Every foreigner who obtains a residence permit in Türkiye must register their address in the Address Registration System (Adres Kayıt Sistemi). Address registration is a basic requirement for receiving your residence card, for extension applications, for official notifications and for everyday matters such as banking and schools.
When must it be done?
- If you obtained your permit inside Türkiye: within 20 working days at the latest of the date the residence permit document is delivered to you.
- If you obtained your permit from a consulate before arriving: within 20 working days of the date you entered Türkiye.
- Humanitarian residence permit holders: within 20 working days of the date the permit is granted.
Where is it done?
Address registration is done at the İlçe Nüfus Müdürlüğü (district civil registry office) for the place where you live. Many offices work by appointment; you can book one through the online appointment system of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü).
Documents usually required
- Passport and residence permit card (or a document showing your foreign identity number)
- If you rent: the rental agreement; many offices require a notarised agreement
- If you own the property: the title deed
- An electricity, water or natural gas bill, or the subscription details, for the address
- If you are staying with a relative or friend: the homeowner's consent; some offices also require the homeowner to attend
To have your rental agreement notarised, you can find the notary office nearest to you with our Istanbul Notary Finder tool and get directions with Google Maps or Yandex Maps.
What to do when you move
- If you have moved within the same province: have your new address entered in the address registration system and notify the İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü (Provincial Directorate of Migration Management) within 20 working days. You do not need a new residence permit.
- If you have moved to another province: you must apply for a new residence permit in the province you have moved to within 20 working days. If the permit type does not change, no fee is charged again for the period already paid for.
- If you have renewed your passport: notify the İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü of the change within 20 working days.
What happens if you don't register your address?
An administrative fine may be imposed under the civil registration legislation on anyone who fails to meet the address reporting obligation. More importantly, not being found at your registered address can cause serious problems with extending your residence permit and with official notifications. In practice, a restriction code may also be entered in the system for foreigners who do not report an address or cannot be found at their address; if you are wondering whether there is a code against you, take a look at our Restriction Code Lookup page.
Common mistakes
- Bringing a rental agreement that has not been notarised
- The bill or subscription details not matching the address
- Writing the building or flat number incorrectly: your residence card will go to the wrong address
- Forgetting to report the change after moving
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register my address?
20 working days from the date your residence permit document is delivered to you (or, if you obtained the permit from a consulate, from the date you entered Türkiye).
Will my residence permit be cancelled if I move to another province?
It is not cancelled automatically; however, you must apply for a new residence permit in the province you have moved to within 20 working days. If the permit type stays the same, no fee is charged again for the period already paid for.
What can I do if my landlord won't give me a rental agreement?
In most cases, the solution is for the landlord to come with you to the civil registry office or to issue a letter of consent (muvafakatname) at a notary. We can work out together the right route for your situation.
Legal basis: 6458 sayılı YUKK Art. 46; YUKK Uygulama Yönetmeliği Art. 22/12; 5490 sayılı Nüfus Hizmetleri Kanunu; Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı frequently asked questions (residence).
This guide is for general information only and does not replace legal advice. Legislation and practice may change; always consult an expert about your own situation.
