Turkish citizens can acquire property and obtain residence rights in the archipelago of Svalbard, which is under the sovereignty of Norway, due to the implementation 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 engage in maritime and mining activities in the archipelago. 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 force for Turkey.

UNDER NORWEGIAN SOVEREIGNTY The treaty signed in Paris, the capital of France, on February 9, 1920, and in effect since 1925, 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 on 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 have the right to acquire property and obtain residence in the Svalbard Archipelago, engage in fishing in the territorial waters of the islands, and conduct commercial activities in maritime and mining sectors.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IS UNDERWAY In addition, Turkish scientists will be able to conduct scientific research at the Turkish Research Station and Turkish students can access education at the Svalbard University Center. Through 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 in the area. In this context, Turkey’s goal of becoming an observer member of the Arctic Council is also being maintained. Furthermore, 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 by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK MAM) in Norway’s exclusive economic zone, Svalbard Islands, and territorial waters was completed on June 26-July 25, 2024.