Articles on: Asia and the Middle East

Türkiye — Digital Nomad Visa: everything you need to work and live in Turkey

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder at QUESTRAVEL

Why Turkey for digital nomads?

From Bosphorus views in Istanbul to Aegean sunsets in İzmir and beach life in Antalya, Türkiye blends European/Asian culture, strong internet in major hubs, and a cost of living below most Western capitals. In 2024 the country introduced a Digital Nomad Visa pathway designed for remote workers who earn from abroad.


What the Digital Nomad Visa is (and isn’t)

It’s a two-step process:

  1. Get a “Digital Nomad Identification Certificate” online from the official tourism portal (GoTürkiye). This pre-approval confirms you meet the program criteria.
  2. Apply for your visa/residence with Turkish authorities (consulate abroad and/or local migration office after arrival), following the standard e-Visa/residence rules. (eVisa)
You remain a remote worker for foreign employers/clients. The route does not authorize work for Turkish employers.


Who manages it

  • GoTürkiye (Ministry of Culture & Tourism) issues the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate via the official portal.
  • Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) handles residence/permit processes (applications are managed through official channels like e-Visa and e-İkamet). (eVisa)


Eligibility (as published by GoTürkiye)

  • Age: 21–55.
  • Passport & nationality: must be from one of the listed eligible countries (e.g., USA, UK and most EU states—see the live list on the portal).
  • Education: bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Income: €3,000/month or €36,000/year (min.).
  • Work status: employee or freelancer working exclusively for entities outside Türkiye.
  • Documents: valid passport, documented income, university diploma, employment/contract letter or freelance platform proof, and digital face photo.


How to apply (step-by-step)

Step 1 — Get the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate

  1. Go to the official GoTürkiye page and select “Apply for Nomad Certificate.”
  2. Create your account and upload: passport, diploma, proof of income (bank statements/contract), and employment/freelance proof.
  3. If approved, download the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate (PDF).

Step 2 — Obtain your visa/residence

  1. If your nationality is eligible for an e-Visa, apply via the official e-Visa system and travel to Türkiye. Otherwise, apply at a Turkish consulate for the appropriate entry visa. (eVisa)
  2. After arrival, complete any residence permit formalities with PMM (appointments, biometrics, card issuance) through official guidance/portals (YİMER/PMM). (yimer.gov.tr)

Timing & costs (practical notes)

  • Portal review for the certificate is typically fast (varies by case).
  • Government fees apply at the visa/residence stage and differ by nationality and permit length (check e-Visa and PMM sites for current amounts). (eVisa)

Benefits

  • Live legally in Türkiye while working remotely for foreign clients/employers.
  • Easy first step online (certificate) before any consular/migration appointment.
  • Access to major nomad hubs: Istanbul, İzmir, Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia week-enders, etc.

Common pitfalls we fix at QUESTRAVEL

  • Submitting insufficient income proof (provide clear monthly statements + contracts).
  • Missing the degree requirement (upload diploma or equivalent document).
  • Assuming the certificate alone is a visa (you still complete e-Visa/residence with PMM). (eVisa)
  • GoTürkiye – Digital Nomad Identification Certificate (program overview, eligibility, application).
  • Republic of Türkiye e-Visa (official portal). (eVisa)
  • Presidency of Migration Management / YİMER (residence guidance & FAQs). (yimer.gov.tr)

The QUESTRAVEL take

Türkiye’s route is refreshingly clear: certificate first, then visa/residence. The strongest applications show unmistakable foreign income and remote-only status. We help you prep airtight paperwork (income, contracts, diploma), align your travel/appointment timeline, and avoid translation/format errors.

💡 Ready to make Turkey your bridge between Europe and Asia? Book a 1:1 with our concierge team at fromquestravel.com and leave with a tailored checklist, dates, and document pack for a smooth approval.

Updated on: 05/11/2025