Can Foreigners Buy Property in Turkey

The Turkish government has implemented policies that facilitate the real estate acquisition process for most foreign nationals, making it an accessible and user-friendly endeavor. However, it's important to note that there are a few exceptions to this rule. Citizens of certain countries, including Taiwan, Syria, Armenia, and others, are generally restricted from purchasing property in Turkey. Nevertheless, there is a notable exception to this restriction: individuals holding passports from these countries can still acquire property if they establish their own company within Turkey. This provision offers an alternative avenue for eligible individuals to invest in Turkish real estate.

Nationals who can buy from Turkey

Certain nationalities, such as citizens from Iraq, and Palestine, are required to seek permission from the Turkish Interior Ministry before they can proceed with a property purchase. Fortunately, obtaining this permission is typically not a major hurdle, and interestingly, both Iranians and Iraqis consistently rank among the top five nationalities in terms of real estate acquisitions in Turkey.

However, there are specific restrictions in place for citizens of Afghanistan, Albania, Egypt, Latvia, and Morocco, who are not permitted to buy agricultural land in Turkey.

For all other passport holders, there are generally minimal to no limitations on property acquisitions in Turkey. It's important to be aware of a few legal restrictions, including the Military Prohibited and Security Areas Act, which restricts property purchases near military zones, and the limitation on the amount of land one can acquire. In most cases, buyers can own up to 30 hectares of property, which should not exceed 10% of a town's total land area.

In the past year, international buyers have been seizing the opportunity to invest in Turkish real estate in unprecedented numbers. Istanbul, as the most sought-after city for property acquisitions, witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign real estate purchases. To put it in perspective, the city saw a staggering total of 26,469 units sold to overseas buyers during the last year alone

In terms of foreign property purchases, Antalya secured the second position with a notable count of 12,384 units, followed by Ankara with 3,672 units.

One notable advantage for property buyers in Turkey is that legal residency is not a prerequisite for real estate acquisition. Instead, once you own a property in the country, you automatically become eligible for residency. Furthermore, an enticing opportunity awaits those who invest in property valued at $400,000 USD or more. After maintaining ownership for three years, they become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship, making it an attractive proposition for those seeking long-term residency or dual citizenship.

Turkey's real estate market is renowned for its investor-friendly policies, featuring an efficient and expeditious process that often outpaces the timelines seen in many other countries. At Prime Property Turkey, our team of real estate and legal specialists is well-versed in all aspects of Turkish property acquisition. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance and guidance to our valued clients, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience throughout the entire process. Your property investment endeavors are in capable hands with us.