NEW Turkey Digital Nomad Visa Details & How To Apply

Türkiye has just announced its new digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay for an extended period of time while continuing their work. This is great news for digital nomads who want to spend more time in Türkiye than their regular 90-day visa will allow!

Until now, staying for 90 days out of a rolling 180 days has been possible only unless you apply for a residency permit—a complex process. However, with the new announcement, digital nomads can explore the country to their heart’s content without short time restrictions hampering their adventures.

Digital Nomad Visa For Turkey

Please note that the new visa has only just been announced, so the exact amount of time granted to remote workers is still unclear. However, it’s thought to be around one year.

Rest assured, we will update this post whenever any new, updated information comes to light.

Applicants should be between 21 and 55 years old and either work for a foreign company remotely or be freelancers with no Turkish-based clients. It’s important to note that it is not possible to apply for the digital nomad visa if you work for any Turkish registered clients or companies.

The list includes citizens from the UK, USA, Canada, and most EU countries. A simplified application process has been established. To apply, head to this link.

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

There are a few prerequisites before you can apply for the visa. You must:

• Be aged between 21-55 years
• Be from an eligible country – Most EU countries, the UK, USA, and Canada are amongst those being accepted
• Have a passport that is valid for no less than six months after your arrival date.
• Show proof of employment or freelance work from clients in a foreign country – NOT a Turkish company. This can be a contract of employment
• To earn no less than $36,000 per year. You can show this via bank statements. This amount works out at around $3000 per month
• Hold a university diploma or degree
• You must have adequate medical insurance for your stay, which must be valid worldwide and cover emergency care at minimum.
• Have biometric photos.

Again, if more requirements are added to this list, we will update it.

Apply For The Digital Nomad Visa Program

The application process is pretty easy. Go to the website and sign up. Then, you can upload your scanned documents. The non-refundable visa fee is currently unknown.

Once submitted, you simply wait for news of whether your visa has been accepted. Once accepted, the process takes 3 to 15 days.

Why Work Remotely In Türkiye?

Now you know about the digital nomad visa in Turkey, why should you go there?

Well, it’s beautiful. That’s probably the first thing to say. It’s packed with history, natural beauty, fantastic food, friendly locals, and beautiful experiences. But of course, there has to be something more when it comes to choosing to work remotely from a destination.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the cost of living. Turkey is renowned for being incredibly affordable, allowing digital nomads to stretch their budgets and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Yes, the cost of living for locals has increased a lot over the last couple of years, but digital nomads who are paid in a foreign currency will be able to live quite comfortably.

From delicious street food to affordable accommodation options, your money goes a long way in this magical land. Whether you choose to embrace the hustle and bustle of Istanbul or the laid-back charm of coastal towns like Antalya, you can live comfortably on a modest budget while still enjoying all the perks of a thriving city.

You won’t struggle with the Internet, either. Wi-Fi is available literally everywhere, and you can purchase a SIM card through companies like Turkcell, Vodafone, or Turk Telekom and turn your phone’s data into a hotspot.

What else? Well, many coworking spaces are popping up in the major towns and cities, and there are countless cafes to work from. Large cities like Istanbul and Izmir have plenty of hostels to choose from, so you can meet other remote workers on the go and either collaborate, network, or socialize.

Remember, we’re talking about a massive country here, and it’s straightforward to get around. You can fly domestically between large towns and cities, with Istanbul a major hub for connecting flights. You can also take fast trains between select cities, and the long-distance bus network is second to none.

It’s easy to explore, and because there’s so much to see and do, the experience of a digital nomad is a lot more rewarding.

Digital Nomad Hotspots In Türkiye

With the new digital nomad visa, you can go to any destination in Turkey and go about your business. However, certain towns and cities are hotspots for remote workers.

In terms of cost of living, most places are roughly the same on average. There might be a small fluctuation here and there, but these are tourist places, so you can expect rent, eating out, transportation, etc., to be on par.

Here are some rough estimates.

• One-bedroomed apartment – 10,000 – 15,000 TL per month
• Utilities – 2000 – 3000 TL per month
• Phone package including data – 300 – 450 TL per month
• Wi-Fi per month – 250 – 450 TL
• Transportation – 20 – 30 TL per inner-city journey
• A meal in a tourist/city center restaurant for one – 500 – 1000 TL
• A meal in a local/traditional restaurant for one – 250 – 500 TL
• Takeaway coffee – 100 – 120 TL
• Bottled water – 10 TL

Let’s take a quick look at some of the biggest hotspots for digital nomads.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a truly incredible destination for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities. There is never nothing to do in Istanbul; there is more to see and do than you’ll ever get through.

With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, it provides an exciting crossroads where East meets West, creating a melting pot of ideas and inspiration. The city is home to a diverse and welcoming international community, making it easy to connect with like-minded people and collaborate and network. It’s also great for meeting new friends.

One of the biggest draws for digital nomads in Istanbul is the affordability. Compared to other major cities in Europe or North America, the cost of living is significantly lower, especially if you’re earning a salary in a foreign currency. This means that you can stretch their budget further, enjoying a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost.

Istanbul is also incredibly rich in history and culture, providing endless opportunities for exploration. From iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the vibrant streets of the Grand Bazaar, there is always something new to discover. The city provides a perfect balance between work and play with its bustling neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, and lively arts scene.

