Digital Nomad Visa Application in Turkey

Given the absence of specific legal regulations and the limited information provided by public authorities, it is understood that the "Nomad Visa" is defined as a distinct category of visa, separate from both “residence permit” and “work permit”. This visa type represents a new and different framework tailored for digital nomads.

The concept itself and the conditions for obtaining a nomad visa is ambiguous since it is not listed at above mentioned Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection in which types of visas are listed by the law.

In the absence of specific regulations, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has launched a dedicated website for digital nomads, providing details about the “Nomad Visa.” The website can be accessed at https://digitalnomads.goturkiye.com/.

Conditions for Nomad Visa

Under this framework, individuals employed by a company outside of Turkey can stay in the country for one year while continuing their work remotely, provided they demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $3,000 and an annual income of at least $36,000.

According to the information obtained, for obtaining a Nomad Visa, the applicant

• must possess an employment allowing to work remotely for a company outside Turkey.

• must be between the ages of 21 and 55,

• must be a university graduate,

• must have a minimum monthly income of 3000 USD and 36.000 USD per year,

• must prove that he/she has employment contracts or independent contractor contracts and

  In addition to these requirements, there is also a restriction of citizenship for the applications. More specifically, citizens of the countries listed below are eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa to Türkiye;

France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania , Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus.

Despite the promise of the Digital Nomad Visa in Turkey, several challenges remain due to its recent introduction. Uncertainties persist regarding whether digital nomads can bring their families, the duration of the visa, and the requirements for private health insurance. Additionally, there is a lack of clear guidance on tax obligations and social security arrangements for digital nomads.

Procedure for Application

According to the dedicated website, the relevant authorities for Nomad Visa applications are the "Türkiye Visa Centers/consulates" for foreigners residing abroad and the "Provincial Migration Management Offices" for those already in Turkey. Prior to the transactions to be made before "Türkiye Visa Centers/consulates" and /or Provincial Migration Management Offices", the applicants are expected to get the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate from the website https://digitalnomads.goturkiye.com/The Certificate can be obtained online by signing up to the platform. Then the applicant is expected to upload the following documents’ scanned versions:

“1- Passport Travel Document (To have a travel document/passport valid for at least 6 months as from the date of arrival in Türkiye)

2- Diploma or Certification of Degree document showing that you are a university graduate

3- Document showing that the applicant works in the Digital Nomad field;

a) Contract, if applicant working within the company (except companies located in Türkiye)

b) If applicant is self-employed, the business contract between applicant and the company (except companies located in Türkiye)

4- Biometric photo

5- Document proving that the applicant has a monthly income of 3,000 USD or 36,000 USD annually.”

As per the information obtained from the website, if the documents are sufficient, a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate will be assigned to the applicant. Then the applicant can apply for Digital Nomad Visa at Türkiye Visa center/consulate with designated Digital Nomad Identification Certificate and other required documents. If the applicant is already in Türkiye, they can apply for a residence permit online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr ​​after receiving the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate from the system.Foreigners applying for a residence permit must be present at the Provincial Migration Management Offices on the appointment date and time.