Turkish Citizens Secure Residence in Svalbard!
Turkish citizens and companies are now able to participate in maritime and mining activities in the Svalbard Archipelago, located in the Arctic region. This opportunity arises from Türkiye being a party to the Treaty of Spitsbergen (Svalbard), which governs the status of the archipelago.
The Treaty of Spitsbergen (Svalbard) officially came into effect for Türkiye on March 7, 2025, following a decision by the President published in the Official Gazette. This treaty, signed in Paris in 1920 and enforced since 1925, acknowledges Norway’s sovereignty over the islands while granting citizens of third countries the right to own property and engage in commercial activities such as fishing and mining.
With Türkiye’s participation in the treaty, Turkish citizens and companies now have the right to acquire property and residency in the Svalbard Archipelago, as well as engage in fishing and commercial activities related to maritime and mining.
Svalbard, an archipelago that belongs to Norway in the Arctic Ocean, is home to the northernmost administrative center in the world, Longyearben. The treaty allows about 40 countries to establish settlements on the island, which is characterized by glaciers, mountains, and fjords, with the largest island being Spitsbergen.
Interestingly, it is illegal to die in Svalbard as the human body is well-preserved due to the cold climate. Currently, only Norway and Russia have active settlements on the islands.
Furthermore, Turkish scientists will be able to conduct research at the Turkish Science Station, and Turkish students can study at the Svalbard University Center. Through these initiatives, Türkiye aims to benefit from the natural resources of the Arctic region and enhance its scientific and economic activities in the area. Türkiye also maintains its goal of becoming an observer member of the Arctic Council.
In recent years, Türkiye has organized successful scientific expeditions to the Arctic region. The TUBITAK Marmara Research Center (TUBITAK MAM) recently completed the fourth National Arctic Scientific Research Campaign in the exclusive economic region of Norway and the Svalbard islands and land waters.
With these developments, Türkiye is poised to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Arctic region and further its scientific and economic endeavors in this unique part of the world.
