Turkey has no dedicated retirement visa; most retirees obtain a short-term residence permit (usually valid up to two years and renewable) by showing sufficient income or savings, valid health insurance and a local address.
A few things to line up early:
Visa rules change often — treat this as a starting point and confirm the latest official requirements before you plan.
Remember: buying a home and gaining the right to live there are usually separate steps. See how ownership works in Turkey, and what it costs to live there in our cost-of-retiring guide.
Once you are tax-resident, Turkey can tax worldwide income including foreign pensions, though the UK-Turkey double-tax treaty and generous allowances often keep the burden light; UK government-service pensions remain taxable in the UK. Take local advice on your position.
Turkey has modern, low-cost private hospitals, especially in Istanbul, Antalya and the coastal resorts. New residents must hold private health insurance, which is inexpensive, and after a year of residence under-65s can join the public SGK scheme for a modest annual premium. The tourist coasts are safe and welcoming; they drive on the right, and English is widely spoken in expat and resort areas though far less so inland, where some Turkish goes a long way.
Antalya and its suburbs for a warm coastal city; Fethiye and Calis for a relaxed resort feel; Bodrum for a smarter Aegean scene; and Altinkum/Didim for budget-friendly seaside living.
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