Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Quality of Life
Quality of Life
Excellent
Excellent
Emigrant Community
Emigrant Community
Vibrant
Vibrant
Islamic Infrastructure
Islamic Infrastructure
Islamic Infrastructure
Excellent
Excellent
Ease of Immigration
Ease of Immigration
Long-Term Immigration
Moderate
Moderate
Introduction
Istanbul is our runner-up. It is the largest city in Turkiye and has a rich Islamic history.There is a vibrant emigrant community, the cost of living is manageable particularly if you can secure a remote job and there is a clear path to both permanent residency and citizenship by investment. Quality of life is high with low crime, good access to public healthcare and education as well as fantastic natural spaces nearby. The main downside is the relatively low english proficiency. If you really want to thrive, get those study books out.
Moving There
Citizenship: Unlike its Gulf neighbours, Turkiye provides a clear path to full citizenship through investment. Your dependents (spouse and children) may also apply for citizenship once your application has been approved and the process takes 3 - 5 months.
To qualify for Turkish citizenship, the main applicant should fulfill one of the following requirements:
Acquire at least USD 400,000 worth of real estate
Invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in fixed capital contributions
Deposit at least USD 500,000 into a Turkish bank account
Commit at least USD 500,000 into government bonds
Commit at least USD 500,000 into an investment fund
Commit at least USD 500,000 into a private pension system for three years
Create jobs for at least 50 people
Residence: Similarly, there is also a clear path to residency. The two main options are the short-term residence permit (2 to 5 years) and the long-term residency permit (permanent after 8 years). The process takes 1 - 3 months and dependents can be included in any application. Short-term residence can be achieved through a minimum investment with the same criteria as citizenship.
Work Permit: To obtain a work permit, you need to have a job offer from a Turkish employer who will apply on your behalf. More details are available on the Ministry of Labor and Social Security website.
Relocating: We recommend using Move One Inc. for a smooth relocation process to Istanbul. They offer comprehensive relocation services including visa assistance, home search, and settling-in services.
Employment Opportunities
Istanbul’s main industries include finance, tourism, manufacturing, and media. Here are some great local jobs for english speakers that we found:
There are also many remote jobs particularly in tech where you can base yourself in Istanbul and work on EMEA time zones. They have the advantage of typically being paid in a different currency.
Education and Healthcare
Education: Istanbul offers a wide range of educational institutions, from public schools to international private schools. Emigrant children can enroll in state schools, but the language barrier might be a challenge. Private schools typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per year. Recommended schools include Istanbul International Community School and Robert College.
Healthcare: The healthcare system in Istanbul includes public hospitals and numerous private hospitals offering high-quality care. State healthcare is accessible to residents, but many expatriates prefer private healthcare, which can cost between $50 and $200 per consultation. Recommended hospitals include American Hospital and Acıbadem Healthcare Group.
Istanbul
Istanbul
Quality of Life
Excellent
Emigrant Community
Vibrant
Islamic Infrastructure
Excellent
Ease of Immigration
Moderate
Introduction
Istanbul is our runner-up. It is the largest city in Turkiye and has a rich Islamic history.There is a vibrant emigrant community, the cost of living is manageable particularly if you can secure a remote job and there is a clear path to both permanent residency and citizenship by investment. Quality of life is high with low crime, good access to public healthcare and education as well as fantastic natural spaces nearby. The main downside is the relatively low english proficiency. If you really want to thrive, get those study books out.
Moving There
Citizenship: Unlike its Gulf neighbours, Turkiye provides a clear path to full citizenship through investment. Your dependents (spouse and children) may also apply for citizenship once your application has been approved and the process takes 3 - 5 months.
To qualify for Turkish citizenship, the main applicant should fulfill one of the following requirements:
Acquire at least USD 400,000 worth of real estate
Invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in fixed capital contributions
Deposit at least USD 500,000 into a Turkish bank account
Commit at least USD 500,000 into government bonds
Commit at least USD 500,000 into an investment fund
Commit at least USD 500,000 into a private pension system for three years
Create jobs for at least 50 people
Residence: Similarly, there is also a clear path to residency. The two main options are the short-term residence permit (2 to 5 years) and the long-term residency permit (permanent after 8 years). The process takes 1 - 3 months and dependents can be included in any application. Short-term residence can be achieved through a minimum investment with the same criteria as citizenship.
