What Foreigners Looking to Acquire Real Estate in Türkiye Need to Know

In Türkiye, acquisition of property ownership titles may only be approved upon registration at the land registry directorates.

Preliminary real estate contracts, issued by notaries or entered into by natural persons in writing, do not confer transfer of property per se. They only serve as a commitment for the transfer of ownership; the property in question does not change hands by means of such instruments.

Burdens such as mortgages, liens, and similar types of restrictions that may exist with regard to the said property that would prevent the sale thereof should be checked prior to the initiation of procedures at the respective land registry directorate.

Inquiries about properties may be made online at parselsorgu.tkgm.gov.tr, where specific details of the city, district, quarter/village, map section, and plot may be used to look up the property. Basic information on the real estate property, including its current status, is thus accessible online from anywhere in the world. Personal information of the owner remains inaccessible, however.

Foreign nationals do not need to have a residence permit as a pre-condition to acquire real estate in Türkiye. In addition, foreigners who acquire property in Türkiye are granted renewable short-term residence permits under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection.

A natural or legal person intending to acquire real estate in Türkiye is required to apply to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre together with the owner of the property. In addition, they may call the Alo 181 Call Center, offering service around the clock, or visit randevu.tkgm.gov.tr to make an appointment without having to visit the directorates’ offices in person.

Turkish companies with foreign capital, on the other hand, should first file an application at the Provincial Directorate of Planning and Coordination (PDPC) at the local governor’s office where the real estate is located. Once granted a positive response from PDPC, they should then apply to the Land Registry Directorate. These companies may apply in person, via post, or e-mail.

General Information

In Türkiye, the term “foreigner” is defined under three categories with respect to the acquisition of real estate:

Foreign natural persons
Foreign legal persons
Turkish companies with foreign capital
Article 35 of Law No. 2644 on Land Registry sets out provisions on the acquisition of real estate by foreign natural and legal persons. Article 36 sets out provisions on companies with foreign capital.

Countries whose nationals are eligible to acquire real estate in Türkiye are determined by the Cabinet of Ministers, who may also stipulate special conditions for acquisitions if deemed necessary.