5 things to know about the new Türkiye Digital Nomad Visa

Digital nomads are individuals who leverage the internet to work remotely, free from the constraints of a traditional office setting. They can operate from anywhere, such as coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or even while travelling.

This lifestyle is particularly common among IT specialists, designers, marketers, and editors. These individuals can traverse the globe without compromising their income and maintain their workflow seamlessly from any location.

45 Digital Nomad Visa countries: a complete list

As of 2024, a growing number of countries are recognising the value of digital nomads and have begun offering specific visas to cater to this modern workforce. Popular destinations such as Portugal, Spain, and Malta are at the forefront of this movement.

Digital Nomad visas typically stipulate a minimum income requirement and proof of remote employment, ensuring that applicants have stable work arrangements before granting them the freedom to explore and work within their borders.

1. Age criteria. The Digital Nomad visa in Turkey is specifically designed for individuals aged 21 to 55 years. Unlike many countries that do not impose age restrictions for digital nomads, Turkey requires more than just adulthood for eligibility.

2. Income requirements. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $3,000 or $36,000 annually. This threshold is comparatively lower than those required by countries such as Portugal or Spain, making Turkey a more accessible option for many digital nomads.

3. Educational and passport validity requirements. To qualify for the visa, applicants need to hold a higher education diploma and possess a passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Turkey.

4. Employment documentation. Applicants must provide an employment contract from a non-Turkish company to prove their capability to work remotely. It is important to note that digital nomads on this visa cannot work for Turkish companies or earn income from services rendered to Turkish citizens.

5. Temporary status. The Digital Nomad visa does not currently lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Turkey. The Turkish government is still refining the program’s parameters, but as it stands, the visa offers a temporary stay for those looking to work remotely within the country.

Turkey is a renowned vacation hotspot, and the new Digital Nomad Visa offers the unique opportunity to blend work with leisure along the picturesque Mediterranean coast. Here are additional benefits of this visa:

1. Extended validity. Unlike a standard tourist visa, the Digital Nomad Visa allows for a longer stay in Turkey. This extended duration enables nomads to deeply engage with Turkish culture, form connections with foreign residents, and even learn the language at their leisure, enriching their experience.

2. Legal income authorisation. The Digital Nomad Visa formally recognises holders as remote workers, thereby legalising their employment status. This removes the necessity to conceal employment activities conducted abroad and mitigates legal risks often associated with working in Turkey under a tourist visa.

3. Convenient online application procedure. Digital nomads can conveniently apply for this visa through the GoTürkiye website, streamlining the process and making it accessible from anywhere in the world. This facilitates a smoother transition for nomads planning their move to Turkey.

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program offers a pathway for foreign investors to gain Turkish citizenship by contributing to the nation’s economy.

Under this program, investors are eligible for a Turkish passport upon purchasing real estate valued at $400,000 or more. The property must be held for at least three years before it can be sold. Selling the property within this period means that subsequent buyers cannot qualify for citizenship under the same investment.

Real estate in Istanbul has been experiencing robust growth, with prices increasing by an average of 73—80% annually. This makes Turkish real estate a highly liquid and attractive investment.

A Turkish passport grants investors visa-free access to 126 countries, including key destinations like the Caribbean, Singapore, and Japan. Additionally, Turkish citizens can obtain a five-year Schengen C‑2 visa, simplifying travel across Europe.