Getting help with living in Turkey
Help from the Turkish government
For any questions about moving to or living in Turkey, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Ankara cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Turkey.
Professional help in Turkey
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Turkey, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Turkey to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Turkey. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Turkey before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which Turkish visa or residence permit you need to live in Turkey.
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- work
- study
- live with family in Turkey
- complete training or research
- invest or do business in Turkey
If you want to extend your visa or residence permit:
For more information, read the Turkish government’s:
Registering as a resident
You must register your address in Turkey in the Turkish Address Registration System within 20 working days of arriving or receiving your residence permit. You can do this at your Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact:
Long-term residency
You may be able to apply for a long-term residence permit in Turkey.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply:
Citizenship
Turkey recognises dual citizenship. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Turkish citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Turkish citizenship:
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Ankara cannot help with Turkish visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under must carry a notarised letter of authority if they’re travelling out of country without one or both of their parents or legal guardians.
Contact the Turkish consular services for more information.
Healthcare in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Turkey does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Turkish or international providers.
You can join the Turkish Universal Health Insurance System if you have been resident for one year or more with a residence permit that is still valid. Married couples may qualify for joint membership where one is the policyholder and the other is the dependant spouse. However, if you get a UK State Pension, you can only be a member of the scheme as a policyholder, not as a dependant spouse.
Contact your local social security institution office (in Turkish) or the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) (in Turkish) for more information on the scheme. You can also read about the Universal Health Insurance System in the Turkish government’s guidance on social security in Turkey.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
Working in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Turkey, you need a work permit or work visa. You must apply for a work permit from the UK at the nearest Turkish consulate. You’ll need to make an appointment at the consulate. Both you and your employer will need to submit information.
Read the Turkish government’s:
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Turkey, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised. Read the Turkish government’s guidance on recognition of qualifications (in Turkish).
Driving in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
Read about road travel in Turkey, in safety and security in the travel advice for Turkey. This includes information on driving in country, including driving licence rules.
If you’re aged 18 or over, you can drive in Turkey for up to 6 months using your UK driving licence. To continue driving after 6 months, you’ll need to exchange your UK driving licence for a Turkish licence. For more information, read guidance on getting a Turkish driving licence (in Turkish).
The Turkish government provides information on driving in Turkey, including
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for a Turkish disabled parking card at the Traffic Control Directorate or office of your local police directorate (in Turkish). Read the Turkish government’s guidance on motor vehicles and exemptions for people with disabilities.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Turkey, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Turkey so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Turkish Revenue Administration (in Turkish) for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Turkey. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Turkey.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Turkish pension
Contact the Turkish Social Security Scheme (SGK) (in Turkish) to find out whether you can claim a pension in Turkey. You can also read SGK’s guidance on retirement in Turkey (in Turkish).
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Turkish benefits
Employees in Turkey must pay part of their earnings into the Turkish Social Security Scheme (‘Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu’ or ‘SGK’). However, if you work in Turkey but pay UK National Insurance contributions, you do not have to contribute to SGK. This is because there are reciprocal social security agreements (in Turkish) between the UK and Turkey.
You, your spouse and your children may be entitled to some Turkish benefits if you contribute to SGK. This includes cover for:
- work injuries and work-related illnesses
- medical care
- illness and pregnancy care
Only Turkish citizens are eligible for Turkish disability benefit.
To find out if you’re eligible for Turkish benefits and how to claim, contact the Turkish Social Security Scheme (SGK) (in Turkish).
Buying and renting property in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Turkey if you’re considering buying property or land.
You can also read the Turkish government’s guidance on acquiring property and citizenship in Turkey.
Voting in Turkey
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Turkish elections
You cannot vote in Turkish elections unless you hold Turkish citizenship.
Studying in Turkey
If you plan to study in Turkey, you must meet all visa and residence requirements. Read the Turkish government’s Turkish visa and residence permit guidance.
For more information:
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Turkey.
All children aged 6 to 18 must attend school or home school in Turkey.
For more information, read the Turkish government’s guidance on:
Childcare
The Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) is responsible for early childhood education and care in Turkey.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for free childcare or social aid in Turkey. For example, you may be eligible if you:
- have a low income
- are a single parent
- are disabled
If you’re eligible, you can apply for social aid online (in Turkish).
For more information, read guidance on private nurseries, day care centres and children’s clubs (in Turkish).
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Turkey, register the birth with the Turkish authorities. Read guidance on:
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Turkey, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
You can also read the Turkish government’s guidance on marriage procedures (in Turkish).
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Turkish government also offers guidance on divorce procedures (in Turkish).
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Turkey.
Documents for British people in Turkey
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Turkey, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Turkey, read guidance on :
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Turkish authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Getting help with living in Turkey
Help from the Turkish government
For any questions about moving to or living in Turkey, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Ankara cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Turkey.
