Rafiq Istanbul — Everything you need for Istanbul, in one place

Yes. To stay legally beyond your visa or visa-free period you need a residence permit (İkamet). The most common first permit is the short-term one, usually valid for 1–2 years. Start by getting a tax number and mandatory health insurance, then apply on the e-İkamet portal.

You generally need your passport, a Turkish tax number (Vergi No), and proof of address. Requirements vary by bank and even by branch — if one refuses, another may accept you. Your card usually arrives by courier within a week.

It is your Turkish tax number, required for banking, rentals and most official steps. It is free and takes minutes online via the İnteraktif Vergi Dairesi portal, or about an hour at any tax office.

Yes. A number of Istanbul districts are closed to new residence-permit registrations at any given time. Always verify your specific district is open BEFORE signing a rental contract, or your application can be rejected.

Property investment can make you eligible to apply for citizenship — it does not guarantee approval. You must buy above the official threshold and hold the property for three years; the final decision belongs solely to the Turkish government after its own review. Listings marked “Meets citizenship threshold” satisfy the investment amount, and our legal team verifies every title deed, but no purchase can promise citizenship itself.

When the AI assistant sees that your case needs a human, it offers a free online appointment (call or video). You only pick a date, time and language — your problem summary and chat are attached automatically for the specialist.