Life in Turkey is interesting to foreigners for many reasons. In addition to a favorable climate and picturesque nature, the resort country offers high quality medicine and education, ample opportunities for profitable investments and low costs of living.
However, in addition to the obvious advantages, the Republic of Turkey, like any other state, has its disadvantages. Therefore, before moving to a resort country, we recommend that you analyze all thepros and cons of Turkey, study the local legislation and mentality of the residents, the conditions for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship. You will find detailed information on this topic in our article.
Content of the article:
- Pros of living in Turkey
- Disadvantages of living in Turkey
- Resume and help from Point Property AN with solving housing problems
Pros of living in Turkey
First, let's talk about the advantages, which are really much greater than the disadvantages.
Comfortable climate of Turkey
The first thing that ours in Turkey pay attention to is – This is a clear azure sea, wide well-maintained beaches, excellent ecology, favorable climate, and a long swimming season. Thus, the average temperature in Alanya and Antalya in summer is +29°C, in winter +15°18°C. In Istanbul, the average annual temperature is +15°C. Which is certainly an advantage for lovers of sun and heat.
The friendliness of the local population
The mentality of local residents, as a rule, pleasantly surprises foreigners. Here, from childhood, respect for elders, love for children, traditional family values, mutual assistance and support are instilled. Turks – open and friendly people. They relate well to people of other faiths, races or nationalities.
Thanks to the secular orientation of the state policy and the active development of the tourism sector, multicultural Turkish society has a positive attitude towards foreigners wishing to move for permanent residence. Many Russian-speaking citizens note that Turkey – a very comfortable country for life, despite differences in traditions and religion.
High level of medicine and education
Turkish medicine is of high quality and relatively inexpensive. Regardless of the clinic – public or private – You will receive qualified medical care everywhere. According to some statistics, the level of medical care and the quality of the healthcare system are higher than in the United States and Sweden. Therefore, over the past few years, medical tourism has been actively developing in the Republic.
The state development program provides for significant investments in healthcare. The level of services provided is strictly controlled, hospitals are equipped with the latest technology. Medicine prices in Turkey are low, since many drugs are produced locally. For counterfeiting there is a serious penalty, so pharmacies offer only original and high-quality medicines.
The range of health insurance services depends on coverage and cost. Naturally, the more expensive the insurance policy, the more expenses for services and medications it covers.
A favorable situation is also observed in the field of education. Foreign citizens with a residence permit can enroll their child in a free public or paid private kindergarten or school. In public educational institutions, education is conducted in Turkish. In private – Teaching is provided in English and even Russian. The cost depends on the status of the educational institution and additional options.
There are more than 200 universities in the country, some of which (for example, Hacettepe, Istanbul University) are included in the ranking of the best universities in the world.
Objective advantages of educational institutions in Turkey – These are qualified teaching staff, a serious technical and scientific base, and a relatively low cost of training.
Security level in Turkey
Law enforcement agencies in Turkey are highly respected among local citizens. One of the reasons – the effectiveness of their work, as evidenced by the low crime rate and trusting relationships between people.
Children play quietly in the streets without their parents – for Turkish resorts this is the norm, although for many Europeans – unacceptable. The doors of houses are often open, and the Turks themselves can invite a complete stranger to drink tea and talk.
Of course, new residential complexes in Alanya and Antalya are equipped with modern video surveillance systems and 24-hour security. Therefore, for those who want to have the maximum level of safety, there is always the opportunity to choose the ideal option among comfortable resort accommodation.
Bright and fully furnished two-bedroom apartment in one of the most convenient areas of Alanya - Tosmur.
2+1
115 m²
9785
Furnished duplex 2+1 in the Mahmutlar area in a complex built in 2022, 400 m from the sea and 200 m from the center.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
90 m²
9784
Partially furnished 1+1 apartment in the center of Alanya in a complex built in 2023, just 800 m from the sea and 200 m from the central part of the city.
