Svalbard archipelago opens property and business rights to Turkish citizens

Following an agreement adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly last year, Turkish citizens and companies have gained the right to acquire property and reside in the Svalbard archipelago, which is under Norwegian sovereignty.

This development follows the establishment of a Polar Research Center by TÜBİTAK to facilitate scientific studies in the Arctic region. Beyond research, Turkish companies are now permitted to engage in industry, fishing, and trade within the islands. Additionally, Turkish students may pursue education at the University Centre in Svalbard.

Industry and Technology Minister Fatih Kacır was the first government-level official to visit the islands. Despite these new opportunities, the region presents extreme living conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -50 degrees Celsius. Due to limited medical facilities, births and end-of-life care are typically handled on the Norwegian mainland. Furthermore, due to the high population of polar bears, residents are required to carry weapons when traveling outside settlement areas, though killing bears is strictly regulated.