0090 507 246 78 23

Tuzla mahallesi. Sadi Pekin cd. No: 30. Fethiye - Muğla

info@turkishcoasthomes.com

Look Up, Look Down, There’s Caterpillars Around!!

One of our favourite pass times in the beautiful country is walking.  Let’s face it we are spoilt for choice of places to go.  This time of year is perfect weather for a walk on the beach, by the many canal systems or forest tracks.  But have you ever noticed the candy floss/cotton candy/spider web white cocoons in the pine trees?  Many people don’t as we are too busy admiring the scenery in front of us, but next time you are out for a walk, look up.

So why should we mention this to you?
Well we know how many of you are animal lovers and make the most of any opportunity to get out their and explore with your four-legged friends. So you need to know………. these furry little things can be dangerous to both humans and animals!

So what are these pods? 

They are the pine processionary caterpillar and is considered one of the most important plagues on Mediterranean pines, although it can affect other trees as well. They get their due to the characteristic way hey move from the tree to the ground during their migratory phase.   The species build their nests high in pine trees over winter and then proceed through the woods in nose to tail columns.
The lava is classed as a major forest pest, besides damaging trees, the pine processionary caterpillar can cause health issues to humans and animals (Cats, dogs, ferrets etc).  They have hairs that contain an irritant chemical and use this to protect themselves from their predators.  Simple contact with the hairs can cause severe rashes and eye irritation in humans and other mammals and some individuals may have an allergic reaction.  The most frequent result in animals are swellings in the area of the mouth. In the most serious cases, they might lose part of the tongue and lips, or even suffer asphyxia

To avoid the risk of contact you may need to know about their life cycle.  At the end of the summer the eggs are laid on the leaves of the trees and the caterpillars hatch out 4 weeks later.  They then build their nests and stay there over winter, migrating to the ground in the spring when the temperatures start to rise

How to tell if your pet has had contact with a processionary caterpillar?

• They may appear nervous
• Their lips, mouth and tongue itch or appear swollen
• They may salivate more than usual or swallow too quickly (If there is contact with the inside of the mouth)
• Inflammation of the eyelids and ulcers in the cornea (hairs from the caterpillars can be carried from the nest by the wine)
• Inflammation of the nasal cavity – caused by the animal sniffing the caterpillar or the nest.
• If your pet should swallow/eat a pine processionary caterpillar this can compromise their breathing and be fatal.

  Therefore, we strongly advise to be vigilant and therefore, if you suspect that your pet has been in contact with pine processionary caterpillars, our advice is to take them immediately to a veterinary clinic where they will evaluate the seriousness of the injuries, and prescribe the most suitable treatment.
  

Earthquakes.  Why? And What To Do!

In Turkey, earthquakes are nothing out of the ordinary with thousands of tremors taking place all over the country. Statistics show that a total of 23,753 earthquakes were recorded over the course of 2021 . In other words, around 65 earthquakes, ranging in magnitudes occurred on average each day.  The earthquakes are monitored by 1,143 seismic observation stations.  These are run by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) across the country.  Although some universities also operate their own stations.

So why does Turkey get so many Earthquakes?

Greece and Western Turkey are situated above a complicated convergence of tectonic places. There are four plates that meet under the Aegean Sea, which in turn puts immense pressure on the plate directly below Turkey.  There are nearly 1,000 fault lines with potential to generate earthquakes both at sea and in the land. Last year, fault lines in the Aegean Sea were particularly active and caused tremors reaching to the magnitude 6.3

Fethiye

Whilst Fethiye experiences earthquakes several times a year, the last big earthquake was in 1957  On April 24^th 1957 at 21:17 local time the first earthquake of 7.1 magnitude lasted 25 seconds and at 4:26 the next morning a stronger second quake occurred, this one lasted for 60 seconds with a magnitude of 7.3. 

Around 1500 structures were affected, with 90% of the town’s buildings damaged.  However thanks to the strict evacuation orders of the district governor after the first quake fatalities were minimal.

