Foreigners who work or reside or want to start a business in Turkey need to open a bank account to carry out their financial processes. Whether living in Turkey or any other country, anyone can open a bank account in Turkish banks. Although the bank account opening process may differ from one Turkish bank to another, there are general procedures to follow while opening a bank account.

Documents for Opening a Bank Account in Turkey

The documents needed for foreigners to open a bank account in Turkey differ in three ways: foreigners who reside in Turkey, foreigners who do not reside in Turkey, and business owners who need a bank account for their company.

Documents needed for foreigners who reside in Turkey:

• Residence or work permit or temporary protection ID,
• Address document (utility bill, rental contract, or ID register copy).

Documents needed for foreigners who do not reside in Turkey:

• The potential tax number is taken from the tax office,
• Valid passport,
• Translated copy of an official document shows the address (utility bill or rent contract).

Companies are needed to obtain a tax identification number to open a bank account in Turkey. For the tax ID number, the company’s Articles of Association, a filled application form, and proof of the registered address of the company are needed. Corporate bank accounts can only be opened by a director with signing authority. These documents also must be submitted to the local bank:

• Tax ID number,
• The company’s Articles of Association,
• Application form,
• Proof of the registered address of the company.

Steps to follow while opening a bank account in Turkey for a foreign citizen:

• Prepare your valid passport (not older than ten years),
• Proof of your address paper (such as a copy of electric, water, or phone bill with your name on it),