Your essential guide to settling in Istanbul

Arrival: a brief orientation

Welcome to Istanbul — a city of two continents, ancient history and modern opportunity. For high‑net‑worth individuals arriving with Turkish citizenship or residency, Istanbul offers world‑class lifestyle, commerce and culture. This guide distils practical steps, local services and trusted priorities so your move is smooth, secure and strategically sound.

Internal summary: prioritise legal registration, secure housing, banking setup and local networks in your first 30 days.

Arrival checklist: immediate priorities

What to do in the first 72 hours

• Confirm your travel documents and residency or citizenship proof — carry physical and digital copies of passport, residence permit or Turkish citizenship certificate (see Turkey citizenship).
• Arrange temporary accommodation in a secure, centrally located neighbourhood for orientation.
• Obtain a local SIM card to manage logistics and local services.
• Activate travel insurance covering initial medical needs until local healthcare arrangements are in place.

Practical tip: keep certified scans of all documents on a secure cloud account and have colour printed copies for official appointments.

Internal summary: document readiness and temporary housing remove immediate friction and protect you during registration processes.

Residency, registration and local ID

Registering your address and tax identity

• Address registration: Turkish law requires new residents to register their address at the population office (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) or migration authority within 20 days of arrival; bring passport, residence card or citizenship proof, and a lease or title deed. This registration underpins bank accounts, utilities and school enrolment (Turkish migration guidance).
• Tax number (vergi numarası): Obtain a tax number from the local tax office to open bank accounts, register utilities, or transact property. A valid ID and proof of address are typically required.

Processing note: timelines for appointments vary by district; use a local concierge or relocation service to schedule and accompany you.

Internal summary: address registration and a tax number are foundational — secure these early to unlock banking and services.

Housing & neighbourhoods: where to live

Best districts for HNWIs and families

• Bebek & Arnavutköy (Beşiktaş): Prestigious Bosphorus waterfront living with private schools, cafés and yachts.
• Nişantaşı & Şişli: High fashion, luxury residences and international services; central for business and lifestyle.
• Levent & Maslak: Financial district towers with secure complexes and concierge services.
• Çengelköy & Kandilli (Asian side): Leafy, quieter waterfront properties preferred by families seeking space and privacy.

Buying vs renting

• Short‑term rentals ease initial scouting but are costlier per month; expect higher premiums in prime areas.
• Long‑term leasing (12 months+) often requires a deposit and, in some cases, a guarantor; legal review of contracts is essential.
• Buying property: Complete Tapu (title deed) checks and engage a reputable notary and legal counsel for due diligence. Title transfers and due diligence are standard practice and protect ownership rights.

Internal summary: choose based on lifestyle, proximity to schools and security preferences; use vetted agents and legal counsel for purchases.

Banking & tax: establishing financial security

Setting up accounts and understanding tax residency

• Bank accounts: Major banks (Garanti BBVA, İşbank, Akbank) offer accounts for residents; required documents usually include passport, tax number, proof of address and residence permit or citizenship. Expect AML checks for large transfers.
• Currency strategy: Local transactions use Turkish lira; foreign‑currency accounts (EUR/USD) are common for treasury management. Many HNWIs keep an offshore account for international liquidity.
• Tax residency: Residence in Turkey is typically determined by presence over six months in a tax year; tax obligations on global income may follow. Engage a Turkish tax adviser to review double taxation treaties and structuring options (Turkish Revenue Authority guidance).

Callout — financial essentials:

• Secure a Turkish tax number early
• Expect enhanced source‑of‑fund checks for significant capital movements
• Use experienced advisers to navigate cross‑border tax positions

Internal summary: early banking setup and professional tax advice reduce friction and compliance exposure.

Business setup: registering and operating in Turkey

Practical steps to form a company

• Choose the company form: Limited company (Ltd Şti) is common for SMEs; joint stock companies (A.Ş.) suit larger ventures. Minimum capital varies by company type and sector.
• Documentation: Shareholder IDs, notarised powers, Turkish address and registered office details are standard.
• Registration process: Trade registry filing, tax office registration and social security registration for employees are required. When documents are complete, registration often completes in days to weeks. Siyah Agents can support with structured end‑to‑end setup and compliance.

Hiring and employment law

• Employment contracts, social security enrolment and adherence to labour law are mandatory; provide clear payroll and HR planning from day one. Consider local HR providers for payroll, benefits and compliance.

Internal summary: structured planning and local legal support accelerate company formation and reduce compliance risk.

Schooling & healthcare: family priorities addressed

Education options for expatriate families

• International schools: Options include Istanbul International Community School, British International School Istanbul and MEF International; demand is high and fees range widely. Early placement requests are advisable.
• Curriculum choices: British, American and IB programmes are common; check accreditation and language support.

Healthcare considerations

• Private hospitals: Acıbadem, American Hospital and Florence Nightingale are commonly used by HNWIs for international‑standard care.
• Insurance: Comprehensive private health cover is required for residency renewal and recommended for expatriate families.

Internal summary: secure school places and health insurance early; premium private providers deliver reliable, English‑speaking care.

Transport & daily life: moving with ease

Getting around the city

• Public transport: Istanbul’s metro, tram and ferry network cover major corridors and are efficient for many commutes. The Istanbulkart simplifies journeys across modes.
• Private transport: Many HNWIs use private drivers or chauffeur services for convenience and security; luxury car services and premium ride apps operate widely.
• Traffic: Allow generous time for peak‑hour travel and synchronise appointments to avoid congestion.

Daily conveniences

• Grocery delivery, domestic staff agencies and private concierge services are well established in prime neighbourhoods. Specialist shops and markets supply African and international foods.

Internal summary: blend public transport for short trips with private services for business efficiency and family comfort.

Culture, language & integration: building local connections

Language and community integration

• Learning Turkish accelerates integration; private tutors and language centres offer tailored programmes.
• Social networks: Engage with international chambers, business groups and local cultural centres to build trust and opportunities.
• Cultural etiquette: Politeness, formal introductions and respect for local customs smooth business and social relations.

Internal summary: invest in language and local networks to deepen relationships and unlock opportunities.

Safety, security & essential services

Staying secure in a megacity

• Istanbul is relatively safe for expatriates though petty theft occurs in tourist zones; secure compounds and vetted staff reduce risk.
• Engage a local concierge or security firm for property and personal protection if required.
• Emergency services: 112 is the national emergency number; register your residence with your embassy for tailored consular support.

Internal summary: sensible precautions and local support ensure peace of mind in daily life.

Final checklist & first 90 days plan

• Day 0–7: Temporary accommodation, SIM, travel insurance, initial funds transfer.
• Week 1–3: Address registration, tax number, open bank account, schedule school visits.
• Month 1–3: Secure long‑term housing, register utilities, finalise company formation, begin local language study.
• Ongoing: Tax and residency renewals, community engagement, periodic legal compliance reviews.

Ready to settle in with confidence? Start with Siyah Agents

Relocating to Istanbul after obtaining Turkey citizenship or residency is a major life change — and one that rewards disciplined planning. Siyah Agents specialises in helping African HNWIs transition seamlessly, from clarifying Turkey citizenship details to arranging tailored business setup and residency support. For a personalised plan and practical assistance, begin with an Assessment and let experienced advisors map your next steps.

Featured image request: A refined Bosphorus panorama with an elegant residential quarter and a professional figure overlooking the skyline.

Sources: Turkish migration and population registration guidance; Turkish tax authority publications; Istanbul municipal resources; Siyah Agents programme and advisory data (Turkey citizenship and business setup).