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Why Should You Move to Turkey?
Turkey can offer its residents a good climate, and an active and healthy lifestyle. And most people find that they get more than their money's worth when they move to Turkey. To make sure of the idea of moving to Turkey, it is good to learn some things beforehand. Research the locations, rent before buying property in Turkey, plan according to your income and residence status, and most importantly, make sure your healthcare needs are met.
Getting a Residence Permit by Buying a House
The Turkish Government has made some arrangements regarding Turkish citizenship acquisition by foreigners in Turkey. With the decisions published in the Official Gazette in 2018, the lowest purchase limit was determined as $250,000. However, with the new change, foreigners have started to apply for citizenship by purchasing property worth at least $400,000.
Climate Diversity in Turkey
Turkey is known as the cultural meeting point between the east and west. Weather in Turkey is also a meeting point for several different climate and weather patterns. Coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Aegean seas enjoy a Mediterranean climate characterized by cool and wet winters and hot and dry summers. These coastal areas are popular with tourists during the summer period from late May to September.
In the eastern part of Turkey, the most convenient climate conditions are in late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-early October). The climate of Turkey and the weather along the Black Sea coast is continental.
The four seasons are very distinctive, and in summer, the cities and towns on the Black Sea are swarming with tourists and holidaymakers who want to enjoy the summer air. The climate of the Anatolian Plateau is steppe (leading to remarkable temperature differences between day and night). Here there is less precipitation and more snow.
Health System
Expats moving to Turkey will discover that Turkey's healthcare system is different from that of Europe or America. There are no general practitioners, so every citizen and legal resident can refer directly to a needed medical professional when needed. Foreigners, having a residence permit valid for at least one year, can apply for public health insurance.
The quality of public health services in Turkey differs between regions in the country. That is why many ex-pats generally choose to opt for private health insurance. Turkey is already a medical tourism destination, as many private clinics in Istanbul and Ankara employ highly qualified English-speaking doctors with international training and years of experience abroad.
Value of Turkish Money
Vacationing or living in Turkey can provide significant advantages for travelers earning dollars or euros. Due to Turkey's economic situation, a visit to Turkey can offer a cheap option to live. Known for its turquoise sea, rich cultural heritage, and culinary culture, Turkey now appeals to travelers and expats.
Visitors from countries using the Dollar, Euro, or British Pound, will benefit from a significant advantage. Even the rates at luxury hotels and residences will seem reasonable to those who earn dollars, euros, or British pounds. While the dollar and euro have strengthened against the Turkish lira in recent years, it is now possible to have a really good time at affordable prices.
Cost of Living
Turkey is a comfortable country to live in, not only with its favorable climatic conditions and friendly people but also because of its low cost of living. After immigrating to Turkey, you will notice that the prices for meals, essential services, bills, and accommodation are reasonable. However, the cost of living in Istanbul and Ankara is higher as Turkey's largest and most expensive cities. Here are some estimated costs:
- The monthly estimated cost of a family of four is 21,347.18 TL without rent.
- Estimated monthly expenses for a single person are 6,113,54 TL without rent.
- The cost of living in Turkey is on average 58.38% lower than in the United States.
- On average, rents in Turkey are 86.47% lower than in the United States.
Historical and Natural Places
Turkey is a dazzling destination that connects Asia and Europe. While its vibrant culture, famous cuisine, vast history, magnificent landscapes from the sun-drenched Mediterranean to majestic mountains, and arid steppes are tourist attractions in their own right. This country offers its visitors a wide variety of things to do. Here are the top places in Turkey you should see:
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Recognized as one of the most beautiful structures in the world, the enchanting Byzantine splendor of the Hagia Sophia Mosque (Hagia Sophia) is one of the top things to do not only in Istanbul but also in Turkey. Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, it is known as the Byzantine Empire's greatest architectural achievement and has been the largest church in the world for 1,000 years.
Ephesus
The city's history dates back to the 10th century BC, but all of the major monuments you see today date from Roman times when it was a thriving commercial center. In particular, the Celsus Library, the complex of frescoed terraced houses, and the Great Theater point to the richness and importance of Ephesus in the Roman period. A sightseeing trip here will take at least half a day to cover the highlights and longer if you want to explore, so be sure to plan your visit. Thus you don't rush it.
Cappadocia
In particular, the Goreme Open Air Museum and the numerous cave churches of the Ihlara Valley are home to some of the best surviving examples of mid-Byzantine-era religious art in the world. Cappadocia is also a center of attraction in its own right, with villages carved into half-slopes, where travelers base themselves to explore the surrounding countryside and boutique hotels that let you sleep in a cave with full contemporary comforts.
Topkapi Palace
Incredibly majestic, Istanbul's Topkapi Palace takes you into the fantastic, rich world of the sultans. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Ottoman sultans established an empire stretching from here to Europe, from the Middle East to Africa. The interiors are an unforgettable glimpse into the Ottoman power base, with its sumptuous and ostentatious furnishings and flamboyant jewels.
Pamukkale
One of Turkey's most famous natural wonders, Pamukkale's pure white travertine terraces (Cotton Castle in English) cascade down the slope, appearing like a misplaced snowfield amidst lush scenery. While the travertines themselves are the highlight of a Turkey trip, the vast and rambling ruins of the ancient spa town of Greco-Roman Hierapolis are scattered over the top of this calcite hill.
After discovering the ruins of the city's agora, gymnasium, necropolis, large gates, and the ancient theater overlooking the countryside, you can swim in the mineral-rich waters that make this ancient spa town famous in that pool.
