Türkiye from Ukraine — Geçici Koruma, banking, schools, remote work.

Geçici Koruma vs. ikamet — which fits your situation

Temporary Protection (Geçici Koruma) was extended into 2026 for Ukrainian passport holders. It grants legal stay, access to public healthcare via SGK, and the right to enroll children in Turkish state schools. It does NOT grant work rights by default — for that you apply separately for a work permit, or shift to a short-term residence permit if your situation allows. Many Ukrainians who have been here since 2022 are now transitioning from Geçici Koruma to ikamet for the cleaner path.

Verify current Geçici Koruma terms with Göç İdaresi (Migration Management) before relying.

Which TR banks open accounts for Ukrainian passport holders

Bank-by-bank, the answer changed twice since 2022. As of 2025: Garanti BBVA, İş Bank, and Ziraat will open accounts with a Ukrainian passport + valid Geçici Koruma kimlik or ikamet card at most branches. Kuveyt Türk and DenizBank are also reliable. Some branches still refuse — try a different branch of the same bank rather than a different bank. For Ukrainian SOLE TRADER (FOP) income coming in, ask specifically about Free FX accounts so you can keep balances in USD/EUR.

Working for Ukrainian or foreign employers from Türkiye

If you stay on a Ukrainian employment contract (or FOP/Sole Trader): your income is taxable where you are tax-resident. The 183-day rule applies — once you cross it, Türkiye claims you. The Türkiye-Ukraine double-tax treaty (in force since 1998) gives you the framework to avoid double tax, but you need to actually claim it. Wise, Payoneer, Deel all work for receiving USD/EUR into Türkiye; Payoneer→TR bank is the cleanest for most freelancers.

TR public schools enroll Ukrainian kids — and they do it well

Geçici Koruma kimlik + a parent passport gets a Ukrainian child enrolled in the nearest state school at zero cost. There is no language gate — kids are placed and supported through Turkish-as-a-second-language assistance. Saturday Ukrainian-language community schools (run by the diaspora) operate in Istanbul, Antalya, and Alanya so children keep Ukrainian literacy alive in parallel.

SGK via Geçici Koruma vs. private — when to use which

Geçici Koruma gives you access to state hospitals via SGK at no cost for primary and most acute care. For specialist care, oncology, surgery, or where you want to choose your consultant — private (Acıbadem, Memorial, Medical Park) is the standard route. Private health insurance for a Ukrainian family of 4 typically runs ₺30,000–60,000/year depending on age and coverage.