1+1
45 m²
9783
New 1+1 apartment in the Oba area in a small apartment complex built in 2022, 850 m from the sea and 200 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
9782
Furnished duplex 3+1 in Mahmutlar, in a residential complex built in 2022, just 350 m from the sea and 450 m from the center of the area.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
158 m²
9781
New 1+1 apartment from a well-known developer in Mahmutlar in a complex built in 2024, just 950 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
9780
Furnished 1+1 apartment in Mahmutlar, in a complex built in 2017, just 500 m from the sea in the very center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
9779
Furnished 1+1 apartment in Avsallar area in a complex built in 2025, 1500 m from the sea and 550 m from the center.
1+1
55 m²
9778
Modern duplex 2+1 in an ecologically clean area of Oba, in a new complex built in 2024, 2500 m from the sea and 500 m from the center.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
105 m²
9776
Furnished 2+1 apartment in the Gullerpinary area in a prestigious complex built in 2021, 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the center - suitable for a residence permit.
2+1
110 m²
9775
New apartment 1+1 in the center, Cleopatra, in a complex built in 2023, just 150 m from the sea and 100 m from the center.
1+1
60 m²
9774
Furnished 2+1 apartment in a complex built in 2020 in the Mahmutlar area, just 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center.
2+1
100 m²
9773
Modern duplex 2+1 in a complex built in 2024 in the Konakli area, 300 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center.
2+1
105 m²
9772
Kargicak, Alanya district, layout 1+1, area 67 m², year of construction - 2023, to the sea 0 m, to the center - 100 m. First line, sea view.
1+1
67 m²
9771
Modern - 3+1 villa in a complex built in 2021 in the Kargicak area, with the possibility of obtaining citizenship, 2000 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center.
3+1
210 m²
9770
Avsallar, Alanya district, layout 1+1, area 50 m², year of construction - 2022, to the sea 1500 m, to the center - 1250 m. Transfer to the sea.
1+1
50 m²
9769
The center of Alanya, a complex from a well-known developer, 1+1 layout, area 57 m², year of construction - 2023, 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center.
1+1
57 m²
9768
Alanya center, Gullerpinary, 1+1 layout, area 57 m², year of construction - end of 2023, 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center.
1+1
57 m²
9767
Layout 1+1, area 57 m², year of construction - 2022, to the sea 450 m, to the center - 150 m.
1+1
57 m²
9766
Layout 3+1, area 160 m², year of construction - 2017, to the sea 2300 m, to the center - 1000 m.
3+1, Duplex
160 m²
9765
Affordable cost of living
Many foreigners wonder whether it is worth moving to Turkeytaking into account food prices and non-food products.
You can live inexpensively and with dignity in the Republic of Turkey, especially when compared with EU countries. The state allocates a significant budget for the development and maintenance of urban infrastructure, landscaping, construction of sports and children's playgrounds, recreation areas, beaches, embankments, and fountains. The feeling of comfort from living and relaxing undoubtedly influences the constant increase in the number of purchase and sale transactions and, as a consequence, real estate prices.
Another advantage of living in Turkey – high-quality, environmentally friendly food products. Thanks to the warm climate, local farmers harvest at least two harvests a year. Therefore, fresh and inexpensive vegetables and fruits will be on your table every day.
Turkish clothing, shoes, furniture, dishes, and jewelry are famous for their quality. Some tourists specifically come to the country during sales periods to buy leather, fur, and jewelry at low prices.
Favourable real estate prices
When considering the pros and cons of moving to Turkey, special attention should be paid to the large selection and reasonable prices for real estate.
The housing market includes:
- small holiday apartments;
- spacious apartments in modern residential complexes with infrastructure;
- view penthouses;
- houses by the sea;
- luxury villas and much more.
Real estate prices in Turkey are constantly growing, which guarantees investors income from resale and rental.
Average cost of 1+1 apartments in Alanya – €80–90 thousand, 2+1 – €130–160 thousand. Participation in investment projects and the purchase of housing at the initial stage of construction allows you to purchase a property at the lowest price possible. Interest-free installment payment from the developer is available for foreigners.
