Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your most common questions about buying property in Türkiye, residency and immigration laws, and study requirements in Türkiye.
Buying a house in Türkiye
According to the Law on the Protection of Foreign Nationals and Law No. 6458, foreigners can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing a house worth $400,000.
Everyone who comes to Turkey from abroad and wants to obtain Turkish citizenship can apply. Each state has the right to decide according to the law which individuals or nationals of a country can be Turkish citizens.
- It should be noted that if there is a criminal record in the destination country, it is possible to apply for citizenship only by clearing the record.
There are different procedures for the Turkish citizenship application process, depending on the method that suits your circumstances. Currently, services are provided for the following methods in our collection:
- Investing in real estate
- Deposit in the bank
- Company registration and business start-up
Yes, your family will enjoy citizenship opportunities. In this context, you, your spouse and all children under the age of 18 can obtain Turkish citizenship.
“In the investment process, you can purchase more than one property with a total value of at least $400,000. But to be successful in investing, you must plan the application and registration of documents well. Also, it is better to keep in mind that your investment amount must be higher than $400,000 in total so that you can easily register the documents.”
Within the time frame when you complete the application process, the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye announces and uses the currency exchange rate values.
If the documents are complete and complete, applications for citizenship of the Republic of Türkiye will be responded to within 3-4 months after the transfer of the ownership deed.
If the applicant is confirmed to not pose any threat to the national security of Turkey, meets all the conditions, and has submitted all documents correctly and accurately, you can obtain citizenship.
Yes, the Turkish citizenship process is possible without the presence of individuals at the Turkish borders. All operations are carried out through the consulate and the official attorney of the company.
If your family has children under the age of 18 during your relocation, they are required to complete their military service upon reaching the legal age. Additionally, if you have completed compulsory military service in a country of which you previously held citizenship, you must document this. More detailed information about military requirements will be shared with you by 4K Group during the application process.
Your child must be under 18 years old to be able to obtain Turkish citizenship with you. However, if you have a disabled child over 18 years old, it is possible to apply for citizenship with you by providing medical documents proving the need for care and maintenance by you and your family.
You can apply for citizenship on properties that are not yet completed or were purchased in installments, under certain conditions. In this case, you must have paid a minimum of $400,000< in installments for the purchase of the property. Other necessary information will be < >provided to you by the 4k Group legal team upon your request.
Residence in Türkiye
A regular tourist visa allows you to stay in Turkey for 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than this, make sure you apply for your residence permit before the last day of your visa validity. If you fail to apply before the visa expires, you will certainly face a possible fine on your next exit from the country.
4kGroup is ready to assist you in all stages of obtaining residency.
- Getting to know the various methods of obtaining Turkish residency
The four common methods of residence in Türkiye are:
- Short-term residence – Newly arrived applicants can receive a residence permit for up to one year, while extensions can range from a few months to two years.
- Long-term residence – for those who have managed to maintain their temporary residence permit for eight consecutive years. These residence permits are valid indefinitely.
- Family residence – for those married to a Turkish citizen and minors dependent on a Turkish citizen.
- Student Residence – For those pursuing an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in Türkiye.
The required documents and information for the application are available in full on the official website, but in summary, the required documents are as follows:
- Completed residence permit application form, in color
- Passport; we recommend that you bring several color copies, including the page with the Turkish entry stamp. If your passport is in non-English characters, obtain a notarized translation.
- Tax ID number for applicants applying for renewal
- A color copy of your health insurance policy (or an official stamped and signed black and white copy). We actually recommend that you also provide a stamp and signature for the color copies. This is not required for applicants under 18 or over 65.
- Four biometric passport photos; these photos must have been taken within the last six months and must be against a white background.
- Proof of financial ability; your statement within the form is generally sufficient, but sometimes you may be asked to return it the next day with a bank statement. In this case, 4K Group will be with you to prepare and submit these documents.
- Proof of residency: The safest method is to sign a formal rental agreement with the real estate agent and then bring a notarized copy.
- Proof of payment of residence permit application fees; all fees are officially paid in your name by this company through the relevant portals and the relevant receipts are documented and provided.
Additional information. Articles related to residence in Türkiye.
- Your residence permit will only be issued until one day before your insurance coverage expires. If your insurance coverage ends on 09/09/2016, your residence permit will only be issued until 08/09/2016.
- Your insurance documents should include the following:
Işbu poliçe 06.06.2014 tarih ve 9 sayılı Ikamet Izni Taleplerinde Yaptırılakal Özel Sağlık Sigortalınarın Ilişkin Genelge’ de ındınen gari teminat yapısını kapsamtadır.
Yes, assuming you do not have a valid visa, you can leave Turkey for a maximum of 15 days after completing the application process. You will be given documents at the time of your interview (which you should make sure they sign and stamp) which you are expected to carry with you at all times until your residence permit arrives. With this and your payment receipts, you are free to leave as long as your stay abroad is less than 15 days.
