Immigration to Turkey for Tunisia citizenship

Paragraphs 31 and 33 of Law No. 6458 "On Foreigners and International Protection" specify the temporary type of residence permit.

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What category of foreign citizens is issued a short-term residence permit?

1. Foreigners who come for the purpose of scientific research;

Foreign citizens applying for a residence permit for the specified purpose must submit an authorizing document regarding the subject of future scientific research obtained from the relevant institution or organization (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Energy, universities, etc.). In the absence of informed consent, a declaration regarding the subject of future research must be submitted.

Foreigners who own real estate in Türkiye;

2. Foreign citizens who own real estate and apply for a residence permit must own a residential property and use it for this purpose. In addition, if family members have the right to a share or joint ownership of this housing, they can also apply for a residence permit.

3. Foreigners who have commercial connections or those who will be engaged in business;

In case of an application for a three-month residence permit by foreign nationals who have commercial connections or those who intend to do business, they must submit an invitation or a similar document from the company or person with whom they will be contacted.

4. Foreigners who attend educational programs without separation from production;

The residence permit is issued in accordance with an educational program without separation from production, based on information and documents related to the content, duration, place, and subject of study organized by an institution or organization.

5. Foreigners who come for study or similar purposes within the framework of student exchange programs or agreements to which the Republic of Türkiye is one of the parties.

In the case of submitting an application for a residence permit for this purpose, foreign citizens must submit information or documents from the relevant institution.

The period of validity of a residence permit cannot exceed the duration of studies or activities carried out with similar purposes.

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Students who come as part of a student exchange program (Erasmus, "Mevlana", "Farabi", etc.) and complete an application for general health insurance are not required to provide health insurance during the first three months from the start of their registration date. However, persons who have not completed the application within the first three months from the start of registration and have lost the right to general health insurance must be provided with private health insurance.

6. Foreigners arriving for the purpose of tourism;

An application for a residence permit, submitted for this purpose by foreign citizens, is considered in terms of the place, term and duration of stay in the country of arrival. Additional information or documents may be required as needed.

7. Foreigners who come for the purpose of treatment, provided they do not spread one of the diseases that pose a threat to public health.

Foreigners coming to Türkiye for this purpose must provide invitations from public or private hospitals. In addition, individuals who have documents confirming payment of all medical expenses are not required to provide a health insurance policy.

The residence permit is issued according to the duration of the treatment.

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Except for the establishment of financial capabilities, as well as coverage by state organizations or institutions of expenses related to treatment, accommodation, and food provided during treatment, foreigners are not required to provide a valid health insurance policy.

If necessary, foreign citizens may be required to submit information or documents from the relevant institution regarding their treatment.

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The procedure for issuing a residence permit to persons accompanying foreign citizens for treatment within the framework of current agreements on cooperation in the field of health care is carried out in accordance with the general provisions (if the agreement does not specify any provisions concerning accompanying persons ).

In addition, in accordance with additional clause 14 No. 3359 of the Basic Law on the Provision of Medical Services, foreigners arriving in the country may be accompanied by no more than two persons who are not required to provide a health insurance policy when applying for a residence permit.

8. Foreigners who are forced to stay in Türkiye, depending on the request or decisions of judicial or administrative authorities;

The period of the residence permit validity, which will be issued for such reasons, will be defined taking into account the period specified in the decision or request.

9. Foreigners who, in the event of losing the right to a family residence permit (family reunification), receive the right to a temporary residence permit.

10. Foreigners who came to the country to take a Turkish language course;

Foreigners who complete an application for a permit for such a purpose and get registered at an institution authorized to conduct Turkish language courses (licensed by the Ministry of National Education) have the right to use such a permit no more than twice.

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If the duration of a study course is less than one year, the validity period of the residence permit should not exceed the duration of the course. The educational institution that conducts the course is obliged to submit to the city administration information about the start date and course of studies of foreign persons who have registered for the purpose of taking a Turkish language course.

