Turkey Digital Nomad Visa: Short Guide to Know about its Importance
The Turkey Digital Nomad Visa facility was introduced so that foreign nationals who are working remotely for companies outside of Turkey, will have the chance to stay in Turkey for one year. This visa permits the remote workers to have a chance to live and work in Turkey for a maximum period of one-year.
What's more?
If the foreign nationals want to extend their stay, they can renew the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa with a residence permit.
With the remote work facility offered by most MNC's, the Digital Nomad Visa has become popular, as more people are trying to grab the digital nomad lifestyle, a chance to work from anywhere with the help of proper internet connection.
Remote workers opting for Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, what are the advantages they can get?
Some of the benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa which the remote workers applying for it can enjoy are:
- Those who wish to stay and work remotely in Turkey can do so with the Digital Nomad Visa for one-year.
- Opting for it offers Visa-free travel to many other nations.
- You are also permitted to have access to healthcare and education.
- Cost of living is affordable
- Know about the culture of the region, visit the natural wonders and popular historical sites.
What are the prerequisite eligibility criterions to apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visas?
In order to apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, the eligibility criterions differ, however there are some common requirements which are mentioned below:
- The applicant must belong to the list of Digital Nomad Visa eligible countries, that is visa-on-arrival or eVisa eligible countries are privileged to apply.
- Valid visa eligible country passport.
- Must have a travel health insurance policy.
- Must have income proof that every month you are receiving money, and that you have enough money to support yourself.
- Must have proof that you are employed and working remotely, must provide the appointment and offer letter from the company for whom you are working remotely.
What are the obligatory Documents needed for Turkey Digital Nomad Visa Application?
The documents required to apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa vary, however some of the common documents that the applicant must-have include:
- A valid passport from an eligible country
- Income proof, must have sufficient funds to spend at least $1,500 per month.
- Recently clicked passport photo.
- Proof that you are working remotely, either hired by a company or self-employed
- A filled Turquoise Card application form
- Must have a travel health insurance policy.
- The Digital Nomad Visa fee.
The applicant must also have other documents, besides the above listed documents in order to be eligible to apply for the Turquoise Card, which varies depending on the category you belong to.
So, what is the Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card is a work permit visa that allows foreign nationals to have a chance to live and work remotely in Turkey for a period of one-year. It also permits the applicant's spouse and children to stay in Turkey.
Here is a list of the other documents that applicants must have to be eligible to apply for the Turquoise Card, depending on the category.
A Turkish Culture and National Interests Promoter:
- Proof that you are working to promote Turkish culture or national interests, which can be as a voluntary work, publications about Turkey, or donating to Turkey charities, etc.
As a Highly Qualified Investor:
- Investment proofs, show bank statements and investment contracts
- Proof that you are involved in creating employment options.
- Proof that you are indulged in export activities, must have export contracts, customs declarations, etc.
- Evidence that you are engaged in scientific and technological developments
As a Highly Qualified Workforce:
- Has a good academic background, knowledge of transcripts, etc.
- Evidence that you are getting paid every month, must provide bank statements, pay slips, etc.
- Has proof of work experience, must provide an offer letter, employment contract, etc.
Internationally acclaimed in Sportive, Cultural, and Artistic Activities:
- Proof that you are contributing to Turkey, must provide proof of exhibitions, performances or publications in Turkish media houses, etc.
- Evidence that you have been acknowledged with international achievements, must provide proof of certificates, awards, media coverage, etc.
Contributing to the Scientific and Technological Development:
- Evidence that you are making scientific contributions
- You are involved in research activities, must provide evidence like letters of recommendation from academic supervisors, research grant awards, etc.
- Evidence that you are involved in publications in Turkish journals
- Proof that you are collaborating with Turkish institutions for some developments
When you have gathered all the documents that make you eligible to apply, you can fill the form and submit the Turquoise Card application online.
Difference between Turkey Tourist eVisa and Turkey Digital Nomad Visa
If you are to find out the main difference between the Turkey Tourist eVisa and Digital Nomad Visa, it's the legal status of the visa holder and the length of stay offered.
Turkey Tourist eVisa
With the Turkey tourist eVisa, travelers are allowed to stay in Turkey for a maximum period of 90 days which he cannot extend. And this visa can only be used for purposes related to tourism like exploring the beautiful places of Turkey, historical sites, having cultural experience, etc.
To apply for the Turkey tourist eVisa, travelers wishing to visit the country for tourism purpose are required to have a:
- Valid passport
- Travel itinerary
- Entry and exit date
- Proof of accommodation
- Return flight ticket
- Travel health insurance.
Turkey Digital Nomad Visa
With the Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers are allowed to stay in Turkey for a maximum period of one-year and can enjoy working remotely in Turkey. Those who are working remotely and wish to stay in Turkey and work remotely there, they can apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, which requires to provide:
- Turquoise Card
- Valid passport
- Proof of being employed or self-employed
- Proof of income (at least earning $1,500 per month)
- Digital Nomad Visa application fees.