Building Regulations
Obviously no building is 100% Earthquake proof.  However Turkey has strict building codes, these include the depth and material used for foundations.  They were introduced in 2000, after the large earthquake in Izmit in 1999.  So if looking for a property, the ones built from 2000 onwards would have to comply with these new codes of construction.

DASK – Earthquake Insurance

DASK is a policy created by the World Bank and Turkish Government and provided by the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool (TCIP). It is insurance cover for material damages that occur to buildings caused by earthquakes. It is also known as Compulsory Earthquake insurance (Zorunlu Deprem Sigortasi)

What Does DASK Cover?

Whether your dwelling has been damaged partially or entirely, DASK will cover damage to the following building parts:

1. Foundations
2. Main walls
3. Common walls separating independent sections
4. Garden walls
5. Retaining walls
6. Ceiling and floors
7. Stairs
8. Elevators
9. Landings
10. Corridors
11. Roofs
12. Chimneys
13. Supplementary areas of the building have similar qualities to those mentioned above.

The following, however, is not covered:

• Debris removal costs
• Loss of profit
• Business interruption
• Loss of rent
• Alternative residence and workplace expenses
• Financial liabilities and all other indirect damages that may claim otherwise
• All kinds of movable properties, goods, and such
• All bodily injuries and death
• Non-material damages
• Damages other than fire, explosion, tsunami, or landslide caused by earthquakes
• Irrespective of the quake, cracks that have occurred over time due to the building’s defective structure

In addition, certain types of property, such as buildings used for commercial purposes, i.e., office blocks, those constructed against building codes, and those that are still under construction and not yet complete, may not be covered by DASK insurance.

How Much Is DASK?

DASK premiums are calculated annually according to the type of the property, its gross floor area, year of construction, number of floors, and its earthquake risk group, which will change according to the neighbourhood and the city it is located in. The TCIP ensures that DASK premiums are kept at a level that all citizens can afford.

How To Be Prepared – There are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure you; your family and pets are as safe as possible in an emergency. 

1. Prepare an emergency grab bag. This could be a normal bag you put together yourself or they can be purchase online and in shops.  Think about what contents are important, we would recommend:-
   • Copies of important documents (passports, insurance, resident permits)
   • Medication (if you take it regularly)
   • First aid kit
   • Water
   • Blanket
   • Snacks
   • Torch
   • Battery pack
   • Pet food (if you have pets) & spare leads (if you have dogs)
   • Money
   • Nappies, baby food etc (if small children)
     
2. Keep your cell phone charged: Many of the victims have been rescued from under the rubble because they were somehow able to contact the authorities to inform them of their locations. Furthermore, the flashlight on phones can also prove crucial in an emergency. Thus it is imperative to keep them as charged and easily accessible as possible.
3. Establish your safety zone at home or work: The widespread belief used to be that doorways and stairwells are the safest areas of a building; however in recent years this understanding has been contested. It is now suggested that people establish an area next to sturdy furniture such as a table, couch or bed to cushion the potential fall of overhead debris to create “the triangle of life.” It is not advised to go near windows or display cases and the peripheral surroundings of buildings, including external walls, are considered to be one of the most dangerous spots to be in. It is good practice to secure any bookshelves or potentially wobbly furniture to the walls to lessen any non-structural hazards.
4. Determine the safety of your home: The Disaster and Emergency Advisory Board (AFAD) has established a map denoting the areas at risk of earthquakes in Turkey and through the e-Devlet (e-Government) website, one can search any area to learn more about the risks involved with living in specific regions or buildings. You can also ask your landlord or local municipality to find out if your building has been granted an earthquake safety certificate.

Establish a meeting point: It is good practice to designate a specific area to meet up with friends and family in the case of a serious earthquake. This spot should be outdoors and well above sea level and ideally located in close proximity to your home or workspace. Many neighbourhoods and businesses in Turkey have designated areas, and you can ask the local officials where yours is located. Keep in mind it is a regular practice in Turkey to go outdoors after an earthquake and many choose to spend the night in parks, so you may want to also have a tent accessible.