11. Foreigners who arrived with the help of state educational institutions to study, train and conduct scientific research in Türkiye;

The validity period of a residence permit issued for this purpose should not exceed one year. Along with establishing financial capabilities, as well as coverage by government organizations of expenses related to accommodation, food, and treatment, foreigners are not required to provide a valid health insurance policy. Information and documents may be required from the organization.

12. Foreigners who obtained higher education in Türkiye and submit a petition within six months after graduation;

A residence permit, the application for which is submitted by foreign persons within six months from the day they graduated from higher education, is issued only once, while the validity period of such a permit cannot exceed one year.

13. Foreign persons who are accompanied by spouses and minor children who do not work in Türkiye, but are engaged in investments, the scope and amount of which are established by the Council of Ministers;

Foreigners who apply for a residence permit for this purpose may be granted a residence permit for a period of no more than five years.

14. Foreigners who are citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Foreigners who apply for a residence permit with this condition may be granted a residence permit for a period of no more than five years.

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What is the main list of documents required to apply for a temporary residence permit?

Main documents:

1. Application form for a residence permit (must be signed by a foreign citizen and/or his legal representative);

2. A copy of the passport or a document replacing the passport (the original document must be with you on the day of the interview);

3. Four photos;

4. Declaration on the availability of permanent and sufficient income during the term of residence;

5. Documents/receipts of payment for accommodation;

6. Medical insurance;

7. A document indicating that the foreigner is registered in the address registration system;

8. A document certifying the place of stay and the place of actual residence;

List of documents for a temporary residence permit depending on the purpose of stay:

Persons arriving for the purpose of conducting scientific research:

• Visa obtained from foreign missions of the Republic of Türkiye, relevant purpose of the trip (for those engaged in excavations and archaeological research)
• An official document specifying the date and venue of the research certified by electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp.
• Persons who own real estate in Türkiye:
• An official document stating ownership of the housing by the person (Tapu), certified by electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp.
• Persons who have commercial connections or wish to start a business:
• Invitation from a natural or legal person - a partner, notarized certificate of activity, notarized tax certificate, notarized trade register bulletin, notarized circular of signatures.
• Persons participating in in-service training programs
• An official document indicating the date and place of the study received from a state organization or institution that organizes an official training program (on an official form, certified by an electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp).
• Persons arriving for educational or similar purposes within student exchange programs or agreements to which the Republic of Türkiye is a party:
• Certificate of Education / Internship / AIESEC to be taken from the place where training/internship will take place, (certified by electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp).
• Persons staying for the purpose of tourism:
• At the request of the management, it will be necessary to provide the travel program and information or documents about the place of temporary residence.
• Persons undergoing treatment:
• A document on registration in a medical institution and the start of treatment received in a state or private medical institution (a document in which the indicated period of treatment must be signed by the chief physician and certified with a seal/stamp).
• Persons who switched from a family residence permit to a short-term residence permit:
• A copy of the previous residence permit document (the original document is delivered to the office on the day of the interview).
• Court decision on divorce (in case of divorce with a citizen of Türkiye) after 3 or more years of cohabitation in marriage; or (without reference to the 3-year term) a court decision on recognition as a victim of domestic violence (regardless of the period of marriage);
• Death certificate of the person providing support (the document received in Turkish institutions must have an electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp; the document received in another country must have an apostille and a notarized translation into Turkish. When applying for citizens of countries that are not members of the Hague Convention, the specified document must be legalized by the competent authorities of the country (consulate, authorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or authorized Turkish authorities).
• Persons studying Turkish language courses:
• A visa corresponding to the purpose obtained from abroad missions.
• Education document obtained from an institution or organization authorized to provide a Turkish language course (certified by electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp).
• Individuals who are on training, research, internships and courses through state institutions:
• A document indicating the period and place of the study received from the government organization or institution that organizes the training, research, internship, or course program (certified by electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp).
• Persons who applied within 6 months from the date of completion of studies at a higher educational institution: the original and a copy of a diploma or temporary certificate of education.
• Investors: compliance certificate;
• Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: original and copy of the document certifying the identity of the Citizen of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Since December 26, additional documents have been required to apply for a residence permit:

✔️The document proving one is retired must be apostilled. 

