What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Ankara

Relocating to Ankara

Whether you’ve landed a job in the area or you’re looking to make a major lifestyle change, moving to Ankara is a great choice for those working in the professional fields of healthcare, education or technology. Ankara has grown in recent years to become a hub of innovation and industry, and is also the political center of the Turkish region. From local services to childcare and education, Ankara has the features you’re looking for in a new home.

About the City

Ankara has an ancient history, with relics and landmarks dating back to the Ottoman and Roman Empires. Today, this developing country boasts a strong and ever growing capital that is home to over 4,587,500 (2014) residents. Ankara is the second biggest city in Turkey, behind only Istanbul. It is also the location of the Turkish government and home to overseas embassies. Located in the country’s center and to the north, is the Central Anatolia region. Ankara is easily reached from most major cities via road, rail or air and has strong trade links with much of Europe. The city is famous for its production of the much desired Angora wool from native rabbits and mohair from Angora goats.

The Climate in Ankara

Ankara is one of the driest regions of Turkey, with warm temperatures meeting high altitudes. Raised quite far above sea level, the city experiences a typical hot summer climate with cool nights, and cooler winters. Rain is usually light and falls at any time of the year, and although snow is unusual in lowland parts, it is not unheard of through the winter months. Higher peaks often stay snow-covered, even in the summer. Ankara has lots of green areas and the city center is surrounded by forestry, making it a great place to raise children or to enjoy hiking and biking in your free time. Storms are not uncommon in Ankara due to the meeting of hot air and cooler clouds, but the temperature will usually be comfortably warm at any time.

Visas for Turkey

Expats and foreigners moving to Ankara 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 Ankara 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 Ankara, 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.