Retire in Turkey

By Justin Mays:

Turkey is an exceptional place to retire. Turkey’s retirement appeal is understandable; with its good travel infrastructure, low cost of living, favorable weather, friendly people, and beautiful natural areas, it is no wonder that people want to retire in Turkey. Low property prices and taxes have attracted savvy retirees for decades. 

Now conditions are even more advantageous for foreign investors with the right to Turkish citizenship with a property investment of USD 400,000 and the right to a residency at USD 75,000. Those seeking a retirement property abroad would do well to explore the retirement options in Turkey.

Today’s blog will tell you all about retirement in Turkey and the benefits it offers.

Cost of Living in Turkey

A country should be affordable to be considered a future retirement spot. Favorable exchange rates of Euros, British Pounds, and the US Dollar against the Lira make retirees’ basic needs easy to meet. 

Healthcare, food, transportation, and utilities are comparatively cheap in Turkey. Moving further out of major urban areas and resorts like Bodrum offers even more value. 

Pensions will certainly cover life expenses with room to spare for entertainment. A reasonable budget will allow retirees to live a perfect life in Turkey.

Health Care in Turkey

The Turkish healthcare system is comparable to some of the top healthcare systems worldwide. Retirees can buy into the public healthcare system, the SGK, allowing access to public hospitals. 

Even without the SGK, patients have the right to see doctors at family health centers for consultations and basic procedures (including blood work and some routine checkups). 

Turkey has experienced doctors specializing in different fields and using state-of-the-art machines that dictate actual diagnosis.

Pharmacies in Turkey

Pharmacies operate on a system that ensures one is always open on holidays and after hours in every neighborhood. Common medications are easy to find and inexpensive, often without a prescription. 

Private Insurance 

Private insurance is highly affordable and grants you access to excellent hospitals with the latest technology and top-tier doctors educated at the best institutions. 

Retirees who need round-the-clock care, live-in medical professionals, or daily at-home visits cost a fraction of what they would in countries like the UK and the USA. 

Affordable, professional healthcare is the norm in Turkey and retirees benefit from the sophisticated systems.

You can read more on healthcare in Turkey and Turkey’s medical tourism on our website.

Housing in Turkey

Suppose you are looking for the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle at an affordable price. In that case, you will be spoiled for choice in deciding where to settle between Fethiye Properties, Kalkan villas, and more. 

The real estate value in Turkey is relatively cheap compared to more developed nations, especially outside of its big cities like Istanbul. Utilities and property taxes are also competitively priced, and there are good opportunities to invest in properties in Turkey for rental income.

Legal Residence in Turkey

Turkey’s residence permit process is straightforward, and you can obtain a renewable one-two year permit relatively quickly. 

Alternatively, you can participate in the Citizenship by Investment Turkey scheme for only $400,000 and three years of property ownership to apply for a Turkish passport. Processing time on the coasts is generally faster than in megalopolis Istanbul. 

Social Life in Turkey

Turks are highly social. They love to spend time outdoors, relax at coffee shops, and have picnics with their families. 

They are also incredibly hospitable and love welcoming foreigners. There are well-established expat communities too. Turkey is a medley of cultures and an optimal place to fit into the local scene while enjoying creature comforts from home. 

In a country as diverse and lively as Turkey, there is no shortage of entertainment. There are cultural activities, rich natural and historical areas to explore and recreational facilities to enjoy in your leisure time.

Not only adults but also kids can have a fantastic social life in Turkey. There are many places that children can visit to be entertained and learn simultaneously. These include:

Theme parksGardensAquariums

Climate of Turkey

Turkey has a temperate climate, and the Southern coastal areas are sunny. Mild Mediterranean winters make it a year-round destination. 

Turkey also has multiple climate zones, so if you want to explore further in the country, you can find other seasonal experiences. 

Security in Turkey 

Turkey is a relatively safer place to be. Pickpockets and only the usual tourist scams are common. With low crime rates, Turkey has become home to millions of people from around the globe wished to live in a country with more security and stability. 

Turkey receives countless tourists everywhere, and many people prefer this beautiful country to spend their family holidays. As long as you take your usual precautions, there should be no risk to your safety.

The US Dept of State has assessed the overall crime situation as a low threat in Turkey.

Conclusion

Retirees prefer affordable health care, lower cost of living, and sunny coastal reasonable real estate offerings in Turkey. Good value, ease of entry to the market, ideal geographical location, and exceptional properties make it worth it for investors to purchase real estate in Turkey.

There is something for everyone in Turkey. Choosing your dream property in Turkey at an absolute bargain price is exciting. It is all about feeling at home. 

It might seem daunting to do all the necessary research to secure your life after work and find people you can trust during the process. 

Our experienced team is here to help you with the exhilarating business of buying a property in Turkey to best suit your needs.