A major shift in Turkey's rental procedures has finally ended the costly notary burden that foreign tenants have long faced. As of January 2026, rental agreements created through the state’s digital platform, e‑Devlet, are now fully recognized by all Provincial and District Directorates of Migration Management—bringing nationwide consistency to a system that had previously varied from city to city.
A System Once Marked by Confusion and High Costs
When the digital rental agreement service was first introduced in early 2025, implementation was uneven. Some migration offices accepted e‑Devlet contracts, while others insisted on notarized agreements. This inconsistency forced many foreign tenants to continue signing contracts at notaries, often alongside the property owner or an authorized representative.
Notary procedures came with a long list of fees:
- Page and signature charges
- Notary service fees
- Sworn translation costs for non‑Turkish speakers
- Interpreter fees
- Power of attorney verification fees
- And a stamp tax of 0.189% of the annual rental amount
For a property renting at ₺240,000 per year, the stamp tax alone reached ₺453, with total notary expenses typically falling between ₺4,000 and ₺8,000 ($100–$200).
These notarized contracts were mandatory for residence permit renewals and address registration procedures, leaving foreign tenants with no alternative.
A Definitive Change: e‑Devlet Rental Agreements Now Fully Accepted
The landscape has now transformed. Through e‑Devlet, landlords can create official, free, and legally binding rental agreements simply by entering the tenant’s residence permit ID number—no matter where the landlord is located, even abroad. No proxy, no notary, no additional fees.
Once both parties approve the contract through their e‑Devlet accounts, the system generates a barcoded agreement accepted by all migration authorities across Turkey.
This service is available only to foreigners with residence permit ID numbers beginning with 98 or 99. Passport numbers cannot be used.
Why the e‑Devlet Rental System Is More Secure
The digital system introduces safeguards that traditional paper contracts cannot match:
- Only properties legally owned by the landlord appear in the system, preventing fraudulent rentals.
- Tax evasion becomes nearly impossible, as rental income is automatically recorded.
- Power of attorney cannot be used, ensuring direct landlord‑tenant interaction.
- The entire process is conducted online, accessible from anywhere in the world.
For first‑time residence permit applicants, a temporary identification number must already exist in the system. In rare cases where an application is approved but pending due to missing documents, migration offices may still process the rental agreement based on internal regulations.
The system currently operates only in Turkish, raising practical questions for foreign users—but the process remains straightforward.
Attention Property Owners: How to Create a Rental Agreement on e‑Devlet
Step 1: Log in to e‑Devlet
Access the portal using a Turkish ID number and password, mobile signature, or other approved authentication methods. Secure verification ensures the integrity of the process.
Step 2: Search for the Rental Agreement Service
Type “kira sözleşmesi” into the search bar and select the service titled “Create a Rental Agreement via e‑Devlet.”
Step 3: Enter Property Details
Provide accurate information:
- Full address
- Property type (residential, commercial, etc.)
- Independent section number
- Rental amount and contract duration
Accuracy prevents future disputes.
Step 4: Add Tenant and Guarantor Information
Enter the tenant’s residence permit ID number, name, and contact details. If a guarantor is included, their information must also be added.
Step 5: Define Contract Terms
Specify:
- Rental price and payment schedule
- Deposit amount
- Rights and obligations of both parties
- Any additional conditions (pets, renovations, fixtures, etc.)
Clear terms form the foundation of a stable rental relationship.
Tenants Beware: Your Role in the Process
Step 6: Review and Approve the Contract
Tenants receive a notification through e‑Devlet. The draft must be reviewed carefully before approval. Once both parties confirm, the contract becomes legally binding.
Step 7: Download the Barcoded Agreement
The system generates a barcoded PDF confirming the contract’s authenticity. Both parties should store a digital or printed copy for future reference.
Key Points to Remember
An e‑Devlet rental agreement is valid only when all conditions are clearly defined and mutually approved. Critical elements include:
- Accurate identity information
- Complete address and title deed details
- Clear rental amount, deposit, fixtures, and duration
- Additional conditions stated explicitly
- Defined start/end dates and termination rules
If rent increases or extensions occur, the agreement can be updated through the platform by creating an additional contract.
Cancellation and Termination of Rental Agreements Now Easier Through e‑Devlet
Turkey’s transition to a fully digital rental system continues to reshape the landlord‑tenant landscape, and one of the most significant improvements is the simplified process for cancelling or terminating rental agreements through the e‑Devlet platform. What once required multiple in‑person visits, paperwork, and notary involvement can now be completed online in minutes.
A Streamlined Digital Process
Ending a rental agreement—whether through cancellation before the start date or termination during the contract period—can be carried out directly within the e‑Devlet system. The steps are straightforward:
- Log in to the platform and access the relevant rental contract.
- Select either “Cancel” or “Terminate” from the contract details menu.
- Both the landlord and the tenant must provide digital approval.
- The process is finalized in accordance with the terms outlined in the original agreement.
Because all documents are stored digitally, the system processes requests quickly and maintains a clear, traceable record. This digital structure not only accelerates administrative procedures but also reduces the risk of disputes by ensuring that every action is logged and mutually approved.
Digital Termination Doesn’t Replace Physical Handover Protocols
Despite the convenience of online termination, one traditional element remains essential: the key handover protocol.
Under the old system, tenants and landlords signed a separate key delivery document to confirm the exact date of vacating and the condition of the property. This document played a crucial role in determining whether the security deposit would be refunded in full or partially withheld.
That requirement has not disappeared.
While e‑Devlet legally ends the rental agreement, it does not document the physical return of the property. For this reason, experts emphasize that a key handover protocol—signed by both parties—should still be prepared at the time of move‑out. This document:
- Confirms the date the tenant vacated the property
- Records the condition of the premises
- Helps prevent disputes over damages or cleaning costs
- Provides clarity regarding the return of the security deposit
Without this step, disagreements may arise later, even if the digital termination was completed correctly.
A Hybrid System for a Smoother Rental Experience
The integration of digital contracts with traditional handover procedures reflects Turkey’s broader approach to rental reform: combining technological efficiency with practical safeguards. The e‑Devlet system ensures transparency, reduces bureaucratic burdens, and eliminates unnecessary notary fees, while the continued use of physical handover documentation protects both landlords and tenants during the final stages of a rental relationship.
As Turkey’s digital infrastructure expands, rental processes are becoming more accessible, more secure, and more consistent nationwide—offering a clearer path for both citizens and foreign residents navigating the country’s housing market.
