Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — citizens from most countries are legally allowed to buy real estate in Turkey without needing a Turkish partner. Foreign buyers enjoy the same ownership rights as Turkish citizens.

Yes — certain nationalities have restrictions or limitations based on Turkish law. These include Syria, Armenia, Cuba, and North Korea. The restricted list can change, so it is always best to confirm current eligibility with a legal advisor.

No — a residence permit is not required to purchase real estate in Turkey. You can complete the purchase as a non-resident foreign national.

Yes, but special development requirements and public authority approvals apply, especially for farmland. Agricultural land purchases require permits and compliance with zoning rules.

Yes — foreigners cannot buy property in military prohibited zones or certain designated security zones. Due diligence will flag any such restrictions before you proceed.

Up to 30 hectares per individual, with a 10% foreign ownership cap per district. These limits apply across all of Turkey.

Usually only Turkish-registered companies, or foreign corporate entities with special legal permissions, can purchase property. Individual foreign buyers face fewer restrictions.

A Tapu is the official deed that legally proves property ownership in Turkey. It must be registered at the Land Registry Office (Tapu Sicili Müdürlüğü) and serves as the definitive proof of ownership.

Yes — a licensed SPK (Capital Markets Board) appraiser must provide an official valuation report to confirm the market value of the property. This is mandatory for citizenship-eligible purchases.

Due diligence involves legal checks to ensure the property has no outstanding debts, disputes, mortgages, legal restrictions, or zoning problems. Aurelia Privé conducts this on every property we recommend.

No — a private sales contract does not transfer legal ownership. The sale is only valid and legally binding when signed at an official land registry office or notary public.

A preliminary (or reservation) contract shows purchase intent and secures the property, but does not transfer ownership. Ownership is only transferred when the Title Deed (Tapu) is officially registered.

Yes — foreign buyers must obtain a Turkish Tax Identification Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) before completing any real estate transaction. It can be obtained quickly at any local tax office or online.

Yes — international property purchases must be routed through Turkish banks for legal compliance. Aurelia Privé guides you through the account opening process step by step.

It is a currency purchase certificate issued by a Turkish bank, proving that your funds were converted from foreign currency to Turkish Lira through official channels. It is a mandatory document for Turkish Citizenship by Investment property purchases.

No — all property payments must be documented and made via official bank transfer. Cash transactions are not legally recognized and do not satisfy citizenship documentation requirements.

A Power of Attorney is not legally required, but it greatly simplifies the process if you cannot be present in Turkey. A notarized POA allows your designated representative to handle all legal steps on your behalf.

Yes — through a notarized Power of Attorney, your lawyer or agent in Turkey can handle all transaction documents, including Tapu registration and government submissions, without you needing to travel.

Approximately 4% of the official property value — typically paid by the buyer. This is a one-time government fee paid at the time of title deed transfer.

VAT (KDV) varies between 1% and 20% depending on the property type and size. First-time buyers from certain categories may be eligible for VAT exemptions — our advisors clarify this based on your specific situation.

Yes — municipalities charge an annual ownership tax of approximately 0.1% to 0.6% of the assessed property value, depending on the district and property type.

Standard market rates are approximately 2–3% of the property value. Aurelia Privé discloses all advisory fees in writing before any commitment — there are no hidden charges.

DASK (Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu) is mandatory earthquake insurance required for all completed residential structures in Turkey. It is a low-cost annual policy and is required to complete the Tapu registration.

No — property ownership alone does not automatically grant a residence permit. A separate residency application must be submitted to the relevant authorities.

Approximately $200,000 USD (subject to annual regulation updates). This threshold applies per individual applicant.

At least $400,000 USD in real estate, with a mandatory three-year holding period from the date of the citizenship application.

Yes — the combined appraised value of multiple properties under the same applicant's name can be used, provided each property has an individual SPK-certified valuation and the total meets $400,000 USD.

Citizenship title requirements are specific. Joint ownership can complicate eligibility — legal consultation is essential to structure the purchase correctly for citizenship purposes.

Yes — your spouse and children under 18 are automatically included in your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application at no additional property cost.

Selling before the mandatory three-year holding period can void your citizenship eligibility and may result in rejection or revocation of the application. The property must be held for the full duration.

Yes — alternatives include bank deposits ($500,000+), government bonds ($500,000+), and qualifying corporate investments ($500,000+). Real estate remains the most popular and accessible route.

Apartments, villas, penthouses, duplexes, commercial units, retail shops, hotel units, and land (with restrictions) are all available to foreign buyers.

Citizenship eligibility is typically focused on residential properties. Commercial-only purchases generally do not qualify, though mixed-use properties may be assessed case by case.

Land must have active building plans or an approved construction project tied to it. Bare undeveloped land generally does not meet the citizenship investment criteria.

Yes — off-plan properties can qualify for citizenship, provided official preliminary sale agreements are in place, the SPK valuation is obtained, and the proper legal structure is followed.

A comprehensive legal assessment covering liens, prior ownership history, active lawsuits, building permits, mortgages, zoning restrictions, and any encumbrances on the property.

Citizenship applications can be rejected if the property has legal encumbrances, existing mortgages, or prior foreign ownership that was not properly resolved. A clean Tapu is mandatory.

A formal written report produced by a qualified lawyer, assessing all legal risks associated with the property before you commit to purchase. Aurelia Privé arranges this as standard on all recommended properties.

Passport (with notarized Turkish translation), Turkish Tax ID number, Tapu application forms, official SPK valuation report, DASK earthquake insurance, DAB certificate (for citizenship), and proof of bank transfer.

Not legally mandatory, but strongly recommended. A Turkish lawyer protects your interests by reviewing all contracts, conducting due diligence, and ensuring the transaction is legally sound.

Yes — some districts have been designated as restricted for new foreign residency applications due to saturation limits. Property ownership in those areas remains valid, but a separate residency permit may not be granted.

Yes — foreign property owners have the same rights as Turkish citizens to rent their property. Rental contracts must be formally registered, and rental income is subject to Turkish income tax.

Yes — rental income from Turkish property is subject to Turkish income tax. The applicable rate depends on the total annual rental income. Aurelia Privé can refer you to tax advisors familiar with foreign investor obligations.

Approximately 0.1–0.6% of the property's assessed value per year, collected by the local municipality. The exact rate varies by district and property type.

Site management fees (aidat) vary by development and cover shared facilities like security, pool, and landscaping. Individual unit maintenance costs depend on the property age and condition. Aurelia Privé's property management service handles this on your behalf.

Resale follows the same process as original purchase — Tapu transfer, relevant taxes, and capital gains tax (if the property is held for less than 5 years). After 5 years, capital gains on the sale are exempt from tax.

Always choose developers with verified government licensing, approved project permits, and a track record of completed deliveries. Aurelia Privé only lists and recommends developers we have personally vetted.

Outstanding developer debts can block the issuance of a clean Tapu, leaving the buyer legally exposed. Due diligence specifically checks for developer insolvency risk and project liens before you commit.

Common risks include fake listings, unofficial verbal agreements, inflated valuations, and developers without proper construction permits. Working with a licensed advisory firm and a qualified lawyer eliminates these risks.

There should never be. All legitimate costs — title deed tax, valuation fee, insurance, notary fees, and lawyer fees — are predictable and disclosed upfront. Aurelia Privé provides a complete cost breakdown before any commitment.

Typically 3–6 months after the complete application file is submitted to the Ministry of Interior. Timeline can vary based on document completeness and government processing schedules.