Turkey Just Launched a Digital Nomad Visa—Here's How to Apply

01.05.2024 - 21:21 / cntraveler.com

It sounds like a dream: working on a laptop at a charming café, sipping some of the best coffee in the world while staring out over the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean or Aegean seas. Now, remote workers can make that lifestyle a reality thanks to Turkey's just-launched digital nomad visa.

The new digital nomad visa officially rolled out in mid-April and is now open to applicants from specific countries who meet Turkey’s income threshold. Visa recipients can live and work in Turkey for up to one year with the option for renewal, according to Time Out magazine.

Here’s everything travelers should know about Turkey's new digital nomad visa, including who is eligible and how to apply. Plus, the best places in Turkey for digital nomads to live, what you should expect in terms of monthly expenses, and tips on how to be a respectful digital nomad in Turkey.

To be eligible for the visa, you must be a remote worker between the ages of 21 and 55 and a citizen of one of 36 countries located throughout Europe and North America, including the US. The full list of eligible countries can be found on the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry’s official application site.

Applicants must also be able to prove they earn at least $3,000 USD monthly or $36,000 USD per year, have a college degree, and are employed with a company outside of Turkey or are self-employed. Finally, prospective digital nomads must have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival in Turkey and a photo for the visa.

Travelers can submit documents proving they meet all of the requirements to Turkey’s online platform. After officials review the documents, eligible travelers will be issued a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. Take the certificate and your supporting documents to a Turkish visa center or consulate to finish the process and officially obtain your digital nomad visa.

There’s a wide spectrum of areas in Turkey that would suit digital nomads, depending on what type of lifestyle they’re interested in. The country offers everything from bustling cities brimming with culture and history, to smaller, more peaceful seaside enclaves. Turkey's digital nomad website—run by the country's national tourism agency—provides information on several popular destinations, including Dalaman, Marmaris, Antalya, and Fethiye, all smaller cities along the Turkish Riviera, across the Aegean from Greece and Cyprus.

Of course, many expats live and work in Istanbul, one of the most iconic cities in Turkey packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exciting nightlife, world class restaurants and street food, and natural scenery, including the shores of the Boshporus. Since the city is so large, remote workers will find plenty of options for