In The Case Of A Quake

• Do not fight or flight: The most important rule in the case of an earthquake is to remain calm and to (try) not panic. You don’t want to make any big movements, you certainly do not want to go near a window, balconies or to use the elevator. Many people will be heading for the stairwells out of panic and thus it is also wise to wait it out as much as possible to not incur any additional harm.
• Do not make telephone calls: Unless it is an absolute emergency, in which case dial: 155 for the police, 112 for a medical emergency and 110 for the fire department. Try not to phone your loved ones in earthquake-stricken areas as phone lines can get jammed, thus disrupting life-saving phone calls from those trapped from being able to get through. It is wiser to text messages if you want to find out if people are safe. There are also apps that make it possible to text people your whereabouts and situation such as the Search and Rescue Association’s (AKUT) Güvendeyim (I’m safe) or contact others within your area via Bluetooth with apps such as Bridgefy.
  AKUT – also have a facebook group with lots of useful videos and information regarding emergencies – why not take a look?
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• Do not light a flame: People might think using a lighter might be helpful, but it could be one of the most dangerous things you can do. Earthquakes can damage gas lines and thus any opensource of fire could be disastrous. Many times forced electricity shutdowns are applied simply to prevent any potential gas explosions.
• Avoid the sea: If you live in a coastal region in Turkey, then avoid heading toward the beach. While the coast may offer the most in terms of open space, as we have learned from the recent Izmir quake, Turkey is also prone to tsunamis and tidal waves in the aftermath of an earthquake, so try to remain above sea level for a good while after a quake.
• Try not to drive: It is best to try to avoid hitting the roads following a quake as not only can the streets become chaotic with other fellow panicked drivers, but also the roads should remain clear for emergency vehicles to be able to arrive at the stricken areas and do their job as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Healthcare, registering with a doctor, eye tests and E-nabiz.

When you move to Turkey and get your short-term residency a big concern from many people is about continued healthcare.  When you apply for your residency, you will have to take out health insurance (unless over the age of 65).  Initially it will have to be a private policy, this normally will cover you for accidents only for the first year and you would have to use the stipulated hospital, in your policy, for any care.  You then have the choice to increase your cover in the 2^nd year to cover medical issues, however it is rare that any pre-existing medical conditions will be covered.  You have the choice of a private policy or joining the government SGK (Sosyal Guvenlink Kurumu) scheme (both have a cost).  SGK coverage entitles the holders to free treatment in Government (Devlet Hospitals), reduced payments for prescriptions. If you are over the age of 65 ask a reputable insurance broker. When they have completed the 1st year of their residency they could apply for SGK, however they would have to get a health report from a University Hospital, the nearest being with Mugla or Antalya.

For everyday health care you can register with a local GP (free of charge).  To do this you will just need your residency permit.  Appointments are also free, the doctor with then advise to go to the hospital or could prescribe medication or give health care advice.  Prescriptions are then taken to the Eczane (pharmacist) and the correct fee is paid for your medication and it is dispensed.  Turkey has different rule on different medications.  Some medications can be bought across the counter, eg some antidepressants.  However antibiotics always need prescribing and some tablets, eg sleeping tablets need a consultant at the hospital to prescribe them.

If you need to attend a hospital, you have a choice of one of the private hospitals, Letoon or Esnaf, or the Devlet (Government).  For each you would need to pay the associated fee, unless covered on your insurance.  Each hospital also has a foreign patient office, which gives access to translators.  In our experience the healthcare available in Turkey is 1^st class. Everything is normally done there any then, eg bloods, scans, result and prescriptions or follow up treatment.  Do not be surprised though if a prescription consists of injections, the pharmacy with supply the needles and medication and you have a choice of doing it yourself at home or returning to the hospital.

If you require an eye test, these are normally completed in the hospital, via appointment, however there are a few independent ophthalmologists across town that can also carry out a full check and give prescriptions.  If you are unsure the many optik (glasses) shops will advise of how to do this.  Once you have your prescription you then take it to an optik shop and chose your glasses.  These can be turned round in about an hour; however varifocals and more complex prescriptions can take longer.

Once you have a password for the E-Devlet app, you can also download and register with the E-nabiz app.