✔️ Retired persons must provide an apostilled document certifying monthly income. 

✔️Bank deposits and money orders cannot serve as proof of income.

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When is it necessary to obtain a temporary residence permit?

When entering Türkiye, within seven days from the start of your duties, you must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an identity card for yourself and your family members.

Important!

From April 15, 2024, in order to extend residence permit in Turkey, foreigners will need to provide an additional document - UETS (National Electronic Notification System) address. The UETS can be obtained free of charge in two ways: online or at the post office.

Clauses 42 and 45 of Law No. 6458 "On Foreigners and International Protection" specify the long-term type of residence permit.

Which category of foreign citizens is issued a long-term residence permit?

- Foreigners who have been in Türkiye continuously for at least eight years or those who meet the conditions established by the Foreign Migration Policy Council, with the approval of the Ministry;

- Persons who have the status of refugees, forced migrants, and secondary protection, as well as holders of humanitarian residence permits, are denied the right to receive a long-term residence permit.

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For what period can a long-term residence permit be issued?

A long-term residence permit does not provide for any time restrictions.

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What are the requirements for obtaining a long-term residence permit?

• Residence in Türkiye continuously for at least eight years;
• Not receiving any social assistance for three years;
• Having a regular and sufficient income to ensure the living of oneself or one's family members;
• Having valid medical insurance;
• Posing no threat to the public order or public safety (with the exception of foreign nationals approved by the Migration Policy Board)

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What rights does a long-term residence permit give?

Foreign citizens - holders of a long-term residence permit, subject to compliance with social security norms, are granted the rights granted to citizens of Türkiye, with the exception of the military service obligation, the right to vote and participate in voting, the right to work in the state structure, import motor vehicles as a holder of privileges and others special provisions of the law.

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What are the reasons for refusal, cancellation, or non-extension of a long-term residence permit?

1. In the event of a serious threat to public order or public safety,

2. In the case of a long stay outside Türkiye for more than one year due to a reason not caused by treatment, education, or compulsory public service.

In such cases, a long-term residence permit is canceled.

The procedure for canceling a long-term residence permit is carried out in the governorate.

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Documents required for obtaining a long-term residence permit:

• Application form for a residence permit;
• The original and a copy of the passport or a document replacing the passport;
• Four photos;
• A copy of the previous residence permit document (the original document must be with you on the day of the interview);
• The original certificate on the absence of social assistance during the last three years, certified by electronic/regular signature and seal/stamp
• (The document can be obtained from the Funds of Social Mutual Assistance and Support at governorates/district administrations);
• The original document on the presence of constant and sufficient income during the term of residence;
• Certificate on the presence (absence) of criminal records (can be obtained at authorized bodies of your country and in the justice bodies of Türkiye);
• Documents / receipts of payment for accommodation;
• Real health insurance;
• A document indicating that the foreigner is registered in the address registration system;
• A document certifying the place of actual residence.

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Documents to be submitted for children:

- Birth Certificate;

- if one of the parents is absent when applying for a residence permit, it is necessary to provide a certified written consent of the second parent (in case of the death of one of the spouses, the other one provides a death certificate);

- in case of divorce, a certified document on custody of the child is required;

- If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a written consent from a parent or legal representative abroad and a written commitment from a natural or legal person in Türkiye are required.

From July 1, 2022, the Turkish government increased the list of areas in which temporary residence permits will not be issued to foreigners who rent housing and also claim refugee status (except in cases of family reunification).

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The complete list of closed neighborhoods for registration can be viewed at the link.

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The list included the most Russian-speaking districts of Antalya - Liman, Hurma, and Sarisu. In Alanya, Kargicak, Mahmutlar, Kestel and Avsallar are closed.

In Izmir - Bornova, Buca, Konak, Karabalar, Torbali.

