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MOVING CHECKLIST

Your Türkiye journey.

Track every step of your move. Sign in to save progress across devices.

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Anything else you need to remember — schools, pets, business, etc.
Fees, procedures & deadlines last reviewed: April 2026. Always confirm with the official source before acting.
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How the Turkish health system works
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SETTLEIN TÜRKİYE

My Türkiye Move Checklist

0/29 steps complete · 0% · Generated 6/6/2026

Before You Arrive · 0/6

  • Check passport validity (6+ months)5 min · Free
  • Research neighborhoods1–2 hours · Free
  • Research Turkish health insurance2–3 hours · Plan ₺2,000–6,000/yr
  • Prepare documents from home country1–2 weeks · Varies by country
  • Pet documents (if applicable)~1 month prep · Vet-dependent
  • Set up international money transfer1 day · Free

First Week · 0/6

  • Get a Turkish SIM card30 min · ₺200–500 · Airport · Carrier shop
  • Get your tax number (Vergi Numarası)10–30 min · Free · Any Vergi Dairesi
  • Open a Turkish bank account1–2 hours · Free · Any branch
  • Find an apartmentDays–weeks · 1 month rent + deposit
  • Get an İstanbulkart5 min · ₺20 + load · Metro / kiosk
  • Explore your neighborhoodOngoing · Free

First Month · 0/6

  • Notarize your lease at Noter1 hour · ₺500–1,500 · Any Noter
  • Buy Turkish health insurance1 hour online · ₺2,000–6,000/yr
  • Apply for residence permit online1–2 hours · Application free; harç at appointment
  • Attend residence permit appointment1–3 hours · Card fee + harç (varies) · İl Göç İdaresi
  • Set up utilities in your nameVariable · Free transfer + deposits
  • Set up home internet~1 week · ₺200–600/month

First 3 Months · 0/6

  • Register phone IMEI (before 120 days!)30 min · Set annually by Revenue — verify current fee · Vergi Dairesi· 120 days from arrival
  • Get E-Devlet password30 min · Symbolic fee · Any PTT
  • Convert driving license (if needed)2–3 hours appt + prep · ₺3,000–5,000
  • Find a doctor and dentistOngoing · Free public · varies private
  • Start learning TurkishOngoing · Free apps · ₺500–2,000 lessons
  • Join expat communitiesOngoing · Free

Fully Settled · 0/5

  • Receive residence permit card30–60 days · Included
  • Consider long-term plansMonths · Citizenship investment threshold $400k
  • Find an accountant (Muhasebeci)Ongoing · ₺500–2,000/month
  • Set renewal reminder (60 days before expiry)Plan ahead · Similar to first issue· Start 60 days before card expires
  • Help a new expat!Ongoing · Free
Sources verified April 2026 · settle-in-turkey.com/checklist