Digital Nomad Visas in Turkey: A Gateway for Remote Workers
In April 2024, the Turkish Immigration Authority (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) rolled out long-awaited plans to start issuing Digital Nomad Visas for remote workers, similar to those provided by countries like Portugal and the UAE in recent years, allowing recipients to live and work in Turkey for up to one year with the option for renewal.
The digital nomad lifestyle has recently grown from a fringe movement to a mainstream phenomenon. Fueled by advancements in technology and a shift towards remote work, more professionals are seeking to blend work and travel.
For years it was easy to enter Turkey and stay for almost as long as you wanted using regular tourist visas and other options. However, when immigration became a hot issue in the 2023 general election, the entire system was overhauled, most applications for long-term tourist visas were rejected, and remote workers had no option to enter the country and work legally, beyond the standard 3-month tourist visa (which can only renewed once every 6 months). The new Digital Nomad Visas are a new and necessary way for people who earn a stable income to live and work in Turkey legally and for as long as they can sustain themselves.
Turkey is an especially tempting destination for digital nomads. New arrivals are often pleasantly surprised to find world-class infrastructure and accommodation options available at a fraction of the price of Europe or the US. Although inflation has been volatile recently, that only means that any foreign currency you earn will go a very long way, at least outside of central Istanbul.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 55 and be a citizen of one of the 36 approved countries (mostly in Europe and North America), and be able to prove a regular income of at least $3000 per month or $36,000 per year. They also need to prove they have a college degree, are employed with a company outside of Turkey, or are self-employed.
APPROVED COUNTRIES
France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania , Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus.
HOW TO APPLY
Travelers can submit documents to the Immigration Authority’s online platform. After review, eligible travelers will be issued a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate, which must then be taken to a Turkish visa center or consulate in your country, which will issue you your official visa.
If you are already in Türkiye, you can apply online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr after receiving the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate.
WHAT NEXT?
Got your visa? Bags packed? Flight booked? Great. And don’t be overwhelmed by the language barriers, and bureaucracy that await you on the other end of your journey. Our team is ready to help you settle in and make the most of your time in Turkey, whether you need accommodation, Turkish language lessons, or legal advice. Please have a look at the rest of our website to see the full range of services we offer. As always, feel free to contact us with questions or concerns.