Living in Ankara: the ultimate expat guide

Ankara's economy centers on public administration, education, and defense industries. As Turkey's political capital, the city hosts all government ministries, foreign embassies, and numerous international organizations, creating substantial employment opportunities for skilled professionals. The technology and aerospace sectors have grown significantly, with major defense contractors and tech firms establishing headquarters here.

Key Employment Sectors

The government and public sector remains the largest employer, followed by education (with over 20 universities), defense and aerospace, and increasingly, information technology. International organizations, NGOs, and diplomatic missions frequently seek multilingual staff. Teaching English remains a popular option for native speakers, with positions available at language schools and universities.

Work Permits and Regulations

Foreign nationals require a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security before commencing employment. Your employer must sponsor the application, and the process typically takes 4-6 weeks. Initial permits are granted for one year and can be extended. After 8 years of continuous legal employment, you may apply for a permanent work permit. The permit fee is approximately TRY 4,000 (around USD 130).

The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: Trading Economics, Invest in Turkey

Ankara stands as Turkey's academic capital, hosting some of the nation's most prestigious universities. International students benefit from relatively affordable tuition fees, diverse English-taught programs, and a supportive environment shaped by the city's cosmopolitan character. The concentration of embassies and international organizations also creates valuable networking and internship opportunities.

Top Universities in Ankara

Middle East Technical University (METU) consistently ranks among Turkey's best institutions, offering programs primarily in English across engineering, sciences, and social sciences. Hacettepe University excels in medical sciences and offers comprehensive English-taught graduate programs. Bilkent University, Turkey's first private nonprofit university, provides an entirely English-medium education modeled on American liberal arts traditions. Ankara University, founded in 1946, offers a broad range of programs with increasing English-language options.

Tuition Fees and Admission

Public universities charge international students between USD 300 and USD 2,500 annually for most programs, with medicine and dentistry costing USD 9,000-12,000. Private universities range from USD 6,000 to USD 20,000 per year. Most institutions require foreign students to pass the YÖS exam (Foreign Student Examination) or present SAT/IB scores. Application deadlines typically fall between April and July for fall enrollment.

For official admission requirements, visit: Ankara University International Students, Bilkent University, METU.

Families relocating to Ankara will find a strong selection of international schools catering to the diplomatic and expatriate community. Due to the high concentration of embassies, competition for places can be fierce, making early application essential. Turkish public schools are free but conduct instruction entirely in Turkish, making them challenging for non-Turkish-speaking children.

International Schools

Oasis International School (OIS) follows an American curriculum for ages 4-18 and serves over 400 students from more than 70 countries. British Embassy School Ankara (BESA) offers the English National Curriculum for ages 3-14. TED Ankara College provides IB programs alongside Turkish national curriculum, popular among both local and international families. Bilkent Laboratory and International School (BLIS) offers IGCSE and IB Diploma programs in a purpose-built campus setting.

Fees and Enrollment

Annual tuition at international schools ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 depending on grade level and institution. Additional costs include registration fees (typically USD 1,000-2,000), uniforms, transportation, and meals. Most schools require academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and assessment tests. Given Ankara's diplomatic community, waiting lists are common, so families should apply 6-12 months in advance when possible.

Sources: Oasis International School, Global Citizen Solutions

Ankara offers diverse housing options at prices considerably lower than Istanbul. The rental market includes modern high-rise apartments, gated residential complexes (sites), and traditional Turkish homes. Most expats settle in central or upscale districts with proximity to embassies, international schools, and commercial areas. Lease agreements typically run for one year, with deposits of 1-3 months' rent required upfront.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Çankaya is the most prestigious district, home to embassies, government buildings, and upscale residences. It offers green spaces, excellent restaurants, and international schools. Gaziosmanpaşa (GOP) features luxury apartments near diplomatic missions and fine dining. Oran provides modern apartment complexes with amenities and panoramic city views. Ümitköy is a quiet, family-friendly area with good schools and shopping centers. For more affordable options, Batıkent and Eryaman offer newer developments with metro access at lower prices.

Rental Prices

The following table shows average monthly rents:

Sources: Hepsiemlak

While often overshadowed by Istanbul's glamour, Ankara rewards curious residents with world-class museums, ancient heritage sites, and a thriving local arts scene. The city offers ample green spaces, vibrant nightlife in select districts, and cultural events throughout the year. Weekend escapes to Cappadocia (4 hours) or Black Sea towns add further appeal.

Museums and Historic Sites

Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is Turkey's most important national monument and a must-visit for understanding modern Turkish identity. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in a restored Ottoman bazaar, displays extraordinary Hittite, Phrygian, and Neolithic artifacts. Ankara Castle offers panoramic city views and access to the historic Hamamönü district, where restored Ottoman houses now host cafés and artisan workshops. Rahmi M. Koç Museum showcases industrial heritage in a converted caravanserai.

Parks, Sports, and Nightlife

Gençlik Park features an artificial lake, walking paths, and family attractions near the train station. Seğmenler Park and Kuğulu Park (Swan Park) provide green retreats in the embassy district. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Lake Eymir for cycling, jogging, and picnics. The Tunalı Hilmi and Kavaklıdere districts buzz with restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Annual events include the Ankara International Music Festival (April) and various cultural festivals throughout the year.

Sources: TripAdvisor Ankara, Holidify

Daily life in Ankara unfolds at a slower pace than Istanbul, offering a more authentically Turkish urban experience. The city combines modern conveniences with traditional culture, from bustling bazaars to contemporary shopping malls. Most residents work standard hours (09:00-18:00), with businesses typically closed on Sundays. Learning basic Turkish phrases significantly enhances daily interactions, though English is understood in diplomatic areas and upscale establishments.

Getting Around

Ankara boasts an efficient public transportation network operated by EGO. The metro system comprises four lines connecting major districts, operating from 06:00 to 01:00. The Ankaray light rail links the intercity bus terminal (AŞTİ) to the city center. Buses and minibuses (dolmuş) complement rail services. The AnkaraKart smart card is essential for all public transport and can be purchased at metro stations and kiosks. Taxis are affordable and readily available via apps like BiTaksi. Esenboğa International Airport lies 28 km northeast of the city center.

Cultural Particulars

Turkish hospitality runs deep, and neighbors often welcome newcomers with food or tea. Removing shoes before entering homes is customary. Tipping 10-15% is expected at restaurants. Shops and markets may close during Friday noon prayers. The local cuisine centers on kebabs, mantı (Turkish dumplings), and regional specialties like Ankara Tava (lamb casserole). Grocery shopping is convenient at chains like Migros, CarrefourSA, and local markets (pazar) held weekly in each neighborhood.

Ankara remains one of Turkey's most affordable major cities, offering excellent value compared to Istanbul or Western European capitals. While inflation continues to affect prices, those earning in foreign currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) find considerable purchasing power. The following estimates provide a realistic monthly budget framework based on 2025 data.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The table below outlines typical monthly expenses for a single expat:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo