Relocating to Izmir

About the City

Located in the western region of Anatolia, Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey, behind only Istanbul and Ankara in terms of size and population. The city has been an important trade and transit hub since the Ottoman Empire, and is today integral to Turkey’s import and export trade. Izmir is home to over four million people, and the population has been growing steadily since the 1940s. Its territory has grown, too, and it now covers 7,340 square kilometers of land, stretching along the Gulf of İzmir to the north, across the delta of the Gediz River.

The vast majority of its population self-identifies as Turkish, but it is still a very diverse city. It is home to the second largest Jewish community in Turkey, and a significant number of Levantines – Christians of Venetian and French descent. The official language of Izmir is Turkish, and although some people may speak basic English, expatriates moving to Izmir are advised to learn some Turkish.

The Climate in Izmir

Expatriates moving to Izmir will need to adjust to a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers, and rainy, mild winters. During the winter months the temperature ranges between 8.8°C (47.8°F) and 11.7°C (53.1°F) on average, but it has been known to drop as low as 5.8°C (42.4°F). Although Izmir hardly ever experiences snowfall, almost 80% of the total rainfall for the year occurs during the winter. In contrast, the summers are very hot and extremely dry, with temperatures ranging from 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 28.0°C (82.4°F), but expatriates moving to Izmir can expect highs of 33.2°C (91.8 °F) at the height of summer.

Visas for Turkey

Expats and foreigners moving to Izmir will need a visa to enter Turkey. Visa requirements for entry to the country depend on your nationality, so you are advised to check with your local embassy or consulate as to whether you will need a visa on arrival.

Expatriates moving to Izmir to work and stay for longer than the 90 days allowed by a tourist visa will need to make arrangements for a long term stay. In Turkey, you are not required to apply for a residence permit separately from your work permit, as the work permit allows the holder to live in Turkey for its duration.

You will need to register with your local police department on moving to Izmir, regardless of whether or not you are in possession of a work permit. In order to do so you will need to provide legal documentation including your work permit, passport, confirmation of your address, and a Turkish tax number, which can be claimed from the tax office after your work permit has been granted.