Can I use an Airbnb or short-term rental address for a Turkish residence permit?

In general, no — Turkish immigration authorities (Göç İdaresi) require a proper rental contract (kira sözleşmesi) for the address you declare on your ikamet application, not a short-term booking confirmation. Airbnb and holiday rental bookings are not accepted substitutes. There are two main approaches used in practice: (1) Arrange a standard long-term rental contract before your ikamet appointment — even a 1-year contract for a modest apartment. This is the cleanest approach. (2) In some regions, a letter from a property owner (mal sahibi mektubu) confirming you live at their property, combined with the property's DASK insurance details, is accepted in lieu of a formal rental contract. This is more variable by local Göç İdaresi office. Confirm with a local lawyer or the expat community in your specific city what is accepted at your local office.

Can I use a friend's or family member's address for my Turkish residence permit?

Yes — this is a common and legitimate approach, particularly for people arriving in Turkey before securing permanent accommodation. Göç İdaresi's own published guidance states that if you are staying with someone other than a close relative, a notarised undertaking (noter onaylı taahhüt) from that person is required. In practice this document — often called a mal sahibi mektubu or taahhütname — must include: the property owner's (or tenant's) full name and Turkish ID number, the property address, your full name and passport number, and the period you will be residing there. The property owner accompanies you to a Turkish notary to sign and notarise the letter (cost: roughly ₺500–1,200, varying by notary and page count). This is widely accepted by Göç İdaresi offices. Important: you must be actually present at the address — this is not for declaring a fake address, and false declarations carry steep administrative fines.

What is a "kira sözleşmesi" (rental contract) and what makes it valid for ikamet?

A kira sözleşmesi is a tenancy agreement under Turkish law. For it to be accepted by Göç İdaresi for a residence permit application, it typically needs: (1) the landlord's (kiraya veren) notarised signature — the landlord must personally attend the notary (noter) to sign, or send someone holding a notarised power of attorney (vekaletname) authorised to act on their behalf; since a rule change effective 7 February 2022, notaries are required to verify the identity of whoever presents the contract for notarisation on the landlord's side, so a contract "notarised" by a stranger with no authority is not valid. (2) Your signature as the tenant (kiracı). (3) The full property address, including door number and floor. (4) The rental start date and monthly rent. (5) Some notaries or Göç İdaresi offices also ask for a photocopy of the property's title deed (tapu) and a numarataj belgesi — a municipal document confirming the official building/door number matches the address on the contract. A privately signed contract without notarisation is generally not accepted; confirm locally, as strictness varies by office.

Can I use a hotel address for a Turkish residence permit?

In theory, some hotel stays that have proper registration with the Turkish government (nüfus müdürlüğü registration via the hotel's adres tescil) can satisfy the address requirement. In practice, this is rarely accepted for a standard residence permit. Hotels have an automatic address registration system used for tourist visitors — this is different from the formal address you declare on an ikamet application. For a proper residence permit (ikamet), Göç İdaresi expects a dedicated residential address — either your own rental or a notarised letter from a resident confirming you live there. Long-stay hotel addresses are more credible than short-term Airbnbs, but a rental contract or notarised letter from a property owner is strongly preferred.

How quickly do I need to declare my address after arriving in Turkey or moving?

Turkey requires anyone changing address — Turkish citizens and foreign residents alike — to notify the authorities within 20 working days of moving, either online via e-Devlet or in person at the İl Nüfus Müdürlüğü. For a first-time ikamet application, this obligation is effectively satisfied by the application itself, since it registers your declared address in the system. For those who already hold an ikamet and later move, the same 20-working-day clock applies to updating your address with Göç İdaresi. Missing the deadline carries an administrative fine (roughly ₺649 as of 2025 for late notification, and a much steeper penalty — around ₺13,588 — for a false or inaccurate address declaration; these amounts are revised each year, so confirm the current figures locally). The safest approach: secure a valid rental contract or notarised address letter as early as possible, then use it for your ikamet application or address update without delay.

Can I change my address on my ikamet after getting it?

Yes — if you move to a new address after your ikamet is issued, you must notify Göç İdaresi within 20 working days, either online via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr or in person. You will need your current ikamet card, a notarised rental contract (or title deed) for the new address, and a completed address-change request. Your physical ikamet card is not reissued just for an address update — your record in the system changes, and you receive written confirmation. If the new address is in a different province, your file is transferred and this can take a few weeks, during which your existing ikamet remains valid. For the full step-by-step process and required paperwork, see our dedicated guides on switching your address after ikamet and changing the address on your residence permit.

What if my landlord refuses to notarise the rental contract?

Landlord reluctance to notarise rental contracts is a common problem in Turkey, because: (1) a notarised contract makes the tax implications of rental income harder to under-report, and (2) some landlords worry about the legal obligations a formal contract creates. Solutions: (1) offer to cover the notary cost yourself (typically ₺600–1,500 depending on page count and notary); (2) explain that you need it only for your ikamet application — the commercial terms remain whatever you both agreed; (3) ask the landlord for a shorter notarised address confirmation letter instead of notarising the full multi-page contract — this sometimes meets less resistance; (4) if the landlord genuinely cannot attend the notary, ask whether they can grant a power of attorney to someone who can, since a notarised POA-holder is an accepted alternative under current rules; (5) as a last resort, find a different landlord — many landlords in popular expat areas who regularly rent to foreigners already understand the requirement.

What address documents are needed for a family residence permit?

For a family residence permit (aile ikamet izni) — where one family member sponsors others — the primary applicant (sponsor) must already hold a valid residence permit, and the address requirement is the same as for an individual ikamet: a notarised rental contract or notarised address letter. The declared accommodation must reasonably fit the whole family. If the sponsor moves to a new address to accommodate the family, the rental contract should be in the sponsor's name, and all family members are registered at that same address. Additional documents specific to family ikamet include proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) with certified, apostilled translations. See our dedicated family residence permit guide for the full document list.

Does my address for ikamet need to be in the same province where I applied?

Yes — your ikamet application must be made at the Göç İdaresi office responsible for the province (il) where your declared address is located. If your address is in Antalya province, you apply at the Antalya Göç İdaresi; if it is in Istanbul, you apply at the Istanbul office. You cannot apply in one province while declaring an address in another. If you move to a different province after getting ikamet, you must apply for an address/province update and your file is transferred to the new province's Göç İdaresi — another reason to establish a stable address in your intended city before your ikamet appointment.

What is a "mal sahibi mektubu" or "noter onaylı taahhüt" and when is it used?

A mal sahibi mektubu (property owner's letter) — referred to in Göç İdaresi's own guidance as a noter onaylı taahhüt (notarised undertaking) — is a declaration from the property owner or lease-holder stating that you live at their property. It is used mainly in two situations: (1) staying temporarily with friends or family, where the host provides this letter to support your ikamet application, or (2) when you own the property outright, in which case the title deed (tapu) itself replaces the need for a rental contract. The letter must be notarised — the property owner signs it in front of a notary — and typically states their identity details, the property address, confirmation that you reside there, and the period of residency.

Does the landlord have to physically attend the notary for the rental contract?

Generally, yes. Since a rule change effective 7 February 2022, when a rental contract is notarised for immigration purposes, the notary must verify the identity of whoever appears on the landlord's side — either the landlord in person, or someone holding a notarised power of attorney explicitly authorising them to act for the landlord in this transaction. A contract that is simply handed to a notary for a signature stamp, without the landlord (or their authorised representative) actually attending, does not meet the current standard and risks being rejected by Göç İdaresi. If your landlord lives abroad or cannot travel, arranging a power of attorney for a trusted local representative — a family member, agent, or lawyer — is the standard workaround.

What is a numarataj belgesi and why might it matter for my address?

A numarataj belgesi is a municipal (belediye) document that officially confirms a building's address details — street name, building/door number, and floor — match the municipality's own address registry. Some notaries and Göç İdaresi offices ask for a copy of it, together with a photocopy of the property's title deed (tapu), before accepting a rental contract as valid address proof — this is meant to prevent addresses that don't officially exist, or that have been renumbered, from being used on an ikamet application. If your notary or local immigration office asks for a numarataj belgesi, your landlord (as the title-deed holder) or their representative can request it from the relevant belediye; it is a routine, low-cost document, not a sign of a problem with the property.

Can I use a co-living space or shared house address for ikamet?

It depends on how the accommodation is structured. If you have your own tenancy agreement (even for a room, if the operator issues one) with a notarised landlord signature, it can work the same way as a standard rental contract. If you are simply staying in a room booked through an app with no formal lease in your name, treat it the same as an Airbnb — it is unlikely to be accepted on its own. Ask the operator directly whether they can provide a notarisable rental contract or a notarised address confirmation letter in your name; established co-living operators in cities with large expat populations are often used to this request and can provide the right paperwork.

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Turkish Residence Permit — Address

Temporary Address in Turkey for Residence Permit (2026):
What Göç İdaresi Actually Accepts

One of the most practically confusing parts of applying for a Turkish residence permit (ikamet) is the address requirement. Airbnb and hotel addresses are generally not accepted. A notarised rental contract or a notarised letter from a property owner is what Göç İdaresi wants — and some neighbourhoods are closed to new foreigner registrations altogether. This guide explains every valid option, what documents you need, what it costs, and how to handle the most common problems.

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Quick Answer

For a Turkish residence permit (ikamet), your address must be proven by either: (1) a rental contract with the landlord's notarised signature, or (2) a notarised letter from the property owner confirming you live there (mal sahibi mektubu, officially a "noter onaylı taahhüt"). Airbnb and short-term bookings are not accepted. Hotel addresses rarely work. If staying with friends or family, a notarised letter from them is the solution. Notarisation typically costs ₺500–1,500 at any Turkish notary (noter), and you must notify Göç İdaresi within 20 working days if you later move. Before committing to a lease, also check that the neighbourhood isn't one of the well over a thousand currently closed to new foreigner registrations.

Last updated July 2026·Bartu Cavusoglu

Address-for-Ikamet Costs and Deadlines at a Glance

Typical Figures (verify locally — notary fees and fines are revised periodically)

Notarised rental contract (landlord signature)Varies by page count and notary; landlord or their POA-holder must attend in person

₺600–1,500

Notarised address letter / taahhütnameFor staying with family or friends instead of renting

₺500–1,200

Numarataj belgesi (if requested)Municipal document confirming the building/door number; requested by landlord or agent

₺0–300

Deadline to notify Göç İdaresi after movingApplies to both first registration and later address changes

20 working days

Fine for late address notification (2025 rate)Adjusted annually — confirm the current amount at your Nüfus Müdürlüğü

≈ ₺649

Fine for a false/inaccurate address declaration (2025 rate)Steep penalty — never declare an address you don't actually live at

≈ ₺13,588

Address Options: What Göç İdaresi Accepts

Address Type	Accepted?	Document Required	Notes
Long-term rental (kira sözleşmesi)	Yes — standard route	Rental contract with notarised landlord signature	Most reliable option; landlord (or their POA-holder) must sign at noter
Own property (tapu/deed holder)	Yes	Property title deed (tapu senedi)	No rental contract needed; tapu is sufficient proof
Staying with family/friends	Yes — with correct document	Notarised undertaking (noter onaylı taahhüt / mal sahibi mektubu) from property owner	Owner must accompany you to notary to sign
Employer-provided accommodation	Yes	Employment contract + employer's property deed or lease	Company must own/lease the accommodation formally
Hotel (long stay)	Rarely accepted	Hotel registration confirmation	Not standard; some offices accept for initial application only
Airbnb / short-term rental	Generally not accepted	Booking confirmation not sufficient	Occasionally accepted in tourist areas — confirm locally
Care home / assisted living	Yes	Care facility admission documents	For elderly or disabled applicants
Address in a "closed" neighbourhood	No — regardless of documents	N/A	Göç İdaresi will not register a new ikamet address in a mahalle it has closed to foreigners — check status before signing anything

Option 1: Rental Contract (Kira Sözleşmesi)

The rental contract route is the standard and most reliable option. The key requirement that many foreigners miss: the landlord's signature on the contract must be notarised (noter tasdikli), and since 7 February 2022, the notary must verify the identity of whoever presents the contract on the landlord's side — either the landlord in person, or someone holding a notarised power of attorney to act for them. A privately signed contract, even witnessed, is often not sufficient.

Agree on terms with your landlord

Negotiate rent, duration, and conditions. A 1-year contract is standard — even if you plan to stay longer, starting with 1 year is normal and renewable.

Draft the rental contract

Use a standard Turkish kira sözleşmesi template. Fill in: property address, your name and passport number, landlord's name and TC Kimlik No, rent amount, start date. Some notaries also ask for a photocopy of the landlord's title deed (tapu) and a numarataj belgesi confirming the address, so ask your landlord to have these ready.

Go to a Turkish notary (noter) together

Both you (tenant) and the landlord — or someone holding a notarised POA for the landlord — must attend the notary. The notary verifies identity and witnesses the signature. Cost: roughly ₺600–1,500, depending on page count and the notary's own tariff (you typically pay as the tenant).

Get certified copies

Request 3–4 notarised copies of the rental contract. Göç İdaresi will keep one; you need one for your records, and it's useful to have spares for the bank and other institutions.

Option 2: Notarised Address Letter (Mal Sahibi Mektubu)

If you are staying with a friend, family member, or acquaintance in Turkey rather than renting, a notarised address confirmation letter is the alternative route. Göç İdaresi's own published guidance refers to this as a "noter onaylı taahhüt" (notarised undertaking) whenever you're staying with someone who isn't a close relative.

What the letter must include:

Property owner's full name and TC Kimlik Numarası (Turkish ID number)

Complete property address (street, door number, floor, city, postcode)

Your full name and passport number

Clear statement that you are residing at the property

The period of the stay (from — to, or indefinite)

Property owner's notarised signature (signed at a noter in front of a notary)

Regional Variation: Check Your Local Göç İdaresi

Turkish immigration offices (Göç İdaresi) can vary in their specific requirements by province and even by individual officer. What is accepted in Antalya may be interpreted differently in Istanbul or Izmir. Before your appointment: call or visit your local Göç İdaresi to confirm what address documents they currently accept. Ask in Turkish if possible, or bring a Turkish-speaking friend. This 20-minute call or visit can save you an appointment cancellation.

Before You Sign: Some Neighbourhoods Are Closed to New Foreigner Registrations

Since 2021–2022, Göç İdaresi has restricted new residence-permit registrations, address changes, and province transfers in specific neighbourhoods (mahalle) where the registered foreign-national population passes roughly 20% of the total. This is an official policy, published in the Directorate's own announcements — not a rumour. According to Göç İdaresi's public statements, as of July 2022 the closure applied to 1,169 neighbourhoods across 63 provinces nationwide, including 54 neighbourhoods within Istanbul specifically. In Istanbul, the Directorate has explicitly confirmed at least 10 districts with restricted areas: Fatih and Esenyurt (closed since January 2021), plus Avcılar, Bahçelievler, Bağcılar, Başakşehir, Esenler, Küçükçekmece, Sultangazi, and Zeytinburnu (added October 2022).

What this means in practice

• A closed mahalle cannot be used for a brand-new ikamet address registration — no rental contract, however well-drafted, changes that.
• The list is reviewed and updated periodically, so a neighbourhood's status can change over time.
• Newborns and core family reunification cases are generally exempted from a closure.
• Closure affects new registrations — it doesn't automatically cancel an ikamet you already hold at that address.
• Always confirm the current status of the exact mahalle via e-Devlet or by asking your local İl Göç İdaresi office before signing a lease or paying a deposit.

Which Address Situation Are You In?

Situation

Renting your own place, arranged in advance

Recommended route

Notarised rental contract (kira sözleşmesi)

The most reliable route. Confirm the mahalle is open and the landlord can attend the notary — or arrange a POA if they can't.

Situation

Staying with a Turkish friend or relative

Recommended route

Notarised address letter (mal sahibi mektubu / taahhütname)

The host must accompany you to a notary. Cheaper and faster than a rental contract if you're not ready to lease yet.

Situation

You already own the property

Recommended route

Title deed (tapu) only

No rental contract or landlord letter needed — the tapu itself is accepted as address proof.

Situation

Sponsoring a spouse or children (family ikamet)

Recommended route

Same rental contract or address letter, in the sponsor's name

All family members register at one address; see our family residence permit guide for the full document list.

Situation

Arriving before you've found long-term housing

Recommended route

A short initial lease, or a notarised letter from a host

Avoid relying on hotel or Airbnb bookings — arrange at least a short formal contract before your ikamet appointment.

Changing Your Address After Getting Ikamet

Notify Göç İdaresi within 20 working days of moving

When you move to a new address, you are legally required to update your registered address within 20 working days. This is done online via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr or in person at the Göç İdaresi office.

Documents required for address change

Your current ikamet card, new rental contract (notarised) or new address letter, and a written address-change request. No appointment is typically needed.

Ikamet card is not reissued

Your physical ikamet card does not display your address, so a new card is not issued just for an address change — your record in the system is updated and you receive written confirmation.

Changing provinces

If you move to a different province (il), your ikamet file is transferred to the new province's Göç İdaresi. This can take a few weeks; your ikamet remains valid throughout.

For the complete walkthrough — including the exact form, appointment rules, and what to do if you're moving provinces — see our dedicated guides on switching your address after ikamet and changing the address on your residence permit.

Common Mistakes with Address for Ikamet

• Assuming an Airbnb or booking.com confirmation is sufficient — it is not
• Getting a rental contract signed but forgetting the landlord's (or their POA-holder's) notarisation
• Signing a lease before checking whether the neighbourhood (mahalle) is closed to new foreigner registrations
• Declaring an address in a different province from where you apply for ikamet
• Not updating Göç İdaresi within 20 working days when you move — risks a fine and problems at ikamet renewal
• Asking a friend for a notarised letter but not verifying they actually own (or are the lease holder of) the property

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Residence Permit in Turkey

Complete ikamet guide — all types and requirements

How to Apply for Ikamet

Step-by-step ikamet application process

Notary Services in Turkey

What notaries do and how much they cost

Registering Your Address in Turkey

Address registration at Nüfus Müdürlüğü

Switching Address After Ikamet

Practical checklist for updating your address mid-permit

Family Residence Permit in Turkey

Sponsoring a spouse or children on one address

Moving to Turkey Document Checklist

Complete pre-departure document guide

How to Rent an Apartment in Turkey

Rental process for foreigners explained

Residence Permit Pack

Complete ikamet preparation kit — document checklist, appointment guide, common mistakes to avoid, and renewal timeline.

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Temporary Address in Turkey for Residence Permit (2026):What Göç İdaresi Actually Accepts

Address-for-Ikamet Costs and Deadlines at a Glance

Address Options: What Göç İdaresi Accepts

Option 1: Rental Contract (Kira Sözleşmesi)

Option 2: Notarised Address Letter (Mal Sahibi Mektubu)

Before You Sign: Some Neighbourhoods Are Closed to New Foreigner Registrations

Which Address Situation Are You In?

Changing Your Address After Getting Ikamet

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Temporary Address in Turkey for Residence Permit (2026):
What Göç İdaresi Actually Accepts