Guide
A short city-by-city overview for members considering a move to Turkey: lifestyle, realistic cost ranges for 2026 and the strength of the Slavic community. Figures are approximate ranges based on a mid-range lifestyle.
Experience notes coming soon, from members already living in Turkey.
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Prepared by the SlavicPartner content team
A metropolis of 16 million spanning two continents; the widest choice of jobs, international schools and social life. The pace is fast and distances are long.
Slavic community: Strong Slavic community: a large Russian-speaking community, associations, shops and an Orthodox church.
The capital; calm, planned and safe. Government institutions, universities and embassies define the city's character. More affordable than Istanbul.
Slavic community: Mid-sized Slavic community: Russian/Ukrainian-speaking groups around the embassies and universities.
The largest city on the Aegean; known for its seaside, secular and relaxed lifestyle. The climate is mild and social life flows along the waterfront.
Slavic community: Growing Slavic community: Russian-speaking families who moved in recent years and online communities are active.
The tourism capital on the Mediterranean coast; long summers, beaches and foreigner-friendly infrastructure. The city where Russian signs and services are most common.
Slavic community: Turkey's strongest Slavic community: tens of thousands of Russian-speaking residents, Russian schools, shops and community events.
The first Ottoman capital; 2 hours from Istanbul, a green industrial city at the foot of Mount Uludag. A calm and economical option for family life.
Slavic community: The Slavic community is small but present; proximity to Istanbul makes community events easy to reach.
The gastronomy capital of the southeast (on the UNESCO list); famous for its baklava and cuisine, with strong industry and a low cost of living.
Slavic community: Limited Slavic community; few Russian-speaking residents, social circles are built mostly on local connections.
Any stay longer than the tourist period requires a residence permit. Applications are made by appointment through the e-ikamet system of the Presidency of Migration Management; on the appointment day the documents are submitted to the provincial directorate of migration management. Short-term and family residence permits typically require an application form, passport, biometric photos, valid health insurance and proof of the address where you will stay.
Once the permit is approved, the foreign national receives an identification number starting with 99. It is used in almost every daily transaction: opening a bank account, buying a phone line, logging into the e-Devlet portal and booking a medical appointment.
The address is registered in the address registration system of the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality; Law No. 5490 on population services requires a change of address to be reported within twenty working days. A tax number is issued by the Revenue Administration and may be requested for the rental contract, utility subscriptions and banking.
Put the rental contract in writing; it should state the identity details of both parties, the rent, the increase clause and the deposit amount. Having it drawn up by a notary is not mandatory: a written, signed contract is enough.
Electricity, water and gas subscriptions require an ID or foreigner identification number, the rental contract and the building's compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) policy. DASK was made compulsory by Law No. 6305 on disaster insurance and is checked during subscription.
Urban transport runs on contactless cards: Istanbulkart in Istanbul, Ankarakart in Ankara, Izmirim Kart in Izmir and Antalyakart in Antalya. Cards are sold from machines at metro stations and stops, while discounted cards are issued through the municipal transport company.
A valid health insurance policy is required for a first residence permit application, and this is usually met with private insurance. Foreign nationals who have lived in Turkey continuously for at least one year and are not covered by another country's social security legislation may, upon request, join universal health insurance under Law No. 5510.
Appointments at state hospitals and family health centers are booked through the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS) via its website, mobile app and the 182 phone line. In emergencies, 112 Emergency Call Center is the single number.
Residence permit types, application conditions and current document lists.
Residence permit application and appointment system.
Address registration system and identity procedures.
The official source for city populations: address based population registration system results.
The links go to official institution websites and open in a new tab.
Antalya has Turkey's strongest Slavic community: tens of thousands of Russian-speaking residents, Russian schools, shops and community events. Istanbul also has a large Russian-speaking community with associations, shops and an Orthodox church.
As of 2026, monthly expenses per person for a mid-range lifestyle (excluding rent) range roughly from 12,000 to 35,000 TL depending on the city. Rents start at 10,000 TL in Gaziantep and can reach 60,000 TL in Istanbul.
Ankara stands out for its calm, planned and safe structure; Bursa for being close to Istanbul, green and economical. Izmir is also a strong option for those seeking a relaxed seaside lifestyle.
Explore the cultural differences too
Read our culture bridge guide for the nuances between Turkish and Slavic cultures.
Culture bridge guide