We use cookies to measure which pages and guides are actually used, so we can improve them. Analytics and marketing cookies are set only if you allow them: the site works fully without them.
Foreigners have the same rights as Turkish citizens to trade on the Turkish stock exchange, and a residence permit is not required. To start, they need a potential tax number, obtainable from any tax office with a passport, and a notification address, then open an account with a bank offering a stock trading platform and execute buy and sell orders through mobile banking. Foreign companies can also open trading accounts without needing an office or commercial activity in Turkey.
Foreigners have the same rights as Turkish citizens to trade on the stock exchange in Turkey. To do this, they need to open an account at a bank that offers a stock trading platform. Once the account is opened, they can use mobile banking to execute buy and sell orders. It is not necessary to have a residence permit in Turkey to trade on the stock exchange.
Trading starts with an account at a bank or brokerage that offers a stock trading platform. The documents banks ask foreign individuals and companies for are covered in our guide to opening a bank account in Turkey as a foreigner.
Trading on the Turkish Stock Market
Foreign investors have the same rights as Turkish citizens when it comes to trading on the Turkish stock market. To start trading, foreigners need to open an account with a bank that offers stock trading platforms, then execute buy and sell orders via mobile banking. Notably, a residence permit is not required for foreigners to invest in the Turkish stock market. For those who want to launch their own venture in this space, we also advise on establishing a stock or cryptocurrency trading platform in Türkiye.
Investment Options in the Turkish Stock Market
Stocks: Investing in individual company stocks listed on Borsa Istanbul (BIST). Some of the most preferred Turkish stocks include:
Garanti BBVA (GARAN): One of the largest private banks in Turkey.
Koç Holding (KCHOL): A major conglomerate with interests in various sectors such as automotive, energy, and consumer durables.
Ereğli Demir ve Çelik Fabrikaları (EREGL): A leading steel manufacturer in Turkey.
Turkish Airlines (THYAO): The national flag carrier airline of Turkey.
Akbank (AKBNK): Another major private bank with a large retail banking network.
Treasury Bonds: Government debt securities that provide a fixed interest rate over a specified period. They are considered a low-risk investment and are available in different maturities, such as short-term (up to 2 years), medium-term (2-5 years), and long-term (more than 5 years).
Corporate Bonds: Debt securities issued by companies to raise capital, offering higher returns compared to treasury bonds but with a higher risk.
Mutual Funds: Pooled investment vehicles that allow investors to diversify their portfolios by investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other securities.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Investment funds traded on stock exchanges, similar to stocks. ETFs in Turkey often track the performance of major indices like BIST 100.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate. Investing in REITs provides exposure to the real estate market without the need to own physical property.
Beyond stock trading, foreigners can also place their funds in profitable deposit accounts in Turkey, which do not carry a residency requirement either.
