The status of digital nomadism in Turkey isn’t clearly regulated. Many nomads stay on tourist visas, which are valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Technically, working (even remotely) on a tourist visa is illegal. It’s a grey area not yet fully addressed by Turkish authorities. While we don’t endorse illegal activities, we also haven’t heard of digital nomads being expelled from Turkey for their work status.
Residence Permits
For longer stays, a short-term residence permit is a must (you can apply for a long-term permit after years of residency on short-term permits). You’ll need to prove you have enough financial resources for your stay. Remember, this permit doesn’t allow you to work for a Turkish company without a work visa. The process can be complex, and dealing with Turkish bureaucracies often means no single correct answer. At Fish in Water, we believe navigating residence permits is so tricky that we don’t take commissions on professional referrals.
With the recent influx of foreigners in Turkey, some neighborhoods have capped the number of foreign residents. Popular areas for expats might be full, but don’t assume you can’t live there – experts can often find a way.
A gentle reminder: If you’re from a more privileged country- while thinking about the bigger picture, remember the relative ease of living where you choose.
Banking and Money
Opening a bank account as a non-resident can be tough. Many banks require a residence permit or proof of local employment. Ironically, sometimes you need a Turkish bank account to get the permit. Online banks and financial services like Wise offer borderless accounts, which can be a workaround if you can secure a permit without a bank account. Turkey has banned some services like PayPal, but others like Western Union and MoneyGram are available. Before leaving, set up a couple of reliable money transfer apps.
Many places accept major foreign currencies like Euros or US dollars. For smaller transactions and local businesses, you might need to exchange money, but your dollars are usually welcome. Keeping lira on hand is always a good idea.
Very fun fact: Most locals, unless it’s their job, aren’t knowledgeable about residence permits. They might also be barred from certain immigration offices, so they can’t help with translations. Translations, you say? Yep, you heard right. In some immigration offices, you might need a translator if your Turkish isn’t up to par for these matters, as many officials only speak Turkish.
Nomad Office Space
Turkey, and particularly Istanbul, boasts a lively café and co-working space culture. Cafes are generally welcoming to digital nomads with laptops, and WiFi is widely available. Don’t expect all cafes to be quiet; many play loud music, so you might need to hunt around for a spot that suits your work style. Places like Kolektif House in Istanbul and Ankara offer flexible and comfortable co-working spaces- perfect if you have a team or want to be part of a community.
Nomad Supplies
Electronics in Turkey can be pricey due to import taxes. You can shop at large chains like Teknosa, Vatan, and MediaMarkt, but the selection might differ from what you’re used to. In major cities, there are electronic markets in nearly every district, but you’ll need to know the prices and be willing to search. Chain stores are often recommended for their stable prices and straightforward return policies.
Internet speeds are generally good in cities but can lag in rural areas. It’s wise to test your workspace’s internet before committing. Also, be aware that Turkey blocks certain websites and platforms, so a VPN is handy. If your work requires consistently strong connections or you have zero tolerance for occasional power outages, Turkey might not be the best place for you.
We thing digital nomading in Turkey is a great idea – not just because we love Turkey – but if you have the flexibility in travel, there’s just a ton to see, any season of the year. If you want city life and vibrant social scenes, you can have it, if you want a sea view at your workspace you can have it, if you want to live in the mountains, or a small town, or explore rich history, or whatever, Turkey has it, along with lower living costs compared to many Western countries. If you stay on the tourist visa, three months isn’t a super long time, but it’s long enough to get a good taste of the country. Yeah, maybe we’re biased, but I’d also bet we’re just a little jealous—because if you’re reading this, you likely have the chance to embark on an adventure soon, all while getting paid.
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