In the spring of 2024, the Türkiye Tech Visa program for talented digital nomads and entrepreneurs with ideas for tech startups was launched. It had been discussed throughout the previous year, and thanks to the initiative of major companies betting on technological progress and new digitalization initiatives, it was approved.
Relocators under certain conditions can now apply to participate in the program. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has opened an online portal to receive applications. Specialist professionals are offered a choice of start-up and talent visas.
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Upon application approval, the candidate is issued an identification certificate. This becomes the basis for applying at a Turkish consulate and obtaining a freelancer visa. The document review period takes 4 weeks. The cost of the visa has not yet been specified on the embassy website or at visa centers.
Specifics of the Freelance Visa in Turkey
Holders of the Digital Nomad visa are promised an attractive lifestyle. Primarily, specialists from abroad are wanted in Istanbul, the Dalaman and Mugla provinces, and other cities with developed office infrastructure. The rapidly growing nomad community helps with adaptation in the country, networking, and professional growth. Before applying to participate in the program, the candidate requirements must be studied.
The nomad visa is issued to foreigners aged 21-55. Citizens from European countries, Russia, America, and Canada, who wish to obtain status, can apply. Turkey aims to attract well-off IT professionals and self-employed individuals with a guaranteed income of $3,000 (€2,800), a university education, and at least 3 months of work experience.
The Minister of Industry and Technology noted that Turkey aims to be part of the global technology ecosystem and is ready to offer promising specialists favorable conditions. For many remote workers, these will become a springboard in their careers.
The advantages of the freelancer residence visa are clear. It allows you to:
- Live and work in Turkey for 3 years;
- Move with your family with adequate financial provision;
- Simplify the legalization process for family members;
- Receive free medical services;
- Access venture investments for promising tech startups;
- Participate in training and international events;
- Avoid paying taxes.
Support mechanisms for startups have been created, including business incubators with services tailored to the specifics of the activity and business accelerators with advisory assistance. Relocators are helped with renting offices in technoparks, co-working centers, and access to financial-analytical information and Türkiye technologies.
Taxes in Turkey
After residing in the country for 6 months on a long-term visa, an individual is assigned the status of a tax resident, excluding students and medical tourists. After employment, income tax is levied on a progressive scale. Income from renting property, dividends, royalties, and investment profits are taxed. Freelancers living on a residence visa pay as self-employed from 15-40%. Participants in the Türkiye Tech Visa program are exempt from income and commercial taxes.
How much does a digital nomad certificate cost in Turkey
| Fees, duties and other expenses for obtaining a visa | Cost |
| Medical insurance with a validity period of 1 year or more | from 60 € per year |
| Rental housing | 500 € -1 400 € |
| Full support of visa processing | from 1700 € |
Necessary Documents and Requirements
To apply for the digital nomad visa, a package of documents translated into Turkish is needed:
- Completed application form;
- Current passport for the duration of the relocation;
- Biometric photo;
- Contract with a legal entity outlining job responsibilities;
- Proof of funds deposited into an account for the past 3 months in the declared amount;
- Rental agreement or hotel reservation;
- Cover letter indicating experience and permission to work remotely.
An incomplete package of documents will result in a refusal and the filing of an appeal. If necessary, the consul requests additional certificates or contracts.
Recent Changes in Visa Issues in Turkey
The launch of the national nomad visa sparked debates. According to public feedback, the program is less suitable for Russians. People express mistrust towards the local authorities. This is related to the fact that in 2023, they were frequently denied extensions of residence permits and were forced to leave the country. Many disliked the high monthly income requirement, especially when the minimum wage in Turkey is only $550. After exploring programs in other countries, they advise less affluent expats to consider Spain, Montenegro, and Italy, which have lower financial requirements. How correct they are will be seen in the coming months.
Popularity statistics for Digital Nomad Visa to Turkey
However, so far, the dynamics of popularity according to Google Trends shows the opposite: as of mid-summer 2024, there is a tendency to be included in the list of the most popular visas by destination. This may be due to the general trend of growing demand for such programs around the world.
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