Marmaris

With its stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and an abundance of laptop-friendly cafes, you’ll find everything you need to be productive while enjoying the ultimate work-life balance in Marmaris. The town offers an ideal mix of natural beauty and modern infrastructure, making it an excellent choice for remote work.

One of the most significant advantages of Marmaris for digital nomads is its reliable internet connectivity. The city has well-established internet infrastructure, ensuring that you’ll have no trouble staying connected and productive. You can set up your office on a terrace with a breathtaking sea view or in a cozy café amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Marmaris also provides an excellent quality of life for digital nomads. After a long day of work, you can relax on the pristine beaches, take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, or explore the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and traditional architecture. The locals are welcoming and friendly, and there is a thriving international community of fellow digital nomads, making it easy to socialize and network.

Marmaris truly offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy work and leisure in a truly picturesque setting.

Bodrum

Glitzy Bodrum is an absolutely fantastic destination for digital nomads for a plethora of reasons. Firstly, its stunning natural beauty provides an inspiring backdrop for work and leisure. With its picturesque beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and jaw dropping sunsets, Bodrum offers the perfect environment to recharge and find inspiration. To put it simply, Bodrum’s stunning scenery will make every workday feel like a holiday.

Secondly, Bodrum boasts a vibrant and supportive digital nomad community. You’ll find like-minded individuals from all over the world working remotely and engaging in various activities together. Networking and collaboration opportunities are abundant, making it easy to connect with others, share knowledge, and even find potential business partnerships. The regular meetups, coworking spaces, and events organized by the community make it effortless to build new relationships and make Bodrum feel like a second home.

Bodrum has a really outdoorsy vibe, and if you’re into swimming, beach time, or diving, you’ll be more than catered to. It’s also really well connected to other nearby towns and cities, including Izmir.

Fethiye

Fethiye is a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking the perfect balance of work and leisure. With its beautiful coastline, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning landscapes, Fethiye provides a spectacular backdrop for any remote worker. This really is one of the most beautiful parts of the entire country.

Not only does Fethiye offer natural beauty, but it also boasts a vibrant and welcoming community. Digital nomads can easily connect with like-minded individuals, whether through coworking spaces, local events, or social media groups. The locals are incredibly friendly and open to sharing their knowledge and experiences with newcomers. With a strong sense of community, it’s easy to establish a support network while exploring the area’s wonders.

Furthermore, Fethiye offers a low cost of living without sacrificing quality of life. Accommodation options range from cozy apartments to luxurious villas, all at affordable prices.

A diverse and delicious local cuisine ensures that food expenses remain reasonable. Plus, transportation is easily accessible and inexpensive, allowing digital nomads to explore nearby towns, ancient ruins, and hiking trails during their free time. With a high standard of living at a low cost, Fethiye provides the ideal setting for digital nomads looking to maximize their work-life balance.

Izmir

Izmir, a vibrant city on Turkey’s stunning Aegean coast , is another ideal destination for digital nomads. Its thriving start-up scene, combined with a low cost of living, makes it an attractive choice for freelancers and remote workers. The city boasts numerous coworking spaces, which provide a productive and collaborative environment for digital nomads to connect and work on their projects. Additionally, the city’s reliable and fast internet connection ensures that you can stay connected and work seamlessly.

This is a popular student city, so it’s got a vibrant feel no matter what the month. With its mild Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy the sun-drenched beaches, go for long walks along the picturesque coastline, or explore the historic streets of the city during your downtime.

The city’s rich cultural heritage, evident in its ancient ruins, intriguing museums, and vibrant festivals, ensures that there’s always something fascinating to do or see in Izmir.

Izmir is also renowned for its friendly and welcoming community. The locals are known for their warm hospitality, and you’ll find it easy to make new friends and connections here. The city is filled with diverse culinary options, ranging from traditional Turkish cuisine to international delicacies, allowing you to indulge in delicious meals after a productive day of work. Whether you choose to explore its well-renowned natural beauty or immerse yourself in the city’s lively nightlife scene, Izmir offers an incredible mix of work opportunities and leisure activities for digital nomads.

Antalya

Antalya, located on the stunning Turkish Riviera, has rapidly emerged as a popular hotspot for digital nomads. With its charming blend of picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Antalya offers an ideal environment for remote workers to thrive. The city boasts a remarkable infrastructure that caters to the needs of digital nomads, including reliable high-speed internet connectivity and many coworking spaces equipped with all the necessary amenities.

One of the main draws for digital nomads in Antalya is the exceptional quality of life it offers. With its sun-drenched beaches, inviting Mediterranean climate, and captivating historical sites, Antalya provides a perfect work-life balance. You can easily find inspiration and relaxation in the city’s idyllic settings, whether you choose to work from cafes overlooking the turquoise waters or from the comfort of your apartment.

From affordable accommodation options to delicious yet inexpensive local cuisine, you can live comfortably while enjoying the city’s abundance of recreational activities. Antalya also serves as an excellent base for exploring the rest of the country, with its well-connected transportation system allowing for easy weekend getaways to nearby tourist attractions or even to Istanbul, the vibrant metropolis of Turkey.

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Turkey Digital Nomad FAQs