Utility Subscriptions for New Property Owners in Istanbul: Electricity, Gas, Water and Internet
A practical guide to opening electricity, gas, water and internet subscriptions after buying property in Istanbul, with the documents needed and tips for owners abroad.
Once the title deed is in your name, the next step is making the property usable: electricity, natural gas, water and internet. In Istanbul each service has its own provider and process, and some require documents you only have after the purchase. This guide explains who provides what, what you need and how owners who live abroad can handle it.
Last updated: November 2026. Procedures and deposit amounts change, so check the current requirements with each provider.
Who Provides What in Istanbul
- Electricity: the grid is operated by distribution companies, BEDAŞ on the European side and AYEDAŞ on the Asian side, while subscriptions and bills are handled by the assigned retail supplier for your area.
- Natural gas: İGDAŞ supplies natural gas across Istanbul.
- Water: İSKİ, the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration, provides water and wastewater services.
- Internet and TV: several private providers offer fibre, cable and mobile broadband. Availability depends on the building.
Documents You Usually Need
- Passport, and your foreign identification number if you have a residence permit, or your tax number
- The title deed, or a rental contract if a tenant is opening the subscription
- A valid DASK compulsory earthquake insurance policy, which is required for electricity and water subscriptions
- The meter number or installation number, usually found on the meter or a previous bill
- A deposit, which is charged by some providers when opening a subscription
If the DASK policy is not in place, the subscription can be refused. Read DASK and home insurance in Turkey.
Step by Step
- Read the meters at handover: photograph the electricity, gas and water meters on the day you receive the keys, so you only pay from that point.
- Close or transfer the seller's subscriptions: agree with the seller that their accounts are closed and final bills paid.
- Open your subscriptions: apply online, through the providers' service centres or, if you have a foreign identification number, through e-Devlet where available.
- Natural gas check: if the gas has been cut, a safety inspection may be needed before it is reconnected.
- Set up automatic payment: link bills to a Turkish bank account or card to avoid late fees.
New Buildings
In a newly completed building, the first subscriptions can depend on the occupancy permit and on the building's meters being installed and registered. Ask the developer which services have been connected and when the occupancy permit was issued. See what is iskan in Turkey?
Internet
- Ask the building manager which providers already serve the building and whether fibre is available.
- Installation can take some time, especially in new buildings.
- For a rental property, a ready internet connection is a strong selling point for tenants.
If You Live Abroad
Owners who do not live in Istanbul often give a limited power of attorney to a representative or use a property manager to open subscriptions, pay bills and handle meter readings. If the property is rented, the tenant usually opens the subscriptions in their own name using the rental contract, and you should confirm that the accounts are closed when the tenant leaves. Our property management service can handle these steps for you.
Running Costs to Plan For
Utilities are only part of the monthly cost of owning a home. Add the building management fee, insurance and property tax. See aidat and site management explained and the annual costs of owning property in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need DASK to open utilities in Turkey?
Yes. A valid DASK policy is required for electricity and water subscriptions.
Can a foreigner open utility subscriptions without a residence permit?
Yes. A passport and tax number are generally accepted, together with the title deed or rental contract.
Who pays the utilities when the property is rented?
Usually the tenant, who opens the subscriptions in their own name.
Can I manage utilities from abroad?
Yes, through online services, a representative with a power of attorney or a property manager.
Settle Into Your New Home
Read what happens after buying property in Turkey, follow our property buyer's guide, explore our Property Turkey guide or contact our team for help after your purchase.