Announcements

Published: 04/09/2026

Important Update on Requirement for Continued Function of SIM Cards in Mobile Phones

Per the recent changes in the national legislation, you will need to conduct an ID verification to continue having your SIM cards active / connectivity in your mobile phones.

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Steps to follow for ID verification

There are two ways you can follow to complete your ID verification:

1. Over GöçBil mobile application

• If you use Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom, or another mobile service provider, you may have already received an SMS asking you to verify your identity.
• If you received the SMS, follow the link provided to complete the first step of the verification process with your mobile service provider.
• After completing the first step with your service provider, download the GöçBil mobile application and register.
• Sign in using your e-Devlet account.
• From the main menu, select “Operator Processes” (Operatör İşlemleri).
• On the next screen, you will see two drop-down menus. From the first menu, select “Communication” (Haberleşme). In the second menu, type the name of your mobile phone operator and choose the relevant option, then press Continue.
• On the following page, your application status will appear as “Pending Approval” in orange. You will also see a QR code.
• Tick the consent box to allow the application to use your personal data for identity verification. Then press the red “Approve” button to continue.
• The application will ask whether you have a digital ID card. Choose the option to continue with face scanning (Yüz Tarama).
• The application will then ask for permission to use your camera. Select Approve to continue.
• Your camera will open so you can take a photo of yourself. When taking the photo:
  • Look directly at the camera.
  • Do not wear a mask or accessories such as a hat, headband, or glasses, including prescription glasses.
  • Make sure the room is well lit.
• Once the face scan is completed successfully, your identity verification is complete.

2. At Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İGİM-Göç İdaresi)

• If you cannot make the ID verification over the GöçBil mobile application, please approach the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in your residence province.
• At PDMM, your ID verification will be completed with the assistance of the authorities through your biometric data (fingerprint).

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For newly arrived persons’ information:

It is important to note that, as of 25 June 2026, telecommunications companies are no longer able to provide subscriptions to individuals who do not possess an identity document with electronic identity verification capability. For this reason, if you had entered Turkiye recently and if your registration has been completed at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, for subscription, you will need to follow the steps described above.

Also be informed that:

• Foreigners in Turkiye who possess a foreigner ID number will be able to obtain a maximum of three mobile phone lines registered under their name from the same mobile phone operator using their foreigner ID number.
• Foreigners who do not possess a foreigner ID number will be able to obtain one mobile phone line registered under their name from the same mobile phone operator, with their passports or an equivalent identity document with international validity.