Address registration is a legal requirement for all residents in Turkey. Failure to register or update your address can result in fines, issues with residency renewals, and even the cancellation of your residence permit. It also ensures you can access healthcare, receive official notices, and complete other legal processes without delays. , it is not possible to make transactions in banks or government institutions in Turkey without registering your address. When it is time to extend your residence permit, you will not be able to extend your residence permit if your address is not registered. Among the residence permit extension documents, the settlement certificate required after address registration is required.
What is the Address Registration System in Turkey for Foreigners?
In Turkey, it is mandatory for all residents, including foreigners, to register their residential address with the local authorities. This system ensures that your official documents, such as residence permits, are linked to your current address. It also enables the government to maintain accurate population records and provides you with access to essential services like healthcare, education, and official correspondence.
For foreigners, address registration is managed by the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM), also known as the Immigration Office.
Where to Register Your Address in Turkey
Foreigners must register their address at the immigration office responsible for their district. In large cities like Istanbul, multiple immigration offices operate, and each covers specific districts.
Istanbul Immigration Office Coverage
- İstanbul Immigration Office: Beyoğlu, Fatih, Gaziosmanpaşa, Kağıthane, Bayrampaşa, Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, Güngören, Esenler, Başakşehir, Sultangazi
- Esenyurt Immigration Office: Çatalca, Silivri, Büyükçekmece, Küçükçekmece, Avcılar, Arnavutköy, Beylikdüzü, Esenyurt, Başakşehir
- Kumkapı Immigration Office: Bakırköy, Beşiktaş, Eyüp, Sarıyer, Şişli, Zeytinburnu
- Pendik Immigration Office: Adalar, Kadıköy, Kartal, Şile, Pendik, Maltepe, Tuzla
- Sultanbeyli Immigration Office: Beykoz, Üsküdar, Ümraniye, Ataşehir, Çekmeköy, Sancaktepe, Sultanbeyli
How to Get an Online Appointment (randevu.goc.gov.tr)
- Go to randevu.goc.gov.tr
- Log in with your e-Devlet account. If you do not have one, visit a PTT Office to create it.
- Select “Make an Appointment”.
- Verify your phone number. If you encounter a technical error, ignore it and continue clicking “Verification.”
- Under the appointment reason, choose “İkamet İzinli Yabancı – Adres Tescili” (Address Registration).
- Select the correct immigration office for your district.
- Pick an available date and time.
- Confirm your appointment.
- Print the appointment confirmation form — the immigration office requires a physical copy.
Who is Exempt from This Restriction?
- Current Permit Holders: Foreigners who already hold a valid residence permit and are living in one of the closed districts can continue residing at their registered address. They may also renew their permit at the same address, provided they apply within the legal renewal period.
- Medical Treatment Cases: Foreigners coming to Turkey for medical treatment may register an address in a closed district if the address belongs to the hospital where they will be receiving treatment. Proof of treatment from the hospital is required.
- Property Buyers of USD 400,000+: Under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, foreigners purchasing a property worth at least USD 400,000 and applying for a short-term residence permit before citizenship are not subject to the closed-area restrictions.
- University Students: Students enrolled in universities located in closed districts are also exempt from the restriction, allowing them to register their dormitory or rental address in that district.
Address and Contact Information Obligations for Foreigners in Turkey
Foreign nationals who have the legal right to stay in Turkey are required by law to keep their residential address and telephone number accurate, complete, and up to date during their stay.
The Provincial Directorates of Migration Management regularly verify declared addresses through law enforcement checks. If you no longer reside at the address you have registered, you must update your information at the relevant Provincial Directorate without delay.
Failure to update your address can lead to sanctions or penalties. For this reason, if you change your residence or contact information, you should book an appointment through the official system and notify the Migration Administration as soon as possible.
Online Appointment Systems:
- For international protection cases: e-randevu.goc.gov.tr
- For residence permit holders: e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I register my address at a friend’s home using a Foreign Guest Commitment Letter (taahhütname)?
In some situations, yes. The friend you are registering with must already reside at the address and, in most cases, be of the same nationality and personally know you (this condition does not apply for student or work residence permits). Immigration authorities may require a notarized Foreign Guest Commitment Letter. Each case is assessed individually. You will generally need:
- Proof of residence (yerleşim yeri belgesi) for the address owner
- Photocopies of both parties’ ID cards
- A recent utility bill in the name of the address owner
2. How do I register my address if I am renting a property in Turkey?
If the rental contract is in your name, you must provide a notarized rental agreement, a recent utility bill in your name, proof of DASK (compulsory earthquake insurance), and your residence permit card.
3. Can I register my address in a district that is closed to foreigners?
In general, no. However, exceptions apply for current residents renewing at the same address, medical treatment cases, students enrolled in universities in closed districts, and property buyers of at least USD 400,000 who apply for residence under Article 31/1-j.
4. Is there a limit on how many foreigners can be registered at one address?
While there is no fixed legal number, immigration officers decide based on the property size and living conditions. Typically, a maximum of three foreigners can be registered in the same flat, with possible increases for larger properties. If more than five people are already registered, no new registrations are allowed.
5. What happens if I change my address but do not update it with the Immigration Office?
Failing to update your address can result in penalties or complications with residence permit renewals. You must book an appointment via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr and update your information promptly.
6. Can I register my address with my foreign spouse?
Yes, if your spouse has a valid residence or work permit and their address is registered in e-Devlet. You must provide a residence certificate in their name, a recent utility bill in their name, your marriage certificate (apostilled, translated, and notarized if issued abroad), and copies of both ID cards.
7. Can I register my address if I am staying with a Turkish citizen spouse?
Yes. In this case, you can register at any address (even in closed districts) without needing your name on the rental contract. You must present your marriage certificate, the Turkish spouse’s settlement certificate, a utility bill in their name, and both ID copies.
8. How can foreign students register their dormitory address?
Students must obtain a “Certificate of Staying in the Student Dormitory” from the dormitory’s student affairs office, provide a recent student certificate from e-Devlet, and submit a copy of their residence permit card.
9. What documents are needed to register an address for property owners?
If you own the property, you must present your original title deed (Tapu), a recent utility bill in your name, proof of DASK insurance, a numarataj document from the municipality, and your residence permit card.
10. Can medical treatment be a reason to register in a closed district?
Yes. If you are coming to Turkey for medical treatment and will stay at a hospital in a closed district, you can register that address by providing official documentation from the hospital confirming your treatment.