Turkey Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply and Requirements

Adam Mace

Last updated: Nov 19, 2024 7 min

As a country with a rich cultural heritage, Turkey has long been on the travel bucket list for many digital nomads. Now, thanks to the recent launch of the Turkish digital nomad visa, digital nomads can finally spend an initial year (extendable with a residence permit) in this beautiful country.

In this article, we’ll cover the details surrounding the digital nomad visa, how to apply for it, and the cost/processing times of the visa. We’ll also cover digital nomad visa alternatives, tax implications, and (just about) everything else you need to know about the Turkish digital nomad visa, so make sure to read until the end!

What is The Turkey Digital Nomad Visa?

The digital nomad visa for Turkey is the newly launched visa (April 2024), specifically catering to digital nomads looking to live and work from the country.

Those who hold a digital nomad visa can stay in Turkey for an initial one-year period. This can then be extended through a residence permit. Any applicant staying in the country for more than six months must pay income tax on all income earned.

Who is Eligible for Turkey’s Digital Nomad Visa?

Applicants for Turkey’s digital nomad visa must first apply for the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate online. Applicants must be between the ages of 21-55 and be a resident of one of the following 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.

Additional requirements are enforced – see below for further details.

What are the Requirements for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa?

For a successful application, applicants must be able to provide a short list of documents proving that they meet the requirements for the Turkish digital nomad visa. All applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

A valid travel document/passport (6 months validity) from the arrival date in Turkey.
Evidence of university graduation (Diploma or Certification of Degree document).
Proof of remote work as a digital nomad (contact of employment outside of Turkey or a freelance contract between applicant and company(s) outside of Turkey)
A biometric photo
Evidence showing proof of the minimum income of 3,000 USD monthly (36,000 USD annually).

Additional requirements may be required depending on the country of application. More details can be found by contacting the local embassy or consulate.

How to Apply for Turkey’s Digital Nomad Visa

Looking to apply for Turkey’s Digital Nomad Visa? Check out the step-by-step guide below for a breakdown of the application process.

Step 1: Apply for the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate

Applying for the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate is the first step in obtaining the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa.

Access the application form via the online portal by creating an account. Review and upload the required documents. Applicants must provide the following:

A valid travel document/passport (6 months validity)
Evidence of university graduation
Proof of remote work as a digital nomad (contact of employment outside of Turkey or a freelance contract between applicant and company(s) outside of Turkey)
A biometric photo
Evidence showing proof of the minimum income of 3,000 USD monthly

Once the application has been processed and the candidate approved, you will be issued a barcode-enabled Digital Nomad Identification Certificate.

Step 2: Schedule and Attend an Appointment

With the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate secured, the next step is to make an appointment with the local Turkish embassy or consulate.

Attend the interview with the physical copies of the required documents. Depending on your country of application, additional documents may be necessary.

If you are already in Turkey, a residence permit can be applied for online after receiving the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate.

Step 3: Await the Outcome

After applying via the local embassy or consulate, candidates must now wait for their visa application to process. Once complete, successful nomads will be able to live in and work from Turkey (providing all income is earned from abroad).

Turkey’s Digital Nomads Visa Fees

The Turkey Digital Nomad Identification Certificate is currently free to apply for online.

However, the digital nomad visa itself may incur fees. The amount differs depending on the country of origin. This will be made aware to you when scheduling the appointment.

How Long Does it Take for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa to Process?

The entire process of applying for the Turkish digital nomad visa is expected to take less than 4 weeks.

What are the Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Turkey?

Turkey has a long history of being one of the favorite destinations of frequent travelers. From the sights and sounds to the smells and tastes – it’s a true attack on the senses – there’s nowhere quite like Turkey.

Cost of Living

Turkey presents a compelling option for digital nomads seeking an affordable lifestyle in a country rich with history and cultural diversity. The cost of living in major Turkish cities like Istanbul or Antalya is significantly lower than in many Western countries.

A comfortable lifestyle can be maintained for $800 to $1,500 per month, including rent, utilities, and daily expenses.

Accommodation costs vary widely, with modern apartments in desirable areas ranging from $300 to $600 monthly.

Turkey's vibrant street food culture and local markets offer budget-friendly dining options with meals going from $2 to $5 and full meals in restaurants for one person costing around $10-$20.

Remote Work Culture

The majority of remote workers in Turkey flock to the larger cities. Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara, and Izmir are the most popular areas and are commonly visited by digital nomads.

There are several popular coworking spaces across the cities. From the well-known companies (Impact Hub) to the lesser-known and independent workspaces (Inno Space, HAN Spaces, etc.). Cafes, bars, and hostel common areas prove just as popular among remote workers.

Food and Drink

Turkey is best known for its kebabs, but there’s so much more to the food scene here than the stereotypical dishes.

Enjoy hearty meaty meals, delicious soups, and veg-based sides – all with a hefty serving of spices. Wash it all down with quality Turkish coffee, fermented kefir, or alcoholic Raki. Once you’ve tasted Turkey – there’s no going back.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Turkey is of top quality and medical tourism is popular in the country. The country is rated 95th globally from the Legatum Prosperity Index, a study including 167 nations, covering various aspects including safety and security, personal freedom, and the natural environment.

Proof of health insurance in Turkey is not one of the requirements for the digital nomad visa, however, we always recommend investing in good-quality insurance for digital nomads.

We always use and recommend Genki Native for digital nomads as a one-stop shop covering all facets of nomad life. With worldwide coverage and 24/7 support, it’s one of the leading providers and a fantastic resource for nomads.

Are There Any Tax Implications For Digital Nomads Living In Turkey?

The rules surrounding taxation in Turkey depend on the length of time digital nomads spend in the country each year.

Those spending more than 6 months in Turkey are required to pay income tax on all worldwide income. However, those spending less than 6 months in the country are only required to pay tax on the income earned in Turkey.

Double taxation agreements do exist in the country and help visa holders avoid paying income tax twice on their earnings. Applicants should check the details of taxation agreements with their home country before applying.

Taxation laws in Turkey can be confusing. We recommend using a digital nomad tax expert to navigate the landscape of Turkish taxation. Our service of choice is Heavnn – a personalized taxation service tailored to digital nomads and remote global companies. It’s a smart way to optimize your tax as a digital nomad without dealing with the heavy (and often very confusing) lifting.

Other Visa Options Available to Digital Nomads for Turkey

The Turkey digital nomad visa is a relatively new addition to the available Turkey visas. Remote workers, tourists, and students may find the following alternative Turkey visa options more interesting:

Short-term residence permit
Family Residence Permit
Student Residence Permit
Long-term Residence Permit

Alternative visas for Turkey can be applied for. Contact your local embassy or consulate for more information.

Other Digital Nomad Visa in Europe & Asia

At the intersection of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a cultural melting pot. Alternative digital nomad visas include the following:

Alternative digital nomad visas can be found on our full list of all the digital nomad visas available.

Ready to Apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa?

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Written by Adam Mace

Adam is a content writer, travel + outdoor enthusiast and full-time digital nomad. When he's not scaling the Lake District's best mountains, you'll find him exploring the world with a 40L rucksack.

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