No, you can always try your luck at the local immigration office to expedite your appointment date, but it is our experience that this does not work except in very rare circumstances. If you attempt to leave Turkey after your appointment before receiving your official documents or residence card, you will face fines and a ban and your application will be invalidated.
To check and obtain a visa, please visit the following address:
Yes, you can stay until you receive your residence card.
In this regard, you can see our guide on how to open a bank account in Türkiye.
Public service subscription
Generally no, however you will receive your electricity and water subscription within three days. Internet and natural gas subscriptions take from one to two weeks depending on the workload of the technicians.
Yes, when you request a connection (electricity, water, and natural gas), you leave a deposit that will be refunded if you cancel the contract with these service companies. On the other hand, internet companies do not ask for a deposit.
No, employees from the local utility company and municipality visit your property, check your water and electricity meters monthly, and leave your bills in your mailbox. You pay for what you use.
Utilities are cheaper than most European countries. According to statistics in 2018, Türkiye ranks 16th in the world’s most expensive energy prices.
You can pay your bills at banks, post offices and bill payment centers in Turkey. In addition, you can pay using online banking. You can also set up automatic payments for your utility bills. This way, your bills will be paid as soon as you have sufficient balance in your bank account or credit card.
Yes. However, in general, agents cannot speak English or any other foreign language. It is recommended to prepare these requests with someone who can translate the conversations with the agents for you. Experienced representatives of Forky Group are with their clients at all stages to avoid communication gaps and make these tasks easier.
In Turkey, it is possible to establish beneficial relationships with a power of attorney. If you prefer, you can provide us with the power of attorney and our experienced team will obtain our subscription on your behalf.
Obtaining a tax code
This is your unique identification number that is used in your daily life in Turkey in registration applications. You must have a tax number for buying and selling processes and financial transactions, including:
• Opening a bank account
• Property deed transfer
• Power of Attorney Transactions
• Applying for a residence permit
• Insurance
• Pay taxes
• Subscription to applications
Your original passport and a copy of it are the documents required to obtain a Turkish tax number.
Every city and its districts in Türkiye have tax offices, you can get a tax number by visiting one of them.
You can reprint it by visiting the tax office.
No, getting a tax number in Turkey is free.
Getting a tax number does not mean paying taxes. Using this number, you can know the debts and taxes registered in your name. This is a tool that you will use if necessary to pay your taxes such as: income tax, annual property tax and transfer tax.
Of course, Forky Group customers don’t need it. It’s part of our free after-sales service.
Once you receive it, you can use your tax number without any time limit.
Real estate appraisal
If you are purchasing property in Türkiye as a foreigner, it is mandatory to submit an appraisal report to receive your property title from the official title deeds offices.
The cost of a certified appraisal report by SPK varies depending on the city and its features. For more details, you can visit our fees page.
Zero, Forky Group Holding offers these services free of charge to its customers.
Professional experts verify the property when requesting an appraisal report. They take videos and monitor the tapu office. Finally, they search the municipal registered plans. Experts collect prices for comparison. The length of a study is between 20 and 35 pages. Preparation takes 2 days.
The Tapu Office does not want to exceed 3 months in compliance with the Real Estate Law. If the validity period of the report has expired, we will help our customers to renew it after 3 months without any charge.
If your property purchase is for the purpose of Turkish citizenship, the appraisal value must be the same as your payment so that your case does not encounter any problems during the citizenship process.
After selecting a property with Forky Group, our team will directly arrange a fast and reliable service specialist.
SPK stands for Capital Market Board, which in Turkish means Sermaye Piyasası Kurulu. It is the highest regulatory authority in finance, stock exchange and banking in Türkiye.
Hiring a lawyer
No, however it is recommended that if you are dealing with someone you do not know well or have doubts about, having a good and experienced lawyer will definitely help you protect and secure your capital. It is just an additional cost if you deal with the right people.
The cost of legal services of a lawyer when buying a property is 1% of the sale price of the property. This amount can be at least 1750 US dollars + 18% VAT. Of course, it depends on the agreement.
Yes, not only your lawyer but anyone you trust can finalize the purchase process for you if they have a valid power of attorney. You do not need to be present at every stage of the property purchase.
A lawyer will check if all the transaction details are done properly and signed by the authorities. In addition, they will check all the legal documents of the property to make sure that there are no problems. Also, they will help you complete the transaction in a safe manner to avoid possible disputes in the future.
Account opening
No, both banks are under government guarantee.
The information required to transfer money to Türkiye is as follows:
- Recipient’s full name
- Full recipient address
- Bank and branch name
- Recipient bank address
- Recipient IBAN
Yes, your money does not have to remain in the bank for each period. However, you must notify the bank one day before you want to withdraw your money for amounts above 50,000 Turkish Liras.
When you go to the bank with the required documents, opening a bank account takes less than an hour.
No, banks do not charge you a fee to open a bank account.
