August 1, 2023
- The acquisition of real estate titles in Türkiye is approved only through registration at the land registry offices.
- Pre-contracts for real estate made by notaries or in writing with individuals do not constitute a transfer of ownership by themselves. These pre-contracts only serve as a commitment for the transfer of ownership and do not result in the property changing hands through such documents.
- There can be encumbrances on the property, such as mortgages, liens, or other restrictions that could prevent its sale, and these should be checked before initiating any procedures at the relevant land registry office.
- Online inquiries about properties can be made at parselsorgu.tkgm.gov.tr using the city, district, neighborhood/village, page, and parcel information. This allows access to essential property information, including its current status, from anywhere in the world. However, the personal information of the property owner cannot be accessed.
- Foreign nationals do not need to have a residence permit as a prerequisite to acquire real estate in Türkiye. Additionally, foreigners who purchase property in Türkiye are eligible to obtain a renewable short-term residence permit under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection.
- Individuals or legal entities intending to acquire real estate in Türkiye should apply to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadaster together with the property owner. They can also make an appointment without having to visit the offices in person by calling the 181 Call Center, which provides 24-hour service, or by visiting the website randevu.tkgm.gov.tr.
- On the other hand, Turkish companies with foreign capital must first apply to the Provincial Planning and Coordination Directorate in the province where the real estate is located. After receiving a positive response from the Provincial Planning and Coordination Directorate, they should apply to the Land Registry Office. These companies can apply in person, by mail, or by email.
General Information
In Türkiye, the term “foreigner” is defined in three categories concerning real estate acquisition:
- Foreign individuals
- Foreign legal entities
- Turkish companies with foreign capital
The provisions regarding the acquisition of real estate by foreign individuals or legal entities are specified in Article 35 of the Land Registry Law No. 2644. Article 36 includes the provisions related to companies with foreign capital.
Countries whose citizens have the right to acquire real estate in Türkiye are determined by the Council of Ministers, and if deemed necessary, the Council of Ministers can apply special conditions regarding real estate acquisition.
Source: Invest Türkiye- Translated by Karen Audit – KarenAudit owns the rights to this translation, and any unlawful use is forbidden.
Legal Notice: The information in this article is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended for professional information purposes specific to a person or an institution. Every institution has different requirements because of its own circumstances even though they bear a resemblance to each other. Consequently, it is your interest to consult on an expert before taking a decision based on information stated in this article and putting into practice. Neither Karen Audit nor related person or institutions are not responsible for any damages or losses that might occur in consequence of the use of the information in this article by private or formal, real or legal person and institutions.
