Relocation to Turkey

NEŞE YAHYA

Relocation of a family from one country to another is always a complicated affair, sometimes even challenging. To avoid unexpected surprises it is advised to ask for assistance from companies offering relocation services.  Thus, the whole process can become easier and actually enjoyable.

It is important that before arrival, the family receives a “welcome pack” of sorts. The package should include information on city-specific living conditions, public transport, a local street guide, areas of general interest for expatriates and other such useful guides. Joining an area driving tour combined with a community orientation is very helpful before settling in a new city.

Home Search

Home finding and selection can be tiring. You have to visit real estate agents (Emlak Ofisi / Emlakçı) and negotiate the best possible price and conditions in the selected area. The commission charged by real estate agents is usually equal to 12 percent of the yearly rent. It is also crucial that the lease agreement is done properly and that its contents are scrutinized for issues like rent deposit, rent payment terms, allowance of pets and other similar conditions. It is useful to know that if employer rents homes on behalf of their employees, the rent will be subjected to further tax payable by the company; whereas there is no additional tax imposed on renting to individuals though employers may be asked to be a guarantor. 

After settling in a home, support may be needed for utility setup since it involves interaction with local public institutions that might be quite bureaucratic as they would be anywhere in the world. In instances where children are also relocated, assistance is likely to be needed for school selection and enrollment.

Bringing pets with you to Turkey

If you plan to bring your pet to Turkey, you are advised that you carry with you its vaccination certificate. In addition, veterinary health certificate, issued no more than 10 days before departure should be presented to the authorities. The only limitation in this issue is the number of pets that you can bring, which is restricted to one dog, one cat, one bird or 10 aquarium fish per person. For further information and specific clarification on this issue you may contact the airline you plan to travel with to Turkey.

Driving License

If you are visiting Turkey as a tourist or residing for a definite period, you are allowed to drive with your international license. However, if you become a resident or start working or studying in Turkey, you need to convert your driving license into a Turkish one. Thus in principle, all international driving licenses are acceptable, once they are localized with the Association of Drivers (Şöförler Odasi) in Turkey.

How to become a Turkish citizen

Today foreign nationals are entitled to apply for Turkish citizenship on the basis of marriage, residence, birth and the intention to settle permanently. The acquisition of Turkish citizenship by means of naturalisation requires five years of permanent residence in Turkey and the confirmed intention to settle in the country. Children born in Turkey to foreign nationals have the right to opt for Turkish citizenship within three years after reaching maturity. In principle, Turkish citizenship laws allow dual citizenship.

According to Turkish Nationality Act, No 403, a foreigner should meet the following requirements in order to apply for Turkish nationality.

 Should be at the age of consent according to national law (if not a citizen of any country, Turkish law is taken into consideration which requires 18 years old as the age of consent). Should reside in Turkey for the last five years and should have the intention of settling in Turkey (This condition may not be applicable to those who are married to a Turkish national or those who have Turkish origins). Should be in good health. Should speak Turkish. Should have enough financial resources to live in Turkey.

If you meet the conditions above, you can apply to obtain Turkish nationality. Application can be made through the Turkish Consulate in the country where you reside or through the local Governor's office in Turkey. It is important to note that applicant's ability to speak Turkish is taken into consideration when an application is made. Usually, a certificate is issued by the Turkish Consulate upon successful interview of the applicant.
Nese Yahya is the managing director of Expatia, a company providing services to foreigners who wish to settle in Turkey and foreign companies who invest here. www.expatia.net