Registering for Electricity, Water, and Natural Gas Meters in Türkiye (2025)

When moving into a new property in Türkiye, whether renting or buying, registering for utility meters (electricity, water, and natural gas) is an essential and unavoidable step.

A Private companies are responsible for providing these services, and the procedures vary slightly between them. Generally, the process is straightforward and quick if all documents are ready.

First: Electricity Meters (Elektrik)

Electricity services in Türkiye are provided by private distribution companies spread across geographical regions (e.g., Başkent EDAŞ in Ankara, BEDAŞ in Istanbul's European side, AYEDAŞ in Istanbul's Asian side, etc.).

1. Registration Requirements

• A valid lease agreement (Kira Sözleşmesi) or title deed (Tapu Senedi) in the applicant's name.

• Settlement of any previous debts on the meter, if applicable (usually checked automatically).

• Payment of a deposit (Depozito), which is refundable upon cancellation of the subscription.

2. Required Documents

• Copy of Identity Card (Kimlik Kartı) or Passport (Pasaport) + Residence Permit (İkamet İzni) for foreigners.

• Copy of the lease agreement or title deed.

• Property tax number (Dask Poliçesi) - compulsory earthquake insurance. This number is crucial for electricity meter connection.

• Building identification number (Bina Kimlik Numarası) or the current meter number (Sayaç Numarası) if already existing.

• National address identification number (Adres Kodu) or building code (Bina Kodu), which can be obtained from municipality records or the population directorate.

• A Turkish phone number for communication.

3. How to Apply

• Visit a Customer Service Office (Müşteri Hizmetleri):

• Go to the nearest office of the electricity company responsible for your area.

• Submit all required documents to the staff.

• The company will review the documents and verify the meter number.

• Pay the required deposit.

• The meter is usually activated on the same day or within 24-48 business hours.

• Online Application (Online Başvuru):

• Many electricity companies now allow online applications through their websites.

• Visit the official website of the electricity company in your region.

• Look for the "Yeni Abonelik" (New Subscription) or "Devir İşlemleri" (Transfer of Meter Ownership) section.

• Follow the steps to fill in the required data and upload digital copies of documents.

• You will be directed to pay the deposit online.

• This method may take slightly longer than in-person applications but offers convenience.

Second: Water Meters (Su)

Water services in Türkiye are provided by water and sewerage administrations affiliated with major municipalities in each province (e.g., İSKİ in Istanbul, ASKİ in Ankara, İZSU in Izmir).

1. Registration Requirements

• The property must be ready for connection.

• No outstanding previous debts on the meter.

• Payment of a deposit.

2. Required Documents

• Copy of Identity Card or Passport + Residence Permit.

• Copy of the lease agreement or title deed.

• Current water meter number (Sayaç Numarası) if available.

• National address identification number or building code.

• A Turkish phone number.

3. How to Apply

• Visit a Customer Service Office:

• Go to the nearest office of the water directorate in your province.

• Submit the required documents.

• Pay the deposit.

• The meter is usually activated on the same day or within 24 hours.

• Online Application (if available):

• Some municipalities offer online application services through their websites (e.g., E-Devlet kapısı), but this may require an office visit to complete procedures and pay fees. Check the website of the water directorate in your province to see if this service is available electronically.

Third: Natural Gas Meters (Doğalgaz)

Natural gas services are provided by private distribution companies specific to cities (e.g., İGDAŞ in Istanbul, Başkentgaz in Ankara, İzmirgaz in Izmir).

1. Registration Requirements

• The property must be located within areas covered by the natural gas network.

• Pass a safety inspection of internal installations (usually conducted after application).

• Payment of a deposit.

2. Required Documents

• Copy of Identity Card or Passport + Residence Permit.

• Copy of the lease agreement or title deed.

• Recent electricity or water bill for the property, proving the address.

• Current gas meter number (Sayaç Numarası) if available.

• National address identification number.

• A Turkish phone number.

3. How to Apply

• Inquire about Gas Availability in the Area:

• You can contact the customer service of one of the gas companies (e.g., İGDAŞ at 187) or visit their website to inquire if your property's area is covered by natural gas service.

• Visit the Nearest Company Customer Service Office:

• Go to the nearest customer service office of the natural gas company responsible for your area.

• Submit a natural gas connection request and the required documents.

• Pay the deposit.

• After submitting the application, the company will schedule a technical inspection (Doğalgaz Projesi Kontrolü) of the internal gas installations in the property by a certified technician. The property must be fully prepared to pass this inspection.

• If the inspection is passed, gas will be activated within 24-48 hours.

• Online Application (if available):

• Some gas companies offer online application services through their websites, but the process often requires completing procedures and paying fees at the office or waiting for the technical inspection.

Important Tips for 2025 in Türkiye

• Translator (if needed): If you don't speak Turkish fluently, it's helpful to bring someone who can speak the language to assist you at the offices.

• E-Devlet Service: After obtaining a Turkish identification number (TC Kimlik Numarası), you can register for the Turkish e-Government Gateway (E-Devlet Kapısı). This portal provides many online government services, including checking utility bills, changing subscriptions, and verifying meter statuses.

• Check for Previous Debts: Before renting or buying any property, ensure there are no outstanding utility debts in the previous owner's or tenant's name to avoid any problems.

• DASK Number: The compulsory earthquake insurance (Dask Poliçesi) is a fundamental requirement for connecting an electricity meter, so make sure it's available and ready.
• Fees: Deposit fees and connection costs vary slightly between companies and regions, but they are one-time payments upon subscription and are refunded when the subscription is canceled.