Residence permit and Turkish citizenship
The Turkish government strongly encourages foreign investment in the state's economy. Against the backdrop of a simplified procedure for a purchase and sale transaction, citizens from abroad can obtain a residence permit and citizenship for investment:
- Buyers receive a tourist residence permit or Ikamet immediately after issuance TAPU, regardless of the investment amount. However, this period will not count towards the period required to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence. The minimum threshold for the cadastral value of housing, which allows you to apply for a second passport in the future, – $200,000 in lire equivalent at the time of its registration (these changes came into force on October 16, 2023). Close relatives registered in TAPU are also applicants for a Turkish residence permit.
- Citizenship by investment under a simplified scheme is possible if the minimum threshold for investing in the purchase of real estate is at least 400 thousand US dollars. The calculation takes into account not the market value, but the estimated value of the object. After the transaction is concluded, both the buyer and his family members can immediately submit passport documents.
Disadvantages of living in Turkey
Immigration to Turkey – These are not only pros, but and cons. You should know about them in advance.
Language barrier
Many local residents do not know English, which causes some difficulties in communication. In the resort regions of the country, Turks often speak Russian quite clearly, and in shops, hotels, beauty salons, and restaurants you can also find Russian-speaking staff. In Alanya, for example, there are entire Russian-speaking neighborhoods where citizens of the former CIS countries have purchased real estate. In such an atmosphere, it is much easier to adapt to living in a new place.
If you are going to move to the Republic of Turkey for permanent residence, we recommend that you study the national language. This will make it much easier for you to communicate with local residents and allow you to quickly integrate into society. There are both paid and free courses in Turkey.
Expensive cars and fuel, chaos on the road
Cars in Turkey, as well as their operation, are expensive. To buy a car, the average family needs to save money for about 7 years. It is also unprofitable to bring a vehicle with you when moving for permanent residence. With foreign license plates, a car can stay in the country for no more than 2 years. After which the car is subject to customs clearance. The cost of the procedure will depend on the volume engine and year of manufacture, 50–100% of the cost.
Foreigners are interested in one more question: why is gasoline expensive in Turkey? The main reason for the high price tag for fuel – high taxes, since this is perhaps the most effective way to guarantee contributions to the state treasury.
Having visited the Republic of Turkey once, most tourists note a specific driving culture, or rather, its absence. The emotionality and impatience of Turks is reflected in their behavior on the roads. Don't be surprised to see people running across a zebra crossing, – It is not customary to let pedestrians pass here.
Driving rules are violated, traffic on the roads is chaotic, some drivers simply ignore traffic lights or may change lanes without warning. You need to get used to this or switch to public transport. Fortunately, buses and minibuses run around the city like clockwork. But taxis, due to the same fuel taxes, are expensive for residents.
For more information about the rules for importing a car to Turkey, read our article "Importing a car to Turkey".
Difficulties finding a job
Finding a job in Turkey is quite difficult for foreigners, especially if you do not speak Turkish or are not a representative of any in-demand profession. According to the law, citizens of the country have priority in employment.
Having a residence permit does not give the right to official work. Many foreigners work informally in the tourism sector, beauty salons, and as real estate sales managers.
If you work online, combining living in Turkey with earning money is pleasant and comfortable.
Bright and fully furnished two-bedroom apartment in one of the most convenient areas of Alanya - Tosmur.
2+1
115 m²
9785
Furnished duplex 2+1 in the Mahmutlar area in a complex built in 2022, 400 m from the sea and 200 m from the center.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
90 m²
9784
Partially furnished 1+1 apartment in the center of Alanya in a complex built in 2023, just 800 m from the sea and 200 m from the central part of the city.