- Travel health insurance
- Recently clicked passport-size photo
Applying for a Turkey Digital Nomad Visa? What are the steps to follow?
Once you have gathered all the mandatory documents, here is a list of the steps that you must follow to apply for the Digital Nomad visa.
Step 1: The first step is check, if you are eligible to apply or not
Carefully check if you are eligible to apply for Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, based on your country, profession or contribution.
Step 2: Collect all the documents before filling the form
Make sure you have the documents listed above, for example, a valid passport, travel health insurance policy, have sufficient funds to support, proof of employment or investment, etc.
Step 3: Select Application location, according to your preference
You can apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa through the Turkey Foreign Office from your home country or country of residence, otherwise you also have the option to apply through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security's system in Turkey.
Step 4: Submit the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa Application Form
If you are applying for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa from your home country or country of residence, then you have to submit all the documents related to it and the application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security's system. If you are not aware how to do so, you can take the help of the Third Party sites also.
Step 5: If any queries, contact the Turkey office in your home country
If you have any confusion regarding the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, you can get in touch with the Local Turkish Consulate or our helpdesk, we will be delighted to guide you.
What if you are applying for the Regular Turkey E-Visa?
If you are choosing to visit Turkey by applying for the regular E-Visa, here are the steps that you need to follow:
- Visit the Turkey eVisa site and fill the application form.
- Once you have filled the form, recheck whatever filled, and then pay the Turkey eVisa application fees by using your UnionPay, Visa or Mastercard credit/debit cards.
- You will receive mail, confirming that your application has been submitted.
How much is the Turkey Digital Nomad visa application fees?
The application fees to apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa varies, its cost associated with it depends, from which nation you belong, your qualification, contribution, etc. You will be able to know the final fees to be paid at the end of the application.
What is the processing time of the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa application?
For the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa to be processed it takes several weeks, as it is reviewed thoroughly. After careful review, if it is accepted you will receive the Turquoise Card, which is valid for one-year. So, you can have a wonderful time staying in Turkey and at the same time working remotely.
What are the top places to stay in Turkey for remote workers?
Turkey is filled with breathtakingly beautiful natural wonders, scenic sites, historical places, and serene and peaceful locations, offering ample options for the remote workers to choose a comfortable place to live and work. Here is a list of some of the top destinations that remote workers would love to stay:
Ankara, the capital of Turkey
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey is a mix of modern and traditional lifestyle with many renowned universities being located here. Most of the expats love to stay in the areas like Kavaklidere or Sihhiye. Here there are many cafes and convenient coworking spaces.
Istanbul, the lively city of Turkey
Istanbul, the lively city is full of vibrant markets, dining places, historic sites and offers exciting nightlife. Most of the expats love to stay in Beyoglu, Sisli, or Ortakoy. For remote workers there are many cafes and coworking spaces.
Antalya, the Mediterranean region of Turkey
This Mediterranean region is full of stunning beaches, dining places, offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, and pleasant weather, perfect for relaxation. Most of the expats love to stay in Konyaalti or Lara. For remote workers there are many cafes and coworking spaces with an amazing coastal experience.
Izmir, the coastal charm of Turkey
Coastal city of Izmir is full of sandy beaches, dining places, offers laid-back atmosphere, and pleasant weather, perfect for relaxing. Most of the expats love to stay in Alsancak and Konak. For remote workers there are many cafes and coworking spaces, ensuring productive work environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Want to apply for Turkey Digital Nomad Visa? How to do so?
If the remote workers belong to Turkey Digital Nomad Visa eligible countries, they can apply through the Turkey Foreign Office in your home country or country of residence or through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security's system in Turkey.
What is the time-taken for Turkey Digital Nomad Visa Application to be reviewed?
The time required to verify the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, takes around several weeks, and varies from one application to another. Therefore if you have any plans to work remotely in Turkey, it is advisable to apply in advance, as it will be reviewed, then might call you for interviews and document verification.
What are prerequisite documents needed to apply for Turkey Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, you will have to submit documents like a valid passport, travel health insurance, proof of employment or investment, proof that you have sufficient funds to survive and other documents depending on your eligibility category.
How much is the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa application fees?
The fees required for applying for a Digital Nomad Visa varies, it depends on your eligibility category, your home country and generally includes the processing and administrative fees.
As a Turkey Digital Nomad Visa holder, am I eligible to work for a Turkish employer?
You are not allowed to work for a Turkish employer while on a Turkey Digital Nomad Visa, for working in a company in Turkey you will have to apply for a work visa.
As a Turkey Digital Nomad Visa holder, are you allowed to bring your family to Turkey with you?
You are allowed to bring your family along with you, but it will vary depending on the circumstance and what type of visa they need.
What are the top cities in Turkey perfect for remote workers?
Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and Bursa are some of the popular cities for digital nomads due to its safety, provides modern amenities, and lets you have a wonderful cultural experience.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Chinese citizens, Australian citizens, Filipino citizens and Mexican citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.