How to Buy Property in Turkey from Pakistan

Citizens of Pakistan are allowed to own property in Turkey personally, and many do, mostly apartments in Istanbul. The purchase follows the same rules that apply to other foreign buyers, with a few practical points that are specific to buyers based in Pakistan: visas for viewing trips, how the money is sent and how documents are legalised. This guide walks through the purchase from first budget to title deed.

It is the starting point for our Pakistan series. Separate articles cover buying remotely from Pakistan, what property in Turkey costs for Pakistani buyers, property investment in Turkey for Pakistani investors and Turkish citizenship for Pakistani citizens.

Can Pakistani Citizens Buy Property in Turkey?

Yes. Pakistan is among the countries whose citizens may acquire real estate in Turkey. The general limits for foreign buyers apply: a single buyer may hold no more than 30 hectares nationwide, foreign ownership in any district is capped at 10% of privately owned land, and property inside military or security zones cannot be bought. Apartments in ordinary residential projects are not affected by these limits in practice. Our article can foreigners buy property in Turkey explains the rules in full.

How to Buy Property in Turkey from Pakistan: Step by Step

1. Set your goal and budget

Decide first whether the property is for your own use, for rental income, for a residence permit or as part of a citizenship application, because each goal points to a different type of property and price level. Add purchase costs to the asking price when you set the budget.

2. Shortlist and view

Compare districts and projects online, then view the shortlist in person or by live video. Holders of an ordinary Pakistani passport need a visa to enter Turkey. According to the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad, those who hold a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit can obtain a single-entry e-Visa for a stay of one month at evisa.gov.tr; everyone else applies for a sticker visa through the authorised visa application centres in Pakistan. Check the current requirements with the Turkish consulate before booking a trip. You can browse property for sale in Istanbul by district, and if travel is not possible a representative can carry out every stage on your behalf.

3. Tax number and bank account

Every buyer needs a Turkish tax number, which is issued on the passport, and in practice a Turkish bank account for the payment. Both can be arranged in a day when you are in Turkey, or by your representative under a power of attorney. See how to get a Turkish tax number and bank account.

4. Check the property

Before any money is paid, the title deed record should be checked for mortgages, liens and annotations, and the building for its occupancy permit. A valuation report from a licensed firm is required for sales to foreign buyers. Our property due diligence checklist lists the checks, and many buyers appoint an independent lawyer to carry them out.

5. Sign the contract and send the funds

A reservation or sales contract fixes the price and the payment schedule. The purchase price must reach the seller through the banking system, and foreign currency is converted at a Turkish bank, which issues an exchange certificate that the land registry asks for. On the Pakistani side, foreign exchange rules limit what residents can send abroad: the State Bank of Pakistan gives general permission only for specified purposes and amounts, and buying a home abroad is not one of the standard categories. Agree the route with your own bank in advance and keep every record. Buyers who live outside Pakistan usually pay from an account in their country of residence. More detail is in transferring money to Turkey to buy property.

6. Transfer the title deed

Ownership passes when the title deed (tapu) is signed at the land registry office. A title deed fee totalling 4% of the value declared at the registry is due at this stage, together with the first premium for compulsory earthquake insurance. A sworn translator attends if you do not speak Turkish. Documents issued in Pakistan, such as a power of attorney, need an apostille and a Turkish translation.

What Does It Cost?

Beyond the price of the property, set money aside for the deed fee, the valuer's report, sworn translation, notary charges, a lawyer if you appoint one, and furniture if the home will be let. Our breakdown of what buying property in Turkey costs gives typical amounts.

Residence and Citizenship Options

• Residence permit: a residence permit based on owning a home requires a property worth at least USD 200,000, a threshold that has applied across Turkey since 16 October 2023.
• Citizenship: buying property worth USD 400,000 or more makes a foreign investor eligible to apply for citizenship, subject to legal requirements and official approval; a valuation report must support the figure and the property has to be held for at least three years under a no-sale annotation. Our main page explains Turkish citizenship by investment.

After the Purchase

Owners who live in Pakistan usually need somebody on the ground to find tenants, collect rent and look after the property. Our property management in Turkey service covers this, and the guide on how to calculate rental yield helps you check the numbers before you buy.

To take the next step, browse our property for sale in Turkey, look through the guide to buying property in Turkey for the wider picture, or ask us any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to travel to Turkey to buy?

No. A representative holding a power of attorney can obtain the tax number, open the bank account and sign the title deed for you. Our remote buying guide for Pakistan explains how.

How long does the purchase take?

A ready property with clean documents can be transferred within a few weeks of the reservation. The timeline for buying property in Turkey shows each stage.

Can I buy jointly with my spouse or family?

Yes. A title deed can be registered in more than one name, with the shares stated on the deed.