Opening a bank account in Turkey

Opening an International Bank Account in Turkey:

Open an International Account Based on Global Currencies

Opening an international account based on global and reputable currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, etc. is now possible with just an Iranian passport and without Turkish residency.

Having your own international account and a linked Visa or Mastercard that you fully own can be much more preferable for many than working with intermediaries with high fees.

These accounts are life-long as long as you comply with Turkish banking regulations (which we will discuss below) and allow you to deposit and withdraw any currency from around the world.

Having a Bank Account in Turkey without Residency

If you are a non-resident of Turkey, you will need a valid address to provide to the bank.

You will also need to provide the bank with a water and electricity bill in your name to prove your residency in Turkey.

If you have Turkish residency, you can open an account at İş Bank.

However, even without residency, you can have an account at large and state-owned banks in Turkey.

The post “Turkish Residency” explains how to get a Turkish ID card or residence card in less than 2 months.

However, you can open an account at Ziraat Bank (without a dollar account) and VakıfBank (+ dollar account).

Have a Bank Account at Ziraat Bank Turkey

Ziraat Bank has various accounts.

The accounts opened for Iranians in this bank do not have a dollar currency and are based on 4 currencies: lira, euro, pound, and Swiss franc.

However, we will introduce banks that open dollar accounts for non-residents below.

Ziraat Bank is a state-owned bank in Turkey and is one of the oldest banks.

Ziraat Bank offers good services for depositing and carrying out banking activities in Turkey.

This bank also offers powerful electronic banking.

We will introduce Ziraat Bank’s mobile banking and internet banking services for opening a bank account in Turkey below.

Opening a bank account in Turkey by Ziraat Bank is usually done in less than a day.

Familiarity with Turkish banking

Turkey is connected to the international banking system. Due to the connection to the free world economy, you will not have any restrictions in terms of banking in Turkey. In other words, having a bank account in this country is not only for everyday tasks such as transferring money and paying bills, but you can also do much more important things.

Turkey has several banks, but a number of Turkish banks do not provide services to foreign nationals Two well-known private and public banks in Turkey.

1. Işbank is the first private bank in Turkey.

2. Ziraat Bank, which is the largest state-owned bank in Turkey.

Fortunately, the services of both of these banks are at a good level and will meet all your banking needs.

The important thing about opening a bank account in Turkey is that by opening an account, you will receive a Visa or MasterCard. These are two American companies that provide banking services around the world. This means that with this card, you will be able to pay from Turkey on foreign sites and also receive money from foreign countries. Of course, provided that you also activate the euro and dollar account when opening an account!

Best Banks in Turkey: A Guide for Expats and Investors

The Turkish banking system has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, making it increasingly attractive for foreign investors. This article delves into the top banks in Turkey, encompassing both state-owned and private institutions, that play a pivotal role in the country’s economy and actively encourage foreign investment.

İş Bankası:                                                                      

Established in 1924 during the era of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, İş Bankası stands as one of Turkey’s oldest and most reputable banks. Ranked among the world’s top 18th largest banks, İş Bankası boasts an extensive network of over 1,000 branches within Turkey and 21 international branches. Its comprehensive range of services caters to both domestic and international clientele, encompassing various banking accounts tailored to individual needs. Additionally, İş Bankası maintains strong global partnerships in Germany, Russia, and Georgia. Embracing the digital shift accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, İş Bankası has successfully expanded its

Ziraat Bankası:

Proudly holding the title of Turkey’s oldest bank, Ziraat Bankası commenced operations in 1863 with a primary focus on supporting the nation’s agricultural sector. Initially, the bank provided essential financial assistance to farmers by facilitating loans for the procurement of agricultural equipment. Headquartered in Ankara, Turkey’s capital city, Ziraat Bankası has garnered a reputation for its exceptional customer service and streamlined account opening procedures, making it a preferred choice among foreign individuals seeking banking services in Turkey.

Opening a bank account is one of the requirements of life in any country. If you intend to live in Turkey, opening a bank account will be one of your first steps.

VakıfBank

VakıfBank, established in 1957, is one of the renowned Islamic banks in Turkey. It offers innovative banking solutions and services to individuals and businesses. It is the first and only Turkish bank to receive a banking license in Qatar. VakıfBank has its own unique way of staying financially strong in the region. It also has branches all over the world, including New York, Erbil Iraq, Bahrain Coast, Australia, and Germany.

Garanti Bank

Next in our list of the best banks in Turkey is Garanti Bank. Established in 1946, it is the second-largest private bank in Turkey. Its assets are worth approximately $65.5 billion. The bank provides banking services to large and small businesses and has served over 20 million customers to date. It has over 869 domestic branches and 8 international branches.

