5 Pros of Living in Turkey

The Republic of Turkey is an incredibly popular destination for living and vacationing. Many travelers, after visiting once, fall in love with this beautiful country and its vibrant culture. Since the launch of the investment program in 2017, through which participants can obtain citizenship by investing in the country's economy, Turkey has issued over 35,000 new passports. With Turkish citizenship, one can travel visa-free to more than 110 countries worldwide, work in Turkey, study, receive medical treatment, register and run a business, and enjoy the country's benefits. Turkish citizens can also participate in investment programs unavailable to Russian citizens – for instance, obtaining Caribbean citizenship. They also have access to the U.S. E-2 business visa.

Turkey ranks 46th out of 86 countries in the annual ranking by the independent analytical portal Numbeo. According to the Human Development Index, Turkey is listed among countries with a high level of development. The index considers factors such as citizens' health and longevity, the education level of the population, and the general standard of living.

In 2024, the minimum wage in Turkey is 17,002 ₺, equivalent to 445.03 €. Income levels depend on the place of residence. The highest salaries are traditionally found in megacities, slightly lower in popular resort areas, and industrial regions.

So, what makes Turkey so attractive, and what advantages await residents living in this country? Specialists at the licensed agency GARANT.in have analyzed all the benefits and compiled them into a new review.

Climate and Nature

Several climate zones converge in Turkey. The Mediterranean climate blends with a temperate maritime climate on the coast and a continental climate in the mountains. Summers are dry and hot but not as stifling as, for example, in the Emirates. The sea heats up to +25-27 °C during the summer heat. The beach season starts in May and lasts until early November.

In winter, temperatures are relatively high, and the thermometer rarely drops below +10 ºC. It is pleasant to be in Turkey at any time of year. In the summer, it’s perfect for sunbathing on the beaches and swimming. In autumn and spring, you can go on excursions, relax on the beaches, and explore the country's unique sites. In winter, you can enjoy skiing at Turkey's winter resorts.

Turkey’s natural landscape is diverse and extraordinary. It seems to have everything – mountains, rivers, forests, plains, and bays. There are many nature reserves in Turkey, such as the Pamukkale travertine terraces with underground springs or the Göreme National Park in Cappadocia. Turkey also has a rich heritage left from various eras and reigns, including Byzantine, Greek, and Roman. These magnificent ruins and remnants blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Excellent Level of Healthcare and Education

When talking about the advantages of Turkey, it’s impossible not to mention the quality of healthcare services in the country. Healthcare in Turkey is well-developed and costs less than in many European countries. There’s even a concept of “medical tourism,” as people come not only for treatments but also for various surgical procedures – both aesthetic and routine.

Regardless of whether a patient seeks care in a public or private clinic, they can count on qualified medical assistance. Various government programs provide significant investments in the development of Turkey’s healthcare system. The level of services is strictly controlled, and medical facilities are regularly equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Medication prices in Turkey are quite affordable, as a wide range of locally produced medicines is available. Strict penalties are imposed for fraudulent actions or selling counterfeit drugs, so pharmacies only offer high-quality, original products.

Turkey has a well-developed insurance system. The services covered by insurance depend on the coverage and cost of the insurance policy. The higher the cost of the policy, the wider the range of services, treatment costs, and medication coverage it provides.

Education is another significant advantage of living in Turkey. Foreign residents who have obtained a residence permit can enroll their children in free public kindergartens or schools. Private schools and kindergartens are available to everyone, regardless of residency status. In public institutions, education is conducted in Turkish, while private institutions primarily offer instruction in English. The cost of education varies depending on the status of the educational institution and the additional services offered, such as meals, extracurricular activities, swimming pools, and more.

Turkey has over 200 universities, some of which rank among the best in the world. The strengths of Turkish educational institutions include qualified teachers, strong technical and scientific resources, and relatively affordable tuition fees.

Affordable Cost of Living

Foreign citizens planning to live in Turkey often wonder how cost-effective it is, considering the cost of food, utilities, non-food items, and other related expenses.

Living in Turkey is relatively inexpensive compared to European countries. Local authorities allocate significant funds for the development and maintenance of urban infrastructure and, the construction of new facilities – such as children’s play areas, sports fields, recreational zones, beaches, green spaces, fountains, pools, and promenades. Living in Turkish cities is comfortable, which also affects the number of real estate transactions, especially in coastal areas and newly developed residential complexes.

A clear advantage of Turkey is its high-quality, eco-friendly food products. The warm climate supports high agricultural yields, and local farmers harvest at least two crops per year. Fresh and affordable vegetables, herbs, grains, spices, and fruits can be purchased at local markets, stores, or fairs.

Turkey also offers high-quality clothing, shoes, tableware, furniture, and jewelry. Some travelers save money specifically to visit during the sales season to update their wardrobe with fashionable items at budget-friendly prices. Leather goods, fur products, jewelry, and watches are particularly popular.