Find your path to Istanbul

Why a country-specific guide matters

Generic "move to Istanbul" articles miss the details that actually decide your move. An Iranian passport holder gets 90 days visa-free but can't open most Turkish bank accounts without a residence permit. An Indian applicant needs apostilled documents before flying. A Russian arrival has cheap direct flights but trickier card payments. Your starting country shapes every step.

That's why each path starts with your country and walks through the three things that matter when you land: paperwork, money, and community. No filler, no SEO word salad - just the order of operations we'd give a friend.

What you'll find in every country page

• Visa, residence & documents - entry rules, residence permit (ikamet) path, which documents need apostille or sworn translation before you fly.
• Flights, arrival & money - direct routes, typical fares, what actually works on day one for cash, cards, and transfers from your country.
• Housing, healthcare & community - neighborhoods that fit your budget, how to rent without getting burned, SGK vs private insurance, and the people from your country already here.

Who these guides are for

Digital nomads, remote workers, students, and families planning a real move - not a two-week holiday. If you're weighing Istanbul against Lisbon or Dubai, start with your country page to see what the move actually looks like from where you are.