Mount Nemrut
A top travel retreat for eastern Turkey, the burial mound at the top of Mount Nemrut is littered with the broken remains of mammoth statues that once guarded it. This strange and lonely place must be one of the strangest archaeological sites in Turkey.
Giant stone heads of long-forgotten gods peek out from the summit, creating an eerie atmosphere on the barren mountain top. The construction works of the summit are the work of Antiochus I, the ruler of the Kingdom of Commagene, located here in the buffer zone between the Roman and Parthian empires.
Outdoor Activities
Without a doubt, Turkey is the most fascinating country in the world, with a unique combination of two wildly different cultures. Just as it is blended with different dialects, Turkey offers exciting adventures you will not find anywhere else. Here we list some of them:
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting is an exciting sport that involves unexpected ascents and descents that make your heart beat like a storm. Köprülü and Antaria regions, where the Dalaman river is located in Turkey, are famous for their rafting adventures specially prepared for tourists to experience.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an amazing water adventure sport in Turkey, filled with enticing expeditions of the underwater world and aquatic wildlife. On the 200 km coastline between Tekirova and Alanya, Scuba Diving offers unique spots for travelers to have fun.
Windsurfing and KiteBoarding
Turkey's outdoor activities include various water adventures that show the beauty of the Turkish skyline from different angles. Sea Kayaking is a sport that replicates the captivating picturesque views of Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
Skiing
Skiing is one of the best outdoor activities in Turkey during the winter months. Turkey's cold weather makes the sports branch attractive to many adventure lovers who visit this country for vacation.
Hot Air Balloon Over Cappadocia
If you like Turkey's skyline, hot air balloon tours are made just for people like you. Witnessing a perfect bird's eye view of the city is an ethereal experience in itself.
Turkish Hospitality
One of the most well-known characteristics of Turkey is the hospitality of its people, and one of the main attractions for foreigners is the small gestures they encounter while visiting Turkey. If you are on vacation and have friends in Turkey, they will not invite you to stay at least one night and experience their modest but hospitable lifestyle.
It may be the simplest things, such as offering the best seat in the house, the best sleeping bed, and goodies like Turkish Delight. It may not seem common in many parts of the world. But Turks tend to share their best things with travelers who visit infrequently or for the first time.
This is one of the reasons why many people from all over the world have started living in Turkey, based solely on their first experience, and continue to enjoy all aspects of this beautiful immortal tradition.
How to Move Turkey?
One of the most important ways to settle in Turkey is to apply for citizenship. To obtain a Turkish passport, he/she must have lived here for at least 5 years and 3 years if married to a citizen.
However, there are various programs that foreign investors can apply to if they want to settle in Turkey. One of them is the rapid citizenship program through real estate purchase. The property must be worth $400.000. Foreign nationals who have resided in Turkey for 5 years and purchased property based on a residence permit can also obtain citizenship.
Where are the Best Places to Buy Property in Turkey?
Expert analysis and market trends recommend the six best locations in Turkey for real estate investing.
Istanbul
Even the mention of Turkey evokes the name of Istanbul. The city is the largest in the country and has the largest percentage of the working class at its heart. In addition, Istanbul is Turkey's commercial center and main tourist destination. In addition, the new Third International Airport, the mega attraction of the country and the city of Istanbul, makes travel easier. Istanbul is the main port of Turkey. When it comes to the enchanting view of the Sea of Marmara, it is a sight to die for.
Bursa
Bursa ranks next to Istanbul in terms of its economic growth and wealthy class population. The city has always been trending in the number of property sales to foreigners, especially in the range of luxury homes and villas.
For those who love the elite class lifestyle, Bursa surpasses all other locations in Turkey. Another important attraction of Bursa is its accessibility. Ferry, flight, or road; The choice is yours to enjoy your Bursa trip. Bursa has always been the first choice of Arab culture due to its location and culture.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is famous for its touristic places. Kusadasi connects to Istanbul with a 55-minute flight from Izmir airport. This Aegean coastal city of Turkey attracts the attention of global investors for many different reasons. Property prices in Kusadasi are lower than in other regions. The location offers all types of homes and properties for property buyers, from affordable apartments to luxury apartments.
The nightlife in Kusadasi surpasses its other western counterparts. Kusadasi's nightlife offers many options, whether it's for romantic night-outs or a safe night out on the beaches with friends. With lavish food and sightseeing, foreigners don't feel like they've missed anything while they're away from their home country.
Bodrum
Bodrum offers a comfortable lifestyle in every sense. With its weekly markets or transportation opportunities and many options for shopping and sightseeing, Bodrum offers its citizens an all-in-one package.
This peninsula location is also a tourist center. Bodrum is known for sailing and yachting spots and breathtaking resorts. In addition, there are already a significant number of foreign real estate owners in Bodrum. Bodrum's language and culture are quite welcoming, and all the locals speak English fluently.
Antalya
Antalya is a lively city on its own. It also has different locations that offer a different ambiance of its style. Antalya's climate is comfortable as the sun shines 300 or more days a year. Antalya is also super connected to other cities with two airports. Antalya is the best place for those who want a quiet and comfortable lifestyle.
Alanya
Alanya comes second after Istanbul, which is known for its population diversity. Its location is an excellent example of a multicultural association. The location is currently a warm home for people of over 80 nationalities. Alanya attracts real estate investors in many ways. First of all, the prices are reasonable.
Then it's worth experiencing the cleanliness and ambiance of the location. The climate of this coastal city is pleasant. Alanya offers a global living experience at a cost that would be needed in any other Western or European city.
