Have you just moved to Turkey and don’t know how to go about the initial registration and address notification process? Don’t worry, this process can seem confusing at first! One of the first steps that every foreigner who obtains a residence permit or student visa in Turkey must complete is the legal registration and address notification process.
First Registration Procedures: A Guide for Newcomers to Turkey
One of the first things you need to do when you arrive in Turkey is to apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management to formalize your residence with a residence permit or student visa. This is usually done at the office of the Migration Management in the province where you live and you must make your application through the online appointment system.
When I applied for the first time, both my address and the information in my passport did not match, which delayed the process; do not make this mistake. Make sure your address is clear and up-to-date! Once your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit card, which represents your official residence in Turkey and is also used for address notification.
For more information and the online appointment system, please visit Migration Administration’s official website.
Address Registration Obligation: Why and How to do it
As a foreign student or employee in Turkey, it is a legal obligation to report your address. And why is that? This is because Turkey wants to officially register the address where you live so that you can benefit from both security and public services. This way, you can benefit from health care, education and other public services without any problems.
You usually need to apply to the District Population Directorate for address notification. Here you will be given a form and asked for documents such as your residence permit card and your lease (or student housing certificate). After completing the process, you will receive a “Certificate of Settlement”.
For detailed information about the address notification process, you can check the website of General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
Required Documents and Steps: Prepare Your Application
Don’t start this procedure before the documents are ready, otherwise you may have to go back and forth several times. The first time I forgot to get a copy of my passport and had to return home! Here are the key documents:
– Original and photocopy of your passport
– Residence permit card or application document
– Rental contract or student dormitory certificate (issued in your name)
– Entry stamp in your passport or e-residence application document
There are also documents you should pay particular attention to for address registration in Turkey:
- Notarized lease contract (It should not be notarized; notarization can also be accepted in cities outside Istanbul. Nevertheless, I suggest you check with the Migration Management of the province where you live.)
- Invoice issued in the name of the person who will register the address (electricity, natural gas or water bill). Internet invoices are generally not accepted, but exceptions can be made in some cases.
- Photocopies and original of residence card or work permit (Prepare all photocopies in advance, otherwise you may lose time during the procedure.)
- Copy of title deed and DASK insurance (If you are the owner of the house or if you are applying with a title deed document, it is absolutely necessary.)
After completing these documents, you can make an appointment with the Migration Management and go to the District Population Directorate with your documents to register your address.
Translation and Notary Transactions for Visa and Residence Permit in Turkey
One of the most confusing issues when applying for a permanent residence or visa as a student in Turkey is translation and notarization of documents. Many official institutions in Turkey require foreign documents to be translated into Turkish and notarized.
– Have your documents (e.g. high school diploma, transcript or marriage certificate) translated into Turkish by a sworn translation agency.
– Take the translations to a notary to have them notarized.
– Apply with these documents to the Immigration Administration or the university.
If your documents were prepared abroad, in some cases apostille and attestation for student documents may also be required. An apostille is a kind of stamp or seal that makes your document valid in another country.
For more detailed information, please visit the website of the Notary Public Association.
Visa and Residence Fees in Turkey: Costs and Payment Methods
The financial side of coming to Turkey as a student can sometimes be daunting. Visa and residence fees may vary from year to year and will vary depending on the duration of your stay. In this article, I took 1 USD = 39 TL and listed the fees in USD:
| Type of Transaction | Fee (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | 90 | You may need to get it on first arrival |
| Residence Permit Card | 108 | One year fee, Same for extension |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 128 | Recommended for multiple entry travel |
When paying visa or residence fees as a student in Turkey, you usually need to go to tax offices or banks to get a receipt.
Start Your Student Registration Process in Turkey!
This is the right time to make your dream of studying in Turkey a reality! Don’t be intimidated by the initial registration, address notification, visa and residence procedures. We at RoadToStudy are here to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to register an address for the first time
For the first time, address registration (address declaration) can be made by applying in person to the provincial/district population directorates affiliated to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs or via e-Government Gateway.
Documents required for address notification?
The required documents vary depending on the situation: For notification of an empty dwelling, only identification document is sufficient; for notification of an occupied dwelling, documents showing the address such as lease contract, title deed or invoice issued in your name may be required.
What is the address registration system in Turkey?
The address registration system in Turkey is a centralized data system that collects citizens’ residential and other address information in a single center (National Address Database and MERNIS) and enables its use in public services.
How to make an address declaration in Turkey
Address declaration is made within 20 working days from the date of relocation by visiting the civil registry offices in person or by entering the new address information into the system via e-Government (with e-signature, mobile signature or SMS verification).