Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services

ERDAL NUHBASA 

LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM

goc idaresi

What is Address Registration and How to Do it?

     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.

How Do Foreigners Register Their Address?

     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.

Required Documents for Address Registration

    1. Lease Agreement issued by a notary (it should not be a notarized approval; please see an example below).
    2. Utility Bill in the name of the person registering the address (electricity, natural gas, water). Note: Internet bills are generally not accepted, although they may be accepted in certain exceptional cases.
    3. Copies and Originals of Residence Card or Work Permit (all copies should be prepared in advance).
    4. Copy of the Title Deed and DASK (compulsory earthquake insurance).
 

     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.

How Can Foreigners Obtain a Utility Bill in Their Name?

     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.

Address Registration for Foreigners in Turkey: Rental Agreement Sample and Process Updates

     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/#/

     Steps for Address Registration for Foreigners

  1. Initial Appointment at the Migration Directorate: Foreigners must first book an appointment at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. If the desired address already has registered residents, the Directorate will instruct the foreigner to visit the District Population Directorate to complete the process.
  2. District Population Directorate Follow-up: If an address has previous registrations, the Migration Directorate cannot update it directly. After notifying the Population Directorate, foreigners should book a separate appointment through https://randevu.nvi.gov.tr/ under “Other Population Events” to finalize the registration.

Consequences of Failing to Register an Address

     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.

     Closed Districts for Foreign Registration

     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:

  • Avcılar
  • Bahçelievler
  • Bağcılar
  • Başakşehir
  • Esenler
  • Esenyurt
  • Fatih
  • Küçükçekmece
  • Sultangazi
  • Zeytinburnu
 

     Exceptions:

  • Foreigners with valid residence permits can continue residing at their registered addresses within closed districts.
  • Foreigners who purchase a home for at least 400,000 USD and apply for a short-term residence permit for citizenship purposes are exempt.
  • Students enrolled in universities within closed districts, as well as foreigners with work permits, are not affected by the restrictions.
  • Foreigners who have come for treatment in Turkey can write closed district addresses if they give the hospital where they will stay as their address. Those who will be treated must document that they will be inpatient in the hospital.
 
      In addition, there is no difference from short-term residence permits in terms of ARTICLE 31/1-j subparagraph. “purchase of a house worth at least 400.000 USD”. Foreigners who will apply for a short-term residence permit before applying for citizenship by purchasing a house worth at least 400,000 USD are exempt from this address restriction. Exceptions for student residence permits and work permits; Residence permit applications and work permit holders of students studying at universities located in the aforementioned closed districts are exempt from this address restriction.

At which immigration office will you be registered?

     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.

Conclusion

     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.  

Other Articles

Step-by-step guide: How to Get Work Permit in Turkey?

If you work in Turkey without a work permit, you may face penalties such as entry bans and fines once detected during inspections...

Travel Ban on Entry into Turkey: How to Revoke Entry Ban

If you have an entry ban to Turkey, you must learn the reason and then appeal the ban decision to revoke the ban...

Entry Ban Notification Form: Restriction Codes’ mean and how to appeal?

When you have an entry ban you will get a restriction code which describes the reason of the ban. Which restriction code is given for which case?...

How to Evict a Tenant? (Ways of easy eviction)

Eviction of a tenant is challenging in Turkey. You need to be careful before and after you rent your apartment...

How to Give Power of Attorney to a Turkish Lawyer

If you want to give PoA to a Turkish Lawyer basically it is possible to do it in three ways. Through Turkish Notary, Local Notary and Turkish Consulate...

Turkish Residency by Investment: $200.000 is the new minimum value

After buying an apartment for $200.000, it is possible to get short-term residency permit for you and your family...

How to be Turkish Citizen by Buying Apartment

Getting Turkish citizenship by buying a real estate is possible after you did all the necessary steps...
×

Table of Contents