The documents required to open a bank account are:
- Passport
- Turkish tax number
- Proof of address (water, electricity bill or residence permit)
Currently, the best option for opening a bank account in Turkey for Iranian citizens is the state-owned Ziraat Bank. However, Iranian citizens also have the option of opening an account at another Turkish bank, İş.
Yes, all banks, in addition to operating in English, also have their own mobile apps.
SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. Each bank has its own unique Swift code. Hence, each Swift code is a unique identifier for a bank account. In case of transferring money abroad, a SWIFT number is enough to identify the recipient’s bank account internationally.
IBAN is a combination of the recipient’s quick code and bank account number. You need an IBAN for every money transfer.
You can open a bank account in all currencies in Türkiye.
Property deed
Yes, at the time of transfer of the property deed, the buyer will pay the following fees.
- By law, the buyer and seller share the cost of the 4% transfer tax on the deed. However, as is customary in Turkey, if you do not negotiate before purchasing the property, the buyer is expected to pay the entire transfer tax.
- Cost of appraisal report
- Notary public capital turnover
Yes, in this case, parents must sign for their children. Also, the child’s birth certificate with an apostille is a document required in such cases.
Yes, you can appoint anyone you trust as your attorney. It doesn’t have to be a lawyer or a consultant.
Normally you can sell your property at any time afterwards. However, when you buy for Turkish citizenship, you cannot sell your property for the first three years and this will be mentioned in the transfer deed sheets.
A mortgage is used when the buyer owes a debt to the seller. It secures the seller’s debt by using the property as collateral.
All properties in Turkey are freehold. You do not own the property for a specific period of time. In other words, you and your family will retain ownership rights to your property unless you decide to sell it. Following your death, your family will inherit your property.
Forkey Group helps you transfer the property title as a free after-sales service.
Insurance
There are several insurance companies you can deal with. However, if you purchased your property with 4k Group, you can contact your agent for property insurance options.
In addition to the property price, property insurance costs also depend on the total area of your home.
No, DASK insurance only covers buildings.
Insurance companies offer (buildings insurance, contents insurance and home insurance). Home insurance covers all your belongings and the building itself, while buildings insurance is only for the building and contents insurance is only for your belongings. You can choose the one that suits you.
It’s always best to look for insurance that meets your needs, not the price! Instead, you should check the risks of the area, such as the possibility of earthquakes.
Property deed
This is a legal document that proves a person’s ownership of a property.
The documents you need are as follows:
- Translation and original of the buyer’s passport
- Buyer’s tax number
- Identity information form
- Evaluation report
- Current property deed
- Seller ID
If you purchase a property, the seller is required to provide you with all relevant documents.
The costs of transferring the property deed are as follows:
- According to the rules, both the buyer and the seller pay a 2% fee. If you do not negotiate before purchasing the property, the buyer is expected to pay the entire transfer tax as a custom in Turkey.
- Cost of appraisal report
- Capital turnover of the property deed office
Money first! Before signing the deed, the deed clerk asks the seller, “Have you received the full amount for your property?” and the answer should be “Yes.” “First, confirm the full payment, then transfer the property deed,” which is the correct and customary method in Turkey.
Generally, this process takes one or two days, depending on the workload at the Land Registry and Cadastre Office.
All property documents in Türkiye are absolute. There are no rental properties in Türkiye.
You can buy and sell property at your own free will because all properties in Turkey are freehold. On the other hand, you cannot sell the property you have purchased for Turkish citizenship by investment within three years and this must be stated in the property deed.
Yes, in this case, the child’s birth certificate with an apostille is also required.
Yes, you may purchase a property with several people together. Depending on the amount of your share, you have ownership rights to the property. There is no limit to the number of shareholders in a property.
There is no limit to the number of people whose names can be written on the same property deed.
According to Turkish Civil Code, if you purchase a property after marriage, your spouse has equal rights even if your spouse’s name is not written on the property deed.
Yes, it is possible! Reprinting a title deed is a simple task. The Land Registry and Cadastre Office will keep your original record as a hard copy and a highly secure software.
In Türkiye, your family members have the right to inherit after your death because the property you purchase is your absolute property.
Title Deed Escrow is a secure online payment for property purchase, where the General Registry and Cadastre Office is between the buyer and the seller. The money is paid into the bank account of the title deed office (Takas Bank) and after registration, the office transfers the money to the seller within seconds.
You can contact the General Department of Land Registry and Cadastre using the following channels.
Website: https://www.yourkeyturkey.gov.tr
Email: bilgiedinme@tkgm.gov.tr
Phone: +60 60 413 312 90
Call Center: 181
Inheritance and will
Any person over the age of 15 can make a will.
All your property and assets will be paid to your heirs with an inheritance certificate.
Yes, the property still belongs to you and you can decide what you want to do with it until your death.
A will that is registered with a notary is considered valid. After a person dies, the probate court will search the probate records for any possible wills. If a will is found with the notary, the probate court will be notified.
You can easily draw up your will with a lawyer or at a notary’s office.
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