DenizBank

DenizBank was founded in 1938 as a state-owned bank. In 1997, it was purchased from the public sector and transferred to the private sector. Then, the largest bank in the UAE, NBD, partnered with the bank, and its stock value reached $3.2 billion. This is a good reason for the confidence of foreign investors in the banking sector and the future of the Turkish economy. DenizBank Turkey is considered the fifth-largest private bank in Turkey with 708 branches in Turkey and 43 branches outside of Turkey.

Halkbank

Established in 1933 in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, Halkbank is considered one of the most desirable banks for businesses both in Turkey and abroad. A wide range of banking services are provided in this bank, including bill payments, money transfers within and outside Turkey, transactions outside Turkey, credit card issuance, and loans.

Opening an account in this bank is easy and you can easily control your account in this bank. It has over a thousand branches in Turkey and 5 branches outside Turkey.

Yapi Kredi Bank

Established in 1944 by Kazım Taşkent as Turkey’s first private bank, Yapi Kredi Bank has over 10 million customers and more than 1,000 branches. It is one of the largest investment and financial banks in Turkey.

You can definitely get to know these banks in Turkey by getting to know the best banks in Turkey. Foreigners can easily open an account in all banks. However, opening an account may differ from one bank to another. It is best to evaluate all of these banks and choose the one that best suits your needs. Before opening an account in any bank, you should know your purpose for opening an account in that bank and become a special customer in that bank

Bank Account Opening Fees in Turkey

Turkey Helper’s fee for receiving a debit and credit card at Ziraat Bank is $100 (around 3300 lira) all-inclusive, which is paid in full by you after opening the account and no fees are charged to the customer before then.

Turkey Helper also opens accounts at VakıfBank in addition to Ziraat Bank, which has different documents and requires translation of some documents, so the cost varies depending on the conditions. You can contact our experts to find out.

Since Turkey Helper is an official and registered institution, the customer must be present at the Istanbul office and will go to the bank with a Turkey Helper bank expert to open an account.

Please note that opening a bank account without residency in Turkey is not illegal. This is done by us through legal processes and is completely different from many similar services that are scams or illegal actions.

The post-opening account payment terms are designed to assure you that this process is legal and not a scam.

Also, no fees are charged from Iran for processing and the fee is paid in full after opening the account.

Required Documents for Opening Account banks

To open a bank account in Turkey, foreign individuals typically need to provide the following documents:

1. Original Passport: A valid passport is mandatory for identification purposes.
2. Turkish Residence Permit (Kimlik Kart): If you have a residency permit in Turkey, you will need to present your Kimlik Kart.
3. Tax Identification Number: Obtaining a Turkish tax identification number is crucial for opening a bank account. You can apply for this number online or at the Turkish tax office.
4. Turkish SIM Card: A Turkish SIM card is required to receive bank notifications and access mobile banking services.

Reasons for Opening an Account bank in this country

Opening a bank account in Turkey offers several advantages for foreign individuals:

1. Secure Financial Management: A bank account provides a safe and secure way to store and manage your money in Turkey.
2. Convenient Transactions: With a Turkish bank account, you can easily make payments, transfer funds, and withdraw cash within Turkey and internationally.
3. Access to Banking Services: You can avail various banking services, including online banking, mobile banking, debit cards, and credit cards.
4. Investment Opportunities: Bank accounts can facilitate investments in the Turkish stock market and other financial instruments.
5. Business Transactions: If you are running a business in Turkey, a bank account is essential for business transactions and receiving payments

Opening an Account bank for Non-Residents

Foreigners who do not reside in Turkey can open bank accounts under specific conditions:

1. Deposit Requirement: A minimum deposit of approximately $6,000 is typically required, and the funds must remain in the account for a specified period, often three months.
2. Authorized Representative: You may need to appoint an authorized representative in Turkey who can act on your behalf and handle account-related matters.
3. Turkish Tax Identification Number: Obtaining a Turkish tax identification number is still necessary for non-resident account holders.

Steps for Opening an Account bank in this country

The general process for opening a bank account in Turkey involves the following steps:

1. Select a Bank: Choose a reputable bank that suits your needs and preferences. Research and compare different banks’ offerings and fees.
2. Visit the Bank Branch: Visit the chosen bank branch with the required documents.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the bank’s account opening application form accurately and provide all the necessary information.
4. Submit Documents: Submit the original and copies of the required documents to the bank representative.
5. Deposit Funds: Make the initial deposit as required by the bank’s policy.
6. Account Activation: Once the verification process is complete, your account will be activated, and you will receive account details and access credentials.
7. Additional Services: You can request additional services like debit or credit cards, mobile banking, and online banking.

Additional Considerations

• Choose a Convenient Location: Select a bank branch that is easily accessible to you for regular transactions and account maintenance.
• Understand Fees and Charges: Carefully review the bank’s fee schedule and ensure you are aware of all applicable charges and commissions.
• Activate Mobile Banking: Set up mobile banking to conveniently manage your account on the go through your smartphone or tablet.
• Keep Account Information Secure: Protect your account details, login credentials, and bank cards to prevent unauthorized access and fraud.