Americans Live in Turkiye
Americans Live in Turkiye
Retire to Turkiye
Retire to Turkiye and take advantage of an affordable cost of living, vibrant and multicultural lifestyle, and a Mediterranean vibe in a top expat destination.
How to Retire in Turkiye
Tourist Visa
US citizens can visit Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days within every 180-day period. This is not a permanent solution.
Digital Nomad Visa
One of just 32 eligible nationalities, US citizens need to prove US$3,000 of monthly income to get this renewable residency permit in Türkiye.
Citizenship by Investment
By investing US$400,000 in Turkish real estate, you can secure citizenship and gain a strong passport with connections to the Middle East.
Turkiye in Photos
Lower Costs
Live near the sea for less than in Italy, Spain, or Greece. Rentals in Bodrum or Izmir can cost under US$1,000 per month.
Sunshine Year-Round
Cities like Antalya enjoy over 300 days of sunshine annually. Winters are mild, and outdoor life never stops.
Safer Than Expected
Most areas of Türkiye are safe, especially coastal cities. But pay close attention to the situation in bordering areas.
Straightforward Visas
Türkiye offers a few straightforward immigration paths. Get approved – even for citizenship – without learning Turkish.
Welcoming Locals
Hospitality is a cultural cornerstone of Türkiye. Its family-oriented yet open culture (relative to its neighbors) is friendly to newbies.
History & Cuisine
From Roman ruins to Ottoman palaces, the past is everywhere. And the delicious and healthy food never gets old.
Quality Healthcare
Private hospitals are modern and offer top-tier care. Premium insurance plans are really affordable.
Affordable Food
Dining out is easy on the pocket and delicious. You’ll find full meals for US$5-$10, making restaurants a regular part of retired life.
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How Life in Turkiye Compares
Cost of Living in Turkiye
In Turkiye, you can live well on US$1,200-$1,800 per month. Beachfront apartments rent for under US$700, and fresh produce costs just a few dollars a week. Eating out is cheap. Full meals often cost US$5-$8. It’s one of the best value-for-money retiree spots in the world.
Taxes in Turkiye
While the US and Turkiye do have a double tax treaty (e.g. no double taxation on the same income), Turkish taxes can range up to 40% and also include a heavy Social Security tax. The Freedom Files can advise you on the right setup and approach.
Community in Turkiye
In strong expat hubs in places like Izmir, Antalya, and Fethiye, you’ll find English speakers and established support groups. But outside these areas, it’s harder to connect without learning some Turkish. Additionally, Turkish culture is quite different from that of the US.
Quality of Life in Turkiye
Life moves slower in Turkiye, with daily routines built around food, friends, and sunshine. Street life is vibrant, and people are generally warm and helpful. That said, the language barrier can be frustrating at times. But overall, life feels simple and full.
Safety in Turkiye
Most of the country is safe, especially along the coasts and in expat-friendly towns. Although violent crime is rare, petty theft is more common. More conflict-heavy areas near the Syrian border should be avoided. But for day-to-day living, you’ll feel secure.
Travel Connectivity in Turkiye
With cheap flights to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the Istanbul airport is one of the world’s best, central travel hubs. Domestic travel is also easy. It’s a great base for retirees with a knack for adventure and travel.
Infrastructure in Turkiye
Cities like Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, and Antalya have modern roads, hospitals, and public transport. The Internet is fast and cheap, and mobile coverage is solid. Some rural towns are less developed, but core services work well across the country.
Healthcare in Turkiye
Private hospitals in Turkish cities are modern and affordable. Many doctors speak English and have trained abroad. Many expat retirees pay out of pocket because prices are low enough that insurance isn’t always necessary.
English Proficiency in Turkiye
You’ll get by with English in expat-heavy cities like Istanbul. But outside of those areas, Turkish is essential, especially when dealing with housing, immigration, or banking. The Freedom Files can help with your relocation, so you avoid the mistakes others make.
Bureaucracy in Turkiye
Immigration, healthcare, banking, and housing processes can be slow and confusing, especially for new residents. Residency and banking processes often require multiple visits and official translations. Hiring the Freedom Files will help a lot and speed things up.
Where to Live in Turkiye
Population: 1,394,590
Antalya
Antalya is a sunny coastal Mediterranean city, home to beautiful beaches, ancient Roman ruins, and one of the largest expat communities in Türkiye. The cost of living is low, and the Mediterranean climate makes outdoor living easy year-round. Healthcare is affordable and high quality, especially in the private sector.
Population: 36,074
Bodrum
A favorite among wealthy Turks, seasonal Europeans, and US expats, Bodrum is a picturesque Mediterranean town, known for its turquoise waters and booming tourism season. Life here is slower and more luxurious, but prices rise steeply in summer.
Population: 16,236,700
Istanbul
Istanbul is Türkiye’s cultural and financial hub, full of life and energy. It offers world-class food, history, travel connectivity, and endless things to do. But with that comes traffic and higher living costs compared to the coast.
Population: 3,152,090
Izmir
Izmir sits on the Aegean coast and nicely seaside charm with city conveniences. It’s more relaxed and affordable. Expat retirees appreciate its cleaner air, slower pace, and international vibe. The expat scene is smaller but steadily growing.
Turkiye in the Blog
FAQs About Turkiye
How Much Money Do I Need to Live Comfortably in Türkiye?
Most retirees can live on at least US$3,000 a month in Turkiye. That typically covers rent, groceries, healthcare, and eating out a few times a week, no matter where you retire in the country.
Can I Buy Property in Türkiye?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in most parts of Türkiye. Many retirees buy coastal apartments and use that purchase (minimum qualifying investment must be at least US$400,000) to qualify for immediate citizenship.
Do I Need to Speak Turkish to Retire to Turkiye?
Not in expat areas like Antalya, Bodrum, or Fethiye, English is common there. But learning basic Turkish helps a lot when dealing with the more bureaucratic areas of life – healthcare, immigration, tax planning, banking, etc. The Freedom Files can also help you navigate all this.
Can I Use Medicare in Türkiye?
No, Medicare typically doesn’t work abroad, and Turkiye is no exception to the rule. But the good news is – Most healthcare costs here are so low, you may not need insurance at all. And, healthcare is generally effective, modern, and clean.
Will I Be Taxed on My US Retirement Income in Türkiye?
Yes, if you remain in the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year and trigger tax residency. Türkiye is not a territorial tax country. Additionally, Turkiye levies a heavy Social Security tax on top of what you’d pay the IRS on such income. Consult the Freedom Files tax experts before relocating.
