Frequently asked questions about residency and life in Istanbul | Rafiq

The timeline varies by permit type and the immigration office's current workload — there is no single number that applies to everyone. The most accurate source for your actual timeline is your own appointment or e-İkamet account.

No. There is more than one residency path — a tourist residence permit, for example, does not require owning property. Property ownership is one path among several, not a general requirement.

A tourist residence permit is granted based on proof of your actual residence in Turkey (like a lease), while a property-based permit is granted based on owning a property registered in your name. Each type has its own conditions and documents with the immigration office.

Yes — a prior rejection does not prevent a new application or a later renewal, but it becomes important to understand the reason for the rejection before reapplying.

Most banks require a tax number as part of opening an account for any foreigner, and it's easy to obtain from the tax office. Exact requirements can vary by bank.

Some banks allow opening an account with just a passport for a limited period, but most prefer a valid residence permit. Available options vary by bank and your situation.

No, not at all. Government fees and bank fees are set exclusively by the relevant authorities and banks themselves — Rafiq neither adds to them nor controls them.

It depends on your personal situation (income, expenses, how long you're staying). Many people hold both Turkish lira and a foreign currency to spread risk, but the decision is personal and depends on advice suited to your situation.

Istanbulkart is a prepaid electronic card used for all public transport in Istanbul (metro, bus, tram, ferry). You can top it up at machines found at stations and sales points.

Any foreign device needs its IMEI registered after a certain period of use on a Turkish network, or it gets blocked from local networks. The procedure has a fixed official fee set by the state.

Istanbul, like any large city, has areas and times that are safer than others, and most foreigners live there without major safety issues. Ordinary common sense usually covers most situations.

There are several ways (bank transfer, money transfer companies, digital wallets), each with its own fees, speed, and limits. The best option depends on the amount, country, and currency involved.

Rafiq is a digital coordination platform that helps foreigners in Istanbul coordinate residency, banking, housing, health, and daily-life services — directly or through specialist partners — in their own language.

No. Rafiq is a coordination platform only — it does not give legal or medical advice or provide banking services directly, and it coordinates contact with specialists in those fields when needed.

Rafiq is available in four languages: Arabic, English, Russian, and Farsi.

No. The final decision on any application (residency, citizenship, a bank account, or otherwise) always rests exclusively with the relevant authority or specialist provider, regardless of coordination.