Tax Number and Bank Account Consultancy

BKT is a private consultancy and translation company; it is not a government body. It does not itself issue official documents, does not represent any government institution and is not affiliated with one. Applications are made to the competent government institutions; we provide only consultancy on file preparation, translation and follow-up.

The first thing foreign nationals need in order to buy property, set up a company, take out a utility subscription or pay a residence permit official fee in Türkiye is a potential tax identification number. For people who do not hold a foreign national identity number, this number forms the basis of official transactions.

For a tax number and account opening, banks usually ask for proof of address and status, so the residence process is planned together with the account opening. Other services frequently needed in the same file: residence permit consultancy, passport and ID translation and company formation for foreign nationals.

When it comes to opening a bank account, banks assess the documents relating to identity, address and the purpose of the transaction according to their own internal rules. At BKT we complete the tax number application, prepare the document set the bank requires and, on request, provide interpreter accompaniment during the procedures.

Who is it for?

• Foreign nationals who will purchase immovable property in Türkiye
• Shareholders who need a tax number before a company formation
• Foreign nationals who will pay residence permit official fees and other official payments
• Foreign nationals wishing to open a bank account in Türkiye
• Those who need an account for rent, subscription and bill payments
• Investors who will make payments in the Turkish citizenship by investment process

Required documents

The list below is for a typical case. Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality, the type of application and the practice of the relevant authority; the definitive list is given to you in writing at the initial consultation.

• Passport and its notarised translation
• Address declaration or certificate of residence
• Foreign national identity number and residence permit card, if any
• Document relating to the purpose of the transaction (preliminary title deed agreement, company paperwork, etc.)
• Income or source of funds declaration documents requested by the bank

The process step by step

1. 1

   Tax number application

   The potential tax identification number is obtained through the tax office or by electronic application.

2. 2

   Document preparation

   The passport translation, address declaration and documents relating to the purpose of the transaction are prepared.

3. 3

   Choice of bank

   Bank options suited to the purpose of your transaction, with favourable conditions for accepting foreign customers, are assessed.

4. 4

   Branch procedures

   Interpreter accompaniment and support in completing the forms are provided during the account opening.

5. 5

   Afterwards

   Basic guidance is provided on internet banking, cards and transfers.

Common mistakes

• Submitting the passport translation without notarisation
• Going to the branch without documentary evidence of the address declaration
• Not having the document explaining the purpose of the transaction to hand
• The spelling of the name on the tax number differing from the passport
• Leaving the account opening to the same day as the title deed appointment

Steps for opening a bank account

For a foreign national, opening a bank account begins with obtaining a tax identification number. When a foreigner opens a bank account, banks generally ask for a passport, a tax number, a declaration of address and, at some branches, a notarised translation of the passport; the list of documents requested varies from bank to bank.

We keep track of which bank asks for which document when a foreigner opens an account, book the appointment and prepare the necessary translations in the same office. We deal only with account openings in Turkey; we do not offer a service for opening accounts abroad.