I'm planning my move
Residence permits and where to live — the decisions to make before you land.
Written by the Smileys team, not professional advice. These guides explain how things work in practice; they are not legal, immigration, tax or medical advice. Where a guide links official sources, those set the current requirements.
Residence & Legal
Working Remotely from Türkiye: Digital Nomad Visa, Work Permissions, Tax & Social Security
Türkiye’s Digital Nomad visa step by step — the 36 eligible countries, the certificate, what a consulate asks for, the six-month permit — plus work permits, tax residence, employer approval and social security.
Links official sources Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Residence & Legal
Entering Türkiye: Visa-Free Stays, e-Visas and the 90/180 Rule
Whether you need a visa, how the 90/180 rule counts your days, e-Visa pitfalls, passport validity, the Digital Nomad route, staying longer, and what overstaying costs.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Residence & Legal
Residence Permit (Ikamet): Your first application, without the panic
The Short-Term Residence Permit (Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni) is the residence permit most expats apply for first. You complete your application online through the official e-İkamet system, prepare your documents, attend your appointment at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi), and wait for a decision. Check you qualify for the permit type that fits your purpose, apply before your lawful stay runs out, and hand in a complete file.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Home & Housing
Renting an Apartment in Istanbul: What Foreigners Should Know
Renting an apartment in Istanbul as a foreigner is not just about finding a nice flat at the right price. The neighborhood you choose can affect your daily life far more than the apartment itself. You need to understand deposits, agent fees, aidat, heating, the contract, address registration and, importantly, the questions that reveal problems before you sign.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026
Home & Housing
Moving Into a Flat in Istanbul: Electricity, Water, Gas and the Building Fee (Aidat)
What to do, in order: earthquake insurance (DASK), your registered address, water, electricity and gas in your name, and who pays the aidat — plus internet and moving out.
Links official sources Last reviewed 26 September 2026