Living in Turkey for Saudis: Your Guide to Settlement, Costs, and the Best Areas

Every year, the number of Saudis seriously considering living in Turkey increases, whether in search of a quieter life, profitable real estate investment, or simply a change in daily lifestyle. This growing interest is no coincidence; Turkey combines geographical proximity to the Kingdom, cultural and religious similarities, and a reasonable cost of living compared to many countries that were traditional destinations for settling.

But before you pack your bags or start looking for an apartment, there are many questions that deserve clear answers: What is the monthly cost of living in Turkey for Saudis? What type of residence permit do you need? And what are the best cities that suit your lifestyle? In this guide, we answer all these questions practically and directly.

Why Do Saudis Choose Turkey for Living?

It is not surprising that Turkey is one of the top destinations Saudis consider when thinking about living outside the Kingdom. The flight between Riyadh or Jeddah and Istanbul usually takes less than four hours, making it easy to stay in touch with family and travel back regularly without hassle.

In addition to geographical proximity, there are other factors that make living in Turkey a logical choice for Saudis:

• Cultural and religious similarities, as the presence of mosques and Islamic atmosphere in most Turkish cities gives Saudi families a sense of familiarity.
• Lower cost of living compared to European countries or even some Gulf countries, especially regarding rent and daily services.
• High quality healthcare and education, with many private hospitals and international schools in major cities.
• Promising real estate investment opportunities, as Saudis can own property in Turkey through easy procedures, which directly opens the door to residency and stability.

Do Saudis Need a Visa to Stay in Turkey?

Saudi citizens do not need a pre-issued visa to enter Turkey for tourism purposes, and they are allowed to stay for up to 90 days within each 180-day period, without fees or complicated procedures.

However, it is important to distinguish between "visiting Turkey" and "actually living there." The exemption from the Turkey visa covers only short-term tourism and business purposes, and does not include permanent residence, work, or study. In other words, if you plan to live in Turkey seriously and not just visit, you will need to obtain an official residence permit from the Turkish Immigration Department before the exemption period ends. 

Types of Residence Permits Available for Saudis Wishing to Settle

The Turkish system offers several residency pathways, each suited to a different purpose:

• Short-term tourist residence: Suitable for those who want to try living in Turkey for a limited period before making a final decision.
• Real estate residence: The fastest and most stable option for Saudis, granted to those who own property in Turkey, and provides a renewable annual residence permit as long as the property is owned.
• Work residence: For those who have an official employment contract with a Turkish company.
• Student residence: For students enrolled in Turkish universities.

For many Saudi families, real estate residence remains the most logical option; it combines owning a real investment asset and obtaining stable residency at the same time, without the need for an employment contract or study commitments. You can read more details about residence in Turkey for Saudis

Cost of Living in Turkey for Saudis

One of the most pressing questions when thinking of living in Turkey for Saudis: How much will I need monthly? The answer varies depending on the city and lifestyle, but in general, Turkey remains noticeably cheaper than many other destinations Saudis consider.

For a single person, the monthly cost ranges between approximately 1,100 and 1,900 SAR, including:

• Housing (room or studio apartment): from 550 to 950 SAR.
• Food and drinks: from 550 to 950 SAR.
• Transportation and bills: less than 400 SAR.

For a family of four, the monthly budget rises to between approximately 3,800 and 7,500 SAR, distributed as follows:

• Rent for a two- or three-bedroom apartment: from 1,900 to 3,400 SAR.
• Food and drinks: from 1,500 to 2,600 SAR.
• Bills (electricity, water, gas, internet): from 400 to 550 SAR.

These figures are approximate and affected by factors such as the city, neighborhood level, and whether you choose ready or under-construction housing, but they give a realistic picture to help you plan financially before making the move.

Read more about the cost of living in Turkey

Best Turkish Cities for Saudis to Live In

Choosing the right city is just as important as choosing the type of residence, as each city has its own character:

• Istanbul: The first choice for most Saudis, thanks to the large Arab community, diverse neighborhoods and services, and easy access via its modern international airport, one of the largest in the world.
• Antalya: A coastal city combining mild weather and beautiful nature, suitable for those seeking a quiet lifestyle near the sea.
• Bursa: Closer to authentic Turkish character, with a lower cost of living than Istanbul and good infrastructure.
• Trabzon: A favorite destination for lovers of green nature and mountains, suitable for those who prefer to stay away from the hustle of big cities.

In general, Istanbul remains the best choice for those seeking a balance between investment opportunities and ease of integration, while other cities are better for those looking for more tranquility and lower living costs.

See our latest offers for properties for sale in Turkey

Advantages of Living in Turkey for Saudis

• Diverse climate: From warm summers on the coasts to mild winters in inland cities, giving you the freedom to choose the weather that suits you.
• Advanced healthcare: Private hospitals with international standards, and reasonable prices compared to European countries.
• Good education: International schools and recognized universities, with multiple options for families thinking about their children's educational future.
• Easy transportation: A wide public transport network, and airports connecting Turkey to the whole world.
• Promising real estate opportunities: An active real estate market that allows Saudis to own and invest through clear steps, making the idea of living in Turkey for Saudis often linked to a real investment opportunity, not just a residential move.

Disadvantages and Challenges Saudis May Face in Turkey

Objectivity also requires us to point out some challenges you may face:

• Language barrier, as many Turks do not speak English or Arabic, making it useful to learn the basics of Turkish to integrate more easily.
• Fluctuation of the Turkish lira, which may affect living costs if you do not plan your finances well.
• Differences in some social customs, which require a short adjustment period, especially in major cities with a fast-paced lifestyle.

These challenges do not negate the advantages of living in Turkey, but they are points worth considering in your planning, so your experience is smoother from day one.

How Can Imtilak Real Estate Help You Settle in Turkey?

If you are serious about living in Turkey as a Saudi, the safest first step is to start by owning a suitable property, as it is the path that combines safe investment and obtaining stable residency without complications.

At Imtilak Real Estate, we accompany you every step of the way, from choosing the property that fits your budget and lifestyle, to completing the purchase and real estate residence procedures, and providing accurate consultations about the best areas and projects to achieve true stability and rewarding investment returns in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Turkey for Saudis

Is Turkey suitable for Saudis to live in?

Yes, Turkey combines geographical proximity to the Kingdom, cultural similarities, and reasonable living costs, making it one of the most suitable destinations for Saudis wishing to settle abroad.

What is the monthly cost of living in Turkey for an individual and for a family in SAR?

The monthly cost for a single person ranges between approximately 1,100 and 1,900 SAR, while a family of four needs between 3,800 and 7,500 SAR monthly, depending on the city and lifestyle.

Do Saudis need a visa or residence permit to live in Turkey?

Saudis are exempt from the visa for tourist visits up to 90 days, but actually living in Turkey requires obtaining an official residence permit, whether it is a real estate, work, or student residence.

What is the best Turkish city for Saudis to settle in?

Istanbul is the most popular choice thanks to the large Arab community and variety of opportunities, while Antalya and Bursa are better suited for those seeking more tranquility and lower living costs.

Does buying property in Turkey make it easier for Saudis to obtain residency?

Yes, real estate residence is one of the fastest and most stable residency routes for Saudis, as it is granted as soon as they own property in Turkey and is renewable annually.

What is the difference between living in Turkey for Saudis compared to other Gulf countries?

Turkey is characterized by a lower cost of living, broader geographical and cultural diversity, and an open real estate market for foreign ownership, which is not as easily available in many Gulf countries.