What is YİMER 157? Understanding Turkey's Foreign Support Network
YİMER 157 (Yabancılar İletişim Merkezi - Foreign Communication Center) is Turkey's official 24-hour toll-free emergency helpline specifically created to assist foreigners living in, visiting, or investing in Turkey. This government-backed service provides immediate support for critical situations and comprehensive guidance on legal matters affecting international residents.

Key Services Provided by YİMER 157
The helpline serves as your primary point of contact for:
- Emergency assistance in life-threatening situations
- Visa and residence permit consultations
- International protection guidance
- Legal support for complex bureaucratic processes
- Crisis intervention services
- Multilingual assistance in five major languages
Why Foreign Property Owners Need YİMER 157
Immediate Access to Critical Support
As a foreign property owner in Turkey, you may encounter various challenges that require immediate professional assistance. YİMER 157 plays a crucial life-saving role in critical emergency situations, with reports indicating significant assistance provided to hundreds of individuals annually, demonstrating the service's vital importance for the international community.
Professional Multilingual Support
The service operates in five languages:
- Turkish (native support)
- English (full professional service)
- Russian (comprehensive assistance)
- Arabic (complete support)
- Persian (full service coverage)
This multilingual approach ensures that language barriers never prevent you from accessing essential help when you need it most.

Emergency Situations Where YİMER 157 Provides Life-Saving Support
Critical Emergency Response
YİMER 157 specializes in handling various emergency situations that foreign residents might face:
Emergency Type |
Response Services |
Available 24/7 |
Human Trafficking |
Immediate intervention, legal protection, victim support |
✓ |
Domestic Violence |
Emergency shelter coordination, legal assistance, protection orders |
✓ |
Illegal Migration Issues |
Legal guidance, documentation assistance, protection services |
✓ |
Life-Threatening Situations |
Emergency response coordination, medical assistance facilitation |
✓ |
Legal Emergencies |
Immediate legal consultation, documentation guidance |
✓ |
Real-World Impact and Success Stories
Since its establishment, YİMER 157 has handled millions of inquiries and consultations and has received recognition for its exceptional service quality and life-saving interventions. This track record demonstrates the service's reliability and effectiveness in supporting Turkey's international community.
How YİMER 157 Supports Property Investment and Residence Processes
Visa and Residence Permit Information
For foreign property owners, understanding Turkey's residence requirements is crucial. YİMER 157 provides comprehensive information and guidance on:
Information and Referral Services:
- Short-term residence permit applications - procedures and requirements
- Long-term residence permit requirements - eligibility and documentation
- Property-based residence permit processes - specific information for property owners
- Document preparation guidance - what documents are needed and where to obtain them
- Application submission procedures - where and how to submit applications
- Renewal processes and timeline management - timing and requirements
- Appeals and problem resolution - guidance on available options and procedures
Note: YİMER 157 provides detailed information and refers you to the appropriate immigration offices for actual application submission. They do not process applications directly but ensure you have accurate, up-to-date information before visiting official departments.
Legal Information and Referral Services
The service helps navigate complex legal processes by providing guidance and referrals for:
- Property registration procedures - information and referrals to relevant departments
- Tax obligation clarifications - general guidance and official department contacts
- Insurance requirement explanations - information about legal requirements
- Municipal registration processes - step-by-step guidance and referrals
- Utility connection guidance - information about procedures and contacts
- Banking and financial service requirements - general legal obligations and referrals
Important Note: YİMER 157 provides information, guidance, and referrals to appropriate government departments, but does not directly process documents or submit official applications on your behalf.
If you're purchasing property with the aim of acquiring Turkish citizenship, be sure to review the official valuation process explained in our guide: Property Appraisal in Turkey for Citizenship in 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Access YİMER 157 Services
Contacting YİMER 157
Primary Contact Method:
- Phone: Dial 157 (toll-free from any phone in Turkey)
- Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Cost: Completely free for all callers
What to Expect When You Call
- Immediate Response: Trained multilingual operators answer within seconds
- Language Selection: Choose your preferred language from five options
- Situation Assessment: Professional evaluation of your needs
- Action Plan: Clear guidance on next steps and available resources
- Follow-up Support: Continued assistance until resolution

Information to Prepare Before Calling
To receive the most effective assistance, have the following information ready:
- Personal identification (passport number, residence permit details)
- Property information (if applicable - address, ownership documents)
- Specific situation description
- Current location and contact details
- Preferred language for communication
Specialized Services for Different Foreign Resident Categories
For Property Investors
YİMER 157 provides targeted support for real estate investors including:
Investment-Related Assistance:
- Property purchase legal requirements
- Foreign ownership regulations
- Tax implications and obligations
- Rental income procedures
- Property management legal frameworks
For Long-Term Residents
Established residents benefit from ongoing support including:
Ongoing Residence Support:
- Permit renewal procedures
- Status change applications
- Family reunification processes
- Work permit coordination
- Citizenship pathway guidance

