Foreigners Owning Immovable Property in Turkey

One of the most important principles of international law is the principle of reciprocity. The principle of reciprocity, also known as the principle of reciprocity, is the recognition of the rights granted to Turkish citizens in foreign countries to the citizens of that country in Turkey.

In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, foreigners could acquire immovable property in Turkey. In other words, citizens of countries where Turks could acquire real estate could also acquire real estate in Turkey. However, with the law amendment made on 03/05/2012, the conditions for foreigners to acquire real estate in Turkey have been simplified. With the said amendment, the principle of reciprocity, that is, reciprocity, was abolished for the citizens of 183 countries in Turkey. Now, there is no legal obstacle for the citizens of countries where Turkish citizens cannot acquire real estate to acquire real estate in Turkey. The legislator made this change in order to pave the way for foreign investments in Turkey and abolished the principle of reciprocity.

Foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey can obtain a residence permit in Turkey by applying for a short-term residence permit in accordance with the International Protection Law No. 6458. In the old law period, a 3-month residence permit was given to the foreigner depending on the real estate. According to the current law, a residence permit for a maximum of 1 year is given to a foreigner who owns immovable property.

Family members of foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey and have obtained a residence permit depending on the immovable property can reside in Turkey within the scope of family residence permit. However, the duration of the residence permit of the foreigner who has obtained a family residence permit cannot be longer than the residence permit period of the sponsor. In addition, family members with a work permit do not need to apply for a family residence permit. Because the work permit is also valid instead of the residence permit, there is no need to apply for a second residence permit.

In order for the foreigner to apply for a residence permit attached to the immovable, the immovable must be a residence and used for residence purposes. If family members have shared or joint ownership of the house, family members can also apply for a residence permit attached to the immovable property.

Required Documents for Foreigners Owning Immovable Property

1. Residence Permit Application Form;

2. Passport or original or photocopy of valid substitute document;

3. Statement of having sufficient and regular financial means during the stay (the Administration may request supporting documents);

4. Valid Health Insurance;

5. Official, e-signed/signed and sealed/stamped title deed showing that the residence belongs to the person.