E-nabiz is an application that citizens, residents and health professionals use to access health data via the internet and mobile devices.  Regardless of where your examination and treatment happened, it is a personal health record system.  You are able to manage all you information and access your medical background form a single point of access.  (It is actually one of, if not the worlds, largest and most comprehensive healthcare information infrastructure that can be accessed safely via the internet.  This enables physicians’ timely access to your records, increasing the quality and speed of diagnosis and treatment.  It also fosters strong communications between different health care professionals.

So how do you sign into E-Nabiz?

You can down load the app, or simply search for E-nabiz and log on via the internet (E-Devlet or E-Nabiz)

You can either use your E-Devlet password, E-signature of Mobile signature via the E-Devlet website.  You can also log in with your TR ID number (as below).  When you click on the E-Devlet login you will be directed to the login. When entering the system, authentication can be done in two ways.

On the first screen you will be asked to create your profile information.  Ensure you make the box net to ‘Read E-Nabiz System Usage Conditions’

You can also choose who will access to your personal health information form the sharing options.  You will need to enter your mobile phone information and the E-Nabiz password you want to use.  You will then be able to activate the system by entering the password sent to your phone.

If you don’t have a E-Devlet password you can log into the system by registering your mobile phone number with your GP and use the disposable one-time code this is sent to you via text

If you have any health information already in the system, this will be the first screen you see when you access the system.

You are also able to book your covid vaccinations and records of vaccinations via this app.

There are so many other functions from making other appointment, accessing reports, blood tests, prescriptions and uploading allergies and personal health data.

Information accurate as of 15/2/2022

When moving to Turkey there are so many new things to try and understand.  One term you may hear a lot is the word Devlet, especially linked to the hospital in Fethiye – locally known as ‘The Devlet’  However the word devlet simply translates as ‘State’ or ‘Government’

Turkey has a really good system of online apps and websites, on which you can access most things.  There is one called e-devlet which is a portal where all Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a residency permit have all their details stored.  To use this you need to have your residency permit and Yabanci Kimlik Number.

The following information about this portal is supplied from e-Devlet Kapısı Devletin Kısayolu | www.türkiye.gov.tr (turkiye.gov.tr)

What is the e-Government (e-devlet) Portal?

The e-Government Gateway is a website offering access to all public services from a single point. The aim of the Portal is to offer public services to citizens, businesses, and government agencies in an efficient and effective manner through information technologies. The service ensures users to have easy access to services they need. With this service implemented, Government services in Turkey will be offered to the citizens in the easiest and most effective means possible, in a high quality, speedy, uninterrupted, and secure way.

What sorts of services are offered at the e-Government Gateway?

Services offered to the citizens through the e-Government Portal may be grouped as follows;

• Information services
• e-Services
• Payment transactions
• Shortcuts to agencies and organizations
• Information updates and announcements
• Messages to citizens from agencies

How can I benefit from electronic services offered at the e-Government Gateway?

To access the portal you need to get authorised and a password issued.  You can either to this in person, by visiting your post office (PTT) and asking for an e-devlet password.  This normally costs 4tl.  You will need to take with you your passport and residency permit and have access to a Turkish mobile phone number.  Whilst you are at the counter you will be sent a couple of text messages.  The first is an activation message and the second issuing you with an initial password to enable you to log onto the site.  The first time you log on you will be asked to change this password.

If you have Turkish Internet Banking you may not have to go to the post office.  Simply check via this link if your bank is listed and if so, you can register online without the need to visit the post office https://giris.turkiye.gov.tr/Giris/Banka-Giris

If you don’t log into the system your account will never be cancelled unless you request it.
If you forget your e-government password you can perform the password renewal by visiting the ‘Forgort Password’ page by logging into the system with either the Mobile Signature, e-signature or Internet Banking option.  This means you do not have to go back to the PTT and apply for a new password.

You can also use your e-devlet details to register and log into the e-nabiz app (medical) but we will cover this in a future blog when we also explain how to register with a doctor.

