Turkish citizens can acquire property and obtain residency rights in the Svalbard Archipelago, under Norwegian jurisdiction, with the entry into force of the Spitsbergen Treaty. Companies, on the other hand, will be able to engage in maritime and mining activities.

By becoming a party to the Spitsbergen (Svalbard) Treaty, which determines the status of the Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic region, Turkish citizens and companies will be able to engage in maritime and mining activities on 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, France, on February 9, 1920, and in effect since 1925, recognizes Norway’s sovereignty over the islands while allowing citizens of third countries who are party to the treaty to acquire property and reside in the Svalbard Archipelago, engage in fishing and mining, conduct commercial activities, and carry out scientific research.

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

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IS CONDUCTED Additionally, Turkish scientists will have the opportunity to conduct scientific research at the establishment of a Turkish Science Station, while 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 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), conducted with success by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK MAM) in Norway’s exclusive economic zone and the Svalbard Islands, was completed from June 26 to July 25, 2024.