How to Move to Turkey From the UK
What UK citizens need to know about moving to Turkey — entry requirements, the residence permit process, and early banking setup.
Entry requirements for UK passport holders can change, so confirm current visa rules directly with Turkey's official e-Visa portal or your nearest consulate before booking anything — don't rely on secondhand info here or anywhere else. As of recent guidance, UK citizens can stay visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within a 180-day period; longer stays need a residence permit, and post-Brexit, UK citizens follow the same non-EU procedures as other nationalities.
Once you're in Turkey and settling beyond that window, the process is the same as for any nationality: a short-term residence permit (ikamet) application, proof of address, health insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
On tax: the UK and Turkey have a Double Taxation Agreement. Employment income is generally taxed where you work; dividends and interest may be taxed in both countries but the source country's rate is capped; pensions are usually taxed where you're resident, with some exceptions for certain public pensions. This is general treaty structure — get advice for your specific case.
One UK-specific practical note: UK bank cards and international transfers generally work fine for the initial move, but opening a local Turkish bank account early makes rent payments, utility setup, and the residence permit's proof-of-funds step noticeably smoother.
Related guides: "Moving to Turkey From the USA" covers a very similar process if you're comparing notes, and "How to Get Permanent Residency in Turkey" for the longer-term picture once you've settled in.
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