Bridging Europe and Asia, and surrounded by the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey is around 3,400 kilometres away from the United Kingdom.
If you are considering making the move from the United Kingdom to Turkey, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.
Quick Turkey Facts:
- Population: 84.78 million (2021 estimate)
- Official Language: Turkish (de facto) is spoken by 87.6% of the population, while English is also widely spoken
- GDP Per Capita: $9,661 USD (2021 estimate)
- Random Fact: Istanbul is situated in both European and Asian continents – 95% of Turkey is said to be in Europe, while 5% is in Asia
- Currency: Turkish lira (₺). As of late 2023, £1 = 36.49 ₺, €1 = 31.61 ₺, $1 CAD = 21.19 ₺, $1 AUD = 19.07 ₺
1. Moving Costs to Turkey from the UK
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from various locations in the UK and shipping it to a range of destinations in Turkey:
Origin Port | Destination City | 20-foot Container (GBP) | 40-foot Container (GBP) |
---|---|---|---|
Aberdeen | Ankara | £2,500 - £3,000 | £4,600 - £5,500 |
Antalya | £2,300 - £2,800 | £4,200 - £5,000 | |
Bursa | £2,400 - £2,900 | £4,400 - £5,300 | |
Istanbul | £2,200 - £2,700 | £4,000 - £4,800 | |
Izmir | £2,300 - £2,800 | £4,200 - £5,000 | |
Belfast | Ankara | £2,600 - £3,100 | £4,700 - £5,600 |
Antalya | £2,400 - £2,900 | £4,300 - £5,100 | |
Bursa | £2,500 - £3,000 | £4,500 - £5,400 | |
Istanbul | £2,300 - £2,800 | £4,100 - £4,900 | |
Izmir | £2,400 - £2,900 | £4,300 - £5,100 | |
Dover | Ankara | £2,300 - £2,800 | £4,200 - £5,000 |
Antalya | £2,100 - £2,600 | £3,900 - £4,700 | |
Bursa | £2,200 - £2,700 | £4,100 - £4,900 | |
Istanbul | £2,000 - £2,500 | £3,800 - £4,600 | |
Izmir | £2,100 - £2,600 | £3,900 - £4,700 | |
Liverpool | Ankara | £2,400 - £2,900 | £4,400 - £5,300 |
Antalya | £2,200 - £2,700 | £4,100 - £4,900 | |
Bursa | £2,300 - £2,800 | £4,300 - £5,100 | |
Istanbul | £2,100 - £2,600 | £4,000 - £4,700 | |
Izmir | £2,200 - £2,700 | £4,100 - £4,900 | |
London | Ankara | £2,200 - £2,700 | £4,100 - £4,900 |
Antalya | £2,000 - £2,500 | £3,800 - £4,600 | |
Bursa | £2,100 - £2,600 | £4,000 - £4,800 | |
Istanbul | £1,900 - £2,400 | £3,600 - £4,400 | |
Izmir | £2,000 - £2,500 | £3,800 - £4,600 | |
Southampton | Ankara | £2,100 - £2,600 | £4,000 - £4,800 |
Antalya | £1,900 - £2,400 | £3,700 - £4,500 | |
Bursa | £2,000 - £2,500 | £3,900 - £4,700 | |
Istanbul | £1,800 - £2,300 | £3,500 - £4,300 | |
Izmir | £1,900 - £2,400 | £3,700 - £4,500 |
- All figures are in GBP;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (June 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
- To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
- Please also see our guide to international container shipping.
2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Turkey from the United Kingdom?
The distance from Turkey to the United Kingdom is around 4,000 kilometres – so you can expect a mid-length flight to get from A to B. Most flights are direct with no stops, which helps to streamline the process:
- London Heathrow to Istanbul – 3 hours, 55 minutes – £140
- London Gatwick to Istanbul – 4 hours – £50
- Luton to Istanbul – 4 hours, 5 minutes – £50
- Edinburgh to Istanbul – 4 hours, 25 minutes – £155
This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.
3. Moving Restrictions to Turkey from the UK
Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.
To enter Turkey, Gov.uk advises that you must ensure that your passport is:
- Valid for at least 150 days from the date of your arrival
- Has a full blank page for entry and exit stamps
To visit Turkey for tourism or a business trip up to 90 days, you do not need a visa. For stays longer than this, you will need to apply for a residence permit, and if you want to work in Turkey, you will need a work permit.
