Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
ERDAL NUHBASA
LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM
Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
ERDAL NUHBASA
LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM
In Turkey, address registration for foreigners is handled by Population Directorates and Provincial Directorates of Migration Management. The first place where foreigners should apply for address registration is the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. If the address you intend to register is already occupied (meaning there are other registered names at that address), you must apply to the Population Directorate after completing the process with the Directorate of Migration Management.
The legal basis for registering a foreign person in the address system is provided in Article 26 of the Law on Foreigners and Article 22/12 of the YUKK Implementation Regulation.
Foreign nationals who receive a residence permit or residence card from abroad must apply to the migration office and register in the address registration system within 20 days of entering Turkey.
Similarly, individuals who obtain a residence permit within Turkey are required to register in the address system within 20 days of receiving their residence documents. To complete the address registration process, they must apply to the Directorate of Migration Management.
Foreigners need a foreign identity number to complete their address registration. After receiving their residence permit documents, they must schedule an appointment through the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management’s appointment system. Then, they can go to the relevant Directorate of Migration Management to complete their address registration.
These are the general documents required, but specific circumstances—such as whether the person is a student, is staying with a friend (Turkish citizen or foreigner), or is staying with their spouse—may affect the documentation requirements. Although the process may seem straightforward, it requires a considerable amount of detailed paperwork.
In Istanbul, to receive an electricity bill in their name, foreigners must have completed their address registration. Without an address registration, foreigners cannot register electricity or water bills in their own name. It is not advisable to initially apply directly for electricity and water subscriptions.
To register their address in Turkey, foreigners must present a rental agreement drawn up by a notary. It’s essential to note that a rental agreement created privately between individuals and then notarized will not be accepted; Provincial Directorates of Migration Management specifically require rental agreements formally issued by a notary.
Important Update (24.06.2024): As of this date, foreigners must schedule an appointment through the “Migration Appointment System” to complete their address registration. Previously, address registration could be done without an appointment. Appointments can now be scheduled here: https://randevu.goc.gov.tr/#/
Failure to complete address registration can result in administrative fines. Additionally, without address registration, foreigners cannot access essential services in Turkey, such as opening a bank account, renewing their residence permit, or enrolling children in school.
As of October 19, 2022, specific districts in Istanbul and across Turkey have been closed to new address registrations for foreigners. The closed districts in Istanbul include:
Exceptions:
05.10.2024 With the amendment made on 05.10.2024, you can now register your address by going to any immigration office in Istanbul. Example: A person living in Fatih can register their address by making an appointment at Pendik Immigration Administration. It is a legal obligation to register your address within 20 days after obtaining a residence permit. If you do not register your address within 20 days, there is no sanction in practice.
However, you cannot extend your residence permit, open an account at the bank, or register your child for school without registering your address in Turkey. When you register your address, do not register at an address where you will never live. Do not rely on those who find you a fake address and register your address to unreal addresses where you will never live. Approximately 2 months after you register your address, the police will check your home and check whether you are really at the address.
In conclusion, address registration for foreigners in Turkey is a structured yet essential process, requiring specific documentation and adherence to recent procedural updates. Completing address registration is not only legally mandated but also crucial for accessing vital services like banking, education, and residence permit renewals.
By following the correct steps—including obtaining a notarized rental agreement, scheduling appointments, and understanding regional restrictions—foreigners can ensure a smooth registration process. Compliance with these requirements helps avoid penalties and supports legal residency in Turkey, allowing foreigners to fully engage in and benefit from the country’s services and systems.
Feel free to contact with me for more information.
