1. Can foreigners buy property in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Turkey. Turkish law allows foreign citizens to purchase residential and commercial properties in various regions of the country.
2. What is the minimum investment required to obtain a residence permit in Turkey?
There is no minimum threshold for obtaining a residence permit (RP) in Turkey, but the type of RP may depend on the value of the property. Here are the main options:
- Tourist RP: If you purchase a property worth less than $200,000 in an open area, you can obtain a tourist RP for 6 months. This RP can be renewed an unlimited number of times.
- RP based on property worth more than $200,000: If your property is valued at over $200,000, you can obtain a residence permit for up to 2 years.
- Citizenship through investment: If you own property worth more than $200,000 for 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship.
These conditions make property purchase a convenient way to obtain RP and the prospect of citizenship. If you have any questions, leave a comment!
3. What are the property taxes in Turkey?
- Property acquisition tax: 4% of the declared value, paid upon registration of ownership.
- Annual property tax: 0.1%–0.6% of the cadastral value, depending on the region.
4. What are the main documents required for purchasing property?
- Buyer's passport
- Tax identification number
- Passport-sized photos (usually 2-3 pieces)
- Copy of TAPU (ownership deed)
- DASK insurance policy (mandatory earthquake insurance)
- Power of attorney (if the transaction is conducted through a representative)
- DAB certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi)
5. Can I obtain citizenship by purchasing property?
Yes, foreigners can obtain Turkish citizenship through property purchase, but conditions vary depending on the amount:
- For properties worth $400,000 or more: After receiving the title deed (TAPU), you can immediately apply for citizenship.
- For properties worth $200,000 or more: In this case, you can apply for citizenship after 5 years of ownership.
Thus, the conditions for obtaining citizenship depend on the investment amount and meeting certain requirements. Your personal manager will provide further details.
6. How long does the property registration process take?
The process of registering property in Turkey usually takes from 2 to 4 weeks. The main steps include:
- Obtaining a tax number and opening a bank account: This can be done within one day.
- Transferring funds and completing the transaction: After opening an account, the buyer transfers the money for the property. During this period, all documents for ownership registration (TAPU) are prepared.
- Receiving TAPU (ownership deed): Once all formalities are completed, TAPU is issued at the local land registry office. The process takes about 2 weeks, depending on the region and workload of the offices.
Thus, the entire process can be completed within an average of 2 weeks if all documents and payments are in order.
7. Are there any restrictions on renting out property?
Turkey has strict rules and regulations for renting out property, especially for short-term rentals. Here are the key points:
- Tax registration: Property owners renting out their homes must register with the tax office and file tax returns since rental income is taxable.
- Short-term rental license: To rent out property for short-term stays (up to 100 days), a license from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is required. The license is granted for an entire building, not for a single apartment. If you own a private house, you do not need additional consent for renting.
- Long-term rental: Rentals longer than 3 months (101 days or more) are considered long-term and do not require a short-term rental license.
- Tenant registration: The landlord must register all tenants, including foreign citizens, through the Migration Administration's GİGM system. The data must be submitted to the police or gendarmerie.
- Subleasing is prohibited: The tenant cannot sublet the rented property to third parties.
- Property management companies: If the owner does not want to handle the rental personally, they can transfer management to our company RestProperty, which has a TÜRSAB license. Note: We only rent out apartments purchased through our company.
These regulations ensure compliance with laws and norms regarding property rental in Turkey.
8. Is a construction permit required when buying land?
Land transactions follow the same conditions as other real estate in Turkey. It is best to consult RestProperty specialists, who will help with proper and quick registration. Land ownership is also recorded in the land registry with a TAPU.
Thus, if you have not yet decided how you will use the land, a construction permit is not required. You simply register the land in your name and can obtain a permit later when you decide to build.
9. Can foreigners get a mortgage in Turkey?
Foreigners can obtain a mortgage in Turkey, and we work with leading banks to offer our clients the most favorable conditions. Generally, up to 50% of the property's cadastral value can be financed. Contact our specialists for detailed consultation and assistance in arranging a mortgage.
10. Can I sell my property and keep my residence permit?
When selling a property in Turkey, the residence permit (RP) obtained based on property ownership is canceled.
