Explore the New Turkey Digital Nomad Visa for 2024

Dreaming of working remotely with breath-taking views of the Aegean Sea or the majestic Cappadocia? Türkiye’s Digital Nomad Visa allows you to do just that. The Turkey Digital Nomad visa is another new option to join the ranks of those from Italy, Estonia, Greece and more.

This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about securing this visa and thriving as a digital nomad in Türkiye, including who is eligible and how to apply. Plus, the best places in Turkey for digital nomads to live, what you should expect in terms of monthly expenses, and tips on how to be a respectful digital nomad in Türkiye.

Before we begin, here’s a run down of the key information that you need to know regarding this visa:

Validity: One year with the possibility of renewal.

Target Audience: Freelancers and remote workers with a demonstrably established career, between the ages of 21-55.

Fees: Application fee varies depending on nationality, typically around $50.

Travel: Visa allows multiple entries and exits during its validity period.

It is important to note that while this information was all correct at the time of writing, situations can change very quickly and without warning.

You should also be aware that I am writing from a UK perspective, and regulations and requirements vary from country to country.

You should make sure that you check with your own country’s advice and with your closest Italian consulate or embassy before you make your application.

What Is The Turkey Digital Nomad Visa?

The Turkey digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers who can demonstrate a history of earning income independently. Unlike tourist visas, it allows you to stay and work remotely in Türkiye for an extended period.

So there’s a couple of steps required to get your Turkey digital nomad visa. Firstly you’ll need to apply online for a digital nomad identification certificate, then use this to apply for the digital nomad visa or a residency permit if you are already in Türkiye.

Also this visa is pretty new, so we can expect lots of changes to the requirements and eligibility criteria so ensure you check you are compliant with all regulations before making your application.

How long can you stay in Turkey with the digital nomad visa?

Once your application for the Turkey digital nomad visa has been approved, you are allowed to remain in Türkiye for one year with the possibility of extending the visa for another year, or applying for a residency permit.

Digital Nomad Visa Turkey Eligibility

So who can apply for the digital nomad visa?

Here’s a quick summary:

Age: Between 21 and 55 years old (exceptions may apply).
Nationality: 36 nationalities are currently able to apply.
Occupation: You must be a freelancer or remote worker with a documented history of earning income for at least the past year.
Education: Diploma or Certification of Degree showing that you are a university (or equivalent) graduate.
Financial Requirements: Proof of a minimum monthly income of $3000 USD or $36,000 USD annually.
Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering your entire stay in Türkiye.
Clean Criminal Record: A background check demonstrating no criminal convictions.

But let’s take a look in a bit more depth at what these requirements mean…

Financial requirements

The financial requirements for the Turkey digital nomad visa are on the higher end when compared to other countries that I’ve covered so far, set at a $3,000 minimum monthly income, of $36,000 annually.

Meeting this income threshold is important as it is often the first thing that can disqualify you from this visa. Freelancers can provide bank statements or contracts to show income, while remote employees can provide their contracts, payslips or even a letter from their employer confirming their salary.

Passports & Eligible Countries

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Türkiye, and should have at least 2 blank pages.

Currently, 36 nationalities are eligible to apply:

Austria,

Belarus.

Belgium,

Bulgaria,

Canada,

Croatia,

Czech Republic,

Denmark,

Estonia,

Finland,

France,

Germany,

Greece,

Hungary,

Iceland,

Ireland,

Italy,

Latvia,

Liechtenstein,

Lithuania,

Luxembourg,

Malta,

Netherlands,

Norway,

Poland,

Portugal,

Romania,

Russian Federation,

Slovakia,

Slovenia,

Spain,

Sweden,

Switzerland,

Ukraine,

United Kingdom,

USA.

Language requirements?

As with most of these visas there is no specific language requirement, however, I always recommend trying to learn some basics of the language of whatever country you are visiting.

The official language of Türkiye is Turkish so here are a few basic phrases to get you started:

Hello – Merhaba
Goodbye – Güle Güle
Please – Lütfen
Thank you – Teşekkür ederim

English is also commonly spoken though, in the bigger cities.

What do I need to apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa?

Below is a summary of the general documents that the majority of people will need to submit. There maybe slightly different requirements for citizens of differing countries so always double-check with the relevant consulate or embassy in your home country.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

A completed and approved application for a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate.
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Proof of health insurance for the duration of your stay in Türkiye.
Proof of income of at least $3000 per month. e.g., pay slips, bank statements
Proof of remote work, business and/or self-employment. E.g. employment contract, job offer letter, letters of engagements with clients etc.
Proof of educational background e.g., university degree or equivalent
One recent passport-size and style photo.
A visa fee.

How To Apply For the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa?

The application process for the Turkey digital nomad visa is a little more complicated than most as you have to apply first for your identity certificate through the online platform and then for the visa itself in person.

Step-by-step guide

Sign up to the platform: Sign up to the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa website by providing your name, email, contact number, gender, date of birth and country of origin.
Gather Required Documents: This includes your passport, proof of income, health insurance, application form, and biometric photos.
Submit your documents: Scan or upload your documents to the portal on the website.
Await Processing: you’ll receive an email notifying you of the outcome of your application. If successfully approved then you will receive a barcode-enabled Digital Nomad Identification Certificate
Schedule an Appointment: Contact the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy to schedule an appointment to apply for the visa/stamp itself.
If you are already in Türkiye: apply for a residence permit online here after receiving the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate from the system.
Attend your Appointment: Attend your appointment at your closest Turkish consulate, embassy or visa office – you must take with you physical copies of all the documentation that you submitted for your Identity certificate as well as the identity certificate itself. Application fees are typically paid at this time and vary depending on your country of origin.
Await the Results: Processing times can vary, so plan ahead – you may receive your visa on the same day, you may be asked to come back at a later time, or they may send your visa to you either by post or electronically.

