Moving to Turkey with Family: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Moving abroad can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you have your family with you. Relocating to Turkey brings new opportunities, experiences, and challenges.

If you are asking how to move to Turkey with children, this guide is for you. You will learn about the daily life, Turkish culture, international schools, the healthcare system, and more.

Is Moving to Turkey a Good Idea?

Yes. Turkey offers a safe, peaceful lifestyle for foreign families. The country is mainly famous for long sandy beaches, sunny weather, and historical sites. Yet, life here is more than just a dream holiday; it is about enjoying comfort and convenience all year round.

Reasons to Move to Turkey:

• A safe and peaceful lifestyle
• Ability to enjoy all 4 seasons
• Free and quality education
• Affordable healthcare system
• Delicious and healthy cuisine
• Beautiful beaches, forests, mountains, and lakes
• Rich cultural experiences and historical attractions

Things to Know Before Moving to Turkey​

Turkey sits between the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Its culture has both eastern and western influences. Here, you might find a food, festival, or habit that reminds you of your own culture. Still, life here has its differences compared to your home country. Embracing these distinctions is the key to family relocation to Turkey.

Bringing your family to Turkey can be stressful, especially for children. Helping them understand what to expect is a great way to prepare children for moving abroad. Introduce them to Turkish culture before you move. Watch movies or cartoons in Turkish, listen to local music, and explore short videos about daily life here. Create a list of places to visit and foods to try.

The official language is Turkish, but English, Russian, German, Arabic, and Farsi are common in coastal cities. Yet, speaking some Turkish is essential in inland areas.

Food is at the heart of Turkish culture. Each region has its own special kebabs, soups, breads, cheeses, and desserts. Turkish coffee and lokum (Turkish delight) are great companions for conversations.

Is Turkey Safe for Expat Families?

Turkey is generally a safe country for expat families. While every place has its risks, most expats find living in Turkey for families safe and secure.

According to Numbeo, Turkey’s overall crime index is 43.11, which falls within the moderate range. Property crimes, such as theft, have a score of 40.47. On a positive note, discrimination based on religion and race is minimal, with the rate of physical attacks linked to discrimination at a low 29.03.

Safety Index for Turkey’s Popular Expat Cities:

• Bursa: 71.1
• Antalya: 70.9
• İzmir: 67.2
• Ankara: 60.5
• İstanbul: 52.0

Cost of Living in Turkey

The cost of living in Turkey depends on your income and the city you choose. Compared to the U.S., living in Turkey is about 42% cheaper.

A single person can live comfortably on around $659 per month. For families, $2,000 per month is usually enough. The biggest expense is typically rent, which varies depending on the property, ranging from $350 to $1,000 per month.

Social Life in Turkey

No matter which city, it’s easy to find an exciting living environment in Turkey for families. You can spend time at seaside cafés, enjoy delicious meals, and experience entertainment centers and aquaparks.

There are cultural activities like museums, opera, ballet, theater, and concerts in almost every city. History enthusiasts can also visit ancient cities, cathedrals, museums, and castles.

Working in Turkey as a Foreigner

Working in Turkey without a permit is not allowed. Foreigners can obtain a work permit either through employer sponsorship or self-employment. You will likely receive your work permit within 10 to 30 days. You can also consider Turkey’s Digital Nomad Visa if you earn $3.000 per month.

Employees do not need to file an annual tax return, as employers withhold and pay their income tax every month. You can monitor your tax payments through the online portal, e-Devlet. However, self-employed individuals must submit a tax return every year. Income tax rates in Turkey range from 15% to 40%, depending on annual earnings.

Educational Options in Turkey for Expats

Education in Turkey is compulsory and free from 1st to 12th grade. Parents can select public, private, or international schools, depending on their child’s needs.

Public Education
Free for all residents. Public schools follow the national curriculum. English, German, and French are common as second and third languages. Students receive a comprehensive education across all subjects.

Private Education
There are numerous private schools for different budgets. They stand out with rich facilities, extracurricular activities, and smaller class sizes. They may also offer bilingual or foreign-language instruction.

International Schools
The international schools in Turkey offer a focused education for American, British, French, and Russian curricula. These schools also teach Turkish, which helps students adapt to life in Turkey.

Healthcare and Insurance in Turkey

Turkey’s healthcare system is highly developed, affordable, and accessible. There are multiple state hospitals in every city. Every neighborhood has a public healthcare center for primary treatments.

You can get SGK (social security) for public treatment. Universal health insurance is also valid. Private insurance is helpful for more comprehensive treatments in private hospitals.

Opening a Bank Account in Turkey

Opening a bank account in Turkey usually takes just one visit to a branch. Most banks accept non-residents. You only need to gather the required documents and complete your application:

• Passport/citizenship card
• Tax ID number
• Proof of address

Housing in Turkey: Buy or Rent?

Depends on your budget and expectations. In the long term, buying a home in Turkey has wider benefits in terms of lifestyle and finance.

You should buy a home if;

• You have the financial means.
• You want a long-term stay or return on investment.
• You are considering Turkish citizenship by investment.

You should rent a home if;

• You prefer flexibility to move between cities.
• You want to explore different areas before settling permanently.
• You are not ready to make a large financial commitment.

Legal Requirements for Moving to Turkey

You must get a relocation permit in Turkey​ if you are staying for more than 90 days. You can work with legal experts to handle the Turkish family visa process without challenges.

Types of residence permit in Turkey are:

• Short-Term Permit: Valid for 1 to 2 years
• Family Reunion Permit: Valid for up to 3 years.
• Long-Term (Permanent) Permit: Granted after 8 years of residence.

Every visa type requires these documents:

• Insurance
• Passport
• A Turkish address
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Application form

Ready for the Next Step?

Moving to Turkey with your family is both a challenge and an opportunity. Now that you understand the culture, daily life, education system, and healthcare in Turkey, you can get to the next step and choose a place to live.

Read our related page to find the best cities in Turkey for families.

As TEKCE Real Estate, we offer comprehensive legal services, including residency visa applications and property purchases. If you have any questions, just fill out the contact form below. We will get back to you within hours!

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