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Turkey is a popular destination among British expats. Your money stretches a lot further and the warm climate, vibrant cuisine, and friendly locals make life in Turkey highly enjoyable. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Turkey from the UK: costs of moving, work visa requirements, best places to live in Turkey, and what challenges you might encounter.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment | £1,165 – £1,500 |
| Three-bedroom house | £2,100 – £2,145 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
The price ranges above are approximations. Your final costs when moving to Turkey from the UK vary depending on seasonal demand, the moving company you’ll use, and the extra services you need. You can save costs by sharing a container and decluttering before packing your belongings.
Use the calculator below to get the approximate costs for relocating to Turkey from the UK.
Where do you start when relocating to Turkey from the UK? With so many removal companies, it can be challenging to pick the right one. Luckily, Sirelo has made that task much easier. You can browse removal companies throughout England, browse their services, and read their reviews. Once you’ve made a selection, you can request free quotes from different movers to compare.
Here are the 3 best companies for moving to Turkey from the UK:
You need a work visa when moving to Turkey to work as a British citizen. In this section, we’ll guide you through the application process, costs, and steps to secure a Turkey work visa.
There are various work visas available for British expats moving to Turkey:
UK citizens need to apply through the Turkish consulate in the UK. Turkish employers start the process through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. For work permits, the Turkish employer normally initiates the process on your behalf. Prepare all necessary documents, such as proof of your qualifications and the job offer. The visa process usually takes four to six weeks.
To apply for a work visa to Turkey, you’ll need the following:
The costs of a Turkey work visa for British citizens depend on the type and duration. Typically, it ranges from £60 to £120 with additional fees for processing and/or residence permits.
If you want to live long-term in Turkey, you need a residence permit next to your Turkey work visa. You can submit this after your arrival, through the Directorate of Migration Management.
Curious about the cost of living in Turkey compared to the UK? You’re in for a treat, because if you move to Istanbul, the living costs are more than 48% lower compared to London, excluding rent. Rent prices are almost 70% less but with Turkish salaries also being significantly less, your local purchasing power is lower in Turkey vs the UK.
To offer better insights into what you’ll spend on different household goods, daily items, and rent, we’re comparing the prices in London and Istanbul below.
| Item | London, UK | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £20.00 | £9.06 |
| Pint of Beer | £6.00 | £3.00 |
| Regular Cappuccino | £3.75 | £2.78 |
| Eggs (dozen) | £3.52 | £1.83 |
| Single Transport Ticket | £2.80 | £0.45 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) | £2,205.32 | £755.74 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) | £1,614.38 | £463.80 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | £3,252.58 | £719.22 |
With a diverse range of both bustling and tranquil cities, there’s something for every lifestyle and personality in Turkey. Here are some of the best places to live in Turkey as an expat.
As a British expat, you’ll love how affordable Turkey is. While imported goods and alcohol can be a pricier, rent prices, dining out, and everyday expenses are significantly cheaper. English is commonly spoken, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. The country is generally safe too, although it’s advised to follow regional developments.
Private healthcare is affordable and known for its high-quality. Turkey is known for their high-end clinics offering services like complete body checkups and hair transplants. Overall, Turkey offers a high quality of life for British expats.
Before making the jump and packing up your belongings, you probably ask yourself: Is it good to live in Turkey? While there are plenty of reasons why Turkey is an upgrade from the UK, there are also downsides of living there as an expat. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of living in Turkey.
Obtaining a visa, deciding on the best moving company, packing your stuff… moving to Turkey from the UK isn’t as simple as it seem. To take on the move with confidence, we’ve prepared this checklist on how to move to Turkey from the UK.
