Turkey

Digital Nomad Visa

Turkey's Digital Nomad Visa (Dijital Gocebe Vizesi) allows foreign nationals who work remotely for employers or clients outside Turkey to reside in the country while continuing their remote employment. Announced in April 2024 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and administered through the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the programme grants approved applicants a short-term residence permit under Turkey's Foreigners and International Protection Law. The visa targets remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals aged 21 to 55 from 36 eligible countries who earn at least USD 3,000 per month. It does not constitute a work permit, meaning holders cannot work for Turkish companies or serve Turkish clients.

• Citizens of one of 36 eligible countries: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States
• Age between 21 and 55 years old
• University degree or equivalent diploma
• Minimum monthly income of USD 3,000 or annual income of USD 36,000 from sources outside Turkey
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Employment contract with a foreign employer, or project/service contracts with foreign clients for freelancers
• Biometric photograph
• Clean criminal record
• Digital Nomad Identification Certificate from the official GoTurkiye portal

The application follows a two-step procedure:

1. Digital Nomad Identification Certificate -- Register on the official GoTurkiye Digital Nomad portal (digitalnomads.goturkiye.com), create an account, and upload scanned copies of all required documents including passport, university diploma, employment or project contract, biometric photo, and income proof. If approved, the platform issues a barcode-enabled Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. Processing takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks. The certificate is free of charge.

2. Visa or Residence Permit -- Take the certificate along with your passport and supporting documents to a Turkish embassy, consulate, or visa centre to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. Processing takes approximately 30 days. For those already in Turkey with a valid visa or visa exemption, the certificate can be used to apply directly for a short-term residence permit through the e-ikamet portal without the consular visa step.

Contact email: nomad@ktb.gov.tr

The visa is issued for up to 1 year. It is renewable provided the applicant continues to meet all eligibility requirements. Extension applications must be submitted through the e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr portal before the current permit expires.

Holders may only work remotely for employers or clients based outside Turkey. Employment with Turkey-based companies or provision of services to Turkish clients is strictly prohibited. The digital nomad visa does not constitute a work permit under Turkish law.

Spouses and dependent children under 18 may accompany the primary applicant. Family members must submit separate residence permit applications with supporting documents including marriage certificates (for spouses) and birth certificates (for children), translated into Turkish and certified by a notary. All family members must have private health insurance. Dependants receive residence permits for the same period as the main applicant. Dependants cannot work in Turkey under this programme but may live and study in the country.

Tax residency is determined by length of stay. Individuals present in Turkey for more than 183 days in a calendar year are considered full tax residents subject to worldwide income taxation. Those present for fewer than 183 days are taxed only on Turkey-sourced income. Turkey maintains double taxation agreements with numerous countries, which may prevent duplicate taxation on foreign-sourced income.

The Digital Nomad Identification Certificate is free. Visa fees at the consulate and residence permit fees vary by nationality and duration. Some nationalities are exempt from residence permit fees. A residence permit document fee applies.

Links

• https://digitalnomads.goturkiye.com/application-requirements-for-digital-nomad-visa-and-short-term-residence
• https://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-permit-types
• https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Asia