Turkish tax number for foreigners: how to get one and why you need it

When a client starts the buying process with us, the first request on the list is always the same: “the tax number”. It is effectively your financial identity in Turkey: it goes on the sale contract and in the tapu (land registry) record, and it is required to open a bank account, to connect water and electricity, and for almost every official transaction. The good news is that getting one is among the easiest procedures.

What is the tax number?

A ten-digit number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) issued by the Turkish tax administration to anyone carrying out a financial transaction in Turkey. Turks use their ID number, while a non-resident foreigner gets a tax number of their own. It does not mean you have become a “taxpayer” who owes annual taxes; it is simply an identification number.

Three ways to get it

1. From a tax office in Turkey

The most common route. You go to any tax office (Vergi Dairesi) with your passport and a copy of it, fill in a short form, and usually receive the number in writing on the spot. Some offices ask for a sworn translation of the passport page, so we accompany our clients or prepare the translation in advance.

2. From the Turkish consulate in your country

Turkish consulates issue tax numbers to people who want to carry out transactions in Turkey. This is useful if you want to finish the paperwork before you travel, or if you are buying by power of attorney without being present.

3. Online

Turkey’s digital tax platform lets foreigners apply for a tax number by uploading a photo of their passport and filling in their details. The service is practical, but you may be asked to confirm some details in person, so we treat it as a complementary option rather than a guaranteed alternative.

Documents required

• A valid passport.
• A copy of the data page, with a sworn Turkish translation if requested.
• Your address in your home country and a phone number.
• Sometimes your father’s and mother’s names, as these are fields on the official form.

Where will you use the number?

1. The sale contract and the tapu record: your number is written on the official documents.
2. Paying the tapu fee: the fee is linked to your tax number.
3. Bank account: no Turkish bank will open an account for a foreigner without a tax number. See the guide to opening a bank account in Turkey.
4. Earthquake insurance (DASK): the policy is issued in your name and under your number.
5. Annual property tax: it is registered to you at the municipality under your number.

After residence: the 99 number

If you obtain a residence permit in Turkey, you are given an 11-digit foreigner ID number starting with 99. This number replaces the tax number in most systems and is usually linked to your old tax number automatically. Make sure your details at the bank and the municipality are updated with the new number.

Common mistakes

• Different spellings of your name: your name is written in Latin letters exactly as in your passport. A single letter’s difference between the tapu and the bank can hold up a later transaction.
• Getting two numbers: do not apply for a new number if you already have one; ask to retrieve it instead.
• Not updating the number: if you renew your passport, update its details with the tax office.

Summary

The tax number is a small step, but it opens the door to everything that follows. Get it early, keep the paper with your passport, and make sure your name matches on every document. Then move on to the rest of the steps for foreigners buying property.

We accompany our clients to get the number on the day they arrive. Contact us to arrange it before your visit.