Opening a bank account in Turkey

Some major banks in Turkey allow opening a bank account online, especially after the Corona crisis, and each bank has its own conditions listed on its website to make things easier for people.

Recently, Turkey has witnessed remarkable development in the banking sector. Among the most important private, government, and Islamic banks in Turkey that allow opening an account in the simplest ways are:

• Ziraat Bank: Considered the oldest and second largest bank in Turkey, it offers electronic services via the internet and banking networks, as well as special services for smartphones through the bank's dedicated applications.
• AK Bank: Known as the White Bank, it was established in 1948 and provides banking services to individuals, projects, and large and small institutions.
• Finans Turkiye Bank: Founded in 1987, it is the main partner of the National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia and provides most traditional banking services. It is also the first bank to offer an installment card in the field of banking services in Turkey.
• Vakif Bank: Established in 1957, it offers first-class services to all types of commercial companies as well as individuals.
• IŞ Bank: The first Turkish bank in the Republic of Turkey, founded in 1924, and ranked among the world's top 100 banks. It provides banking services and significant support for industrial developments and economic infrastructure financing.
• AlBaraka Bank: Established in 1984 in Istanbul, it is an Islamic bank and offers investment services to both local and foreign clients with ease.

This bank is one of the major banks in the world, providing financial and banking services. Its headquarters is located in London. The process of opening an account requires a tax number, a copy of the passport, a residence permit, in addition to filling out the bank's form and providing a personal signature.

This bank is one of the largest banks in the world, offering financial and banking services. The process of opening an account requires a tax number, a copy of the passport, a residence permit, in addition to filling out the bank form and providing a personal signature. The minimum amount required to open the account is five thousand US dollars or its equivalent in euros or Turkish lira.

This bank is an Islamic bank and does not deal with non-Islamic interest. It also offers the Arabic language on its ATM machines and online application, and there are employees who speak Arabic. To open an account, you need a valid passport, a tax number, and a valid residence permit. If a tourist residence permit is not available, you can provide proof of address outside Turkey and have it translated into Turkish.

It is possible for non-residents to open a bank account in Turkey, as it is not required to be physically present in Turkey to complete the process. All transactions can be carried out online from outside Turkey, making it possible for foreigners to open a bank account in Turkey. However, some banks may require a Turkish mobile phone number to send a text message for ownership verification. In general, some banks assist in opening the account.

Only a few simple things are required to open a bank account in Turkey, and the documents include the following:

• Passport and residence permit.
• Tax number.
• Proof of address.
• Signing the bank registration form.

It is possible to open a bank account in Turkey without having a residence permit, and in general, most banks assist in opening the account even if you do not have a residence permit. The best solution is to explain your situation to the employee you are dealing with, and they will find a suitable solution for you through their experience with the bank's specific regulations.

Many Turkish banks allow Syrians to open accounts using the Kimlik card, including Ziraat Bank, Kuveyt Turk Bank, and Vakif Katilim Bank. Additionally, having a passport expands the options for opening bank accounts for Syrians residing in Turkey.