Buying Property in Turkey from Russia: A Guide for Russian Buyers
A practical guide for Russian buyers in Turkey: visa-free visits, apostilled documents, bank checks and transfer limits, tax treaty points, residence permits and where to buy.
Russian citizens have been the largest group of foreign home buyers in Turkey in recent years, according to official TÜİK statistics. Visa-free travel, direct flights and the lifestyle of Istanbul and the coast all attract buyers. The legal process is the same as for other foreigners, but banking, transfers and tax planning need particular care for Russian buyers. This guide focuses on those points.
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or compliance advice. Transfer rules, sanctions and banking practices change, so check the current position before you act.
Can Russian Citizens Buy Property in Turkey?
Yes. Russian citizens can buy property in Turkey under the general rules for foreign buyers, outside military and security zones and within the area limits that apply to all foreigners. See can foreigners buy property in Turkey? For the latest buyer statistics, read who buys property in Turkey.
Travelling for Viewings
Russian citizens can generally visit Turkey without a visa for short stays, and there are frequent flights to Istanbul and the coastal cities. Check the current permitted length of stay before you travel, especially if you plan a long viewing trip.
Documents and Apostille
- Passport: use your international passport, with a notarised Turkish translation for the land registry.
- Apostille: Russia is a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents issued by a Russian notary, such as a power of attorney, generally need an apostille and a sworn Turkish translation.
- Consulate option: a power of attorney issued at a Turkish consulate in Russia avoids the apostille step.
- Name spelling: the Latin spelling of your name must match on the passport, translation, tax number and bank documents.
See our checklist of documents needed to buy property in Turkey and our guide to buying with a power of attorney.
Banking, Transfers and Compliance
Since 2022, Turkish banks have applied stricter checks to transactions involving Russia because of international sanctions, even though Turkey itself has not joined those sanctions. In practice:
- Account opening may take longer, and some banks may ask for additional documents or decline certain customers.
- Expect detailed questions about the source of funds and the route of the transfer, and prepare supporting documents in advance.
- Transfers must come through legal, documented channels. The currency is sold to a Turkish bank, which issues the purchase certificate required at the land registry.
- Russia has applied limits on outbound transfers by its residents, which have changed several times. Confirm the current limits with your bank before agreeing a payment schedule.
Read more in transferring money to Turkey to buy property and our guide to getting a Turkish tax number and bank account.
Tax Points
- Purchase costs in Turkey are the same for Russian and other foreign buyers. See the total cost of buying property in Turkey.
- Rental income from Turkish property is taxable in Turkey.
- Turkey and Russia have a double taxation agreement, which can affect how rental income and gains are taxed in each country.
- Russian tax residents may have reporting obligations in Russia for foreign accounts and income. Check with a tax adviser.
Living in Turkey After the Purchase
A property can support a residence permit application, but conditions apply and some neighbourhoods are closed to new residence registrations for foreigners. Check the specific address before buying if you plan to live there. See our guide to short-term and family residence permits.
Where Russian Buyers Often Look
- Istanbul: central districts and business areas such as Şişli and Beşiktaş, family areas such as Başakşehir and coastal districts such as Zeytinburnu.
- Coastal cities: Antalya and the Mediterranean coast attract many lifestyle buyers. Our focus is Istanbul, where city services, schools and business opportunities are concentrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Russians buy property in Turkey?
Yes, under the general rules for foreign buyers.
Can Russians open a bank account in Turkey?
Generally yes, but banks apply strict compliance checks and may ask for additional documents. Plan this step early.
Do Russian documents need an apostille?
Yes, documents from a Russian notary generally need an apostille and a sworn translation. A power of attorney from a Turkish consulate avoids this.
Is there a tax treaty between Turkey and Russia?
Yes. Turkey and Russia have a double taxation agreement. Ask an adviser how it applies to you.
Start Your Search
Follow each step in our property buyer's guide for Turkey, browse property for sale in Istanbul, read our Property Turkey guide or contact our team for a personalised shortlist.