A Guide to ISKI Water Service Registration in Istanbul for Foreign Nationals
Water service registration procedures for foreign nationals living in Istanbul are handled by the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ). All applications must be submitted in person at the relevant İSKİ branch office. Subscription applications submitted through digital channels (such as the internet or mobile apps) are not accepted.
Certificate of Residence (Place of Residence)
- A proof of residence for the address where the new subscription will be established must be obtained through the e-Government portal.
- If your residential address is not registered in the system, you cannot complete the subscription process. This document is required.
- Foreign nationals may not hold more than one active subscription at the same time. Homeowners (property owners) are exempt from this rule.
Transactions Through a Representative
- If someone else is submitting the application, the original notarized power of attorney must be presented.
Required Documents
- Residential Subscription
- For tenants:
• Account or meter number (may be listed on the previous bill)
• Current lease agreement (a photocopy is acceptable, but the original must be presented)
• Certificate of Residence (Place of Residence)
• Valid identification or residence document (foreign ID card, work permit, or residence permit)
- For homeowners:
• Account or meter number
• A photocopy of the title deed (the original must be presented)
• A photocopy of your passport (the original must be presented)
- Workplace Subscription
- For tenants:
• Current lease agreement (original must be presented)
• A photocopy of the title deed
• Tax registration certificate or business establishment permit
• A valid document showing the foreigner identification number
- For business owners:
• A photocopy of the property deed
• Passport
• Tax registration certificate or business establishment permit
**Common Shortcomings**
- The residential address is not registered in the system
- Submission of only a photocopy of the lease agreement without presenting the original
- Failure to present the original property title deed or passport along with a photocopy
**Process and Scope**
- Applications are valid only for Istanbul Province.
- Whether the documents are up-to-date, complete, and consistent directly affects the speed of the application process.
Sources and Contact Information
- For details and branch office information, please visit ISKI’s official website: iski.istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to sign up for water service in Istanbul as a foreign national?
The documents required for foreign nationals to obtain a water service subscription include proof of residence, a valid ID or residence permit, a lease agreement, and an account or meter number. For homeowners, a photocopy of the property deed is also required.
Who can submit an application for a water service subscription?
Applications for water service can only be submitted in person at the relevant İSKİ branch office. If someone else is submitting the application, the original notarized power of attorney must be presented.
Can foreign nationals open more than one water service account in Istanbul?
No, foreign nationals cannot have more than one active water service account at the same time. However, foreign nationals who are homeowners are exempt from this rule.
How can I obtain a proof of residence for a water service account?
You can obtain your proof of residence through the e-Government portal. However, for subscription procedures, this document must be for the address where the new subscription will be established and must be registered in the system.