Tax Implications for Digital Nomads in Turkey

Navigating taxes can be tricky, so consulting a tax advisor familiar with the regulations is crucial. You will have to pay taxes to your country of origin in line with their tax laws, but you may not be subject to Turkish tax obligations unless you spend more than 180 consecutive days in Türkiye.

Here’s a general overview to get you started:

Tax Residency: After living in Turkey for 183 days (or more) in a calendar year, you’ll be considered a tax resident. This means you’ll pay Italian income tax on your worldwide income.
Double Taxation Treaties: Many countries have double taxation treaties with Turkey to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income.

Work Restrictions or Limitations On The Turkey Digital Nomad Visa

As with most of these visas, the Turkey digital nomad visa only allows you to work for clients and companies based outside of Türkiye. You will have to prove that you have sufficient income from these remote work sources during your application process.

Need some inspiration for your next digital nomad job? Check out our blog post here for the best digital nomad jobs for 2024!

Pros & Cons Of Turkey Digital Nomad Visa

Advantages of the Turkey digital nomad visa

Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to Western Europe and North America, Türkiye offers a lower cost of living.
Thriving Digital Nomad Community: Several Turkish cities have active digital nomad communities, providing stellar opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Türkiye is packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Ottoman architecture to ancient ruins.
Beautiful Landscapes: From the turquoise Mediterranean coast to the dramatic mountains of Cappadocia, Türkiye’s natural beauty is something else.

Disadvantages of the Turkey digital nomad visa

Limited to remote work: You cannot take on local employment with this visa.
Tax implications: Understanding your tax obligations as a resident or non-resident taxpayer can be pretty complex.
Complex application process: The application process is one of the longer and more complicated ones requiring you to apply in multiple steps.
Limited Work Scope: You cannot be employed by a Turkish company while holding this visa.
Age Restriction: There is a strict age limit for applicants which other visa schemes do not have.
High wage requirements: the income requirements are on the higher end for the Turkey digital nomad visa.
Volatile economy: national inflation rates are climbing to almost 70% and leading to financial difficulties for many Turkish citizens.

Living in Turkey as a Digital Nomad

Turkey average cost of living for a digital nomad

Türkiye has a significantly lower cost of living compared to Western countries and surrounding regions.

Rent: This is the most significant expense and varies based on location, type of accommodation, and desired amenities.
Groceries: Costs are generally lower in Türkiye , particularly for fresh produce and local staples.
Transportation: Public transportation (buses, trams, ferries) is affordable and widely available. Taxis are inexpensive but metered rides are recommended.
Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet are generally lower than in many Western countries.
Entertainment: Dining out, attending events, and entertainment options are generally budget-friendly.
Clothing: Clothing is relatively affordable, with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end brands.

Global Citizen Solutions estimates that the current month costs (excluding rent) of an individual in Türkiye range from $411 USD to $542 USD depending on lifestyle.

The cost of living can vary depending on the city you choose with major cities like Istanbul and Ankara having higher costs compared to smaller towns. Also, the country’s economic struggles mean that costs can fluctuate a lot in short periods of time.

Popular digital nomad locations in Turkey

Istanbul: An ever-popular destination for tourists, nomads and expats. There’s loads to see and do here like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Underground Cistern, plus tons of choices for coworking spaces.
Izmir: A Mediterranean climate, ancient ruins and almost 400 miles of coastline, what’s not to love?
Antalya: A gateway to the stunning Mediterranean coast.
Fethiye: Picturesque beaches and proximity to historical sites like Oludeniz.
Alaçatı: An Aegean town known for its windsurfing and relaxed atmosphere.
Kaş: Secluded coastal paradise with stunning natural beauty.

Overview of coworking in Turkey

Coworking spaces are a great way to find a dedicated workspace, network with other remote workers, and escape cabin fever.

The average cost of coworking spaces in Türkiye tends to range from $8 to $30 USD for day passes, and monthly memberships vary from $50 to $300 USD, depending on the amenities and services provided. If you want a private office space rather than a hot desk then you can expect to pay more.

These are some of my favourite coworking spaces in Türkiye! I also suggest you check out this website to help you locate something right for you.

Istanbul: Packed with coworking spaces like The Hatchery and Impact Hub Istanbul
Antalya: Coworking Antalya is in the centre of town and has an amazing sea view.

Tips For Cultural Adaptation For Digital Nomads

Adjusting to a new culture is an integral part of the digital nomad experience.

I think the best general top tips for cultural adaption, no matter where you are travelling are:

Learn basic phrases.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Embrace the slower pace of life.
Connect with the local community.
Be open to new experiences.

As I have already mentioned, my number one tip when travelling is to try to learn some of the language – learning a few phrases in Turkish can also go a long way in making a good impression!

Here are some other top tips for adapting to culture in Türkiye:

Respect Local Customs: Türkiye is a Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of prayer times.
Learn Basic Turkish Phrases: A little effort goes a long way in building rapport with locals.
Embrace the Bazaar Culture: Haggling is expected at traditional bazaars.

Conclusion

Despite the costs of the Turkey digital nomad visa, and the relatively more difficult application process, Türkiye is still a good option for nomads looking for their next destination. Türkiye presents a unique blend of affordability, infrastructure, stunning scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere,which all provide a vibrant and enriching remote work experience.

Remember, the “best” Digital Nomad Visa depends on your individual needs and priorities. You should consider factors like cost of living, visa requirements, community vibes, and your lifestyle preferences when making your choice.

If you’re still trying to decide on your next destination then why not check out our Thailand Digital Nomad Visa guide here, and our Spain Digital Nomad Guide here.

Let us know what else you want to know, and what country we should cover next by leaving a comment below!