We recently touched on the 10 things you need to get done during your first month in Turkey to ensure a seamless transition into your new life as an expat.
But before you can do all of that, there are specific steps you need to take and research you should do to move to Turkey for good.
From importing your car and pets to choosing a place to live and getting health insurance, here is your ultimate “moving” checklist for Turkey.
Do Your Research
Make sure you do your research before you settle down in a new area.
Look into the location you want to live in, learn more about its lifestyle, and the best cities to raise a family or a working professional.
Head here for more information about living in different cities in Turkey to help you choose the best place to start your new life.
Arrange Your Visa, Residence Permit
The essential item on your checklist should be your visa and residence permit.
If you come from a country where Turkey requires a visa, you will have to get one before flying over. You can visit https://evisa.gov.tr/en for an e-Visa, or you can get a sticker visa from a Turkish Consulate abroad. Some nationalities may also be able to get visas upon their arrival to Turkey at the ports of entry.
Head here to learn more about the different types of Turkish visas.
To live legally in Turkey, you will also have to apply for a residence permit, including family permits, work permits, and short-term residence permits.
Under the “Visas & Immigration” category, you can find several articles explaining the specific types of permits you will need for different situations.
Transport Your Belongings
If you are not planning to start from scratch in Turkey, you will want to bring over your belongings safely or securely.
Ensure you read the fine print in the contract you sign with the moving/cargo company and consider taking out contents insurance.
If you are having trouble finding or writing a Turkish address, check out this article.
Manage Your Finances
Before you move to Turkey, make sure to tie up loose ends regarding money, debt, and bank accounts. Some countries may not allow you to have a bank account if you are an expat living abroad, so make sure to do your research, speak to your bank and close or switch statements.
It is also a good idea to open a bank account in a Turkish bank as soon as possible to aid in processes such as getting a tax ID and applying for a residence permit. Transferring funds; consider opening a borderless account at Wise.
For more on opening a bank account and getting a credit card as a foreigner, read this.
Move Your Vehicle
If you are not planning to buy a car in Turkey and instead want to import your vehicle, you need to make sure you have the correct documentation and know the necessary procedures.
Head here to learn more about importing your car and here for information about when you will need to update your driver’s license.
Take Care of Your Pet
Moving can be as stressful for your pet as it is for you. To make the importing of your pet as stress-free as possible and ensure you do not forget any of the documentation required, head here.
And for more about pet travel insurance, its scope, and how much it costs, head here.
Sort Out Health Insurance
You will not be eligible for universal health insurance provided by the state until after having lived in Turkey for one year. You will have to take out a comprehensive health insurance policy before you move.
One of the requirements for applying for a residence permit is also to have valid health insurance.
To learn more about the healthcare system in Turkey, head here.
Find a Place to Live
One of the first things you need to sort out if you want to move to Turkey is to find a place to live – whether this is via buying your own house or property or renting an apartment.
Although the best approach would be to start your search before you physically move to Turkey, sometimes it will be impossible to decide before you see in-person the place you intend to buy or rent.
Either way, for health insurance, enroll in schools, and, most importantly, get a residence permit, you will need to show proof of address.
Check out our real estate hub on the blog for more information.
Start Looking for a Job
If you have not yet secured a job offer from an employer in Turkey and you do not have the funds or other streams of income to support yourself financially, you will soon have to find yourself a job to live in Turkey.
Luckily, there are countless websites, forums, and platforms to help you out in your search for a new role. To learn more, check out this guide.
Look into Childcare and Schooling Options
If you are moving to Turkey with kids, there are two things you need to think carefully about childcare and schools.
You can hire domestic help in Turkey if your children are younger than 16, or if they are 3-4 years old, you can enroll them at a creche (kreş in Turkish), nursery, or kindergarten.
Your schooling options, and the number of private or state, or international schools in your area, will be dependent on the city you live in.
Read more about it here.
Learn the Language
Although most banking and tourism staff will have no problem communicating with you in English or a few other foreign languages, to get along comfortably with the locals knowing a bit of Turkish, especially everyday phrases, will be of great help.
If you are not sure where to start in your Turkish learning journey, check out this guide.
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