Opening a Bank Account in Turkey as a Foreigner: Documents, Banks and Islamic Banks

In short

A foreigner can open an account at a Turkish bank with a passport and a Turkish tax number, and many banks ask for proof of the account’s purpose, such as a property purchase contract or a residence permit. The account can hold lira, dollars and euros together, and participation banks operating on Islamic banking principles are available. Acceptance policies differ from bank to bank and branch to branch, so it helps to start with a branch used to foreign clients.

Written by Mohammed Uçkun, General manager

Last reviewed October 7, 2026

A Turkish bank account is not required to buy property, but it makes almost everything easier: timing the payment on tapu (title deed) day, paying property tax and bills, and receiving rent if you let the property. Many of our clients open one on their first visit, even before choosing a property.

What do you need?

A valid passport.
A Turkish tax number, which is essential. See the tax number guide for foreigners.
Proof of address in your country or in Turkey, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
Proof of the account’s purpose at many banks: a deposit or sale contract, the tapu, or a residence permit if you have one.
A phone number that receives verification messages, preferably a Turkish one for some services.

A multi-currency account

You can usually open an account holding several currencies: Turkish lira for daily expenses and taxes, and dollars or euros to receive large transfers. This is useful because you decide when and how much to convert into lira.

Participation (Islamic) banks

Alongside conventional banks, Turkey has participation banks (Katılım Bankaları) operating on Islamic banking principles, with profit-sharing accounts instead of interest. Many of our clients from the Gulf and the Arab world prefer them, and they offer the usual services: cards, apps and international transfers.

Why is an application sometimes refused?

No clear purpose: opening an account for a non-resident without an understandable reason raises compliance questions. A property purchase contract usually solves this.
Branch policy: branches in tourist and business areas have more experience with foreigners than small neighbourhood branches.
Different spellings of your name between the passport and the tax number.
Compliance requirements that change from time to time.

How does the account help you buy property?

Control over payment timing

Instead of waiting for an international transfer to arrive on tapu day, you transfer the money to your account in advance, then send it to the seller domestically within minutes at signing. We explain this in the guide to transferring the purchase price.

The citizenship file

The citizenship file requires the money to pass through Turkish banks and be converted with an official document. A Turkish account keeps this organised.

After the purchase

Annual property tax, water and electricity bills, maintenance fees (aidat) and the tenant’s rent if you let the property: all managed from the account by direct debit or the app. See the annual property tax guide.

Practical tips

Bring a translator or companion who speaks Turkish on your first visit to the bank.
Activate the app and online banking before you leave the branch, and make sure you receive verification messages outside Turkey.
Ask about fees: account fees, international transfer fees and currency exchange fees.
Update your details if you get a residence permit and a foreigner ID number starting with 99.

Summary

Open the account early, with your passport, tax number and purchase contract, at a branch used to foreigners. Choose between a conventional and a participation bank as suits you. It will spare you stress on tapu day and make managing your property easier afterwards.

We accompany our clients to the bank and arrange an appointment at a branch used to foreign buyers. Contact us.