Antalya, Turkey

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa
  Most visitors to Turkey require a tourist visa, which can be easily obtained online through the e-Visa system. Citizens of certain countries, such as those in the EU and the UK, can enter visa-free for short stays.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
  For citizens of select countries, Turkey offers a Visa on Arrival option at major airports, including Antalya.
• Digital Nomad Visa
  Turkey does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but long-term residency permits can be obtained for those wishing to stay longer. Proof of income or savings and a local rental agreement are usually required.

For visa information, visit the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 Cost of Living

Accommodation

• Budget: Hostels and budget hotels start at $20-$40 per night.
• Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels and rental apartments cost $50-$100 per night.
• Luxury: High-end resorts along Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach range from $150-$400+ per night.

Food

• Budget: Enjoy Turkish street food like döner kebabs and pides for $3-$6 per meal.
• Mid-Range: Dining at traditional Turkish restaurants costs $10-$20 per person.
• Luxury: Fine dining experiences at seaside restaurants range from $30-$60 per person.

Transportation

• Public buses and trams: $0.50-$1 per ride.
• Taxis: $2 base fare plus $0.50 per kilometer.
• Car rentals: $25-$50 per day.

Healthcare
Antalya offers excellent healthcare facilities. Private clinics and hospitals cater to international visitors, with consultation fees ranging from $30-$100.

Climate & Weather

Antalya enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters:

• Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny, with temperatures reaching 30°C-40°C (86°F – 104°F).
• Autumn (September-November): Cooler, with highs of 25°C-30°C (77°F – 95°F) , and pleasant evenings.
• Winter (December-February): Mild, with temperatures averaging 10°C-15°C (50°F – 60°F).
• Spring (March-May): Warm and fresh, with temperatures around 20°C-25°C (68°F – 77°F).

The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Landscape

Antalya’s natural beauty is one of its greatest attractions:

• Beaches: Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach are famous for their pristine sands and turquoise waters.
• Mountains: The Taurus Mountains provide stunning vistas and opportunities for trekking.
• Waterfalls: Visit Düden and Kurşunlu Waterfalls for serene nature escapes.
• Caves: Explore the fascinating Karain and Dim Caves.

Things to Do

Heritage Sites

• Kaleiçi: Stroll through the old town to admire Ottoman-era mansions and ancient Roman gates.
• Aspendos: Visit the best-preserved Roman theater in the world.
• Perge: Explore the ruins of this ancient city with its impressive stadium and baths.
• Termessos: An ancient city perched high in the Taurus Mountains, offering breathtaking views.

Adventure Activities

• Paragliding over Antalya’s coastline.
• Whitewater rafting in Köprülü Canyon.
• Diving and snorkeling to discover vibrant marine life and underwater caves.

Nightlife

• Enjoy lively bars and clubs in Kaleiçi, such as Club Arma and Ally’s.
• Attend beach parties along Lara Beach.
• Experience traditional Turkish music and dance performances.

Wellness Retreats

• Relax at luxury spas offering Turkish hammams.
• Join yoga sessions at scenic beach locations.

Shopping

• Wander through local bazaars for handcrafted goods, spices, and textiles.
• Visit modern malls like TerraCity for international brands.
• Buy traditional Turkish carpets and jewelry from trusted artisans.

Lifestyle

Life in Antalya is laid-back and centered around outdoor living. Residents enjoy sunny days, local markets, and leisurely meals by the sea. The city’s warm and welcoming community makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

Engaging with the local culture is a rewarding experience. Joining cooking classes, language exchange programs, or cultural festivals helps expats and visitors integrate into the community.

Other Important Locations in Turkey

• Istanbul: The cultural and economic heart of Turkey, famous for its historic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus.
• Cappadocia: Known for its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides.
• Ephesus: A well-preserved ancient city with a rich history.
• Pamukkale: Home to thermal springs and white travertine terraces.
• Bodrum: A coastal town renowned for its beaches and nightlife.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Shared apartments and studios ($300-$500/month).
• Mid-Range: Furnished apartments and small villas ($600-$1,200/month).
• Luxury: High-end villas and waterfront properties ($2,000+/month).

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Antalya is gradually becoming a digital nomad-friendly city with co-working spaces like:

• Workhub Antalya: Prices start at $100/month.
• Antalya Co-Working: Offers affordable shared desks and meeting rooms.
• The Office Antalya: Premium co-working spaces with sea views.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in Antalya. Public hotspots are common but may have limited speeds.
• SIM: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom offer prepaid SIM cards. They are sold at the airport and retail stores, with passport registration required.

Volunteering Opportunities

• Education: Teach English or other skills to children in underserved communities.
• Environmental Projects: Participate in beach clean-ups and conservation programs.
• Community Development: Assist with initiatives supporting women and rural communities.

Explore more opportunities through www.volunteerhq.org or through local volunteer community websites.

 Real Estate Investment Options

• Residential Properties: Apartments and villas in areas like Lara and Konyaaltı are popular among investors.
• Commercial Spaces: Invest in boutique hotels or restaurants catering to the tourism sector.
• Holiday Rentals: Purchase properties for Airbnb or seasonal rental income.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Antalya’s start-up scene is emerging, especially in tourism, agri-tech, and eco-friendly businesses. Local incubators and government incentives support entrepreneurial ventures.

Business Setup Process for Expats

1. Choose Your Business Structure

• In Turkey, the most common types of business structures for expats are:
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, providing limited liability to shareholders.
  • Joint Stock Company (JSC): Suitable for larger businesses or those planning to issue shares to the public.
  • Sole Proprietorship: For individual entrepreneurs, though it doesn’t offer the same liability protection as an LLC.

2. Register Your Business

• Register with the Trade Registry Office in Antalya, which is part of the Ministry of Customs and Trade. You’ll need:
  • A unique business name.
  • A notarized signature declaration.
  • Proof of address.
  • Articles of association for LLC or JSC.
  • Identification documents for the business owners or directors.

3. Obtain Tax Registration

• Register with the Turkish Revenue Administration (GIB) to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN). This is essential for paying taxes, and you may also need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT) depending on your business activities.

4. Open a Business Bank Account

• After registering your company, open a local business bank account in Turkey. Banks will require documents like your trade registry certificate, tax number, and company address.

5. Apply for Necessary Licenses and Permits

• Depending on your business type, you may need specific licenses and permits to operate. This could include:
  • Municipality business licenses for local businesses.
  • Health and safety permits for food or service businesses.
  • Environmental permits for businesses that may have an environmental impact.

6. Visa and Work Permits

• For foreign nationals, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit and possibly a work permit to legally live and work in Turkey. The application process is handled through the Directorate General of Migration Management.

Business Opportunities

Thriving Sectors

• Tourism & Hospitality: Opportunities abound in boutique hotels, travel agencies, and adventure tours.
• Real Estate: Developing or managing properties for expats and tourists.
• Agriculture: Leverage Antalya’s fertile land for organic farming and agri-tech ventures.
• Retail: Open shops or e-commerce platforms selling Turkish goods and souvenirs.
• Technology: Invest in digital solutions for tourism and local