For Tourists and Short-Term Visitors
Even short-term visitors can benefit from YİMER 157's comprehensive support:
Tourist-Specific Services:
- Emergency medical assistance coordination
- Lost passport and document replacement guidance
- Legal issues while traveling (accidents, disputes, police encounters)
- Tourist visa extension procedures
- Travel insurance claim assistance
- Embassy and consulate contact facilitation
For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Turkey's growing digital nomad community receives specialized support:
Digital Nomad Support:
- Work permit requirements for remote workers - information and guidance
- Tax obligation clarifications for foreign income - general legal requirements
- Long-term accommodation legal guidance - rental law information
- Business registration procedures for freelancers - process information and referrals
- Banking requirements for foreigners - legal obligations and referral to appropriate institutions
- Co-working space legal requirements - information about regulations
For International Students
Students studying in Turkey benefit from dedicated educational support:
Student-Specific Assistance:
- Student visa and permit guidance
- University registration legal requirements
- Part-time work permit procedures
- Academic document authentication
- Scholarship and financial aid navigation
- Post-graduation residence options
For New Arrivals
Recent arrivals receive comprehensive orientation support:
Settlement Assistance:
- Initial registration requirements
- Essential service connections
- Banking and financial setup
- Healthcare system navigation
- Educational system information

Integration with Other Turkish Government Services
Coordinated Emergency Response
YİMER 157 works seamlessly with other Turkish emergency and government services:
Connected Services Include:
- Police (155): For security emergencies
- Medical Emergency (112): For health crises
- Fire Department (110): For fire emergencies
- Immigration Offices: For legal status issues
- Local Municipalities: For administrative matters
Enhanced Service Capabilities in 2024
The center continues expanding its capabilities with:
- New service additions to meet evolving needs
- Increased language support capabilities
- Improved emergency service integration
- Enhanced response time optimization
- Advanced digital communication options
Best Practices for Foreign Property Owners
Proactive Preparation Strategies
Essential Preparedness Steps:
- Save the Number: Program 157 into all family members' phones
- Document Organization: Keep important documents easily accessible
- Language Preparation: Know key phrases in Turkish for emergencies
- Local Network Building: Establish relationships with local professionals
- Regular Status Checks: Stay updated on legal requirement changes
When to Contact YİMER 157
Appropriate Situations for Contact:
- Any emergency situation requiring immediate assistance
- Complex legal questions about residence or property ownership
- Bureaucratic challenges you cannot resolve independently
- Discrimination or unfair treatment concerns
- Safety or security threats of any nature
To better plan your transition to life in Turkey, including housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation costs, explore our full breakdown in Cost of Living in Turkey in 2025.
Future Developments and Service Enhancements
2024 and Beyond: Expanding Capabilities
YİMER 157 continues evolving to better serve Turkey's growing international community:
Planned Improvements:
- Digital platform integration for online assistance
- Mobile application development for easier access
- Additional language support expansion
- Enhanced crisis response capabilities
- Improved coordination with international consulates
Technology Integration
Modern technology enhancements include:
- Real-time translation services for additional languages
- Digital document processing capabilities
- Online consultation scheduling systems
- Mobile emergency notification services
- Integrated case tracking systems
Conclusion: Your Reliable Partner in Turkey
YİMER 157 represents far more than just an emergency hotline – it's your comprehensive support system for navigating life as a foreign property owner in Turkey. With its proven track record of saving lives, processing millions of applications, and earning international recognition, this service provides the peace of mind every international resident deserves.
Whether you're facing an emergency situation, navigating complex legal requirements, or simply need guidance on routine administrative procedures, YİMER 157 stands ready to assist you 24/7 in your preferred language.
Key Takeaways for Foreign Property Owners:
- Always available: 24/7 toll-free support at 157
- Multilingual service: Full support in English, Russian, and three other languages
- Proven effectiveness: Millions of inquiries handled with professional guidance
- Life-saving capability: Critical emergency response with documented success stories
- Comprehensive scope: From emergencies to routine legal information and referrals
- Government backing: Official Turkish government service ensuring reliability and accuracy
Take Action Today
Prepare yourself and your family:
- Save 157 in all phones immediately
- Share this information with other foreign residents you know
- Keep important documents organized and accessible
- Test the service with a non-emergency inquiry to familiarize yourself
Remember: In Turkey, you're never alone when facing challenges. YİMER 157 ensures that professional, multilingual assistance is always just one phone call away.
For additional information about residence permits, property ownership procedures, and legal requirements for foreign residents in Turkey, contact Luxury Estate Turkey's expert consultation team. Our multilingual professionals work closely with official services like YİMER 157 to ensure your Turkish property investment experience is smooth and secure.
Contact YİMER 157: Dial 157 (toll-free, 24/7)
Languages Available: Turkish, English, Russian, Arabic, Persian