Seydikemer

When most people start looking to move to the area, they nearly always look at Fethiye, mainly because this is where they know.  This is because they have holidayed in either Oludeniz, Hisaronu, Ovacik or Calis.  However with the demand on properties, to both rent and buy,  from both Turkish people and those living abroad, prices have risen and availability decreased.  We now find more and more people are casting their net a little further out of Fethiye and one municipality become more and more popular is Seydikemer.

Seydikemer is the biggest municipality, area wise, in the Mugla province.  It became know as Seydikemer on 2014 after the previous town of Kemer and village of Seydiler were merged to form the new township.

The town itself is located approx. 30 km inland from Fethiye (25 minutes easy drive via the main D400 road from Fethiye).  It is close to Saklikent Gorge (Saklikent Gorge is part of the national park.  Saklikent means hidden city.  The Canyon is 300m deep and approx. 18km long and believed to be one of the deepest in the world.  There is also the archaeological site of Tlos (an ancient ruined Lycian hilltop citadel only 4 kilometres northwest of Saklikent Gorge.   Tlos is believed to be one of the most important religious Lycian sites and settlement on the site is said to have begun more than 4,000 years ago.  If you climb to the top the views are magnificent.  You can see Babadag and Mendos across the valley).

Seydikemer town is only approx. 25 minutes to the beautiful beach resort of Patara (11 mile of unspoilt beach, making it Turkeys longest beach, but also an ancient historic site.  It was a flourishing maritime and commercial city.  It is the birthplace of Saint Nicholas in 270 AD, who lived most of his life in the nearby town of Myra (Demre)

In the other direction Seydikemer town is only  35 minutes to the iconic resort of Oludeniz and 1 hour from Dalaman Airport

Seydikemer has a thriving local market held each Friday where you can choose from the fresh local produce as well as household items, clothes and shoes etc.  The town offers all amenities that you need to live comfortably including dentist, doctors, post office, banks and vets as well as an array of smaller shops, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes.  Seydikemer is served by a regular bus service.  There is currently investment and development happening in the area including the construction of a new state hospital.

There are some fabulous and picturesque villages including Ortakoy and Oren.  Oren is well known for its trout farms and has a magnificent canyon, where you can go and sit and enjoy the crystal-clear water, whilst relaxing with a cay or tasting the local fish.

Other villages include Kadikoy, which has a growing ex pat community, Alacat, Kabaagac.  There are also other historical and touristic sites nearby to explore including Letoon, Pinara, Sidyma and Gizlekent gorge (with zip lines) and the Esen River where you can hire an inflatable ring and enjoy the journey down the river.  We would however recommend you do this in summer as the water can be a little cold to say the least.

For us Seydikemer seems to offer so many things

• It has that Turkish working town feel
• There is investment and development happening there eg the new state hospital
• It offers value for money to rent or buy property (check out the properties on our website)
• There is a small but growing ex pat community
• It has easy access to so many places to explore because of its closeness to the D400
• It has the best mountain views, which quite honestly take your breath away

So, what are you waiting for, next time you are here and feel the need to explore why not give it a look!

Take look at some of the properties which are currently available for sale here on our webpage: –

https://www.turkishcoasthomes.com/mh/?city=seydikemer

Buying a property in Turkey –  The New Rule

Planning that early retirement or dream move to Turkey can be really daunting.  Many people don’t know where to start.  Here at Turkish Coast Homes the whole team is committed to helping you. All of our team speak both English and Turkish, with some having lived abroad and therefore know and understand the stresses and worries of starting a new life in a new country.

Finding the right property in the right area is obviously so important.  You need to consider what type of property you want? Do you want a swimming pool? Will you have a car? Will you rely on the dolmus service for getting around? What is the area like out of season? How is the property heated (as it does get cold in winter, especially this winter! It even snowed down in Fethiye).  There are so many considerations.  However when you do finally find the right property what happens next?

STEP BY STEP BUYING A PROPERTY IN TURKEY.