Professional help in Turkey
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Turkey, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Turkey to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Turkey. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Turkey before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which Turkish visa or residence permit you need to live in Turkey.
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- work
- study
- live with family in Turkey
- complete training or research
- invest or do business in Turkey
If you want to extend your visa or residence permit:
For more information, read the Turkish government’s:
Registering as a resident
You must register your address in Turkey in the Turkish Address Registration System within 20 working days of arriving or receiving your residence permit. You can do this at your Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact:
Long-term residency
You may be able to apply for a long-term residence permit in Turkey.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply:
Citizenship
Turkey recognises dual citizenship. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Turkish citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Turkish citizenship:
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Ankara cannot help with Turkish visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under must carry a notarised letter of authority if they’re travelling out of country without one or both of their parents or legal guardians.
Contact the Turkish consular services for more information.
Healthcare in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Turkey does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Turkish or international providers.
You can join the Turkish Universal Health Insurance System if you have been resident for one year or more with a residence permit that is still valid. Married couples may qualify for joint membership where one is the policyholder and the other is the dependant spouse. However, if you get a UK State Pension, you can only be a member of the scheme as a policyholder, not as a dependant spouse.
Contact your local social security institution office (in Turkish) or the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) (in Turkish) for more information on the scheme. You can also read about the Universal Health Insurance System in the Turkish government’s guidance on social security in Turkey.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
Working in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Turkey, you need a work permit or work visa. You must apply for a work permit from the UK at the nearest Turkish consulate. You’ll need to make an appointment at the consulate. Both you and your employer will need to submit information.
Read the Turkish government’s:
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Turkey, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised. Read the Turkish government’s guidance on recognition of qualifications (in Turkish).
Driving in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
Read about road travel in Turkey, in safety and security in the travel advice for Turkey. This includes information on driving in country, including driving licence rules.
If you’re aged 18 or over, you can drive in Turkey for up to 6 months using your UK driving licence. To continue driving after 6 months, you’ll need to exchange your UK driving licence for a Turkish licence. For more information, read guidance on getting a Turkish driving licence (in Turkish).
The Turkish government provides information on driving in Turkey, including
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for a Turkish disabled parking card at the Traffic Control Directorate or office of your local police directorate (in Turkish). Read the Turkish government’s guidance on motor vehicles and exemptions for people with disabilities.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Turkey, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Turkey so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Turkish Revenue Administration (in Turkish) for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Turkey. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Turkey.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Turkish pension
Contact the Turkish Social Security Scheme (SGK) (in Turkish) to find out whether you can claim a pension in Turkey. You can also read SGK’s guidance on retirement in Turkey (in Turkish).
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Turkish benefits
Employees in Turkey must pay part of their earnings into the Turkish Social Security Scheme (‘Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu’ or ‘SGK’). However, if you work in Turkey but pay UK National Insurance contributions, you do not have to contribute to SGK. This is because there are reciprocal social security agreements (in Turkish) between the UK and Turkey.
You, your spouse and your children may be entitled to some Turkish benefits if you contribute to SGK. This includes cover for:
- work injuries and work-related illnesses
- medical care
- illness and pregnancy care
Only Turkish citizens are eligible for Turkish disability benefit.
To find out if you’re eligible for Turkish benefits and how to claim, contact the Turkish Social Security Scheme (SGK) (in Turkish).
Buying and renting property in Turkey
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Turkey if you’re considering buying property or land.
You can also read the Turkish government’s guidance on acquiring property and citizenship in Turkey.
Voting in Turkey
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Turkish elections
You cannot vote in Turkish elections unless you hold Turkish citizenship.
Studying in Turkey
If you plan to study in Turkey, you must meet all visa and residence requirements. Read the Turkish government’s Turkish visa and residence permit guidance.
For more information:
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Turkey.
All children aged 6 to 18 must attend school or home school in Turkey.
For more information, read the Turkish government’s guidance on:
Childcare
The Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) is responsible for early childhood education and care in Turkey.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for free childcare or social aid in Turkey. For example, you may be eligible if you:
- have a low income
- are a single parent
- are disabled
If you’re eligible, you can apply for social aid online (in Turkish).
For more information, read guidance on private nurseries, day care centres and children’s clubs (in Turkish).
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Turkey, register the birth with the Turkish authorities. Read guidance on:
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Turkey, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
You can also read the Turkish government’s guidance on marriage procedures (in Turkish).
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Turkish government also offers guidance on divorce procedures (in Turkish).
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Turkey.
Documents for British people in Turkey
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Turkey, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Turkey, read guidance on :
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Turkish authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
This article was originally published on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-turkey. It is shared here under a Creative Commons license.
