Middle East
Retire in Türkiye
Türkiye offers retirees a notably affordable lifestyle—living costs are less than half those of the US—paired with a moderate climate and decent healthcare infrastructure. The country bridges Europe and Asia, combining Mediterranean and continental seasons, and appeals to those seeking cultural richness and low day-to-day expenses.
- Currency
- TRY
- Main language
- Turkish
- Population
- 86M
At a glance
Cost of living
~59% cheaper than the US
national price level vs the US · World Bank (PPP ÷ FX rate), 2025
The five-factor profile
Each axis is a 0–100 score derived from the sourced indicators above and the climate normals below — nothing is hand-set. See the methodology for the exact formulas.
- Affordability73
- Healthcare77
- Climate comfort76
- Longevity76
- Prosperity73
Climate
Long-term climate normals for 3 representative cities. Annual mean 15.2°C · warmest month 25.5°C · coolest 5.8°C.
| City | Annual mean | January | July | Rain / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 15.2°C | 5.8°C | 25.1°C | 624 mm |
| Antalya | 17.5°C | 7.1°C | 28.6°C | 827 mm |
| Izmir | 17.3°C | 8.2°C | 27.2°C | 647 mm |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 climatology), long-term climatology.
Retirement-visa path
Türkiye does not have a dedicated retirement visa program. Long-stay residence is typically obtained through the Short-Term Residence Permit (İkamet) or longer-term residence permits, which generally require proof of financial means or a reason for stay (such as family ties or property ownership). You will need to satisfy local provincial authorities about your ability to support yourself; requirements vary by region and change. Consult the Turkish Ministry of Interior or your nearest Turkish consulate for current thresholds and documentation.
Official source: www.goc.gov.tr
AI-drafted from official sources · pending human review · drafted 2026-07-06
Taxes, briefly
Türkiye taxes worldwide income for residents; consult a tax professional familiar with Turkish and your home-country rules before moving.
Safety & advisories
Check your government's official travel advisory for Türkiye before planning your move.
Who it tends to suit
Retirees comfortable with Turkish language learning, drawn to history and culture, who prioritize affordability and don't require cutting-edge healthcare.