Turkmenistan
Coastal BeachesTurkmenistan is a Central Asian nation bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. The country is characterized by vast desert landscapes, particularly the Karakum Desert, which covers much of its territory. Turkmenistan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Persian, Turkic, and Russian traditions, reflected in its architecture, textiles, and customs. The economy is heavily dependent on natural gas and oil exports, making it one of the world's largest gas producers. Life in Turkmenistan is relatively isolated due to government restrictions on travel and media, though the capital Ashgabat features modern infrastructure and development. The country maintains a authoritarian political system with limited freedoms of expression and movement.
SJB GlobalConnect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Podcasts
Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns
Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat
Living in Turkmenistan
Best Places to Live in Turkmenistan
Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in Turkmenistan is generally considered to be a very challenging process due to the country's strict regulations and bureaucratic hurdles. The most common types of visas that expats apply for to obtain residency are the Work Visa and the Business Visa. To apply for a Work Visa, an expat must first secure a job offer or contract from a Turkmen company. The employer typically acts as a sponsor and assists with the visa application process. The expat will need to submit various documents, including a passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay, a letter of invitation from the sponsoring company, and a completed application form. Additionally, a medical examination and an HIV test are required. The Business Visa is suitable for those who intend to engage in business-related activities. Similar to the Work Visa, an invitation letter from a Turkmen business partner is necessary. The application process involves submitting a business visa application form, a valid passport, and supporting documents that justify the business activities to be undertaken in Turkmenistan. It is important to note that Turkmenistan does not offer a specific visa category for digital nomads, and the country is not a typical destination for this group due to the lack of infrastructure and support for remote work. Furthermore, tourist visas do not permit residency or work, and the length of stay is usually limited to a maximum of 10 days, with extensions being difficult to obtain. Overall, the process of obtaining a residency visa in Turkmenistan is complex and requires careful planning and coordination with local entities. The government maintains tight control over and foreign presence in the country, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes for visa applications. Expats should be prepared for a time-consuming process and ensure they have all the necessary documentation and local support to increase their chances of a successful application.
Healthcare in Turkmenistan
The system in Turkmenistan is state-funded and provides free services to its citizens, but it faces significant challenges such as shortages of modern medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, as well as a lack of adequately trained healthcare professionals. The quality of healthcare varies widely, with urban areas typically having better facilities than rural regions. Private healthcare is limited and often too expensive for the average citizen. Expats and digital nomads may find it difficult to access public healthcare due to bureaucratic hurdles and may prefer private healthcare options, which they can access by paying out of pocket or through international health insurance. It is advisable for expats and digital nomads to have comprehensive health insurance to cover medical costs in Turkmenistan.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Turkmenistan is generally low compared to Western countries, though prices have been rising in recent years. Housing costs vary significantly between the capital Ashgabat, where modern apartments can be expensive, and provincial cities where accommodation is more affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ashgabat ranges from $400-800 USD monthly, while outside the capital it may be $200-400 USD. Daily expenses for food and utilities remain relatively inexpensive, though imported goods carry premium prices.
Weather
Turkmenistan experiences a continental desert climate with extreme temperature variations between seasons. Summers are intensely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in July and August, while winters are mild to cold with temperatures dropping to near freezing in January. Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with most rainfall occurring in spring months. Dust storms and strong winds are common, particularly in spring and early summer.
Educational System in Turkmenistan
The educational system in Turkmenistan has undergone significant changes since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Education is compulsory and free for children from the age of six to fifteen, which covers primary and secondary education. The structure is divided into three stages: primary education (grades 1-4), basic secondary education (grades 5-9), and secondary education (grades 10-11). Children typically start school at the age of six and graduate at seventeen. The Turkmenistan government has been working on improving the quality of education by renovating schools, updating curricula, and increasing teacher salaries. However, the educational system still faces challenges such as a lack of resources and qualified teachers. The curriculum is broad, covering subjects such as Turkmen language, mathematics, natural sciences, history, and physical education. There are also specialized secondary schools that focus on the arts, sports, or academic subjects for talented students. The language of instruction is predominantly Turkmen, although Russian and English are also taught as second languages. For families moving to Turkmenistan, it's important to note that while public schools offer a basic education, there are also a number of private and that may offer different curricula and teaching languages, which might be more suitable for expatriate children.
Moving to Turkmenistan