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From July 1, the following will not be able to obtain a residence permit in the "closed" areas:

1. Persons who receive a residence permit in Türkiye for the first time on the basis of renting an apartment;

2. Persons who re-obtain a residence permit in Türkiye, but at the same time did not previously live in this "closed" area.

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The following will be able to obtain a residence permit in the "closed" areas after July 1:

1. Owners of real estate in Türkiye; Persons who receive secondary GNP in a "closed" district, if they previously lived in the same apartment;

2. Persons who receive secondary residence permit in a "closed" district and at the same time change their address within the same district;

3. Persons who managed to conclude and notarize a lease agreement in a "closed" area by July 1, 2022.

Who is issued a residence permit for humanitarian reasons?

You can apply for this residence permit if you are in Türkiye without a valid visa or residence permit, but no deportation decision has been taken against you, you are awaiting deportation, or you cannot return to your country of residence due to extraordinary reasons.

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For how long can a residence permit be issued for humanitarian reasons?

This residence permit is issued with the approval of the ministry in the governorate for a period of no more than one year.

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What are the requirements for obtaining a permit for humanitarian reasons?

In order to obtain a residence permit for humanitarian reasons, it is not necessary to comply with the conditions required for the other types of residence.

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Foreign citizens must enter their residential address in the registration system no later than twenty working days from the date of issuance of the humanitarian residence permit.

In case of compliance with the conditions necessary for obtaining other types of residence, with the exception of long-term permit, holders of a humanitarian residence permit can apply for one of them.

Such a residence permit is issued to foreign citizens who have become victims of human trafficking or are strongly suspected of being potential victims.

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For what period can a residence permit be issued to victims of human trafficking?

This certificate is valid for thirty days. If necessary, this residence permit can be extended for a period not exceeding six months for each extension. Meanwhile, the total extension period should not exceed 3 years.

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Are there any requirements for obtaining a residence permit for victims of human trafficking?

In order to obtain a residence permit, victims of human trafficking do not need to comply with the conditions required to apply for other types of residence.

A foreign citizen has the right to submit an application for naturalization subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant must be of legal age as defined by the law of the applicant's country of origin/Turkish law (in the case of stateless persons);
2. Continuous residence in Turkish territory on legal grounds (with a resident card) during the five-year period immediately preceding the submission of the application;
3. Demonstration of the intention to continue living in Türkiye;
4. Confirmation of the candidate's reliability and absence of risks to the health of the population of the host country;
5. Sufficient command of the Turkish language;
6. Sufficient income/savings to meet own needs/needs of any dependent (if any) during the period of residence in the territory of the potential new homeland;
7. No threat to national security/public order from the candidate.

Fulfillment of such conditions does not give a foreign citizen an absolute right to obtain Turkish citizenship.

What documents are required to obtain Turkish citizenship?

The candidate must provide the following basic documentation:

• Application form;
• Biometric passport photos;
• Current passport/identity document confirming nationality (a notarized Turkish translation must be attached to the submitted document);
• Birth Certificate. If the birth certificate does not indicate the exact day and month of birth, it may be necessary to contact the authorities of the country of origin to issue a document confirming such features;
• Resident card (residence permit);
• Certificate of no criminal record;
• A document confirming the address (lease agreement, utility bills, bank statement, etc.);
• Receipt of payment of the registration fee.

Nowadays, obtaining Turkish citizenship through marriage requires a lot more documents, and more importantly, proof of being married to a Turkish citizen for at least a 3-year period. In addition, compliance with the following criteria should be ensured:

• A foreigner and a Turkish spouse must live together as one family;
• One should refrain from actions that violate the marriage union;
• The candidate must not threaten Turkish national security and public order/exhibit unethical behavior;
• If one of the partners dies after the candidate submits the application, the latter is subject to review and approval (subject to the conditions described above). If you obtain Turkish citizenship through marriage and then divorce, the newly acquired citizenship status cannot be revoked. However, if the authorities recognize the family union as fictitious, it will be annulled.\

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Marriage is allowed both on Turkish territory and outside the state. In the latter case, the local mission (embassy/consulate) of the potential new homeland should be informed about the marriage. After the marriage, the candidate will receive a visa with a one-year period of validity, which allows them to live and work in Turkish territory, and is subject to a periodical extension.

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Obtaining a Turkish passport through marriage is a difficult process, and a positive result is not guaranteed. First, there are many requirements that must be met. Second, the final decision remains at the discretion of the Turkish authorities.

Who can get Turkish citizenship by investment?

A foreigner who has not been convicted, has not violated Turkish immigration laws and has fulfilled the terms of the program can obtain Turkish citizenship.

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Citizens of Armenia, Cuba, Nigeria, North Korea and Syria cannot participate in the program.

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Turkish citizenship is granted to the investor's wife and children under 18 years of age. Parents of spouses and adult children can obtain a residence permit in Türkiye. The fee for a residence permit is USD 5,000 per person.

If the adult children and parents of the investor have their own sources of income, they cannot be included in the application. To obtain citizenship, they participate in the program as separate main applicants and fulfill the conditions of investment.

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How to get Turkish citizenship by investment?

Turkish citizenship can be obtained within three to six months. Turkish citizenship is in demand among foreigners due to investments. This is how up to half of all applicants receive a Turkish passport. The applicant can choose any of the six investment options.

1. Purchase of real estate worth *400,000 dollars. This is the easiest and most popular investment option when applying. You can buy any real estate: apartment, house, commercial/industrial premises and land.

Important!

*From January 2024 in Turkey will raise the minimum price of real estate to obtain citizenship from $ 400 thousand to $ 600 thousand.

A profitable investment option in Turkey is the purchase of business class apartments from a reliable international developer ANTA Group, which has been working in the real estate market for more than 10 years. The company creates infrastructure all over the world: in Indonesia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UK.

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In March 2021, the Turkish government amended the rules for real estate transactions between foreigners. The object can be used to participate in the citizenship program only once. If an investor bought an apartment and then sold it to another foreign citizen, the latter will not be able to obtain citizenship through the purchase of real estate. The property can no longer be sold to the previous owner - a Turkish company or citizen. If an investor buys a home from a developer and then sells it back to the developer, the grounds for obtaining Turkish citizenship will be reviewed. The exception is the return of real estate to the former owner by a court decision.

2. Deposit in a bank of USD 500,000 or more. You can save money in any currency accepted by a Turkish bank.

3. Purchase of national securities from USD 500,000: government bonds and bills, as well as shares of investment funds specializing in real estate or venture capital investments.

4. Purchase of government bonds in the amount of USD 500,000: with an obligation to keep the assets for three years.

5. Purchase of shares of investment funds worth 500,000 US dollars, specializing in real estate or venture capital investments, with an obligation to keep the assets for three years.

6. Start a business with a capital of 500,000 USD or create at least 50 jobs.

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Investments in Turkish citizenship are returnable. Three years after obtaining citizenship, you can sell purchased securities or real estate or close the deposit. With luck, the investment will be profitable.

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Stages of obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment

Obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment takes place in several stages.

1. Fulfilling the requirements of the program: searching for and buying real estate, starting a business, buying securities or opening a deposit. To do this, you will also need to open a bank account and get a taxpayer number.

2. Collection of necessary documents. In addition to standard documents, such as an application form, a copy of your passport, proof of payment of the state tax, and photos, you will need:

• police clearance certificate;
• notarized permission to process the applicant's data by local officials. Thanks to this, government agencies will have access to information about your bank accounts, assets, and real estate;
• documents confirming the investment: for example, a certificate of conformity from the cadastral service, a market assessment report, a statement from a bank or investment fund, founding documents.

All foreign documents must be translated into Turkish, notarized and apostilled.

3. Obtaining a short-term residence permit. This document is issued without any problems. It is enough to indicate the goal - to obtain investment citizenship.

4. Registration of citizenship at the Turkish civil registry office or at an embassy abroad. It is necessary to add a copy of the residence permit and submit biometric data to the already collected package of documents. The application is considered within three months. During this time, the documents are being studied by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Türkiye, and the decision to grant citizenship will be signed by the president.

