Looking for German Expats in Turkey?

Is Turkey a good move for Germans? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what German expats in Turkey wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• The weather and nature are a draw. Sunshine and landscapes stand out — 87% of expats in Turkey rate the natural environment positively and 71% the climate and weather (vs. 58% globally).

• Food, culture, and hospitality are rich. Cuisine, history, and genuine warmth come up constantly as the heart of daily life.

• Getting around and travelling are easy. 82% rate the availability of public transportation positively, and Turkey's location makes trips cheap and quick (79% rate the opportunity to travel positively).

• It stretches a euro income. German retirees in particular note how far euro pensions go against the local exchange rate.

• The economy is the biggest strain. Inflation weighs heavily — just 16% of expats in Turkey rate the state of the economy positively and 23% the general cost of living.

• Politics and instability worry people. Only 30% rate political stability positively, and arbitrary decisions and limits on free speech come up.

• Cities can feel harsh. Traffic, noise, and a lack of green space draw complaints, especially in Istanbul.

• The language is a barrier. Only 30% say Turkish is easy to learn, and feeling welcome rates 56% (vs. 64% globally).

For Germans, Turkey offers stunning nature, wonderful food, hospitality, and a euro pension that stretches far. The trade-offs are economic and political: high inflation and instability. Overall happiness (58%) sits below the global average of 70%, reflecting the strain more than the lifestyle.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our German members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Of course, expat living in Turkey is not just about shipping your belongings and filing in some bureaucratic papers. Regular socializing with fellow Germans is an essential part of expat life and helps getting accustomed to the Turkish way of life and mentality. InterNations helps you connect and meet up with other Germans in Turkey, residing in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and many other places throughout the country. Just take a look at our group of Germans in Istanbul or Germans in Ankara.

If you ever wish to have a chat in your native language, discover where to shop for German food or discuss your favorite sports team's latest match, become a member of the Turkish InterNations Community:

• Look up our top quality network to get to know open-minded expats from Germany in Turkey.
• Obtain and share insider tips in our Turkey Expat Forums – e.g. how to hire a babysitter fluent in your native tongue for your children or where to get roast pork with Knödel in Ankara.
• Search the InterNations Places database for Turkey to get information on institutions from your home country, including the German embassy.

From the Bosporus to Aegean Turkey, between the azure sea and silvery olive groves, we’ll help you connect with supportive and friendly German expats in Turkey.

Moreover, please feel free to attend our regular expat events and activities in Turkey. Our get-togethers are very diverse and range from a cozy gathering to enjoy the traditional Turkish köfte, to big expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Istanbul’s best locations. You can also participate in one of our expat trips to go and see semi-desert Anatolia as well as other beautiful landmarks in Turkey.

Our meet-ups and activities are a great opportunity to mingle with expats from Germany and various other countries in a casual setting. Interested? Just sign up and you’ll soon be receiving a cordial Grüß Gott from our Germans living in Turkey!