• By using Turkish Coast Homes as your real estate agents we will help with the legal searches and if you want to instruct at solicitor, we can help you with that too.
• Make an offer and agree a price
• Draw up and sign a contract and pay a deposit (Normally 10% of the agreed sale price)
• Set the date for the completion on deed (Tapu) transfer
• Get a Turkish Tax Number. You can go to the Vergi Office in person or apply online.  Your tax number will be required for opening a bank account, applying for residency and purchasing your property.
• Open a bank account, there are several banks in the area all with good English-speaking advisors
• Get an independent survey completed on the property. This home report document is provided by a qualified property surveyor who is registered with the local deed registration office (Tapu Office).  This is compulsory and will provide information about the property, including the assessed declared value.  The report takes 3-5 working days to be returned   The cost is approx. 2000tl- 3000tl
• When the survey returns with no major issues and when your funds are ready. It is then time to make an appointment with the deed’s office (Turkish Coast Homes will help you with this, please do not worry).
• Transfer the amount required from your home bank via swift transfer to your bank account in Turkey. Please ensure you state the reason for the transfer as this can help protect your funds.

• For part of the payment it must be in TL ( the declared value amount going to be shown on Tapu) There is a new process, as of January 2022, Article 13 of Circular of Capital Movements
• Your bank will exchange this money amount with the central Bank of Turkey, however, only buyers, sellers or legal representatives can sign the exchange document, so if you are giving power of attorney to a person in Turkey you need to ensure that they have the rights in this document to carry out this role on your behalf.
• You will then be issued with a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate; this document will be needed along with other documents listed below for the purchase process at the deed’s office.
• This certificate confirms the name, surname, passport number or foreign identity number of the person on whose behalf the foreign currency was exchanged and the USD equivalent of the foreign currency purchased (tl equivalent is always included) and a statement stating that this transaction was carried out with the score of the circular on capital movements.
• You will also need your tax numbers, a passport style pictures, home survey report, and the original power of attorney (if someone is acting on your behalf. You will also need you mother and fathers first names and a completed property buying form.
• If person who is buying/selling the property isn’t able to attend for the time of the transfer to sign the deeds, then they need to give power of attorney. This allows the appointed person or a solicitor to act on their behalf to buy the property and manage the funds and do all the necessary paperwork eg transferring the utility bills into the buyer’s name and registering the property to the local council (1.500 TL)
• You will also need an official translator, (cost approx. 300tl) who will accompany you to the deeds office in order to ensure you fully understand the process and what the officers are explaining to you.

• All taxes related to the purchase/sale must be paid prior to the appointment (this the purchase tax and stamp duty) . When the appointment is made in the morning, the deeds office will inform the seller and buyer of a time of their appointment that day.
• After completion of the sale, transferring the utilities etc you will also need to ensure there is valid earthquake insurance (DASK)

Although this all may seem very daunting and complicated Turkish Coast Homes are a licensed agent with many years of experience.  We will help you every step of the way, to ensure you have the best and easiest experience possible to realising your dream home.  If you need any further information or help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Happy house hunting!

(Information correct as of 01/02/2022)  

Turkish Inheritance Laws

When we buy a property in a new country, sometimes we do not realise that the ownership of this property after we die, may not be straight forward.  In your home country, you may be able to make a will, leaving your property to who you wish.  Unfortunately, things in Turkey are not as straight forward.  There are laws around both immovable (land/property) and movable owned assets.

With more and more families this day consisting on step parents and children, the subject of inheritance can be complex, therefore it is important to know your facts before you buy.  If in doubt we advise you get guidance from a Turkish solicitor (Avucat)

The Tapu is your title deed and those named on it are the legal owners of the property.  When someone dies, the Turkish authorities are notified and their assets are normally frozen.

For immovable assets eg property when the death is noted and with permission of the courts the asset is transferred to those that inherit.

But just who under Turkish Law would inherit?

As stated in the Turkish Civil Code property and money left by the deceased are divided among close relatives.  It is not possible for the entire property to go to the surviving spouse. There is a reserved portion which is shared out as follows: –

• The reserved portion and legal inheritance right of children is 75 percent of the legal portion
• If the deceased has no children, the reserved portion of the inheritance for the father and mother is 50 percent

• If the parents are deceased the reserved portion for siblings is 25 percent

Legal heirs in Turkey are:

• The first heirs of a deceased person: the children and the wife/husband
• If the deceased has no children, the deceased’s parents are the heirs
• If the deceased’s parents are not alive, the deceased’s siblings
• The last of a deceased person’s heirs among his or her close relatives are the grandparents and their children

We realise that death is not a subject that we like to talk about, however it is an important thing to consider when buying property in Turkey as the rule of your home country/country of citizenship or original will, will not be valid or the same for assets owned in Turkey.

