Istanbul at night: Galata Tower and the lights along the water
Guide Turkey → Germany · moving · checked 1 Nov 2026

Moving from Turkey to Germany

A plain checklist: the visa routes, what to sort before you go, and your first weeks in Germany.

Photo: Pexels
First: can you move?

You need a visa to live in Germany

Turkey is not in the EU, so living and working in Germany needs a visa and a residence permit. Short visits need a Schengen visa too.

Job
Skilled workA work visa with a recognised degree or trade and a job offer; the EU Blue Card for higher salaries.
Card
Opportunity CardSince 2024, the Chancenkarte lets you look for work in Germany: no points if your qualification is fully recognised, otherwise at least 6 points plus A1 German or B2 English.
Fam
FamilyJoining a spouse in Germany; basic German (A1) is usually required.
Uni
StudyA student visa to study in Germany.

Which route fits you: Make it in Germany, the German government's official portal. We don't give visa advice.

Before you go

Your checklist in Turkey

  1. Your visa approved and a valid passport.
  2. Documents in one folder: degree and recognition papers, birth and marriage certificates, translations where needed.
  3. Money for the start: a deposit (at most 3 months' basic rent, Kaltmiete), the first rent and a few weeks of living costs.
  4. German: it helps a lot every day and with officials; for family visas it is usually required.
  5. Set up your home TV before you go, so it works on day one (how to watch Turkish TV in Germany).
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Day one in Germany

Home TV, ready when you land

The first weeks abroad are the hardest. The news from home, your series and the kids' cartoons in Turkish make the new flat feel like home faster.

How to watch Turkish TV in Germany →
Advertisement: Turkish channels live with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Your first weeks

Your checklist in Germany

  1. Register your address (Anmeldung) within 2 weeks at the Bürgeramt. Bring your ID and the landlord's form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
  2. Residence permit: get it from the foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde) before your visa runs out.
  3. Tax ID (Steuer-ID): it comes by post after you register. Your employer needs it.
  4. Health insurance: compulsory in Germany. Choose a Krankenkasse and give the details to your employer.
  5. Bank account: everyone has a right to a basic account (Basiskonto).
  6. Phone: a prepaid SIM needs an ID check.
  7. TV fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): every household pays about €18 a month, even without a TV.
  8. Driving: a Turkish licence is valid for 6 months after you move; then you need a German licence, and because Turkey is not on Germany's simple-exchange list, you must pass the driving tests to get it.
Quick answers

Questions people ask

Do I need a visa to work in Germany?

Yes. Turkey is not in the EU, so living and working in Germany needs a visa and a residence permit. Check your route on Make it in Germany.

Do I need a visa just to visit Germany?

Yes. Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for short visits too.

When do I have to register my address?

Within 2 weeks of moving in, at the local Bürgeramt (Einwohnermeldeamt).

Is my Turkish driving licence valid in Germany?

For 6 months after you move. Then you need a German licence: Turkey is not on Germany's simple-exchange list, so you must pass the driving tests; the licence office (Führerscheinstelle) tells you the details.

Can I watch Turkish TV in Germany?

Yes. Our Turkish TV in Germany guide shows every option.

More for Turkish people in Germany

Guides for you

Turkish TV in GermanyThe Turkish channels live, and how the official options compare.The Turkish community in GermanyHow many, where people live, mosques, Turkish lessons and where people meet online.Moving to GermanyThe visa routes, before you go and your first weeks.
Sources