So, you’ve decided to swap the British drizzle for the Antalya sun? First off, congratulations! As someone who made the jump from the UK property market to the Mediterranean coast, I can tell you that life here is incredible—but the “paperwork” side of moving can feel like a maze if you don’t have a map.

In 2026, Turkey has streamlined many of its processes, but the rules are stricter than they used to be. Here is my “boots on the ground” advice for a seamless move from the UK to Antalya.

“Relocating is not just about moving your belongings; it’s about moving your life. Take it one step at a time, embrace the local ‘Yavaş Yavaş’ (slowly slowly) pace, and before you know it, you’ll be sipping Çay on your balcony wondering why you didn’t move sooner.”

Master the 2026 Residency Rules (İkamet)

Gone are the days of the simple “tourist” stay. If you plan to live in Antalya for more than 90 days, you need a Residence Permit (İkamet).

Pro Tip: Always transfer your pension or remote salary from your UK bank to a Turkish bank. Having that “clean” paper trail is exactly what the migration officers want to see.

The Threshold: For a property-based residency in 2026, your home must have an official appraisal value of at least $200,000.

Income Proof: You’ll need to show a traceable monthly income. As of early 2026, the threshold for a single applicant is roughly ₺42,112 per month (approx. £850-£900 depending on the exchange rate).

Set Up Your “Turkish Financial Footprint”

You can’t pay your water bill or get a residency permit without a Turkish Tax Number (Vergi Numarası). The good news? You can get this online in five minutes. Once you have it, your next stop is opening a local bank account.

Banking in 2026: Most banks in Antalya now have English-speaking “Expat Departments.” I always recommend my clients use branches in Lara or Konyaaltı, where they are very used to dealing with UK paperwork.

The DAB Document: Remember, for your property purchase, you’ll need a Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB). Your Turkish bank handles this by exchanging your Sterling for Lira specifically for the Land Registry.

Shipping vs. Buying Local

A common question I get is: “Should I ship my UK furniture?” In 2026, my advice is usually no. The cost of international shipping and customs “Luxury Tax” on electronics can be eye-watering. Antalya has incredible furniture hubs (like the Antalya Mobilya Merkezi) where you can furnish a 3-bedroom villa for less than the cost of shipping your old sofa from Manchester.

• One Exception: Bring your high-quality kitchen gadgets and personal tech. Just remember you’ll need a Schuko (Type F) adapter for your UK plugs!

Wrapping Up with Key Insights

Healthcare and Insurance (SGK vs. Private)

Healthcare in Antalya is world-class, but you need the right cover to get your permit.

The 1-Year Mark: After living here for one year with a permit, you can opt into the SGK (State Social Security) system. This is a brilliant, affordable way for UK expats to access government hospitals and discounted prescriptions.

Under 65: You’ll need a private Turkish health insurance policy. These are surprisingly affordable compared to UK private insurance and cover most emergencies.