In order for a property sale to a foreign buyer to be valid in Türkiye, an appointment must be made with the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. This appointment can be scheduled by calling the 181 line from within Türkiye or +90 312 593 99 00 from abroad. Alternatively, appointments can be made online via the Land Registry Appointment System. On the day of the appointment, both the property owner and the foreign buyer must be present at the land registry office.
Required Documents for Title Deed Transfer
To complete a property sale to a foreign buyer, the following documents must be submitted at the land registry:
Title deed of the property
Identity card or passport (a notarized translation may be requested)
Municipal real estate value certificate
Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
If a transaction is to be performed via power of attorney issued abroad, the power of attorney must be translated by a sworn translator and notarized
Real estate valuation report (this report must be no older than 3 months and must be recorded in the General Directorate of Land Registry’s TAKBİS system)
If one of the parties does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator must be present during the title deed process. These documents and procedures are required for the legal completion of real estate transactions involving foreign buyers in Türkiye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Foreign Nationals Buy a House in Türkiye?
Yes, foreign nationals can buy real estate in Türkiye. However, certain legal restrictions and limitations apply.
Do Foreign Buyers Pay VAT When Purchasing Property in Türkiye?
Foreign buyers do not pay VAT on residential property purchases. VAT is not applicable if the buyer is a foreign national not residing in Türkiye. According to Article 13/i of the Turkish VAT Law, first-time sales of property to foreign individuals or entities not residing in Türkiye are exempt from VAT.
Is It Possible to Acquire Turkish Citizenship by Purchasing Property?
Yes, foreigners who meet specific requirements can obtain Turkish citizenship through property investment. To qualify, the buyer must purchase a property worth at least 400,000 USD (or the Turkish Lira equivalent) and commit not to sell it for 3 years. Final decision lies with the Ministry’s discretion.
Are Foreigners Required to Pay Property Tax in Türkiye?
Yes, foreigners who own real estate in Türkiye must pay annual property taxes, regardless of citizenship. The tax rate is determined by the municipality where the property is located.
What Are the Title Deed Fees for Foreigners?
In Türkiye, the title deed fee is 4% of the sales price—split equally between buyer and seller. Therefore, each party pays 2%, amounting to a total of 4%.
Can Foreigners Buy Land in Türkiye?
Foreign nationals can buy land in Türkiye under certain legal conditions. For agricultural land, both legal approval and local government consent are required under the Turkish Land Registry Law No. 2644. The total area of land that can be owned is limited by regional and personal restrictions.
Can Foreigners Buy Zoned Plots?
Yes, foreigners can purchase zoned plots regardless of reciprocity. Zoned plots refer to lands pre-approved for construction or specific uses such as housing, commerce, or industry.
When Was the Law Permitting Land Sales to Foreigners Enacted?
The law regulating land sales to foreigners was amended in 2012 under Law No. 6302, which introduced various changes to the Turkish Civil Code and other laws.
Can Foreigners Acquire Citizenship by Purchasing Land?
No, purchasing land alone does not qualify one for Turkish citizenship. The application must be based on the acquisition of residential real estate worth the required minimum.
Which Nationalities Are Restricted from Buying Property in Türkiye?
Syrian citizens cannot purchase real estate in Türkiye due to current political and security conditions. This applies even if the individual later acquires Turkish citizenship.
Armenian citizens face restrictions in purchasing real estate in Türkiye.
How Long Do Title Deed Transactions Take?
Title deed transactions typically take 2 to 5 business days, depending on the completeness of documents and workload of the registry office.
Which Nationalities Can Buy Real Estate in Türkiye?
EU citizens (e.g., Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, etc.)
United States citizens
Citizens of Russia, China, Japan, and other Asian and Central Asian countries
Citizens of GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE
Do Foreigners Need Special Permission to Buy Property in Türkiye?
In general, foreigners do not need special permission. However, if the property is in a military or security zone, special permits may be required.
Are There Any Restrictions on Property Purchase by Foreigners?
Yes, the following limitations apply:
Agricultural or forest lands cannot be purchased
Reciprocity agreements may impose limits on certain nationalities
No more than 30 hectares may be acquired in total
Purchases in military zones are prohibited
What Documents Are Required for Foreigners to Buy Property in Türkiye?
Passport or ID document
Foreign ID number
Power of attorney (if applicable)
Documents regarding title deed fees and payments
Address declaration in Türkiye
Valuation report (if required)
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
How Long Does the Purchase Process Take?
The process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on the speed of payment and document collection.
What Is the Required Property Value for Citizenship?
To apply for Turkish citizenship, a property worth at least 400,000 USD must be purchased and held for a minimum of 3 years.
Can Foreigners Sell the Property They Purchase?
Yes, foreigners can sell their property. However, if purchased for citizenship, it cannot be sold within the 3-year holding period.
Can Foreigners Leave Their Property as Inheritance?
Yes, foreign nationals can bequeath their properties in Türkiye. Inheritance is subject to Turkish inheritance law as well as the laws of the heir’s home country.
Additional Considerations
Is a Turkish Bank Account Required?
No, a Turkish bank account is not mandatory, but it may be useful for managing transactions.
Is Legal Consultation Required?
Legal consultation is not mandatory but highly recommended. A lawyer can assist with contracts, due diligence, taxes, and avoiding risks.
Does Buying Property Grant a Residence Permit?
No, owning property does not automatically grant a residence permit. However, property ownership may help facilitate a long-term residence permit application.
Can Property Be Purchased with Joint Ownership?
Yes, foreigners can buy property as co-owners. However, all co-owners must meet legal conditions, and total area limits must not be exceeded.