Information correct as of 11/1/2022

Tourist Visa and Residency Permits

Depending on which country you are entering Turkey from will depend on whether you need a visa.

For example if entering from the UK.  Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders (British Citizens) are exempt from the visa up to 90 days in any 180 days (this is a rolling period),  However if entering from United States of America, Official and ordinary passport holders are required to have a visa to enter Turkey.  Full information for these are other countries are available on www.evisa.gov.tr website .

As you can probably imagine to explain each countries requirements is quite in depth and complicated, so for the purpose of this blog we will use the example of a British Citizen wanting to move to Turkey permanently and apply for Short Term Residency.

There are several reputable agents around the area that can assist with Residency Applications and other official matters, in our experience and that of our clients it is easier on your first application to pay the small fee and use an agent, to ensure you get everything right. However if you wish to make your own application it can be done via https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/ BUT, you must be in Turkey when you submit your application. Once the application is made, then you make an appointment to attend your local GOC office for your interview.

So let image, you have just landed in Turkey, perhaps you have a home already, whether renting or buying, or perhaps you need to search for one.  What you must remember is that before your 90 day (in 180 days) is up, you need to apply for your Short-Term Residency Permit (STRP) if you want to remain in the country. Once you have submitted your STRP application and printed it off, you are covered to stay in Turkey until your interview and its outcome.

Perhaps one of the first things to do though, if you haven’t already is to get a Turkish Tax Number.  This is available free of charge from your local Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office).  You will need your passport and your address (this can be that of the hotel, you are staying in). You will be given your tax number there and then.  Do not be worried if this is hand written on a scrap of paper, this is quite normal, but it is so important you do not lose it.  You will need this for several things in Turkey including opening a bank account and buying property.

As of 1^st January 2020 Non property owners will be granted up to 1-year STRP on first application and then 1-2 years for renewal (but his is at the discretion of your GOC office)

Property owners normally automatically get granted 2 years (however this also can be at the GOC office discretion

TOP TIPS.

• Ensure your passport has 60 days expiry past the period of STRP you are applying for. For example if you applied for residency on 1/2/2022 and wanted 1 year, but your passport expires on 1/2/2023 – you will only be given up to the 4/12/2022 (not the 12 months, because of the expiry date on your passport)
• If you have a TAPU in single name, but are married, ensure you get your marriage certificate apostilled in the UK (link on gov.uk website) before moving to Turkey. This will ensure you both (property owner and spouse) get the same length of STRP.  You may ask why a married couple may have just a single name on a TAPU, in many cases this is because of Turkish inheritance law around immovable property.  Something we will explain more in a future blog.

So what do you need to support your first STRP application?

1. 4 x biometric photographs (biometric photos are created based on precise facial feature measurements of a person). There are several shops in and around Fethiye that provide this service and will send you an electronic copy via email too.
2. Your latest/expired visa
3. If you own a property – you need the original Tapu
4. If you are renting – you need a notarised copy of your rental agreement (notarising is easy and you will see several official notary offices around Fethiye)
5. You will need valid private health cover for the period of the STRP application (if aged 18 – 65). Please note this may be accident insurance only – SGK (Turkish Government Health Insurance) is not available for first time applicants and this or private insurance will not normally cover any pre-existing medical conditions

You will also need to keep the original signed STRP application form and the original receipts of payment.

So what is the cost for you first STRP? (as of January 2022)

There is a single fee of 1033tl (because from the UK you enter Turkey without an evisa)

There is a 160tl fee to cover the card.

This is where it can get a little confusing as the rest of the charges are in USD – which are normally converted on the day of application to the appropriate USD – tl exchange rate.

The tax is $80 for a 1-year STRP and a further $60 for the 2^nd year.

