Digital Nomad Visa and Residence Permit Process in Turkey
With the advancement of technology, the remote working model, independent of geographical boundaries, has become widespread globally. This new generation of professionals, called “Digital Nomads,” can conduct their work from anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection. Turkey has not remained indifferent to this global trend and has launched the “Digital Nomads GoTürkiye” platform to make its cultural, historical, and natural riches an attractive destination for digital nomads.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the steps to be followed, the application requirements, and the legal framework of the process to legally reside and work as a digital nomad in Turkey.
Digital Nomad Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Turkey has defined a special visa process for digital nomads. This process consists of two main stages: an online pre-approval and a subsequent consulate application. The application process, conducted through the “Digital Nomads GoTürkiye” portal, includes the following steps:
Online Application: The applicant visits the relevant page on the “www.goturkiye.com” portal.
Review of Conditions: The applicant reviews the application requirements stated on the platform.
System Registration: The applicant completes registration with information such as an email address and phone number.
Uploading Documents: After logging into the system, the applicant scans and uploads the required documents to the platform.
Completing the Application: After the upload process, the applicant submits the application by clicking the “submit” button.
Evaluation Process: The system sends an automatic confirmation email that the documents have been received and begins the evaluation.
Finalization: After the application is concluded, the applicant receives a second notification email.
Receiving the Identification Certificate: Applicants whose applications are approved receive a barcoded “Digital Nomad Identification Certificate” through the system.
This certificate is the most crucial step, forming the basis of the visa application.
Who Can Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?
To benefit from this opportunity offered by Turkey, it is necessary to hold citizenship of specific countries and meet personal and financial eligibility requirements.
Citizens of Eligible Countries
Citizens of the following countries can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Turkey:
France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Belarus.
Required Conditions and Documents for Application
Applicants who are citizens of one of the countries listed above must upload the following documents to the online platform to obtain the “Digital Nomad Identification Certificate”:
Age Limit: Must be between 21 and 55 years old.
Valid Passport: A travel document/passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Turkey.
Educational Status: A diploma or an equivalent document proving university graduation.
Document Proving Work Status:
If employed by a company, an employment contract with a company outside of Turkey.
If self-employed (freelancer), work contracts with companies outside of Turkey.
Biometric Photo: A current photo that meets biometric standards.
Income Requirement: Documents proving a monthly income of at least 3,000 USD or an annual income of at least 36,000 USD (e.g., payroll, bank statements).
From Visa to Residence Permit: Legal Status in Turkey
After obtaining the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate and subsequently the visa from the consulate, a person must apply for a residence permit to continue staying legally in Turkey. The most important point to know here is:
The Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 does not yet have a specific residence permit category named “digital nomad residence permit.” Therefore, in current practice, the process works as follows:
Application Type: Digital nomads apply for a short-term residence permit after entering Turkey.
Important Note: When applying, it must be clearly stated in the description that this is not a standard application but one made under the “digital nomad” visa. The Digital Nomad Identification Certificate should also be included in the application file.
Initial Residence Period: Following the applications, the Presidency of Migration Management generally grants a residence permit for 1 year.
Renewal Process: An extension application can be made before the 1-year residence permit expires. In the renewal application, the applicant is required to re-document that their remote work and income status are ongoing. The residence permit can be extended if the conditions continue to be met.
In summary, the program created by Turkey for digital nomads is an innovative step that responds to the needs of the modern working world. The process has been made practical through an online pre-approval mechanism followed by integration into existing residence permit procedures.