First Things to Do After Moving to Turkey (2026)

You need mobile data immediately for navigation, translation, and communication. Buy a Turkcell, Vodafone TR, or Türk Telekom SIM at the airport or any operator store. You will need your passport. Note: foreign SIMs are blocked after 60–120 days unless registered to a Turkish tax number.

The tax number is your gateway to almost everything — opening a bank account, registering your SIM, signing a lease, and more. Get it at any Turkish tax office (vergi dairesi) with your passport. Takes 15–30 minutes and is free.

You need a Turkish bank account to pay rent, utilities, and manage local expenses efficiently. Most expats use Akbank, Garanti BBVA, Yapı Kredi, or Ziraat. You need passport, tax number, and proof of address (landlord letter works initially).

Once you have a permanent address, you should register it at the local Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) or Civil Registration Office. Required for ikamet applications and some official processes. Bring passport, lease agreement, and your landlord's ID.

You must apply for an ikamet before your tourist visa or visa-free allowance expires (typically 90 days). Book the appointment at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr as soon as you arrive — appointment slots fill quickly. Do not leave this to the last minute.

You need valid health insurance for your ikamet application. Options: private international health insurance (Cigna, Allianz, AXA), Turkish private insurance, or if eligible, SGK (state health). Private insurance costs €400–1,500/year depending on age and coverage.

Contact your landlord first — they may have an existing Türk Telekom or cable connection. New fiber connections: order from Türk Telekom, Turkcell Superonline, or Vodafone Net. Installation takes 3–10 days. Monthly cost: ₺400–700 for 100–1000 Mbps fiber.

If you arrived in short-term accommodation, finding a permanent rental is a priority. Use Sahibinden.com, Emlakjet, or a local estate agent (emlakçı). Typical requirements: passport, tax number, bank account, and 2–3 months deposit. Leases are usually annual.

Foreign phones become blocked in Turkey after 60–120 days unless registered. You can register at a Türk Telekom or Turkcell store with your tax number and passport (fee around ₺3,000–7,000). Alternatively, buy a local handset — second-hand market is good.

Electricity (EDAŞ/BAŞKENT EDAŞ etc.), natural gas (IGDAŞ, GAZDAŞ etc.), and water (İSKİ etc.) subscriptions. Your landlord may transfer them to you, or handle them directly. You need your tax number and lease agreement for new subscriptions.

Key apps: Google Maps (Turkish transit), BiTaksi (taxis), Yemeksepeti / Getir (food delivery), Sahibinden (classifieds), Müşteri Hizmetleri (utility payments), BKM Express (online payments). Turkish banking apps are excellent for bill payments.

InterNations, Facebook groups (specific to your city), and local expat clubs are invaluable for practical advice, friendships, and referrals to local services (doctors, accountants, lawyers). Expat communities in Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum are large and active.