A Digital Nomad Visa is a temporary residence permit that allows a traveler to stay in a country and work remotely via computer for an employer or business based abroad. These visas are typically valid for 12 months and can be extended for one or more years depending on the country that issued the visa.
Türkiye is one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East and Europe. With its prime location, it is considered an important gateway to the market of 448 million consumers - the EU. The Turkish government has continuously implemented effective reforms and policies over the years, increasing its credibility to use it as a lever to continue developing the domestic economy and attracting foreign investors.
Türkiye is one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East.
The program is open to citizens of 36 selected countries, including the United States, Canada and most of Europe, who work remotely and are between the ages of 21 and 55, according to Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
To qualify, you need to have a monthly income of at least $3,000, which equates to an annual income of $36,000. That salary must come from a company based outside Türkiye or from self-employment. You also need a university degree and a passport valid for at least six months after your arrival in Türkiye.
After submitting all the required information through the online portal, qualified applicants will be issued a digital nomad identity certificate. The certificate, supporting documents, and visa photo must be brought to the visa application center or Turkish consulate where the staff will issue the visa.
Türkiye aims to make it easier for foreigners to visit and stay in the country
Once approved, remote workers can live and work in Türkiye for up to a year (though there is the possibility of extension). Turkey's digital nomad homepage offers a number of resources for remote workers on how to get started in several major cities, including Istanbul, the country's largest city (and one of the few cities in the world to span two continents), as well as Izmir and Bodrum, two popular coastal getaways for expats.
Remote work visa programs have become popular in recent years; Türkiye is just the latest to join the fray. For those countries, attracting untethered workers is often seen as an economic boon; the workers are not taking jobs from residents but are spending their money locally. For digital nomads, the visas offer greater flexibility, allowing them to stay in a country longer than a tourist visa.
The move is Türkiye's latest effort to make it easier for foreigners to visit and stay in the country. Earlier this year, Türkiye dropped its visa requirement for American travelers. Without a visa, American travelers can stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Perhaps the country's welcoming attitude toward international visitors is why Istanbul is the most visited city in the world. According to one Istanbul-based writer, no matter how long you stay in Türkiye, whether it's for a short break or a temporary move, these are the essential places to visit in the country.
