Citizenship and Property

Citizenship and Property

• In Turkey (Turkiye), 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.
• Foreign nationals do not need to h​ave a residence permit as a pre-condition to acquire real estate in Turkey (Turkiye). In addition, foreigners who acquire property in Turkey (Turkiye) 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 Turkey (Turkiye) 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.

Legal Restrictions on Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreign Natural Persons

• If granted permission, natural persons of foreign origin may acquire any real estate in areas where private property is allowed (residential, commercial, land lot, agricultural etc.).
• If the real estate acquired does not include any previously built construction, the owner of the foreign origin is to apply to the relevant public administration within two years in order to develop a p​roject.
• A natural person of foreign origin may acquire real estate and limited rights in rem anywhere in Turkey (Turkiye) of up to 30 hectares. The Cabinet of Ministers may grant larger areas if deemed appropriate.
• Total acquisition by natural persons of foreign origin may not exceed ten percent of the total district area where private property is allowed. Foreigners’ request for acquisition shall not be permitted in case the ten percent limit is exceeded.​​