If you are applying for a child, it is 50% of the tax but 160tl for the card

Remember  you must not move home while your application is in progress.

It is advisable not to leave the country after your interview whilst you are waiting for your RP to be delivered.  You normally receive at text from the Post Office advising you that your card is ready for collection.  You must attend the local collection office with your passport as proof of identification.

All STRP are individual to the person, similar to your passport or driving licence.

So there you have it! It’s quite easy when you know how. But if you are unsure don’t be afraid to ask for help or use a reputable agent.

All information correct as of 10/1/2022

Seasons Greetings from our team ! We here at Turkish Coast Homes would like to wish everyone of our members, families & friends a Very Merry Christmas and all the best for a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous New Year.

During the approach to the merry period, it allows us the opportunity to say thank you to all our clients, colleagues, partners, readers and friends for the received support over the course of the last twelve months.

Due to the continuing pandemic, it has been a fairly unusual year for the majority of us changing the manner in which we experience our lifes. Along with the travel restrictions and rules brought upon us, it has been a hard time for people to enjoy the normal routines and closeness of family get togethers. For our company we have been fortunate and created one more effective year. We have produced several online property sales in the early months of the year, which were successful and people eventually got to come to their new homes later on in the year . We have taken on numerous new properties and developments for sale, refreshing our property portfolio utilizing our website, social online media and International web-based interfaces . From these we have generated a good number of sales providing numerous happy clients with new homes in Turkey all through the purchasing process with us.

We have taken on and sold many fantastic properties, because of a proactive approach, a huge increase of clients from recommendations and raise in sellers, in this way we have increased our advertising endeavors and upped our marketing efforts.

Once again our team thank all of those that have upheld & supported Turkish Coast Homes this year. Enjoy the festive period, take care, remain safe we hope to see you all again in the near future. Selahattin , Gokalp, Emrah, Ufuk , Vanessa .

St Nicholas and Turkey

Walking around the Fethiye at the moment there is a very festive feel, including Christmas trees, decorations and Christmas fairs.  Sunday saw the ever-popular Calis Christmas Fair, with lots of stalls selling delicious home-made foods, arts and crafts and a fabulous opportunity for charities to raise some additional much needed funds.    After a night of terrible storms, the day was sunny, warm and attracted lots of people who all seemed to be enjoying the day.    There was even an appearance from Father Christmas.

But did you know that Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas was from Turkey?

The legend has it that Santa Claus is in fact Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4^th-century saint and Greek Bishop of Myra (now Demre) one of the most important cities in ancient Lycia.   Demre is approximately 150 kms (by road) to the east of Fethiye and takes about 2 ¼ hours by car.  The journey along the coast road, via Kalkan and Kas, is simply breath-taking, albeit a little windy in places.  So we’d suggest taking your time and soaking in the magnificent scenery.

Demre still has much magic to offer tourists with the main attraction of the town being the Church of St Nicholas. The Church was built in the 8^th century from the stone blocks of an earlier church on the same site.  It was then restored in the 11^th century.  It has beautiful features of wall paintings and floor mosaics as well as the tomb of St. Nicholas.

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Greece and Russia.  His reputation is that of generosity and secret gift giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.  He was also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker because of the miracles attributed to him.

Saint Nicholas was born in Patara, to wealthy parents. According to legend, following their death in an epidemic, young Nicholas used his inheritance and dedicated his life to helping the poor and sick.

He died December 6, AD 343, Modern archaeologists believe that, following his death, he was interred in the rock hewn church on Gemiler Island, meaning “island of boats” (which may be a reference to St Nicholas’s role as patron saint of sailors – also know as St Nicholas Island by seafarers in the medieval period).  Gemiler Island is an island located off the coast, just around the bay from Oludeniz, Fethiye and a popular stop with the many day boats that leave from Oludeniz in the Summer months.  It is believed his relics remained there until the 650s, when the island was abandoned as it was threatened by an Arab fleet. They were then moved to the town of Myra/Demre.

6^th December is St. Nicholas Day, or Feast of St. Nicholas and marks the anniversary of the death of the third-century Catholic saint who inspired the modern versions of Santa Claus………..