Digital Nomad Visa to Turkey

In April 2024, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the launch of the Digital Nomads GoTürkiye project. The authorities borrowed the idea of attracting IT specialists, freelancers, entrepreneurs, business consultants, and startups to the country to work remotely from neighboring countries. The program is aimed at stimulating economic activity, the implementation of techno-startups and digitalization initiatives.

Residents of 35 countries with monthly earnings of $3,000 or more are eligible to apply for a nomad visa. Relocators can apply for a visa either in their country of citizenship/residence or in Turkey based on a digital nomad identification certificate. The visa is valid for 1 year and can be extended.

Features of Digital Nomad Visa for Turkey

The law "On Foreigners and International Protection", approved by the National Assembly, has been in force in the country since 2013. It regulates migration policy, the status of foreigners, rights, obligations, conditions of integration and deportation. Over the years, for various reasons, individual paragraphs have been repeatedly supplemented and edited.

In 2023, the visa policy in the country has changed significantly. Many expats were refused to obtain and extend a residence permit (ikametov). According to statistics from the Department of Migration (Göç Idaresi), the number of immigrants decreased from 150,000 to 100,000 in a year.

In October of this year, the authorities presented a revised version of the migration program. Foreigners are going to be issued tourist residence permits for 6 months at once and extended to a year or more if there are grounds. It is expected that the democratic amendments will attract expats and increase the demand for real estate. Innovations in issuing a residence permit also affected the owners of apartments and villas purchased for $200,000 before mid-October 2023.

To register Digital Nomads GoTürkiye 

It is necessary to show an amount of at least $3,000 for the main applicant. After registration and receipt of a certificate from the Ministry of Labor, Göç Idaresi issues residence cards for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

There is a lot of speculation on the Internet about obtaining a Digital Nomad visa. Judging by information from local telegram chats, the participants of the program who submitted the dossier to the Migration Department received certificates without problems.

What is the difference from a regular residence permit

The difference is in rights and limitations. Expats are issued a residence permit for studies, work, investments and 10 other reasons. Depending on the purpose of the trip, they are required to provide the consulate with invitations from relatives, legal entities, universities or employers' contracts. They are granted long-term visas for 90 days. Upon arrival, the relocants apply for residences, then extend their study/work periods. This type is suitable for those who plan to stay in the country for a long time and get permanent residence.

A Digital Nomad visa is a special type of residence for employees in the field of digital technologies, conducting online business, and launching a startup. This is the choice of those who want to combine work with studying culture and relaxing on the coast, not depend on office schedules, and earn income from abroad. Holders cannot find jobs in local companies or obtain Turkish licenses for commercial activities.

Info! Unlike a regular residence permit, a nomad visa is nonimmigrant and does not count towards the length of naturalization. Those wishing to become permanent residents are forced to change their grounds.

Taxes

If a foreigner is in Turkey for less than 183 days during a calendar year, he is not a resident. In this case, taxes will be levied on income received in the country (in Turkish companies).

If a foreigner is in the Republic for more than 183 days, he becomes a tax resident. This means that all global income (including income from abroad) is taxed in Turkey.

Personal Income Tax (PIT)

Tax residents pay taxes on a progressive scale:

• Up to ₺110,000 – 15%
• From ₺110,001 to ₺230,000 – 20%
• From ₺230,001 to ₺1,900,000 – 27%
• Over ₺1,900,000 – 35-40%

Non-residents pay a flat rate of 20% only on income received within the country.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

VAT in Turkey for most goods and services is 20%. Digital nomads do not pay VAT if they do not conduct commercial activities in the country.

Social Contributions

Payment of social contributions (pension, medical) is not mandatory, provided that there is no registration as an individual entrepreneur. However, if they wish to gain access to the state medical system (SGK), foreigners can voluntarily pay the relevant contributions.

Tax Benefits and Agreements

Turkey has agreements on the avoidance of double taxation with more than 80 countries. By paying taxes in their home country, a foreigner avoids double taxation in the Republic. To confirm the payment of taxes, the relevant documents must be submitted to the Turkish tax authorities.

Non-resident digital nomads may not pay taxes on foreign income unless the money is transferred to Turkey.

Declaration of income

A person who has become a tax resident is required to file tax returns. The deadline for filing is the end of March of the year following the reporting year.

Bank transfers and currency control

There are no strict restrictions on currency transfers. However, when transferring large amounts, the Turkish tax authorities may record transactions. Therefore, it is recommended to keep records of all transfers and income.

Conditions for obtaining a freelancer visa

Residences are issued to foreign citizens aged 21-55 years. The authorities have drawn up a set of rules for applicants. They are required to:

• Higher education and age requirements (21 to 55 years). A diploma is not important.
• Citizenship of one of 36 countries.
• Proof of monthly income of at least $3,000 for the last 6 months. Providing an official bank statement.
• Certificates of no criminal record.
• Proof of work experience as a remote worker, freelancer, or digital nomad. A freelancer must provide a contract for the project being completed. When employed by a company, an employment contract with the employer. Self-employed individuals provide contracts concluded with organizations (except for Turkish companies).

Please note that the Digital Nomad visa is not the only visa program in Turkey. The government offers various options that can not only legalize you in the country, but also provide new opportunities for professional and entrepreneurial activity. We have prepared a comprehensive guide to the types of Turkish visas and are ready to help you make the right choice.

Moving with your family

Turkey is not only interested in human resources and the development of new business areas, but also strives to become part of the digital ecosystem of the world. To do this, the country needs specialists with expert knowledge and commercial talent, and comfortable conditions are created for them. Financially secure nomads can move with their families. Spouses and children cannot be entered in applications. Visas are opened for them under the reunification program.

