How to Open a Water Subscription in Istanbul (İSKİ) as a Foreigner (2025 Update)

Foreign citizens residing in Türkiye must obtain utility services (such as water, electricity, internet, and natural gas) just like Turkish citizens. Whether you've bought or rented a property in Istanbul, opening a water subscription with İSKİ (İstanbul Su ve Kanalizasyon İdaresi) is one of the first steps you should take when settling in.

Therefore, applying for a water subscription through İSKİ is one of the first and most important steps for any foreigner settling in the city. The documents and procedures may vary slightly depending on whether you are the owner or tenant of the property.

Who Can Apply for a Water Subscription?

To apply for a water subscription as a foreigner, you must meet certain legal requirements. First, you must hold a valid residence permit. In addition, your address must be registered in the Central Population Registration System (MERNSIS). The applicant must be either the owner of the property or the officially registered tenant. Subscription cannot be opened under someone else’s name, and unofficial tenancy agreements are not accepted.

Where to Apply?

You can apply in person at any local İSKİ branch in Istanbul. Foreigners with a 99-number Turkish foreign ID number can also apply online through the İSKİ website (www.iski.istanbul) via the e-Government (e-Devlet) portal. However, to use the e-Devlet platform, you must have a valid e-Government password and ID. For first-time subscriptions, it’s often more practical to apply in person.

Required Documents for Property Owners

If the foreign applicant is the owner of the property, they must present the following documents to open a subscription:

• A valid passport or foreign ID card
• Residence permit card
• Copy of the title deed (Tapu)
• DASK policy (compulsory earthquake insurance)
• Address registration document (can be downloaded via e-Devlet)
• Water meter number or service number
  With these documents, you can apply directly at an İSKİ office. The installation and activation usually take 1–3 business days.

Required Documents for Tenants

If the applicant is renting the property, the required documents are as follows:

• Valid passport or foreign ID card
• Residence permit
• Notarized rental contract
• Address registration document
• Water meter number or the service number of another apartment in the same building
• (Optional) A previous water bill from the same address, if available
  Please note: İSKİ does not accept rental agreements that are not notarized.

What Is the DASK Policy?

Pursuant to Law No. 6305 on Catastrophe Insurance, a valid Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy is required for title deed transactions as well as electricity and water subscription procedures. In Turkey, all new utility subscriptions for residential properties require a valid DASK policy (Compulsory Earthquake Insurance). Without it, no water, electricity, or gas subscriptions can be processed. The policy can be purchased from any insurance provider, bank, or online insurance platform. It must include the property’s full address and square meter data.

Residential Water Subscription Fees (2025)

For residential properties in Turkey, the standard charges are as follows:

• Initial Subscription Fee: 1,425.60 TL
• Water Connection Fee: 2,626.20 TL
• Sewage Connection Fee: 1,838.40 TL

These amounts are subject to change annually, as they are adjusted based on the Producer Price Index (PPI) determined by the government. Additionally, the total cost of activating a water subscription may vary by province, depending on local regulations and practices.

If you're a foreign national who has purchased or rented property in Turkey, it's recommended that you contact the local water authority in your area to confirm the current fees and any additional documents or charges that may be required for your application.

Can Someone Else Apply on Your Behalf?

Yes, you can authorize someone else to complete the process, but only with a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA). İSKİ strictly requires that the PoA explicitly lists the person’s name and authorization. General PoAs are not accepted. If you’re abroad, this document can be issued through a Turkish Consulate in your country or via a local notary and then apostilled under the Hague Convention.

What Are the Steps?

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Prepare all the necessary paperwork depending on your status:

• If you’re an owner: residence permit, passport/foreign ID, title deed, DASK policy, address registration, water meter number.
• If you’re a tenant: residence permit, passport/foreign ID, notarized rental contract, address registration, water meter number or a nearby service number.

Step 2: Visit the İSKİ Branch or Apply Online
Go to your local İSKİ office in person, or apply through the İSKİ website or e-Devlet if you have a foreign ID starting with 99 and an active e-Government account.

Step 3: Pay the Fees
You’ll be asked to pay:

• Subscription fee
• Security deposit (refundable)
• Water and sewage connection fees (varies by region)

Payments can be made in cash or by card at the branch.

Step 4: Technical Check & Activation
İSKİ will arrange a site visit to verify the meter or install a new one if needed. Water service is typically activated within 1–3 business days.

Step 5: Start Using Your Water Service
Once approved, you’ll receive your subscription account details. Make sure to check your bills regularly and pay on time to avoid service interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need a residence permit to open a water subscription in Turkey?
Yes. A valid residence permit is mandatory for foreigners to apply for any utility subscription, including water.

2. Is it possible to apply online for a water subscription with İSKİ?
Yes, applications can be submitted through the İSKİ website or e-Devlet, provided you have a 99-number foreign ID and an e-Government login.

3. Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, but only with a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA). The representative’s name must be explicitly mentioned in the document.

4. Is a notarized rental contract necessary for tenants?
Yes. İSKİ requires a notarized version of the rental contract for tenant applications. Plain contracts are not accepted.

5. What is DASK and why is it required?
DASK (Compulsory Earthquake Insurance) is legally required for all residential utility subscriptions. It ensures the property is insured against earthquakes.

6. Can I apply online?
Yes, if you have a 99-number ID and an e-Devlet login.