1+1
45 m²
9783
New 1+1 apartment in the Oba area in a small apartment complex built in 2022, 850 m from the sea and 200 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
9782
Furnished duplex 3+1 in Mahmutlar, in a residential complex built in 2022, just 350 m from the sea and 450 m from the center of the area.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
158 m²
9781
New 1+1 apartment from a well-known developer in Mahmutlar in a complex built in 2024, just 950 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
9780
Furnished 1+1 apartment in Mahmutlar, in a complex built in 2017, just 500 m from the sea in the very center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
9779
Furnished 1+1 apartment in Avsallar area in a complex built in 2025, 1500 m from the sea and 550 m from the center.
1+1
55 m²
9778
Modern duplex 2+1 in an ecologically clean area of Oba, in a new complex built in 2024, 2500 m from the sea and 500 m from the center.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
105 m²
9776
Furnished 2+1 apartment in the Gullerpinary area in a prestigious complex built in 2021, 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the center - suitable for a residence permit.
2+1
110 m²
9775
New apartment 1+1 in the center, Cleopatra, in a complex built in 2023, just 150 m from the sea and 100 m from the center.
1+1
60 m²
9774
Furnished 2+1 apartment in a complex built in 2020 in the Mahmutlar area, just 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center.
2+1
100 m²
9773
Modern duplex 2+1 in a complex built in 2024 in the Konakli area, 300 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center.
2+1
105 m²
9772
Kargicak, Alanya district, layout 1+1, area 67 m², year of construction - 2023, to the sea 0 m, to the center - 100 m. First line, sea view.
1+1
67 m²
9771
Modern - 3+1 villa in a complex built in 2021 in the Kargicak area, with the possibility of obtaining citizenship, 2000 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center.
3+1
210 m²
9770
Avsallar, Alanya district, layout 1+1, area 50 m², year of construction - 2022, to the sea 1500 m, to the center - 1250 m. Transfer to the sea.
1+1
50 m²
9769
The center of Alanya, a complex from a well-known developer, 1+1 layout, area 57 m², year of construction - 2023, 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center.
1+1
57 m²
9768
Alanya center, Gullerpinary, 1+1 layout, area 57 m², year of construction - end of 2023, 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center.
1+1
57 m²
9767
Layout 1+1, area 57 m², year of construction - 2022, to the sea 450 m, to the center - 150 m.
1+1
57 m²
9766
Layout 3+1, area 160 m², year of construction - 2017, to the sea 2300 m, to the center - 1000 m.
3+1, Duplex
160 m²
9765
Features of a communal apartment
In the resort regions of Turkey, most residential buildings do not have a centralized heating system or hot water supply. Therefore, if you like the Turkish coast, you will have to come to terms with the fact that to heat your apartment in winter you need to use air conditioners and electric heaters. To heat water, as a rule, instantaneous water heaters are installed.
Another feature – idata payment. This is the monthly amount for maintaining the infrastructure of a residential complex: swimming pools, green areas, bathhouses, gyms, security, etc. Contributions must be paid regardless of whether the owner lives in his apartment or not. The fewer public facilities, the lower the regular payment amount. A large selection of options on the housing market allows you to choose a property with minimal or extensive infrastructure, depending on the size of your budget.
A common disadvantage noted by some buyers is – poor soundproofing of apartments. Neighbors can hear the TV on and loud conversations behind the wall. As a rule, people are “famous” for this. apartments at a budget price. In business-level residential complexes you can purchase apartments with good noise insulation.
Resume and assistance from Point Property with solving housing problems
Before buying real estateand moving, you should take into account all the features of life in Turkey. The easiest way to do this is to enlist the support of professionals represented by a licensed Point Property agency.
We will help you choose housing that suits all the characteristics, which will allow you to live on the Mediterranean coast with maximum comfort.
Point Property company services include:
- professional financial and legal advice;
- individual approach to each client;
- free introductory tour;
- full support of the purchase and sale transaction and preparation of documentation;
- assistance in obtaining a residence permit and citizenship;
- after-sales service.
Start your search for quality real estate with Point Property right now!