Work Permit: To obtain a work permit, you need to have a job offer from a Turkish employer who will apply on your behalf. More details are available on the Ministry of Labor and Social Security website.
Relocating: We recommend using Move One Inc. for a smooth relocation process to Istanbul. They offer comprehensive relocation services including visa assistance, home search, and settling-in services.
Employment Opportunities
Istanbul’s main industries include finance, tourism, manufacturing, and media. Here are some great local jobs for english speakers that we found:
There are also many remote jobs particularly in tech where you can base yourself in Istanbul and work on EMEA time zones. They have the advantage of typically being paid in a different currency.
Education and Healthcare
Education: Istanbul offers a wide range of educational institutions, from public schools to international private schools. Emigrant children can enroll in state schools, but the language barrier might be a challenge. Private schools typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per year. Recommended schools include Istanbul International Community School and Robert College.
Healthcare: The healthcare system in Istanbul includes public hospitals and numerous private hospitals offering high-quality care. State healthcare is accessible to residents, but many expatriates prefer private healthcare, which can cost between $50 and $200 per consultation. Recommended hospitals include American Hospital and Acıbadem Healthcare Group.
Do you agree with our rating?
Introduction
Istanbul is our runner-up. It is the largest city in Turkiye and has a rich Islamic history.There is a vibrant emigrant community, the cost of living is manageable particularly if you can secure a remote job and there is a clear path to both permanent residency and citizenship by investment. Quality of life is high with low crime, good access to public healthcare and education as well as fantastic natural spaces nearby. The main downside is the relatively low english proficiency. If you really want to thrive, get those study books out.
Moving There
Citizenship: Unlike its Gulf neighbours, Turkiye provides a clear path to full citizenship through investment. Your dependents (spouse and children) may also apply for citizenship once your application has been approved and the process takes 3 - 5 months.
To qualify for Turkish citizenship, the main applicant should fulfill one of the following requirements:
Acquire at least USD 400,000 worth of real estate
Invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in fixed capital contributions
Deposit at least USD 500,000 into a Turkish bank account
Commit at least USD 500,000 into government bonds
Commit at least USD 500,000 into an investment fund
Commit at least USD 500,000 into a private pension system for three years
Create jobs for at least 50 people
Residence: Similarly, there is also a clear path to residency. The two main options are the short-term residence permit (2 to 5 years) and the long-term residency permit (permanent after 8 years). The process takes 1 - 3 months and dependents can be included in any application. Short-term residence can be achieved through a minimum investment with the same criteria as citizenship.
Work Permit: To obtain a work permit, you need to have a job offer from a Turkish employer who will apply on your behalf. More details are available on the Ministry of Labor and Social Security website.
Relocating: We recommend using Move One Inc. for a smooth relocation process to Istanbul. They offer comprehensive relocation services including visa assistance, home search, and settling-in services.
Employment Opportunities
Istanbul’s main industries include finance, tourism, manufacturing, and media. Here are some great local jobs for english speakers that we found:
There are also many remote jobs particularly in tech where you can base yourself in Istanbul and work on EMEA time zones. They have the advantage of typically being paid in a different currency.
Education and Healthcare
Education: Istanbul offers a wide range of educational institutions, from public schools to international private schools. Emigrant children can enroll in state schools, but the language barrier might be a challenge. Private schools typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per year. Recommended schools include Istanbul International Community School and Robert College.
Healthcare: The healthcare system in Istanbul includes public hospitals and numerous private hospitals offering high-quality care. State healthcare is accessible to residents, but many expatriates prefer private healthcare, which can cost between $50 and $200 per consultation. Recommended hospitals include American Hospital and Acıbadem Healthcare Group.
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