Istanbul: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Istanbul in 2026

Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and one of the largest in Europe, with about 16 million people on both shores of the Bosphorus. It is the region's business, cultural and transport hub with a huge airport flying to almost every country. Russian citizens need no visa, foreigners can buy property, and since 2026 new tax residents can avoid tax on foreign income for 20 years.

The downsides are serious too: high inflation and fast-rising rents, strict checks on residence permits, over a thousand districts nationwide closed to new foreign registrations, and the city lies in a seismic zone. So a move to Istanbul starts with choosing the basis for residence and checking the district and building, not with apartment hunting.

Cost of living in Istanbul

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2026, converted at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, about 49.2 lira per dollar. Because of inflation, lira prices rise quickly, so leases are often revised once a year. Apartments with Bosphorus views and in new guarded complexes cost far more than the averages.

Where to live in Istanbul: neighbourhoods

• Beşiktaş and Nişantaşı - the European side's business centre with restaurants, shops and high rents.
• Cihangir and Beyoğlu - historic quarters near Taksim with cafés and Bosphorus views, noisy.
• Kadıköy and Moda - the Asian side, calmer and greener, many cafés and parks, convenient ferries.
• Üsküdar - the Asian shore of the Bosphorus with quiet streets and a traditional way of life.
• Sarıyer - the north of the European side with villas and houses on the Bosphorus and international schools.
• Ataşehir - business district on the Asian side with residential complexes.

Many districts popular with foreigners are closed to new registrations, so the district's status on the migration service list is checked before signing.

Entry and residence

Russian citizens enter Turkey visa-free for up to 60 days per trip and no more than 90 days within 180. For long-term living a short-term residence permit is obtained for a purpose: property, tourism, business, study or medical treatment. Since 16 October 2023 property-based residence requires a home worth at least $200,000 in all cities, and since 1 January 2026 the card costs 964 lira. Tourist permits are renewed less and less, and the address in the application must be in a district open to foreigners. After eight years you can obtain long-term residence. More on the page Turkey residence permit.

Citizenship by investment from $400,000 can be obtained through property, a deposit, bonds or business investment without moving to the country. More on the page Turkey citizenship by investment.

Taxes in Turkey

Income tax is progressive from 15% to 40%, VAT is 20%, corporate tax 25%, and employees pay contributions of about 15% of salary. Since 2026 new tax residents who move to Turkey for the first time and apply on time can avoid tax on foreign income for 20 years. For money earned inside the country Turkey remains an expensive jurisdiction. More on the page Taxes in Turkey.

Renting and buying property

Foreigners can buy property in Turkey except plots near military zones. The title is registered at the land registry office, a licensed valuer's report is required, and the title transfer tax is usually split between seller and buyer. Before buying, check the year of construction and earthquake resilience, utility debts and the district's status: a home in a closed district can be bought, but residence will not be granted at that address. Earthquake insurance for homes is mandatory.

Leases run for a year with a deposit of one or two months' rent, and the lease used for residence is notarised.

Climate and daily life

Summers are warm and humid at around 28-30 degrees, winters cool and rainy at around 5-10 degrees, with occasional snow. The official language is Turkish, English is spoken in business districts and services, and the city has many Russian speakers. Private hospitals are of good quality, and health insurance is required for residence. Metro, trams, ferries and suburban trains connect both shores, but traffic is heavy. There are many international schools.

Pitfalls

• Over a thousand districts are closed to new foreign registrations.
• Tourist permits are renewed less and less.
• High inflation and annual rent increases.
• Seismic zone, building checks needed.
• Income tax up to 40% on local income.
• Visa-free stays are limited to 90 days within 180.

Murblz specialists choose the basis for residence, check the district and building, and support the purchase and the tax incentive application. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.