Ownership in Turkey for Saudis

Do Saudis Have the Right to Own Real Estate in Turkey?

Saudi citizens have the right to freehold ownership of real estate in Turkey and to register it in their name at the land registry. This includes apartments, villas, shops, offices, and land, within the general restrictions applicable to all foreigners.

This right is based on the amendment of Article 35 of the Land Registry Law by Law No. 6302 in 2012. The amendment abolished the reciprocity requirement, which linked the foreigner's right to own property to the treatment of Turkish citizens in the foreigner's home country. Since then, the nationalities allowed to own property have been determined by a presidential decree, and Saudi nationality is among them.

Saudis were for years among the most prominent Arab buyers in the Turkish real estate market. Today, other nationalities top the list; in 2025, Russians came first, followed by Iranians and then Ukrainians. Saudi demand remains present at moderate levels, with Saudis having purchased thirty-six houses and three commercial properties in August 2026.

What Types of Real Estate Can Saudis Own in Turkey?

The Turkish real estate ownership law does not exclude any real estate categories from Saudi buyers, allowing them to own all types of built properties (such as apartments, villas, shops, offices, malls, industrial facilities, and various buildings), as well as undeveloped properties (such as lands of all types: construction or agricultural).

In this regard, Saudis have benefited from property ownership options in residential, commercial, or investment categories, which vary according to their investment aspirations or ownership objectives.

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What Are the Conditions for Saudis' Ownership in Turkey?

There are no special conditions for Saudis. Saudi citizens have the right to freehold ownership of real estate in Turkey and to register it in their name at the land registry, including apartments, villas, shops, and land. They are only subject to the general restrictions imposed on all foreign buyers:

• The total area of their properties must not exceed 30 hectares across Turkey and 10% of the area of the district eligible for private ownership.

• The property must not be located in a restricted military zone. Properties in special security zones require the governorate's permission.

• When purchasing vacant land, the building project must be submitted to the municipality within two years. When purchasing agricultural land, prior permission from the Ministry of Agriculture is required and an agricultural project must be submitted within two years.

• An appraisal report by a licensed expert is required before the transfer of ownership.

Documents Required for Saudis to Own Real Estate in Turkey

Saudi buyers need the same documents required for any foreign buyer:

1. Valid Passport: Accompanied by a Turkish translation from a sworn translator, certified by a notary public (Noter) upon request.

2. Turkish Tax Number: Obtained from any tax office with the passport, linked to all owner’s tax transactions in Turkey.

3. Two Recent Passport Photos: Inserted in the land registry system and on the title deed.

4. Property Appraisal Report: Mandatory for sales to foreigners, issued by a licensed expert from the Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK).

5. Receipt of Land Registry Fee Payment: Paid before the signing appointment at the land registry office.

6. Compulsory Earthquake Insurance Document (DASK): Required to complete ownership transfer for residential properties.

7. Official Power of Attorney if Not Present: Issued at the Turkish consulate in Saudi Arabia or at a notary in Turkey.

If the buyer is not proficient in Turkish, the presence of a sworn translator is required during the signature at the land registry office.

Property Ownership in Turkey for Saudis and Residency

Turkey has captured the hearts of a wide segment of Saudis due to its many advantages, its captivating nature, pleasant climate, proximity to the Arab region, culture closer to Islamic world countries—it is one of them—as well as its open markets and thriving work and investment opportunities across various sectors. Moreover, it offers educational environments, skill development possibilities, medical care, and treatment options...

For all these reasons, many Saudi brothers chose Turkey as a new home and companion to their original homeland, thus flourishing property ownership aimed at obtaining real estate residency, which is one of the legal residency options for foreigners in Turkey.

According to recent updates effective from 16/10/2023, the new Turkish law confirmed the possibility of obtaining real estate residency in Turkey for any foreigner (including Saudis and their family members) who owns property in Turkey worth 200,000 USD or its equivalent.

The same decision allowed those who owned property or properties in Turkey before this decision to benefit from the previous regulation, which set the minimum property value at 75,000 USD or its equivalent in major cities, and 50,000 USD or its equivalent in smaller cities.

Also read: Living in Turkey for Saudis

Property Ownership in Turkey for Saudis and Turkish Citizenship

Saudi citizens are eligible to apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship if they purchase one or more properties with a total value of no less than 400,000 USD or its equivalent. Four conditions apply:

• Three-Year Sale Restriction: A notation is placed in the land registry preventing sale of the property for 3 years from the purchase date.

• Currency Purchase Document (DAB): The full payment in foreign currency is transferred to a bank in Turkey, sold to the Central Bank, and the buyer obtains this document.

• Compliance Certificate (Uygunluk Belgesi): Obtained from the land registry office, confirming fulfillment of the investment condition.

• Purchase on Plan: Allowed with a notarized sales contract, provided full payment is made in advance and a commitment not to transfer ownership for 3 years is recorded.

Multiple properties can be combined to reach the required amount.

Saudi and Want to Own Property in Turkey? Consult Imtilak Real Estate

Whether your goal is property ownership in Turkey for residency, investment, or to benefit from the advantages of Turkish citizenship, Imtilak Real Estate is your partner to experience property ownership with the best conditions and specifications, benefiting from our extensive real estate portfolio at Imtilak and our wide experience in the Turkish real estate sector.

Imtilak Real Estate offers its consulting services to investors and those interested in property ownership in Turkey with dedication and unrivaled practical experience, supported by our strongest team in the field of ownership and real estate investment, established to serve you and grow with your trust.

Upon your first contact with Imtilak Real Estate, you will experience the professionalism of our management in the consultation and service we provide, along with an introduction to our rich offers and our comprehensive free service packages covering all stages of ownership, with everything preceding, accompanying, or surrounding it.

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You can watch other episodes about ownership by other nationality holders in Turkey within this series, such as Palestinian Ownership in Turkey, Jordanian Ownership in Turkey, and Yemeni Ownership in Turkey.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©