Like most of the world, Turkey has a growing digital nomad lifestyle, with a number of cities offering a good quality of life at relatively low costs. Istanbul is the most popular city for digital nomads in Turkey, followed by Ankara, Izmir, and Bodrum. Other cities, such as Antalya and Marmaris, are also becoming popular with digital nomads.

There are several coworking spaces and cafes with good Wi-Fi available in these cities, as well as a number of affordable apartments and hotels for long-term stays. The cost of living in Turkey is generally lower than in many Western countries, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget.

Turkey offers a mix of modern cities and traditional towns, as well as a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range of landscapes, from the beaches of the Mediterranean to the mountains of the east. The country is also home to a number of ancient ruins, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus.

Does Turkey offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

Turkey does not offer digital nomad visas. However, citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and most of the EU, can enter Turkey as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay in Turkey longer than 90 days as a digital nomad, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

While applying for a residence permit, you must provide,

• A valid passport
• Four passport-size photos
• A completed residence permit application form
• Proof that you have enough money to sponsor your stay
• A valid health insurance policy
• A police clearance certificate from your home country
• A certificate of good conduct from your home country

It is recommended that you apply for a residence permit before your 90-day tourist visa expires, as overstaying your visa can result in fines and other penalties.

What are the alternatives for a Digital nomad visa in Turkey?

If you are a digital nomad and wish to stay in Turkey for an extended period of time, you must know certain things. There are several alternatives to the standard residence permit.

Work permit

If you are planning to work remotely for a company or freelance while in Turkey, you can file for a work permit. This will allow you to work legally in the country for up to one year. To apply for a work permit, you will need to have a job offer from a Turkish company or a letter of intent from a foreign company.

Student visa

If you are enrolled in an educational program in Turkey, you can apply for a student visa. This will allow you to stay in the country for the duration of your studies.

Entrepreneur visa

If you are planning to start a business in Turkey, you may apply for an entrepreneur visa. This will allow you to stay in the country for up to two years, during which time you can establish and operate your business.

Family reunification visa

If you are married to a Turkish citizen or have a close family member who is a Turkish citizen, you may be able to apply for a family reunification visa. This will allow you to stay in the country for an extended period of time with your family member.

It is important to note that the requirements and process for obtaining these visas may vary depending on your nationality and the specific type of visa you are applying for. It is a good idea to consult with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country or with a local lawyer in Turkey for more information on the specific requirements and process for obtaining these visas.

Accommodations in Turkey for Digital Nomads

Turkey has a range of accommodation options for digital nomads, including apartments, hotels, and guest houses. Prices can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation, as well as the time of year.

Here are some approximate costs for different types of accommodation in Turkey:

Apartment rentals

Prices for apartment rentals in Turkey can range from around 400 USD to 1,500 USD per month, depending on the location and the size and quality of the apartment.

Hotels

Prices for hotels in Turkey can range from around 30 USD to 150 USD per night, depending on the location and the quality of the hotel.

Guest houses

Prices for guest houses in Turkey can range from around 20 USD to 80 USD per night, depending on the location and the quality of the guest house.

It is a good idea to shop around and compare prices to find the best deal for your budget. You can also try negotiating with landlords or hotel owners for a lower price, especially if you are planning to stay for an extended period of time.

In addition to traditional accommodation options, there are also a number of co-living and co-working spaces in Turkey, which offer shared apartments or houses with a flexible lease and access to coworking facilities. Prices for these types of accommodations can range from around 400 USD to 1,000 USD per month, depending on the location and the amenities included.

Conclusion

Turkey is a growing destination for digital nomads, with a number of cities offering a good quality of life at relatively low costs. Istanbul is the most popular city for digital nomads in Turkey, followed by Ankara, Izmir, and Bodrum. There are several coworking spaces and cafes with good Wi-Fi available in these cities, as well as a number of affordable apartments and hotels for long-term stays.

FAQS

Where can a digital nomad live in Turkey?

Istanbul is a fantastic city for digital nomads due to its affordability and abundance of activities. In addition, Ankara is a good choice for digital nomads.

Do you need to pay taxes as a freelancer in Turkey?

In Turkey, freelancers who use Upwork and Fiverr pay taxes in the same manner as other independent contractors. They are obligated to pay contributions to social security as well as file their income tax return each year.