How to Obtain a Title Deed (Tapu) in Turkey

Published on Nov 8, 2023
Published on Mar 17, 2025
Kourosh Soleymani

Your Key to Property Ownership in Turkey
A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Buyers

Buying a home in Turkey is an exciting journey. Whether you’re looking for a holiday escape, a retirement retreat, or a smart real estate investment, Turkey offers affordable property prices, a stunning climate, and a welcoming lifestyle. But before you can truly call a home your own, there’s one essential document you need: the Turkish Title Deed (Tapu).

The Tapu is your legal proof of ownership, and without it, you’re not officially recognized as the owner of your property. It’s your golden ticket to security, legal rights, and peace of mind as a property owner in Turkey.

But many foreign buyers have questions:

Can I fully trust the Turkish government to protect my ownership rights?
Can I live in my home freely, or are there restrictions?
Can I let my friends stay in my house when I’m not in Turkey?
Can I sell my property to anyone, or does Turkey control who I can sell to?

These are all valid concerns, and in this guide, we’ll answer them clearly and in detail, while walking you through the entire process of obtaining a Tapu in Turkey—step by step.

What is the Tapu and Why is It So Important?

The Tapu (Turkish Title Deed) is an official land registry document issued by the Turkish government. It confirms that you legally own a property and provides essential details such as:

Your name as the owner
The property’s location and size
The type of property (residential, land, commercial, etc.)
Any legal restrictions or obligations

Without a Turkish Title Deed, you are not officially recognized as the owner, no matter what paperwork you have. That’s why obtaining it should be your top priority when purchasing property in Turkey.

Types of Turkish Title Deed

There are two main types of Title Deeds in Turkey:

Red Tapu (Kat Mülkiyeti & Kat İrtifakı) – This is for residential properties like apartments, villas, and houses. It confirms full ownership and legal building status.
Blue Tapu (Arsa Tapu) – This is for land ownership. If you buy land with a Blue Tapu, you may need to submit a construction plan within a certain timeframe.

Understanding the type of Tapu you need is essential before moving forward.

Can Foreigners Trust the Turkish Tapu System?

One of the biggest concerns foreign buyers have is: Can the Turkish government take my property back?

The answer is no. Foreigners have the same property rights as Turkish citizens, and once the Turkish Title Deed is legally transferred to your name, it is your property for life.

The only scenarios where a property might be taken back are:

If the government needs the land for a public project (like roads or parks), in which case you are fully compensated.
If you fail to pay property taxes for several years (but you’ll receive multiple warnings before any action is taken).
If the property was illegally built or has unpaid debts, so always verify the property’s legal status before buying.

Since 2012, Turkey has opened its real estate market to foreign investors, leading to thousands of successful transactions. As long as you follow the legal process, your ownership is 100% secure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Title Deed in Turkey

Step 1: Get a Turkish Tax Number (Vergi Numarası)

Before you can purchase property, you need a Turkish tax number, which is used for all legal and financial transactions.

To get one, simply visit a local tax office (Vergi Dairesi) with your passport. The process is quick and free—usually taking less than 30 minutes.

Step 2: Open a Turkish Bank Account

Turkey requires all real estate transactions for foreigners to go through a Turkish bank. Opening a bank account ensures:

Secure money transfers
Legal proof of payment
Compliance with Turkish financial regulations

You’ll need:

A notarized copy of your passport
Your Turkish tax number
A utility bill from your home country (to verify your address)

Step 3: Find a Property and Sign a Sales Agreement

Once you find the right property, you’ll sign a sales agreement with the seller. This agreement should clearly state the terms, including:

The final sale price
The Turkish Title Deed details
Any payment terms or conditions

Can I Live in My Property After Getting the Tapu?

Yes! Once the Tapu is in your name, you can live in your home without restrictions. If you plan to stay long-term, you can apply for a residence permit, which is easier to get if you own property.

FAQ: Common Questions About Tapu and Property Ownership in Turkey

Q: How long does it take to get the Tapu?

A: The process usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the workload at the Tapu Office and whether all documents are complete.

Q: Can foreigners inherit property in Turkey?

A: Yes! Foreigners can inherit property in Turkey, just like Turkish citizens. If the owner passes away, the property is legally transferred to their heirs.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Turkey?

A: While it’s not legally required, hiring a real estate lawyer can help ensure the process is smooth and that there are no hidden legal issues with the property.

Q: Can I sell my property anytime?

A: Yes, you can sell your property whenever you want, and you can sell it to anyone—Turkish or foreign buyers.

Q: Do I have to pay taxes when selling my property?

A: If you sell your property within 5 years of purchase, you may have to pay a capital gains tax on the profit.

Q: What happens if I don’t pay property taxes in Turkey?

A: If you fail to pay your annual property taxes, you may face fines or legal action. However, Turkish tax authorities give multiple warnings before any penalties are enforced.

Is Owning Property in Turkey a Good Idea?

Owning property in Turkey is a secure, rewarding investment. With clear legal protections, a stable Tapu system, and no hidden restrictions, it’s a fantastic opportunity for foreign buyers looking for a new home or investment.

If you’re considering buying, now is the perfect time to start your journey toward owning a home in Turkey!

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