What does "İkamet" mean in Turkey?

The legal document (residence permit) that allows a foreigner to live in Turkey beyond a visa-free or visa period. Usually issued for 1-2 years and renewable.

What does "e-İkamet" mean in Turkey?

The official online system (e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr) where residence permit applications are submitted and appointments booked. Not the same as e-Devlet.

What does "Yabancı Kimlik Numarası (YKN)" mean in Turkey?

An 11-digit identification number assigned to foreigners in Turkey, functioning like a Turkish citizen's T.C. Kimlik No. Required for almost every official transaction, from banking to signing a lease.

What does "e-Devlet" mean in Turkey?

Turkey's single sign-on government services portal (turkiye.gov.tr), used for everything from checking tax records to health data once you have a password — distinct from e-İkamet, which handles residence permits specifically.

What does "90/180 Kuralı" mean in Turkey?

The rule limiting most visa-free or e-Visa visitors to a maximum of 90 days' stay within any rolling 180-day period, before a residence permit or new entry is required.

What does "E-Vize" mean in Turkey?

The official electronic visa, obtained only through evisa.gov.tr, required by many nationalities before entering Turkey if they don't qualify for visa-free entry.

What does "Randevu" mean in Turkey?

A booked appointment, most commonly referring to your scheduled residence permit application slot at the local immigration office (Göç İdaresi).

What does "Nüfus Müdürlüğü" mean in Turkey?

The population/civil registry directorate (part of NVI) that handles identity records and address registration — relevant when registering your Turkish residential address.

What does "Vergi Numarası" mean in Turkey?

A tax identification number every foreigner needs before opening a bank account, signing a lease, or buying property in Turkey — obtained free and quickly at any tax office.

What does "Vergi Dairesi" mean in Turkey?

The local tax office where you get your vergi numarası and handle tax-related registrations. Every district has one.

What does "SGK" mean in Turkey?

Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu — Turkey's state social security and health insurance body. Distinct from the private health insurance required for a residence permit.

What does "KDV" mean in Turkey?

Katma Değer Vergisi — Turkey's value-added tax, applied to most goods and services at rates that vary by category.

What does "Beyanname" mean in Turkey?

A tax return or declaration filed with the Revenue Administration (GİB), most relevantly the annual income tax return for tax-resident individuals.

What does "Stopaj" mean in Turkey?

Tax withheld at source before payment — relevant to rental income, some investment income, and certain wages.

What does "IBAN" mean in Turkey?

The international bank account number format used for all Turkish bank transfers — you'll need one to receive rent payments, salary, or set up direct debits.

What does "Eşyalı" mean in Turkey?

A furnished rental listing. The opposite, eşyasız, means unfurnished — furnished apartments typically carry a 15-25% rent premium.

What does "Aidat" mean in Turkey?

The monthly fee paid to a building's management for shared services — cleaning, lift maintenance, security, sometimes heating. Not usually included in the advertised rent.

What does "Depozito" mean in Turkey?

The rental deposit, standardly 2 months' rent in Turkey, held against damage or unpaid bills and returnable at the end of a tenancy.

What does "Kira Kontratı" mean in Turkey?

The lease agreement — in Turkey, residential leases should be properly documented (often notarised) to give the tenant legal protection.

What does "Kapıcı" mean in Turkey?

A live-in or daily building superintendent who handles maintenance, cleaning of common areas, and sometimes deliveries — common in older and mid-size apartment buildings.

What does "Site" mean in Turkey?

A gated community or apartment complex with shared amenities (pool, security, gardens) — common in newer developments, especially on the coast.

What does "Tapu" mean in Turkey?

The official property title deed issued by the Land Registry (TKGM) — the single legal document proving property ownership in Turkey.

What does "İskan" mean in Turkey?

Yapı Kullanma İzin Belgesi — the occupancy/habitation certificate confirming a building was constructed to code and is legally habitable. Missing İskan is a red flag in property due diligence.

What does "Ekspertiz" mean in Turkey?

An official third-party property valuation report, required for certain property purchases (particularly by foreign buyers) and mortgage applications.

What does "Emlakçı" mean in Turkey?

A local real estate agent — commissions and practices vary, so always confirm terms and, for a purchase, use an independent lawyer rather than relying solely on the seller's emlakçı.

What does "Kat Mülkiyeti" mean in Turkey?

The complete, final ownership status for a unit in a completed building, registered on the tapu — the status you want for a finished property.

What does "Kat İrtifakı" mean in Turkey?

A preliminary ownership status registered before a building's construction is complete, later converted to kat mülkiyeti once finished — relevant when buying off-plan.

What does "Harç" mean in Turkey?

A government fee or duty, most commonly referring to tapu harcı, the title deed transfer fee paid when a property changes ownership.

What does "Noter" mean in Turkey?

A Turkish notary public, required to formalise many legal documents — power of attorney, some rental contracts, and various declarations.

What does "Vekaletname" mean in Turkey?

A notarised power of attorney document, commonly used by foreign property buyers to authorise a lawyer or representative to complete a purchase on their behalf.

What does "Apostil" mean in Turkey?

The international document-legalisation stamp/certificate required on many foreign official documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record checks) before Turkish authorities will accept them.

What does "Yeminli Tercüman" mean in Turkey?

A certified translator authorised to produce official Turkish translations of foreign documents, required for most residence permit, property, and legal processes.

What does "Muvafakatname" mean in Turkey?

A formal notarised consent document, most commonly required from a non-travelling parent when a minor travels or relocates internationally.

What does "Ehliyet" mean in Turkey?

A Turkish driving licence — foreign licences are valid for a limited period, after which a Turkish ehliyet (via exchange or test) is required to keep driving legally.

What does "HGS" mean in Turkey?

Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi — Turkey's electronic highway and bridge toll system, requiring a prepaid tag or account for most motorway and bridge travel.

What does "Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası" mean in Turkey?

The compulsory third-party liability car insurance every registered vehicle in Turkey must carry by law.

What does "Kasko" mean in Turkey?

Optional comprehensive car insurance covering your own vehicle (theft, damage, etc.), on top of the mandatory third-party traffic insurance.

What does "Muayene" mean in Turkey?

The mandatory periodic vehicle roadworthiness inspection, carried out at TÜVTÜRK stations.

What does "Dolmuş" mean in Turkey?

A shared minibus that runs a fixed route, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way — a cheap, common form of local transport, especially in smaller towns.

What does "Aile Hekimi" mean in Turkey?

A state-system family doctor you can register with for free basic healthcare access once eligible — distinct from private clinic doctors.

What does "Eczane / Nöbetçi Eczane" mean in Turkey?

Eczane means pharmacy; nöbetçi eczane is the rotating "on-duty" pharmacy that stays open overnight and on holidays in every neighbourhood — look for a sign in pharmacy windows.

What does "SGK Sağlık" mean in Turkey?

Health coverage through the state social security system, available to eligible residents as an alternative or supplement to mandatory private health insurance.

What does "Muhtar" mean in Turkey?

The locally elected administrative official for a neighbourhood or village, who handles certain local paperwork and can issue basic residence-confirmation documents.

What does "Esnaf" mean in Turkey?

A small local shopkeeper or tradesperson — the backbone of neighbourhood commerce in Turkey, from the corner grocer (bakkal) to the local electrician.

Turkish Bureaucracy & Expat Terms Glossary (2026) — Plain-English Definitions

Quick Answer

What are the most important Turkish bureaucracy terms to know as an expat?

İkamet (residence permit), vergi numarası (tax number), tapu (title deed), aidat (building maintenance fee), and SGK (state social security/health system) are the terms you'll encounter almost immediately. e-Devlet and e-İkamet are two different government portals — e-Devlet is the general single sign-on, e-İkamet is specifically for residence permit applications. This glossary covers the full set you're likely to run into, organized by topic, each linked to a complete guide.

🛂 Residence & Immigration

💶 Tax & Banking

Recommended guide

Turkey Relocation Blueprint

Stop Googling for hours. Get the organised relocation plan.

€29

one-time · no subscription

Step-by-step relocation roadmap

Printable document checklist

Budget planning templates

City comparison framework

Banking & tax number setup

First-month priority tasks

Common mistakes to avoid

Updated for 2026

Secure checkout via Stripe. Instant confirmation after payment.

30+ pages12 chapters6 checklists4 templatesPrintable resourcesInstant downloadSecure Stripe checkoutOne-time paymentLifetime updatesDesktop & mobilePDF available immediately

🏠 Housing & Rental

🏘️ Property & Real Estate

📄 Legal & Documents

Turkey Relocation Blueprint

Stop Googling for hours. Get the organised relocation plan.

30+ pages · 12 chapters · 6 checklists · 4 templates · Printable resources · Updated 2026

🚗 Transport & Driving

🏥 Healthcare

🗺️ Everyday Life

Last updated July 2026·Bartu Cavusoglu

Related Guides

Moving to Turkey — Complete Guide

Full relocation guide

Turkey Residence Permit (Ikamet)

How to apply, renew, and troubleshoot

Official Government Websites for Expats

Every verified .gov.tr portal you'll need

Buying Property in Turkey

Tapu, iskan, ekspertiz, and the full purchase process

Taxes for Expats in Turkey

Vergi numarası, beyanname, and tax residency rules

Healthcare in Turkey

SGK, aile hekimi, and private insurance