Tax Number, e-Devlet and Health Insurance: First Steps After Arriving in Turkey

Whether you are moving to Türkiye, buying property or starting a business, a few basic registrations make everything else easier.

1. Turkish tax number (Vergi Numarası) You need a tax number to buy property, open a bank account, sign many contracts and pay some fees. It can be obtained from a tax office with your passport, often the same day.

2. Residence permit and foreigner ID number Once you receive a residence permit, you get a foreigner identity number starting with 99. This number becomes your main ID for banks, hospitals, phone lines and government services.

3. Address registration After you have a residence permit, your address should be registered at the population office (Nüfus Müdürlüğü). Keep it updated if you move.

4. e-Devlet access e-Devlet is the government's online portal. With it you can check your address, tax and registrations and use many public services. You can get a password at a PTT post office with your ID.

5. Health insurance Most short-term residence permit applications require health insurance valid in Türkiye. Private policies are common for newcomers; some residents can later join the state system (SGK).

6. Phone registration Phones bought abroad must be registered within a set period, or a Turkish SIM card will stop working in them.

How Legit Law can help We can arrange your tax number, residence application, address registration and insurance guidance in one plan. [Contact us](/contact) before you arrive.

*This article is general information only, not legal advice. Procedures change; please contact us for advice on your situation.*