Your visa options
Turkey offers three main paths for digital nomads. Which one you need depends on your nationality, income, and how long you plan to stay.
| Option | Duration | Who it's for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa | Up to 90 days | Short-term visitors | $50-60 |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 12 months (renewable) | Remote workers earning $3,000+/month | ~$190 |
| Short-term Residence Permit | 6-24 months | Anyone staying long-term | ~$100-200 |
Tourist e-Visa (up to 90 days)
The simplest option. Apply online at evisa.gov.tr and get approved in minutes. You don't need to visit an embassy.
Key facts:
- Duration: 90 days within a 180-day period
- Cost: $50-60 depending on nationality
- Apply: Online at evisa.gov.tr
- Processing: Instant (usually under 3 minutes)
- Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), return flight, accommodation booking
Who qualifies: Citizens of most Western countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries. Check the e-Visa eligibility page for your nationality.
90/180 rule: You can stay 90 days, then must leave Turkey for 90 days before returning. This means you can't do "visa runs" to a nearby country for a weekend and come back. You need to genuinely leave for 90 days.
Tip: Some nomads alternate between Turkey (90 days) and another country like Georgia, Greece, or Portugal (90 days). This is a common pattern that works well.
Digital Nomad Visa (12 months)
Turkey launched a digital nomad visa program in 2024. It lets you live and work legally in Turkey for 12 months, with the option to renew.
Requirements
- Age: 21-55
- Income: Minimum $3,000/month or $36,000/year (documented)
- Education: University degree (diploma required)
- Work: Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
- Insurance: Health insurance covering Turkey
Eligible countries
EU member states, UK, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus. Check the official list for the full list.
How to apply
Step 1: Apply for a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate at digitalnomads.goturkiye.com
Step 2: Two options:
- From outside Turkey: Take the certificate to a Turkish embassy/consulate and apply for the digital nomad visa (~$190)
- From inside Turkey (on a tourist visa): Skip the consulate and apply directly for a one-year residence permit at the immigration office
Step 3: Once in Turkey with the visa, apply for the residence permit (ikamet) at your local immigration office
Documents to prepare
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Digital Nomad Identification Certificate
- University diploma (translated and apostilled)
- Employment contract or freelance client contracts
- Bank statements showing $3,000+/month income (last 3-6 months)
- Health insurance policy covering Turkey
- Biometric photo (white background)
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey (lease or hotel booking)
We wrote a detailed digital nomad visa walkthrough with step-by-step instructions.
Tip: The digital nomad visa is relatively new and the process can vary by consulate. Check the GoTurkiye portal for the most current requirements and ask in the Telegram group for recent experience reports.
Short-term Residence Permit (Ikamet)
If you don't qualify for the digital nomad visa (age, income, or nationality restrictions), you can apply for a regular short-term residence permit. This is the traditional path most expats use.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Health insurance covering Turkey
- Proof of financial means (bank statement showing ~$500/month minimum)
- Registered address in Turkey (lease contract)
- Application fee (~$100-200 depending on nationality and duration)
Process
- Apply online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr while on your tourist visa
- Book an appointment at your local immigration office (Goc Idaresi)
- Attend the appointment with all documents
- Wait for approval (2-8 weeks, you receive a residence card by mail)
Duration
- First permit: usually 6 months to 1 year (varies by province)
- Renewals: up to 2 years
- Istanbul tends to grant shorter initial permits (6 months) compared to smaller cities
Warning: Apply for your residence permit well before your tourist visa expires. The online application should be submitted at least 2-3 weeks before expiry. Once your application is filed, you can legally stay in Turkey while it's being processed.
Tax implications
Turkey's tax residency rule: if you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in Turkey, you may be considered a tax resident. This means your worldwide income could be subject to Turkish tax.
For most nomads: This isn't an issue if you're on a tourist visa (90 days). If you have a residence permit, consult a tax professional. See our community Telegram group for recommendations.
Turkish tax ID (Vergi Numarasi): You can get this free at any tax office. It's needed for IMEI registration, opening a bank account, and some utility contracts. It doesn't make you a tax resident by itself.
Practical tips
- Start with a tourist e-visa. Even if you plan to stay long-term, enter on a tourist visa first and apply for the digital nomad visa or residence permit from inside Turkey.
- Get health insurance before arriving. Turkish immigration requires it. Companies like SafetyWing, World Nomads, or local Turkish insurers work.
- Keep copies of everything. Passport, visa, lease, insurance - both digital and physical copies.
- Register your address. Your landlord needs to register your address with the local authorities (nufus mudurlugu). This is required for the residence permit.
- Use an immigration lawyer if your case is complex. Costs around $200-500 and saves significant time. Ask the community for recommendations.