Building Permit and Occupancy Permit

A building's lawful construction and use rest on two documents: the building permit (yapı ruhsatı) obtained before construction begins, and the occupancy permit, officially the yapı kullanma izin belgesi and commonly called iskan, obtained once the building is complete. These documents are issued by municipalities under Zoning Law No. 3194.

Building permit

The building permit shows that construction may proceed according to the approved architectural and structural plans. The law requires construction to begin within a set period after the permit is issued and to be completed within a set period; if these periods are exceeded, the permit may need to be renewed.

Occupancy permit (yapı kullanma izin belgesi / iskan)

Obtained by applying to the municipality once the building has been completed in line with its permit and accompanying plans. The occupancy permit is the official confirmation that the building was built according to its project and is fit for use.

Consequences of not having an occupancy permit

• Condominium ownership cannot be established; the deed remains a construction servitude.
• Mortgage financing becomes harder; many banks require an occupancy permit or condominium ownership.
• Electricity, water and natural gas hookups may need a construction-stage connection or extra documentation instead of a permanent one.
• Buyers will ask for a discount at resale; the appraisal report may carry a note on 'deviation from the project.'
• If there is an unauthorized floor, an unpermitted section, or an off-project alteration, the municipality can order demolition or impose a fine.

Why can an occupancy permit be refused?

• A floor, attic or basement use not in the project
• Enclosed balconies, facade changes
• Required spaces such as parking or a shelter not built, or used for another purpose
• Deficiencies in the construction-supervision and fire-department reports