Where to start, what to do before you fly, in your first month, and while settling in. An honest order of actions with nothing important forgotten.
Before you fly: budget, documents, housing
The first step is an honest budget: rent, one-off setup, and a cushion for the first 2–3 months. Then documents: a passport valid for at least a year, and — if you plan residency — the certificates and translations that are easier to prepare at home. Most important: book housing in advance in a district open to foreigner registration.
Never sign a long-term lease blind. Run a video viewing, fix the terms in writing, and confirm the address works for a residence application. We check the district and the contract before you land, so you don't lose a deposit on an unsuitable option.
The first month: residency, tax number, bank
In the first weeks get a tax number, a Turkish SIM and transfer the utility meters to your name. In parallel, assemble the residency file: insurance, address proof, funds. You apply online, then attend a migration-office appointment; while it is pending you stay in the country legally.
A bank account is easier to open once you have the residency-application receipt — the choice of banks widens. Before that, e-wallets help. We accompany you through the offices with a translator, so a month doesn't stretch into three because of form errors.
Settling in: furniture, appliances, a car
If the flat is empty, turn-key furnishing takes 3–7 days: furniture, major and small appliances, kitchenware. Turkish brands offer great value, so most things are cheaper to buy here than to ship. A car makes life noticeably easier in Alanya, which stretches along the coast.
We close this whole stage with one contractor: we source, deliver, assemble, install appliances and, if needed, bring a car to your door. Message us your arrival date and we'll draft a setup plan with a budget in advance.
