Opening a Bank Account in Turkey: 2026 Guide
Personal vs company accounts compared, requirements, process and the most foreigner-friendly options.
Personal account vs. company account
The key differences at a glance.
| Criterion | Personal account | Company account |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Passport + Vergi Numarası (tax ID) | MERSİS registration + tax ID + incorporation documents + signature circular (imza sirküleri) |
| Residence permit needed? | no, at selected banks (e.g. Ziraat, VakıfBank) | no for account opening, but the authorized representative must be identified |
| Minimum deposit | often $2,000-5,000, bank-dependent | depends on the share capital that must be deposited |
| Duration | often within a day | a few days after formation is complete |
How to open your account
Five steps from tax ID to active card.
Get your Vergi Numarası
Free at the tax office or online, with your passport, often takes only 15-30 minutes and is a prerequisite for any account.
Choose a bank
Some banks have more experience with foreign customers than others, your partner recommends suitable branches.
In-person appointment
Most banks require your personal presence at the branch, exceptions are rare.
Submit documents
Passport, tax ID, and for company accounts also a trade registry extract and proof of representation.
Activate card & online banking
After opening the account you receive a card and online banking access, usually the same day.
Frequently asked questions about bank accounts
Do I need a residence permit to open a bank account in Turkey?
Not necessarily. Some state banks like Ziraat Bankası and VakıfBank open accounts even without a residence permit, with just a passport and tax ID.
Can I open my account from Germany?
Generally not, most banks require your personal presence at a branch in Turkey. Your partner schedules the appointment to fit your stay.
What does a company bank account in Turkey cost?
Account maintenance itself is usually inexpensive, the relevant figure is rather the share capital that must be deposited at formation, see our company formation guide.
Which bank is easiest for foreigners?
Ziraat Bankası and VakıfBank are considered particularly accessible, as they open accounts even without a residence permit. The best specific choice, however, depends on your city and needs.
Can I open a foreign-currency account in euros or dollars in Turkey?
Yes. Alongside the Turkish lira account, Turkish banks offer both individuals and companies additional foreign-currency accounts in EUR, USD and other currencies, usually opened in parallel with the lira account at the same bank.
Keep reading
Need support opening your account?
As part of your company formation, we also coordinate the banking process with a licensed partner on the ground.