Inquiry and application for the Zoning Amnesty (Imar Barışı) can be made via e-Government. The Zoning Amnesty refers to the Building Registration Certificate. It is a program aimed at buildings and structures constructed without occupancy permits up to 2017. This applies to owners of unapproved buildings and to residents of those buildings. Under this scheme, unlicensed buildings can obtain occupancy by paying a prescribed fee. Once they obtain occupancy, owners or residents can request and connect utility services such as electricity, natural gas, water and internet. The Building Registration Certificate is the official document issued for structures evaluated under the Zoning Amnesty. The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization is the responsible institution administering the Zoning Amnesty.
Application Dates for the Zoning Amnesty
Applications for the Building Registration Certificate for the Zoning Amnesty were accepted between June 8, 2018 and October 31, 2018. The law covers structures completed before 2018 that did not receive occupancy permits. Applications relate to buildings constructed on or before December 31, 2017. These are the declared application dates for the program.
Structures Not Eligible for the Zoning Amnesty
Not every building or structure is eligible for the Zoning Amnesty. There are specific rules that determine eligibility. Structures excluded from the amnesty include the following:
- Privately owned properties belonging to third parties,
- Structures located on properties where third-party rights exist,
- Land and buildings allocated for public facilities that are tied to the state treasury,
- Structures in exceptional zones that were subject to decisions under provisional Article 16 of Law No. 3194.
How Zoning Amnesty Fees Are Calculated
Calculating the Zoning Amnesty fee follows specific rates and rules. The computation is based on the property tax provisions under Law No. 1319 (Property Tax Law). The sum of the property tax value determined under that law and the estimated construction cost of the structure seeking the amnesty is used as the assessment base. From that total, a 3% fee applies for residential uses, while a 5% fee applies for commercial uses.
Criteria for Paying the Amnesty Fee
Individuals who pay the Zoning Amnesty fee must obtain a Building Registration Certificate. The property tax value of the parcel where the building stands is used in the calculation. The minimum square meter value of the land or parcel is taken into account when calculating the fee.
Fee Amounts by Building Type
The fee per square meter varies by building type and intended use. Factors such as the building’s purpose, usage, and the parcel’s minimum square meter value determine the payable amount. Typical fee amounts per square meter or unit are as follows:
- Simple agricultural buildings: 200 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- One- or two-storey residential buildings: 600 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- One- or two-storey simple industrial buildings: 600 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- Buildings between 3 and 7 storeys: 1,000 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- Integrated industrial buildings between 3 and 7 storeys: 1,000 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- Buildings of 8 storeys or more: 1,600 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- Luxury residences and villas: 2,000 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- Shopping mall complexes: 2,000 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- Public service buildings such as hospitals: 2,000 Turkish Lira per square meter,
- Solar power plants (PV): fees are not charged per square meter; instead, a fee is applied per megawatt, set at 100,000.00 Turkish Lira per megawatt.
Circumstances in Which a Building Registration Certificate Is Not Issued
If a building lacks a construction permit or a use permit, or if there are legal violations, the Building Registration Certificate may not be issued. However, if the full certificate fee is paid, the Building Registration Certificate can be issued. The owner who pays the certificate fee can claim the portion that corresponds to their share under general provisions. Rights holders who do not obtain a Building Registration Certificate cannot benefit from a certificate issued for another independent unit in the same building. Fees paid for the Building Registration Certificate are transferred to the relevant institution within the budget. The Zoning Amnesty can be checked through the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization systems.
Validity Period of the Building Registration Certificate
The Building Registration Certificate issued under the Zoning Amnesty does not have a fixed expiry date. It remains valid until the building is reconstructed or until it undergoes changes due to an urban transformation project. Outside of these two situations, the certificate has no other expiration conditions.
Conditions Required to Benefit from the Zoning Amnesty
To benefit from the Zoning Amnesty, applicants must meet some basic conditions. These include:
- Being 18 years of age or older,
- Having an active e-Government (e-Devlet) account and password,
- Having a verified mobile phone number registered on the e-Government platform.
How to Apply and Check Your Zoning Amnesty Application via e-Government
The Zoning Amnesty application can be completed only through the e-Government portal. Follow these general steps to submit an application:
- Open the e-Government website and log in with your Turkish ID number and e-Government password.
- Access the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization menu or use the search box at the top to search for “Zoning Amnesty application and inquiry.”
- After the search, you will be directed to the relevant service page where you can view past and ongoing applications.
- To start a new application, click the “New Application” button in the top-right corner.
- Read and approve the information and consent text on the new window, then click “Continue.”
- Complete the requested form fields accurately on the following pages. You will be asked to provide applicant details and information about the property and intended use.
- Input requirements may vary depending on the type and usage of the property. After completing all steps, you will see a preview page where you can review and correct any errors.
- Once you confirm and approve the application, you will no longer be able to edit the submission. Ensure all information is correct before finalizing.
Cancelling a Zoning Amnesty Application
If you wish to cancel your Zoning Amnesty application, you can do so through the e-Government portal before the application is processed and approved by the relevant authority. Once the application has been accepted by the institution, cancellation through e-Government is no longer possible.