11. How to obtain a tax number in Turkey?
Getting a Turkish taxpayer identification number (TIN) is very simple. You need to visit the tax office (Vergi Dairesi) at your place of residence and submit an application. Nowadays, foreigners can also apply for a TIN online through the official Turkish tax service website, making the process even more convenient.
12. Can I register a property remotely?
Yes, you can register a property remotely. To do this, you need to issue a power of attorney at the Turkish consulate.
13. What are the advantages of buying property in Turkey?
Buying property in Turkey is not only an opportunity to obtain a residence permit and citizenship but also an investment in a stable market. The country offers unique advantages that are hard to find elsewhere:
- Alanya: An ideal place for those who choose a healthy lifestyle. This city has no industrial enterprises, making it an excellent choice for a long and active life, a happy childhood for children, and a comfortable retirement. With 12 months of sunshine, you can earn a stable passive income by renting out your property all year round.
- Antalya: A popular destination for generating stable passive income through property rentals. The city attracts tourists year-round, making it a great location for real estate investment.
- Istanbul: A center for education, work, and personal development. Here, you will have access to the best universities, career growth opportunities, and high-quality medical care. Istanbul is a city of opportunities for those striving for personal and professional growth.
- Bodrum: A combination of privacy and prestige. Buying property here not only provides you with luxury housing but also the opportunity to own a place for your yacht, enjoying seclusion and the beauty of the sea.
Thus, purchasing real estate in Turkey allows you to find the perfect place for living, working, investing, and vacationing, meeting various needs—from comfort and stability to privacy and an active lifestyle.
14. What types of real estate are most popular among foreigners?
The most popular types of real estate among foreigners include:
- Apartments in residential complexes: The most in-demand type of property among foreigners. Apartments are chosen for vacation, permanent residence, or rental income. Modern residential complexes offer various amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, security, and parking.
- Villas: Foreigners looking for privacy and spacious housing often prefer villas with private gardens and swimming pools. Villas with sea or mountain views are in high demand for personal residence and short-term rentals.
- Land plots: Buying land is attractive for those who want to build a home according to their project or invest in the long term. Land plots are especially popular in areas with high tourism potential.
- Commercial real estate: Shops, offices, and restaurants in major cities and tourist areas are purchased for personal business use and rental income.
These types of real estate satisfy different goals—from investments to comfortable living and business operations.
15. Can I work in Turkey with a residence permit?
No, you cannot work in Turkey with a residence permit. To work, you must obtain a work visa.
16. Is an expert appraisal required?
No. An expert appraisal is only mandatory when purchasing property to obtain Turkish citizenship.
17. Can I use my Russian phone in Turkey?
Yes, you can use your Russian phone in Turkey with international roaming. If you plan to stay for more than 180 days, you must register your phone, or it will be blocked.
18. What is a DAB certificate? Why is it considered an expense?
The DAB certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi) is a document that confirms that foreign currency was sold to a licensed bank in Turkey for subsequent transfer to the Central Bank of Turkey. This document is required for foreign buyers to complete a real estate purchase transaction at the Land Registry Office.
The DAB is considered an expense because the buyer must convert their foreign currency into Turkish lira through an official bank, which may involve certain banking fees and documentation costs. This process is mandatory for foreign real estate transactions in Turkey.
19. What rights does purchasing property in Turkey give to a foreigner?
The right to obtain a residence permit (RP), and after 5 years of continuous residence in Turkey while owning property, a foreigner can apply for Turkish citizenship. Additionally, property owners have the right to freely sell and inherit real estate.
20. Can I get a residence permit by renting an apartment in an open area?
Yes, you can obtain a tourist residence permit for 6 months with the possibility of renewal.
21. What are the conditions for renewing a residence permit after renting an apartment in an open area?
You must provide a bank statement with monthly deposits equivalent to 1.5 times Turkey’s minimum wage.
22. Can I obtain a residence permit with an apartment worth less than $200,000 in an open area?
Yes, you can obtain a tourist residence permit with similar renewal conditions.
23. Are there any changes for obtaining a residence permit in closed areas?
No, there are no changes for new buyers. However, those who purchased an apartment before the area was closed may still have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit.