To move with your family (spouse, minor children), you must provide the following documents, which must be translated into Turkish and certified by a notary:

• Marriage certificate (for spouse).
• Children's birth certificates.
• Proof of financial solvency (income must cover the expenses of all family members).

All family members receive a residence permit (ikamet) for the same period as the main applicant. Children have the opportunity to attend local schools. The spouses of the main applicant can work in Turkey upon receipt of a separate work permit.

To move with your family The applicant's income must be sufficient to support the entire family. The exact amount is not specified, but it is recommended that the income be at least 1.5-2 times higher than the minimum requirement ($830).

The application process consists of two main stages:

• Obtaining a Digital Nomad certificate and a residence card by the main applicant.
• Submitting a separate application for family members to Göç Idaresi (Turkish Migration Department).

By law, foreigners can stay in Turkey for 60 days without a visa continuously, then leave and return for another 30 days. Two months is enough to look around, transfer and hand over the papers, and wait for the result.

Brief information about the cost of living in Turkey:

• The estimated monthly expenses for a family of 4 are ₺79,184, excluding rent.
•  The estimated monthly expenses per person are ₺21,905, excluding rent.

Required documents

The package requirements are the same as in European countries hosting digital nomads. The basic list is published on the website digitalnomads.goturkiye.com. The dossier:

• Completed application form.
• Original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure to Turkey and at least 2 blank pages + a copy of its first page.
• 2 biometric photographs (on a white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a full-face image of the face, including ears, with a clearly visible face, size 5x6).
• Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey (required). University diploma (required), original + copy.
• Air ticket reservation to and from Turkey for a period of no more than 90 days (indicating flight details and the name of the passenger).
• Proof of accommodation in Turkey, for example: hotel reservation indicating its address and telephone number, certificate of ownership, rental agreement or a notarized invitation indicating the names of residents.
• A certificate from work in the Russian Federation indicating the position, salary and date of employment, information that the job will be kept after returning to the Russian Federation, the date of issue of the certificate. The document must be certified by the signature of the responsible person and the company seal. For freelancers: a contract for the project that he/she is carrying out, indicating all the details of the project.
• A statement from a personal bank account with the movement of funds for the last 6 months and information on the balance.
• A document indicating the details of the applicant's parents (Birth certificate. For foreign citizens, if the parents' details are entered in the passport, a copy of this page) + a copy.

The application review period is 1 month (30 days) and may be changed by decision of the Turkish Mission. All documents provided must be current and complete. The absence of any document from the list required for applying for a visa to Turkey may result in a negative decision. The Turkish Mission has the right to request additional documents if it deems it necessary.

Step-by-step action plan

The first step is to obtain a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. The documents are processed online. As of March 2025, it takes 6 working days to process and approve. Only with the certificate can foreigners apply for a visa - at a consulate or an accredited visa center.

The decision to issue a Digital Nomad Visa is made based on compliance with the program requirements and the provision of all necessary documents. The review takes 30 days. After receiving the visa (within 90 days), you should send a request to the Göç Migration Department to receive the card.

The step-by-step scheme is as follows:

If the requirements of the authorities are met, the applications are quickly approved. According to reports in the telegram, many received visas in 6-14 days. Turkish chat rooms are silent about refusals. According to official information, the folder is allowed to be submitted again. If the application is rejected, it is once again allowed to file an appeal according to the established protocol.

The costs consist of payments for transfers, notary services: 1,300-2,500 liras per document, payment of state duty – 2,400 TRY, purchase of medical insurance – from 3,000 TRY, the cost of icamet – 600 TRY. Payments are accepted at Ziraat Bank, VakifBank, Halkbank and on the migration website.

Foreigners receive certificates remotely. They send the dossier to the Ministry's website and receive approvals in 1-2 weeks. But you can make an appointment at the migration office only after entering the country and registering at your place of residence.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Digital Nomad Visa Program

Pros:

• No knowledge of Turkish is required.
• No insurance or rental housing is required at the time of application.
• The card is issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.
• Turkey offers relatively inexpensive housing, products and services compared to Europe or the United States.
• Convenient location between Europe and Asia, which makes Turkey ideal for travel.
• Access to high-quality and affordable medical care.
• Spouse and minor children can obtain a residence permit under the same conditions for reunification.

Cons:

• The visa does not allow working for Turkish companies. A separate permit is required for this.
• Some expats report bureaucratic difficulties in renewing their residence card.
• In smaller cities, English may not be widely spoken.
• In Istanbul and Antalya, rent prices have increased significantly due to the influx of expats.

Comparison with other digital nomad programs

Turkey is one of the latest countries to introduce a digital nomad program with the ability to move with the whole family and quick registration. However, economic instability and bureaucracy can be downsides.

Portugal and Spain offer a higher standard of living and tax benefits, and the requirements for these programs are roughly identical. Only Spain and Portugal also provide access to Schengen countries.

The choice of program depends on priorities: if it is important to legalize in Turkey with an affordable cost of living, then Turkey is a great option. If you are ready to pay more for a high standard of living and stability, consider Portugal or Spain.

Turkey is undoubtedly a beautiful country. For 2 years, it was considered one of the most popular locations among relocators. All conditions for a comfortable and comfortable life were created here. Due to the uncontrolled increase in food prices, fines, lawyers' services, and restrictions in the laws, many are forced to choose other countries. Expats with incomes of 3,000 € can get White Cards in Hungary for 2 years or move to budget Montenegro. With an income of 1,350 €, the country issues nomad visas for 4 years with a six-month break.

Frequently Asked Questions