Can I open a bank account in Turkey?

If you want to invest or settle in Turkey, you may wonder how to open a bank account in Turkey as a foreigner. Yes! Any foreigner who has a Tax ID number and has a Turkish work or residence permit has the right to open an account by providing the necessary documents without any restrictions.

Documents for opening a bank account in Turkey

• Your passport. (The bank will get a copy of the passport only for the registration process.)
• Proof of address related to your residence in Turkey. (If you have a residence permit, this may be enough, but banks can often require that a bill be presented in your name, such as an electricity or water bill.)
• Tax ID number(You can apply for the tax number from your local tax office and get it easily at the same time. You can also get your tax number online.)

Can I open a Turkish bank account from the UK?

Yes! Any foreigner with a passport, tax ID number and a proof of address related to your residence in Turkey has the right to open an account so easily. 

Can I open a bank account in Turkey without residence permit?

No, to open a bank account in Turkey, you must have a residence permit. However, this does not mean that you have to be in Turkey to open a bank account.If you have a residence permit, you can open a bank account from abroad by giving the power of attorney to a lawyer.

Can I open a bank account in Turkey with power of attorney?

You can open a bank account in Turkey with the help of one of our lawyers who will take care of all the relevant procedures. You do not need to travel to Turkey as one of our experts can handle the formalities of opening a bank account in Turkey.

How to open a bank account in Turkey as a company?

The first thing that the foreign company should do is obtaining a “potential tax number” from the Tax Authority. Application can also be made by proxy through a duly issued Power of Attorney. Identifying corporate documents are also necessary. Both the Tax Registry and the relevant bank(s) require a notarized copy of the company’s certificate of activity. A certificate of activity is issued either by the Chamber of Commerce or authorized courts. Some banks also require a notarized copy of the foreign company’s Articles of Association.

Which bank is good for foreigners in Turkey?

First thing for foreigners would have in mind would be “Does this bank have English speakers?” Regarding that matter, mostly all the Turkish banks have English speakers, and also, an English interface in their websites, ATMs, and smartphone applications.

• Ziraat Bankası
• Garanti BBVA
• İş Bankası
• AkBank
• Yapı Kredi Bankası
• VakıfBank
• DenizBank

Best bank in Turkey for students

All the banks we have mentioned are student friendly. They offer special opportunities to students. (such as low credit card interest rates than usual)

**This study is prepared by Kula Law Office. Please contact by e-mail ([email protected]) or call at +902324350604 for publication of the article in other channels, detailed information and questions about the subject.