Turkish citizens are now able to acquire property and obtain residence rights in the Svalbard Archipelago, which is under Norwegian sovereignty, with the enforcement of the Spitsbergen Treaty. Companies, on the other hand, can engage in maritime and mining activities.

With Turkey becoming a party to the Spitsbergen (Svalbard) Treaty that determines the status of the Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic region, Turkish citizens and companies can participate in maritime and mining activities on the islands. According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette dated March 7, 2025, brought the Spitsbergen Treaty into effect for Turkey.

UNDER NORWEGIAN SOVEREIGNTY Signed in Paris on February 9, 1920, and in effect since 1925, the treaty recognizes Norway’s sovereignty over the islands while granting citizens of third-party countries who are parties to the treaty the right to acquire property and reside in the Svalbard Archipelago, engage in fishing and mining activities, and conduct scientific research.

PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND RESIDENCE RIGHTS FOR TURKS With Turkey becoming a party to the treaty, Turkish citizens and companies will be able to acquire property and obtain residence rights in the Svalbard Archipelago, engage in fishing in the islands’ territorial waters, and conduct commercial activities in maritime and mining sectors.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IS BEING CONDUCTED Furthermore, Turkish scientists will have the opportunity to conduct scientific research at the Turkish Science Station, and Turkish students can access education at the Svalbard University Center. With these steps, Turkey aims to benefit from the living and non-living natural resources of the Arctic region and strengthen its scientific and economic activities that can be carried out in the region. In this context, Turkey’s goal of becoming an observer member of the Arctic Council is also being preserved. Moreover, Turkey has been organizing successful scientific expeditions to the Arctic region in recent years. The fourth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE-IV) carried out successfully by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK MAM) in Norway’s exclusive economic zone, Svalbard Islands, and territorial waters was completed from June 26 to July 25, 2024.