Turkey Just Launched a Digital Nomad Visa—Here's How to Apply

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It sounds like a dream: working on a laptop at a charming café, sipping some of the best coffee in the world while staring out over the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean or Aegean seas. Now, remote workers can make that lifestyle a reality thanks to Turkey's just-launched digital nomad visa.

The new digital nomad visa officially rolled out in mid-April and is now open to applicants from specific countries who meet Turkey’s income threshold. Visa recipients can live and work in Turkey for up to one year with the option for renewal, according to Time Out magazine.

Here’s everything travelers should know about Turkey's new digital nomad visa, including who is eligible and how to apply. Plus, the best places in Turkey for digital nomads to live, what you should expect in terms of monthly expenses, and tips on how to be a respectful digital nomad in Turkey.

Who is eligible for Turkey's digital nomad visa?

To be eligible for the visa, you must be a remote worker between the ages of 21 and 55 and a citizen of one of 36 countries located throughout Europe and North America, including the US. The full list of eligible countries can be found on the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry’s official application site.

Applicants must also be able to prove they earn at least $3,000 USD monthly or $36,000 USD per year, have a college degree, and are employed with a company outside of Turkey or are self-employed. Finally, prospective digital nomads must have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival in Turkey and a photo for the visa.

How do you apply for Turkey's new digital nomad visa?

Travelers can submit documents proving they meet all of the requirements to Turkey’s online platform. After officials review the documents, eligible travelers will be issued a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. Take the certificate and your supporting documents to a Turkish visa center or consulate to finish the process and officially obtain your digital nomad visa.

Where are the best places in Turkey for digital nomads to live?

There’s a wide spectrum of areas in Turkey that would suit digital nomads, depending on what type of lifestyle they’re interested in. The country offers everything from bustling cities brimming with culture and history, to smaller, more peaceful seaside enclaves. Turkey's digital nomad website—run by the country's national tourism agency—provides information on several popular destinations, including Dalaman, Marmaris, Antalya, and Fethiye, all smaller cities along the Turkish Riviera, across the Aegean from Greece and Cyprus.

Of course, many expats live and work in Istanbul, one of the most iconic cities in Turkey packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exciting nightlife, world class restaurants and street food, and natural scenery, including the shores of the Boshporus. Since the city is so large, remote workers will find plenty of options for accommodations and shared workspaces. “[Istanbul] has a vibrant expat community, especially in neighborhoods like Cihangir, Nisantasi, and Etiler, in addition to being the site of countless touristic highlights like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Underground Cistern,” Engin Kadaster, vice president and general manager of travel agency Turkey At Its Best, tells Condé Nast Traveler.

If it's up to these forward thinking organizations, it's the latter.

Closer to the sea, Izmir is another favorite among digital nomads. This picturesque city is known for its ancient ruins and pristine beaches with nearly 400 miles of coastline. Izmir also has a typical Mediterranean climate, so visitors can expect plenty of sunshine-filled days throughout the year.

Bree Holter, who covers the digital nomad lifestyle on her YouTube channel One Bag One World and was previously based in Turkey for one month, says “the real benefit of digital-nomading in Turkey was getting outside of the major cities.” Exploring less-crowded and more affordable destinations like Izmir was a highlight of her time in Turkey, she tells Traveler, noting the historic coastal city is great for those looking for a slower-paced lifestyle.

If you’re interested in a more lively seaside city, Bodrum might be more your speed, which is world famous for its vibrant nightlife scene. The Aegean coastline gives way to neighborhoods lined with whitewashed buildings, stone-paved streets, and top-notch restaurants. Expect to mingle with jetsetters visiting Bodrum’s glamorous five-star beach resorts and swimming in the city’s azure waters.

Tips for being a respectful digital nomad in Turkey

Given the current exchange rate in Turkey, the cost of living for Americans is dramatically lower than in major cities across the US. In Istanbul, the average monthly cost for a single person is about $542, excluding rent, according to Global Citizen Solutions, a consultancy firm that helps facilitate investments abroad. In a smaller city, like Izmir, the average cost of living drops to about $435 without rent for a single person. Prices for everyday purchases, like food at a restaurant, taking public transportation, or seeing a movie, are generally more affordable, too.

However, it's important to note that the economic situation in Turkey is currently volatile, with national inflation rates climbing to almost 70% and leading to financial difficulties for many Turkish citizens. That's something prospective digital nomads should certainly bear in mind and be sensitive to before arriving in the country, such as prioritizing spending money with local businesses.

In Turkey, most of your monthly budget will likely go towards rent, which can become more expensive in larger cities. “Rent is one of the most significant expenses, but prices remain low,” an analysis by Global Citizen Solutions says. “You can expect to pay $331 monthly on a modest three-bedroom apartment on the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.” If you’re interested in living in Istanbul, expect that price to more than double, especially in the more affluent neighborhoods.

Digital nomads should also keep in mind that in some parts of the country, modest dress and behavior might be more common among locals. “Turkey has also become more conservative in the last 20 years, especially in the small cities and towns, so one must be cognizant of this fact and be respectful for their beliefs,” Kadaster says.

Expats from the US shouldn't worry too much about the language barrier in Turkey, as English is widely spoken in most major tourism hubs. “Most tourists who come to Turkey are able to get around the country without knowing the Turkish language, and digital nomads are no exception,” Kadaster says. “Cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia especially often have vendors—hotels, restaurants, shops—who speak English and other languages. That being said, many people in Turkey do not speak English, such as taxi drivers. This situation can be managed by using apps like BiTaksi and Uber to get around.”

Visitors should, of course, try to practice their Turkish—even mere attempts at speaking the language are appreciated by locals. “Turks are an incredibly warm and hospitable people, so they tend to welcome foreigners—especially those who want to spend an extended time living and working in Turkey—with open arms,” Kadaster says. “Small gestures such as learning a few key phrases in Turkish like tesekkur ederim for thank you, and merhaba for hello will earn you instant praise."

Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler