Turkish Tax Number and Bank Account for Non-Residents

Buying property, signing a rental contract, setting up a company or even paying some bills in Turkey: almost everything starts with a Turkish tax number, the Vergi Numarası. The second step is usually a Turkish bank account.

Getting a tax number

A foreigner without a Turkish residence permit can get a potential tax number. It is issued by a tax office on presentation of a valid passport. In many cases it can also be requested online through the tax administration's digital services, or arranged by a lawyer or representative with a power of attorney.

Once you hold a residence permit, you receive a foreigner identification number starting with 99. This number is generally used as your tax number from then on, so keep your records consistent.

Opening a bank account

Non-residents can open accounts at many Turkish banks, but each bank sets its own rules. Typical requirements are:

• Valid passport
• Turkish tax number
• Turkish mobile phone number for online banking and verification codes
• Address in Turkey or abroad, sometimes with proof
• Explanation of the purpose of the account and the expected transactions

Why banks ask many questions

Turkish banks must follow anti-money-laundering rules and international sanction lists. For foreign customers they often ask for the source of funds, your profession and the reason for transfers. Being refused by one branch does not mean every bank will say no. Clear, honest documents help.

Transferring money from abroad

• Use international bank transfers instead of cash
• State the purpose clearly, for example the purchase of a specific property
• Keep the SWIFT confirmation, bank statements and any currency exchange receipts
• Expect fees and exchange rate differences from both banks

For property purchases linked to citizenship or residence applications, these documents are often requested later. A missing receipt can delay an application by weeks.

Taxes to keep in mind

Owning property or earning income in Turkey can create tax obligations, such as annual property tax or tax on rental income. Your home country may tax the same income too. Check both sides before you invest.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules as of 2026 – always check the current requirements before applying.

How Turkeyy App helps: book a Turkish lawyer in the app to arrange your tax number and banking steps by video call from anywhere in the world, or ask the AI assistant which documents your bank may ask for.