First Month in Istanbul: The Complete Newcomer Checklist

Your first month in Istanbul can feel overwhelming. Here is a practical, prioritised checklist to get the bureaucratic essentials out of the way so you can focus on enjoying the city.

Week 1: Identity and Money

• Tax ID Number (Vergi Numarası): Visit any tax office (vergi dairesi) with your passport. Takes 15–30 minutes. You need this for almost everything else.
• Bank Account: Open an account at Garanti BBVA, Akbank, or İş Bankası. Most branches have English-speaking staff. You'll need your passport and tax ID.
• Local SIM Card: Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom all offer good coverage. Register your phone within 60 days or it will be blocked on Turkish networks.

Week 2: Legal Status

• Residence Permit Application: Apply online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr within 30 days of arrival. Book your appointment ASAP — slots fill quickly in Istanbul.
• Address Registration (Adrese Dayalı Kayıt): Register your address at your local Muhtar's office — required for a full residence permit.

Week 3–4: Daily Life

• Get an Istanbulkart (transit card) from any metro station.
• Register with a private hospital or the SGK public health system.
• Set up internet at your apartment (Türk Telekom or Superonline are the main providers).