What Documents Are Needed for the Transaction?

Why a Complete Set of Documents Is Key to a Successful Transaction

Buying property in Turkey is a well-established and transparent process, but it requires strict compliance with the regulations set by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü). The key difference between the Turkish system and many others is that ownership is transferred only upon registration with the cadastre and issuance of the TAPU — the title deed. A signed sales contract alone does not make you the owner. That is why it is so important to prepare a complete set of documents in advance and understand what is needed at each stage.

Below is a detailed list of documents required for a real estate transaction in Turkey in 2025. The list is relevant for both foreign buyers and sellers.

Documents from a Foreign Buyer: Complete List

Whether you are buying an apartment in Alanya, a villa in Antalya, or an investment property in Istanbul, the basic set of documents is the same. Here is what you as a buyer will need:

1. International Passport and Its Notarized Translation

The main identification document for a foreigner is a valid international passport. For the transaction, you will also need a notarized translation of the passport into Turkish. The translation is carried out by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) and certified by a notary office (noter). Without this document, the land registry office will not accept your details.

2. Tax Identification Number (Vergi Numarası)

The Turkish tax number is a 10-digit code assigned to every taxpayer. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, register the TAPU, or pay taxes related to the transaction. You can obtain the tax number in two ways:

• Online — through the official website of the Turkish tax office (Interactive Tax Office), by providing your passport details. It is quick, free, and can be done even before arriving in the country.
• In person — at any tax office (Maliye Vergi Dairesi). You will need your international passport and a copy.

The procedure is free and takes from 15 minutes to one day.

3. Photographs

To obtain the TAPU, you need 2 passport-size color photographs. They can be taken at any photo studio in Turkey — in major cities, this is inexpensive and takes just a few minutes.

4. Property Valuation Report (Değerleme Raporu)

A professional market value appraisal is a document prepared by an accredited appraiser. Since 2024, the valuation report is mandatory only when purchasing property for the purpose of obtaining citizenship. However, even if you are not seeking citizenship, reputable agencies recommend ordering an appraisal: it confirms that the property price matches the market and protects against inflated figures on the TAPU.

5. DAB Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi — Currency Exchange Certificate)

If you plan to obtain Turkish citizenship in the future through real estate investment, you will need a DAB certificate — a document confirming the exchange of foreign currency into Turkish lira through a bank. The certificate is issued by the bank at the time of exchange and proves that payment for the property was made in accordance with currency legislation. The amount on the DAB must exactly match the amount stated on the TAPU.

6. Sworn Translator

If the buyer does not speak Turkish, the presence of a sworn translator at the transaction in the land registry office is mandatory. This is required by law: the registrar must ensure that the foreigner fully understands the content of the documents being signed. Translator's services are paid separately.

7. Notarized Power of Attorney (Vekaletname) — if needed

If you cannot be present at the transaction in person, you will need a notarized power of attorney for a representative — a lawyer, real estate agent, or trusted person. The power of attorney is executed at a Turkish notary and allows the representative to sign documents and register the TAPU on your behalf.

Documents from the Seller: What the Property Owner Must Provide

It is equally important to verify the seller's documents — this is a key due diligence step that helps avoid legal risks. Here is what the seller should have:

• TAPU (Tapu Senedi) — the original title deed for the property. It is important to check the owner's details against the ID document and make sure there are no encumbrances (mortgage, attachment) on the property.
• ID document (Kimlik) — for Turkish citizens, or a foreign passport with a residence permit for foreign sellers.
• DASK — compulsory earthquake insurance. The policy must be valid at the time of the transaction.
• Certificate of no debts — a document from the municipality (belediye) and the site management (site yönetimi), confirming there are no outstanding debts on property tax, utility bills, and common area maintenance fees.

Final Document: TAPU — the Title Deed

After all documents are verified, taxes are paid (4% of the cadastral value — 2% from each side), and papers are signed in the presence of the registrar, the buyer receives the TAPU — the main document confirming property ownership in Turkey. It contains:

• Full name and photograph of the new owner;
• Cadastral data of the property: address, area, type, layout;
• Cadastral value;
• Information on previous owners;
• Details of encumbrances (if any).

From this moment, the transaction is considered complete and you are the full legal owner.

Additional Documents: Residence Permit and Citizenship

If your goal is not just property ownership, but also obtaining a residence permit or citizenship, take into account the additional requirements:

• For a residence permit (İkamet) — you will need a TAPU with a cadastral value of at least 75,000 USD (for properties purchased after October 16, 2023) or at least 50,000 USD in certain regions. You also need a medical insurance policy and an address registration document.
• For citizenship — the minimum cadastral value on the TAPU must be 400,000 USD. You must have: a valuation report, a DAB certificate, and confirmation that the property was not sold in the previous 3 years by someone who obtained citizenship based on it.

Conclusion

Preparing documents for a real estate transaction in Turkey is a process that leaves no room for improvisation. The absence of even one document can delay registration for weeks or completely ruin the deal. It is recommended to work with a licensed real estate agency and, if necessary, involve an independent lawyer — especially during the stage of verifying the seller's documents and the property. This is a small price for peace of mind and the assurance that your investment is protected.