Practice area
Property Acquisition by Foreign Nationals
Legal advice for foreign individuals and companies on the permits, reciprocity rules and title deed steps involved in acquiring property in Türkiye.
Scope
The acquisition of property in Türkiye by foreign nationals is subject to rules on reciprocity, military and security zones, and limits on land area. From the decision to buy through to the transfer of title, we review the legal status of the property and explain each stage in a language our clients understand. Every acquisition is assessed separately according to the buyer’s nationality and the location of the property.
- Review of the title register, encumbrances and zoning status of the property
- Assessment of reciprocity and acquisition limits based on the buyer’s nationality
- Handling applications for properties requiring military or security zone clearance
- Guidance on obtaining a Turkish tax identification number and opening a bank account
- Coordinating the valuation report prepared by a CMB (SPK) licensed valuer
- Completing the transfer under a power of attorney and arranging a sworn interpreter
Process
How it generally works
- Initial meeting
We discuss the buyer’s objectives, nationality and the property in question, and outline any restrictions that may affect the purchase.
- Legal review
The title register, annotations, mortgages and zoning status are examined, and our findings are shared in writing.
- Clearances and documents
Where required, a military clearance application is filed; the valuation report, tax number and translations are prepared.
- Transfer at the land registry
An appointment is booked at the land registry office, fees and costs are paid and the official deed is signed.
- After completion
We provide guidance on transferring utility subscriptions, earthquake insurance (DASK) and declaring property tax.
- Valid passport with a notarised Turkish translation
- Turkish tax identification number
- Passport-size photographs
- Valuation report from a CMB (SPK) licensed valuer
- Compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) policy
- Where applicable, an apostilled power of attorney with a notarised translation
- Records showing that payment was made through the banking system
Questions
Lawyers working in this area
- Av. Nevra Akyarlı · TR EN DE
- Av. İpek Yazganoğlu · TR EN RU
- Av. Selma Haddadoğlu · TR EN AR
- Av. Alina Gürsoy · TR EN RU
Can any foreign national acquire property in Türkiye?
The right to acquire depends on the principle of reciprocity with the buyer’s country and on the restrictions in force. Nationals of certain countries may face limitations, so an assessment based on nationality should be made before deciding to buy.
Is it possible to buy without travelling to Türkiye?
In most cases, the land registry formalities can be carried out by a representative under a properly drawn-up power of attorney. A power of attorney executed abroad must bear an apostille or consular legalisation and be accompanied by a Turkish translation.
Why is a valuation report required?
For acquisitions by foreign nationals, land registry offices require a report prepared by a valuation firm licensed by the Capital Markets Board (SPK). The report is relied upon in official procedures concerning the property’s value and remains valid for a limited period.
This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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