It’s important to be insured when travelling for medical and travel purposes and to keep updated with any news or restrictions that may prevent your entry to Turkey. At the time of writing, the FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Turkey, which currently includes areas within 10km of the Turkish border with Syria, Sirnak, and Hakkari province.
There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions, but it’s advised that you keep up-to-date on any developments to ensure you are abiding by the most recent information at the time of travel.
4. Visa Requirements to Turkey from the UK
If you are travelling for tourism or business purposes for 90 days or less, you don’t need a visa. But, if you want to remain in Turkey for a period that is longer than this, you need to apply for a visa before you travel, or a residence permit.
For those wanting to work in Turkey, you will need a relevant permit to do so – which we will cover in the later sections. If you do not have this and start work, you can be fined, deported and even banned from returning to Turkey, according to Gov.uk.
In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.
5. Cost of Living Differences in Turkey
While this article is covering Turkey as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.
As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in Turkey is 55.4% lower than that of the United Kingdom, with rent being around 74.9% lower.
Monthly Rental Prices in Turkey:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: ₺20,000+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: ₺12,000+
- 3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: ₺41,000+
- 3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: ₺23,000+
Turkey Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: ₺77,000+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: ₺42,000+
Source: Numbeo
6. Tax Treaties in Turkey
Turkey has a tax of between 15% to 35% on individual income, which can range based on the total gross income, and if any earnings thresholds are met. There is a corporate income tax of 22%, although some regions may be subject to different rates.
The value-added tax (VAT) in Turkey is currently 18%, while there is a reduced rate of 8% applicable for some goods and services. If you work in Turkey, you will be subject to employee contributions to social security schemes to cover health, pension and unemployment insurance.
It’s important to note that these rates can change, so it’s important to get updated information as and when it is available for areas that apply to you while you’re in Turkey.
7. Working Rules in Turkey
To work in Turkey, you will need a visa. You will need to do this at your nearest consulate – either in London or Edinburgh – and this will need to be completed before you enter Turkey.
You need to have a job offer to obtain a work permit – it cannot be granted without it. As soon as the job offer is granted, you should then start your work permit application.
According to Visa Guide, the working visas range from:
- Employment purpose/special employment purpose
- Assigned lecturers/academics
- Assigned artists
- Assigned journalists
- Assigned free zone workers
Some jobs in Turkey will require you to have a UK criminal record check (DBS). If you are employed by a Turkish employer, you will need to pay into the Turkish Social Security Scheme, but if you are a British national who is already paying UK National Insurance contributions, this might not be necessary due to reciprocal agreements between the countries.
Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.
8. Healthcare in Turkey
While the UK benefits from the NHS, offering free healthcare to those who need it, as well as elective private healthcare for a fee, that is not the case in Turkey.
There is currently no reciprocal agreement between Turkey and the UK, which means that you need comprehensive travel and medical insurance before entering the country to ensure you can get medical assistance if and when it is needed.
It’s important to note that both EHICs and GHICs are not valid in Turkey. If you are planning on being a resident of Turkey, you will need to join Universal Health Insurance when you have been a resident for one or more years.
If you need to bring your own medicine into Turkey, you must first check that it is allowable. Make sure you check this before you travel to avoid fines, penalties or deportation.
9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Turkey
Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to Turkey with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.
Gov.uk says that you must ensure that your pet – including cat, dog and ferret – has:
- A microchip
- Valid rabies vaccination
- Animal health certificate or pet passport
It’s important that your pet is deemed fit and healthy to travel at least 10 days prior to your trip to ensure the safety of them during the journey. Take a look at Pet Relocation for more information.
10. Pros and Cons of Moving to Turkey from the UK
Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from the UK to Turkey, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.
Advantages of Moving from the UK to Turkey | Disadvantages of Moving from the UK to Turkey |
---|---|
Cultural Richness: Turkey has a rich history and cultural heritage, offering a blend of Eastern and Western influences | Language Barrier: While English is spoken in tourist areas, language differences may pose challenges in more remote regions |
Affordable Living: The cost of living in Turkey can be lower than in the UK | Bureaucratic Processes: Some expatriates may find certain bureaucratic processes and administrative procedures more complex than in their home country |
Mediterranean Climate: Turkey enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters | Political Uncertainty: Turkey has experienced political challenges, and the political climate may impact the overall living environment |
Diverse Landscapes: Turkey offers diverse landscapes, from beaches along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts to historical sites and bustling cities | Infrastructure Differences: While major cities have modern infrastructure, there may be differences in infrastructure development in certain regions |
Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to check Gov.uk for all the information you need.