How to Get a Water Subscription in Turkey
Introduction
When you move into a property in Istanbul, one of the first practical steps is to open or transfer the water subscription. In Istanbul, water and wastewater services are managed by İSKİ, the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration.
For foreigners, the process is usually straightforward if the property documents, identity information and address details are consistent. However, delays may occur if the property has missing occupancy documents, the previous subscription has unpaid debt, the DASK policy is not active, or the applicant does not yet have an active foreign identity number.
This article explains the general steps for opening a residential water subscription in Istanbul.
1. Identify the Correct Water Authority
Water subscriptions in Turkey are handled locally. For Istanbul, the relevant authority is İSKİ.
If the property is outside Istanbul, the application must be made to the relevant local water and sewerage administration, such as ASKİ, İZSU, ASAT or another municipal water authority.
For Istanbul properties, applications may generally be made through:
İSKİ online / e-Devlet services
İSKİ branches
A representative holding a valid notarized power of attorney
2. Decide Whether This Is a New Subscription or a Transfer
Before applying, check whether the property already has a water meter and an old subscription.
There are usually two common scenarios:
A. Subscription transfer / name change
This applies when there is an existing water installation and the subscription will be transferred from the previous user to the new owner or tenant.
This is common after:
buying a property;
renting a property;
moving into a previously occupied apartment;
taking over a property from a former tenant.
B. New or additional subscription
This applies where the property has no individual water subscription yet, or where a new independent subscription must be created for a unit.
This may be more document-heavy, especially for newly constructed buildings or buildings where individual meters are being separated.
3. Documents Commonly Needed for a Water Subscription
The exact document list may change depending on the property, the applicant and the İSKİ branch. In practice, foreigners should prepare the following:
For property owners
Passport or residence permit card
Foreign identity number, if available
Title deed copy
DASK compulsory earthquake insurance policy
Previous water bill or water meter information, if available
Current meter reading
Turkish phone number
Power of attorney, if a lawyer or representative will apply
For tenants
Passport or residence permit card
Foreign identity number, if available
Lease agreement
DASK policy for the property
Previous water bill or meter number, if available
Current meter reading
Turkish phone number
Power of attorney, if a lawyer or representative will apply
For company-owned properties
If the applicant is a legal entity, İSKİ may request company documents, such as:
tax number;
authorization certificate;
signature circular;
company representative’s identification;
power of attorney, if represented by a lawyer or third party.
4. Is DASK Required for a Water Subscription?
For residential properties, DASK compulsory earthquake insurance is commonly checked during utility subscription procedures in Turkey.
Before applying, it is advisable to confirm that the DASK policy is active and that the address information in the policy matches the property.
If the DASK policy is missing, expired or issued for a wrong address, the water subscription process may be delayed.
5. Can Foreigners Apply Through e-Devlet?
Foreigners who have a valid foreign identity number and e-Devlet access may be able to use online public services.
A foreign identity number is an 11-digit number usually beginning with 99. Foreigners with residence permits generally use this number for e-Devlet and many municipal procedures.
If the foreigner does not yet have an active foreign identity number or cannot access e-Devlet, the application may need to be handled at the branch or through a representative, depending on the situation.
6. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an İSKİ Water Subscription
Step 1: Check the property status
Before applying, collect the title deed or lease agreement, confirm the address, and check whether there is an existing water meter.
If possible, obtain a copy of an old water bill. This helps İSKİ identify the installation and subscription number.
Step 2: Check DASK
Make sure there is an active DASK policy for the property. The address in the DASK policy should match the official address of the apartment.
Step 3: Record the meter reading
Take a clear photo of the water meter before the application. The last cubic meter reading may be requested during a subscription transfer.
This also helps avoid disputes about previous consumption.
Step 4: Apply online or at an İSKİ branch
If the applicant has e-Devlet access, the application may be initiated through İSKİ’s e-Devlet services.
If online application is not possible, the applicant or authorized representative may apply at the relevant İSKİ branch.
Step 5: Pay the required fees
İSKİ may request subscription-related fees, security deposit or other charges depending on the property and application type.
Fees may vary depending on the subscription category, property type and current tariff.
Step 6: Keep the subscription contract and receipts
After completion, keep a copy of the subscription contract, payment receipts and the first bill.
These documents may later be useful for address registration, residence permit procedures, utility disputes or moving-out cancellation.
7. Common Problems for Foreigners
Address mismatch
If the title deed, lease agreement, DASK policy and official address records do not match, the application may be delayed.
No active foreign identity number
Some online services require a foreign identity number and e-Devlet login. If the applicant does not have these yet, alternative procedures should be checked.
Previous unpaid bills
If there are unpaid bills or disputes from a previous user, the new applicant should ask İSKİ how the issue affects the new subscription.
Missing DASK
For residential properties, missing or expired DASK is a common reason for delay.
Newly built property
New buildings may require additional documents such as occupancy permit, construction-related documents or technical records depending on the building status.
Representative without proper authority
If a lawyer, agent or third party will handle the application, the power of attorney should clearly authorize utility subscription procedures.
8. Can a Lawyer Open the Water Subscription on Behalf of a Foreigner?
Yes, a lawyer or representative may assist with the application if properly authorized.
This is especially useful when the foreign property owner is outside Turkey, does not have e-Devlet access, or wants to coordinate water, electricity, natural gas, address registration and residence permit procedures together.
The power of attorney should be prepared carefully and should include authority for utility subscription applications, signing documents, paying fees and receiving documents where necessary.
9. Moving Out: Do Not Forget to Cancel the Subscription
When leaving the property, the subscriber should cancel the water subscription and settle final bills.
If the subscription remains active after moving out, the registered subscriber may continue to be responsible for future bills.
Before cancellation, record the final meter reading and keep the cancellation receipt.
Practical Checklist
Before applying for an İSKİ water subscription, prepare:
Passport or residence permit card
Foreign identity number, if available
e-Devlet access, if applying online
Title deed or lease agreement
DASK policy
Previous water bill or meter number
Current meter reading photo
Turkish phone number
Power of attorney, if represented
Company documents, if the applicant is a legal entity
Conclusion
Opening a water subscription in Istanbul is usually a manageable process, but foreigners should pay attention to document consistency, DASK status, meter information and e-Devlet access.
For property owners, tenants and investors who are also dealing with title deed transfer, residence permit, address registration or other utility subscriptions, it may be more efficient to handle these steps together through a coordinated legal process.
Last updated: June 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures, fees and document requirements may change depending on the municipality, İSKİ practice, property type and the applicant’s legal status.
