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After successfully completing the title deed transfer, foreign property buyers often assume the process is finished. However, there are several important legal and administrative tasks that still need to be handled to fully secure your investment and, if desired, to live legally in Turkey. This final step involves applying for a residence permit, setting up essential utilities and registrations, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Turkish laws. Properly completing this phase guarantees a smooth transition from buyer to property owner — and possibly to a resident of Alanya.

Applying for a Residence Permit Based on Property Ownership

One of the key advantages of buying property in Alanya as a foreigner is the ability to apply for a short-term residence permit (also known as the “touristic residence permit”) based on your real estate ownership. This permit allows you to legally reside in Turkey for up to one year, and it is renewable, as long as you continue to own the property and meet certain conditions.

Here’s what you need to apply:

1. A valid title deed (Tapu) in your name

2. A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)

3. Turkish Tax Number

4. Proof of health insurance valid in Turkey

5. A Turkish address registration (done at the Population Directorate)

6. Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay

7. Application form submitted online via e-ikamet system

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an appointment date to visit the local Migration Office (Göç İdaresi) in Alanya. At the appointment, you’ll submit your physical documents and biometric data. The residence permit card is usually mailed to your registered address within a few weeks. Having a local lawyer or property consultant assist with this process can simplify things considerably.

Note: Purchasing property does not guarantee a residence permit, but it is a strong supporting factor. Authorities still reserve the right to approve or deny applications based on broader immigration and regional policies. That said, most buyers of property in Alanya with clean documentation are successfully approved.

Registering Your Property and Setting Up Utilities

Once the Tapu is in your name, you are legally entitled to register for and use all municipal and utility services associated with the property. This includes:

• Water Subscription (ASAT)
  Visit the local water authority with your Tapu, passport, and tax number to activate your water supply. A small deposit may be required.

• Electricity Subscription (CK Akdeniz Elektrik)
  Similar documents are required, and service is usually activated within 24 hours. If you’re purchasing in a residential complex, check whether electricity is billed individually or through the site management.

• Gas (if applicable)
  Not all properties in Alanya use natural gas, but if yours does, you’ll need to apply for service or continue an existing contract.

• Internet & Phone Line
  You can set up internet service with providers like Turk Telekom, Superonline, or Vodafone. Your passport and tax number are required.

In some modern residential complexes, utility subscriptions may already be included in site services, and you may only need to transfer them into your name.

Registering with the Local Municipality and Paying Annual Property Tax

As a property owner in Turkey, you are required to register with the local municipality (Belediye) and pay an annual property tax (emlak vergisi). This is a relatively low cost—usually around 0.1% to 0.6% of the assessed property value, depending on the property type and location.

This tax is typically paid in two installments: one in the spring and one in the fall. Payments can be made at the municipality in person or online if you’ve set up an e-government (e-Devlet) account.

Optional: Furnishing, Renting, and Earning Income

After completing the legal process, many foreign buyers decide to furnish the property, either for personal use or for short-term/long-term rental. In Alanya, the short-term rental market is highly active, especially in tourist districts like Mahmutlar, Oba, and Cleopatra Beach.

If you plan to rent out your property in Alanya, there are some important legal steps to follow:

• Register with the tax office to declare rental income

• For short-term rentals, you must obtain a Tourism License and report guests through the GIYKIMBIL system

• Consider hiring a property management company to handle bookings, maintenance, and guest communication

It’s also essential to declare all income on your Turkish tax returns, even if the funds are withdrawn internationally. Failure to do so can result in fines or jeopardize your residency status.

Summary: The Final Step Toward a Safe, Legal, and Profitable Investment

The final phase of the property buying process is about integration and compliance. Completing the Tapu transfer is only the beginning. Taking the extra time to register utilities, comply with tax rules, apply for a residence permit, and possibly prepare the property for rental ensures that your investment in property in Alanya is not only secure but also beneficial in the long term.

This last step may involve a lot of paperwork, but with the right support—especially from experienced local agents or legal professionals—you’ll navigate it efficiently. Once complete, you’ll be fully established as a legal foreign homeowner in one of Turkey’s most attractive coastal cities.