Property Purchase in Turkey for Foreigners

Conditions, Legal Procedure and Key Considerations

Türkiye is one of the most attractive countries for foreign real estate buyers due to its strategic location, lifestyle advantages, and investment potential. However, property acquisition by foreigners is not completely unrestricted and is subject to specific legal conditions, limitations, and procedures.

This article provides a clear overview of how foreigners can purchase property in Türkiye, the legal requirements involved, and the points that should be carefully considered before proceeding.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Türkiye?

Yes. Foreign natural persons may acquire real estate in Türkiye pursuant to Article 35 of the Turkish Land Registry Law.

However, this right is not absolute. The foreign buyer’s nationality must be among those approved by the Turkish authorities, as determined by the President of the Republic of Türkiye.

📌 Not every foreign national is automatically entitled to purchase property in Türkiye. Nationality, property type, and location are assessed separately.

Conditions for Property Acquisition by Foreigners

Foreign nationals must comply with the following key conditions:

✔ Area Limitations

• A foreign individual may acquire up to 30 hectares of real estate throughout Türkiye.

• In any given district, properties owned by foreigners may not exceed 10% of the total district area.

✔ Military and Security Zones

• Property acquisition is prohibited in military restricted zones, security areas, and strategically protected regions.

• Certain locations may require additional administrative or military clearance.

✔ Types of Property

Foreigners may purchase:

• Residential properties

• Commercial properties

• Land or plots

However, land acquisitions are subject to additional obligations.

Special Obligation for Land Purchases

If a foreign national purchases land or agricultural property, they must submit a development project to the relevant authorities within two years and develop the property in accordance with the approved project.

Failure to comply may result in mandatory liquidation of the property.

How Does the Purchase Process Work?

The property acquisition process generally includes the following steps:

1️⃣ Obtaining a Tax Identification Number

Foreign buyers must obtain a Turkish tax number from a local tax office.

2️⃣ Preparation of Required Documents

• Passport (with notarized Turkish translation)

• Tax identification number

• Biometric photographs

• Title deed information of the property

• Property valuation report (mandatory in most cases)

3️⃣ Application to the Land Registry Office

Both parties apply jointly to the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate. The sale is completed in the presence of a land registry officer.

4️⃣ Transfer of Title Deed

Once the purchase price is paid and title deed fees are settled, ownership is officially registered in the foreign buyer’s name.

Effect on Turkish Citizenship Applications

Foreign nationals who purchase property above a legally determined threshold may be eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship, provided that all statutory requirements are met.

However, not every property purchase automatically grants citizenship, and each case requires a separate legal assessment.

Why Legal Assistance Is Essential

Property acquisition by foreigners in Türkiye involves multiple areas of law, including land registry law, administrative law, and foreign nationals law. Errors or omissions during the process may lead to:

• Cancellation of title deed

• Invalid sale transactions

• Mandatory liquidation of the property

For this reason, obtaining professional legal support before and during the purchase process is crucial to ensure a secure and legally sound transaction.

📌 For legal assistance regarding property acquisition in Türkiye, due diligence, and the management of the entire process, you may contact us directly.