.

For those relocating from the USA to Turkey, finding Turkish language teachers for private lessons is both accessible and affordable. Numerous tutors offer their services at budget-friendly rates, enabling newcomers to learn the language efficiently.

Additionally, language learning schools are dispersed across the country, providing structured Turkish courses at reasonable fees, further facilitating the process of language acquisition for expatriates.

How to Rent or Buy Property in Turkey?

Renting Property in Turkey

Renting in Turkey is easy, with options for furnished or unfurnished accommodation. Prices vary based on location and size, making it simple to find a suitable place to live.

Once you've pinpointed your desired location, you can browse apartments on platforms like Sahibinden, where listings are posted by agents (Emlak). Alternatively, tenants can directly contact property owners or real estate consultancy firms to explore available options.

A rental agreement usually has a duration of one year, and tenants can terminate or extend them after it expires.

Buying Property in Turkey

The Turkish government has streamlined the property buying process for foreign nationals, making it significantly easier to invest in real estate. Recent years have seen a surge in property sales to international buyers, with the market experiencing unprecedented growth and record-breaking transactions.

You do not need a residence permit to purchase any property in Turkey.

You can buy property in Turkey with your Passport.

essential to engage a lawyer to navigate the legal intricacies and ensure a smooth transaction process. After negotiating the terms and price of the property, granting Power of Attorney to a solicitor is necessary to facilitate finalization and registration of the title deed (TAPU).

Is It Possible to Acquire Turkish Citizenship?

Indeed, Turkey offers a Citizenship by Investment program, enabling foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship through property investment. To qualify, individuals must invest a minimum of USD 400,000 in a commercial or residential property in Turkey.

This investment extends citizenship benefits to the investor, their spouse, and children under the age of 18, providing a pathway to Turkish citizenship for the entire family.

Please read our extensive guide on Turkish Citizenship by Investment.

How to Send and Receive Money in Turkey?

For individuals relocating from the USA to Turkey, the process of transferring money is often a top concern. Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira, and fortunately, transferring funds between Turkey and the USA is straightforward.

International banks and reputable money transfer services provide secure and efficient means to move your money seamlessly between the two countries:

• Wise.com
• WesternUnion
• MoneyGram

How to Transfer Your Belongings to Turkey?

Unless your move to Turkey is temporary, timely transportation of your belongings is likely a priority. International removal companies specialize in shipping belongings to Turkey, ensuring a smooth transition.

If packing costs are not included in the company's package, it's advisable to opt for this service to ensure proper handling, especially for fragile items.

How to Get a Job in Turkey?

While employment laws in Turkey are known for their rigidity, expatriates relocating to major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir can still secure employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as education, tourism, and hospitality.

English teaching jobs are popular among people moving from the USA to Turkey. Expats can use platforms such as:

• Linkedin
• Kariyer.net
• Glassdoor.com
• indeed.com
• 
  

To work here legally, expats need a work permit.

Many foreigners work remotely or as freelancers and live here as digital nomads.

Read more: Jobs and Salaries in Turkey

How to Get a Work Permit in Turkey?

To work in Turkey, the initial step is securing employment with a local company. Subsequently, it's the responsibility of the employer to initiate the work permit application process. Employees cannot apply for work permits independently.

If the employee is already in Turkey and holds a residence permit, the employer can proceed with the work permit application through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Alternatively, individuals can apply for work permits through the nearest Turkish Embassy in their country of residence.

For more details on how to get a work permit and what you will precisely need, please read General Information About Turkish Visas.

Is It Possible for USA Citizens to Retire in Turkey?

While Turkey does not offer a specific retirement visa for US citizens, individuals from the USA can visit Turkey by obtaining an e-Visa and subsequently apply for a residence permit if they wish to stay longer-term.

To know more about this, please read our blog on Types of Turkish Residence Permits to know how you can apply for one.

Is It Hard to Make Friends in Turkey?

Absolutely not! Turkish people are known for their warmth and sociability. They embrace meeting new people and are genuinely curious about different cultures.

Highly communicative and hospitable, they readily extend a helping hand. Making friends in Turkey is effortless, whether through enrolling in courses, attending seminars, or simply striking up conversations with locals.

Conclusion

Turkey offers myriad advantages for individuals relocating from the USA. It's an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a fulfilling lifestyle.

With diverse landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming communities, finding your perfect home in Turkey is a certainty. Just ensure thorough research, and your transition to Turkey will be seamless and enjoyable.

We hope you found our guide helpful. 

Please read our other blogs to learn more about Turkey:

Best Areas For Property Purchase in Istanbul

5 reasons to buy property in Istanbul

Visit Turkish Embassy In Washington, D.C, for more information.