5. Get a Turkish passport. The applicant arrives in Türkiye and receives a passport. If this is not possible, the documents can be obtained by a lawyer.

A passport of Türkiye for special merits can be received by:

• highly qualified specialists;
• scientists and researchers;
• athletes;
• cultural figures.

Applicants for citizenship first receive a turquoise card, which is similar to a residence permit. Initially, it will be issued for three years. If during this time the foreigner shows himself/herself from a good side, i.e. not committing offenses, he/she will be able to get an indefinite turquoise card.

In some cases, the cardholder can apply for a passport, for example, if he/she has lived in the country for five years.

For more information on obtaining the Turquoise card, please visit the site.

Learn Turkish in advance

To successfully adapt and integrate into a foreign environment, we recommend that you start learning Turkish in advance. How can you do this? For example, find a teacher who will give you lessons via Skype several times a week. This method of learning is very popular. 

There are also a huge number of paid and free courses where you can learn the basics of the Turkish language online. Take learning Turkish seriously, because it will be much easier for you to immigrate to Turkey and already know how to make purchases in the market or in a store. Moreover, you will see how warmly the Turks treat those who try to speak their language. Without learning the language, you will never fully understand the culture of the country you have chosen to live in.

Prepare the necessary package of documents

Find out in advance what documents you need to move to Turkey and prepare them. Be careful and bring all the documents with you at once, without thinking about whether they will be needed in the future.

The most important ones are: 

• birth certificates of children
• marriage certificate;
• passports
• diplomas, school certificates.

Please note that you will need to affix an Apostille stamp to all original documents, which confirms their authenticity abroad. If you have children of school age and plan to enroll them in an educational institution, take care of the documents from the old school. They will definitely be needed, as they are submitted to the Turkish Ministry of Education in order to determine the child's next grade.

Be careful when choosing a region

We recommend that you analyze the regions in advance and take a very serious approach to determining a place to live on a permanent basis. The choice of a city in Turkey depends on your preferences. 

If you like megacities with an active lifestyle, such as Istanbul or Izmir, think about whether you can really adapt to them. Or maybe you prefer a little quieter tourist towns. But you should also be careful here. For example, if you want to settle in Kemer or Belek, you should know in advance that these are tourist centers where hotel recreation is primarily developed. The best hotels are definitely located in these regions. But as soon as the high season ends, most hotels close, and the life of the resorts comes to a standstill. 

For example, Alanya is an ideal place for permanent residence and is suitable for absolutely all categories of foreign citizens. Living in the city will be equally comfortable for both retirees who do not need to think about finding a job and young people of working age. At the same time, Alanya is a fairly large center where life does not die out either in winter or summer, as the tourist season does not end here. A large number of firms and companies will give you the opportunity to get a good job or work remotely. 

When choosing a region for immigration to Turkey, carefully weigh all the pros and cons, assess your capabilities, including material ones, because the standard of living and cost of living in megacities is significantly different from life in small towns.

Take out health insurance

After moving to Turkey, you will immediately need to take care of health insurance. It is important to know that the insurance that is issued when you get a residence permit is formal. It pays a minimum price (about 1000 Turkish liras per year) and you should understand that such a low price guarantees appropriate coverage.  Therefore, if the issue of medicine is in the first place for you, think about health insurance in Turkey - private or public - in advance. All family members are automatically covered by the state insurance policy. 

Learn about the culture and traditions of Turkey

Try to take the time to learn more about the country's mentality, its peculiarities, national holidays, public holidays, how, for example, fasting is held, what you should and should not do during it. You will definitely need this knowledge for faster adaptation.

Accommodation

You should look for accommodation for three months or more on local Hepsiemlak or Sahibinden. Both sites are in Turkish, but it is not difficult to understand their logic.

It is important to draw up a competent contract. It is better to have it notarized. The contract form will be given to you by a realtor, as most long-term apartments are rented through them. Keep in mind that, most likely, you will be asked to pay for the first and last months of rent, plus a deposit of one or two months' rent.