Purchasing property in Turkey as a Syrian is a topic of much debate because Turkish law prohibits direct ownership of property by Syrians. However, there are specific legal methods through which Syrians can own property in Turkey, which we will explain in detail in this article.

We will outline how you, as a Syrian, can legally purchase property in a Turkish province, detailing the steps involved. At the end of the article, we will also highlight the benefits you will enjoy once you buy property in Turkey.

Skyline Real Estate wishes you an informative read.

How Can Syrians Buy Property in Turkey?

Given the increasing number of Syrians in Turkey and their desire to own property to avoid rental burdens and enjoy the benefits of living in Turkey, they are allowed to own property through one of the following methods:

Method 1: Establishing a Company

This option allows Syrians to own property with ease.

When any Syrian citizen establishes a company in Turkey with a license issued by the Turkish government, the company gains a legal personality. This allows the owner to own property in the company's name and engage in commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities without restrictions, thereby increasing Syrian investment in Turkey.

However, it is crucial that the property's price and size align with the company's size and capital.

It is noteworthy that establishing a company for the purpose of owning property in Turkey does not require much time or effort, as the daily procedures can be completed within two days. Afterward, the Syrian investor obtains a tax number and commercial registration, and opens a bank account in the company's name.

Required Documents for Establishing a Company:

The first step is to submit a company establishment application and provide a set of documents, which can be obtained with the help of law firms and specialized services. These documents include:

• Company establishment application.
• Power of attorney for the lawyer to follow up on the procedures.
• Establishment declaration statement.
• Company establishment contract.
• Two copies of the passport and ID card, translated and officially certified.
• Signature statement from the company owner.
• Certified copies of other foreign documents (if any).
• Bank receipts.
• Chamber of Commerce registration statement.
• Tax assignment document.

Stages of Establishing a Company:

The stages of establishing a company in Turkey can be summarized as follows:

1. The company owner meets with the legal accountant to agree on the company’s foundations. The legal accountant provides legal advice to avoid problems and violations.
2. The company establishment contract is signed, clarifying the owner’s and employees’ authorities and the company’s activities.
3. The company is registered with the tax office, obtaining a tax number, thus making the company a separate entity.
4. Open a bank account in one of the Turkish banks and deposit a capital of no less than 1,000 Turkish lira.
5. Finally, the documents are signed in the presence of a notary public.

Method 2: Ownership in the Name of a Turkish Citizen

This method is one of the prominent ways for Syrians to buy property in Turkey, provided certain procedures are followed to ensure the rights of all parties, such as placing a mortgage mark on the property in favor of the Syrian partner.

The difficulty of this method lies in finding a trustworthy Turkish partner with whom a partnership contract is signed, clearly outlining the rights of each party.

It should be noted that many Syrians residing in Turkey have successfully purchased Turkish properties through this legitimate method.

Method 3: Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

In 2018, the Turkish government issued a decision allowing foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship through several options, such as:

• Buying property worth at least $250,000 and not selling it for three years. (This method does not include Syrians due to the inability to register the property in the Syrian investor's name directly.)
• Making a fixed investment of at least $500,000.
• Providing jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
• Depositing $500,000 in Turkish banks.

By following one of these methods and obtaining Turkish citizenship, buying property in Turkey for Syrians becomes possible, allowing them to purchase properties like any Turkish citizen.

Method 4: Obtaining Another Nationality

Since foreigners in Turkey have the right to own property, any Syrian citizen with a foreign nationality can easily purchase property in Turkey, thus gaining all the benefits of property ownership in Turkey.

Steps to Buy Property in Turkey

Once you choose your method of purchasing property in Turkey as a Syrian resident, you should be aware that the property buying process involves the following steps:

1. Contact a Real Estate Consultant: The consultant will draw a roadmap for the buyer to achieve their goal, whether it is housing, investment, or Turkish citizenship. They will inform the client about property laws, taxes, and expenses, as well as the nature of the Turkish real estate market and the best times to buy.
2. Schedule a Property Tour: The consultant will arrange a tour of properties that caught your interest through photos, so you can see them in person.
3. Obtain a Property Valuation Document: This document determines the legal and actual price of the property, protecting you from real estate fraud.
4. Draft the Contract in Turkish and Arabic: If you are not proficient in Turkish, draft the contract in both languages.
5. Sign and Notarize the Contract: Sign two copies of the contract and have them notarized by a Turkish notary to give it legal status.
6. Pay for the Property: Pay the seller according to the agreed method in the contract.
7. Obtain the Property Title Deed (Tapu): Go to the Land Registry Directorate to transfer the property title from the seller’s name to yours.

Benefits of Owning Property in Turkey

Buying property in Turkey offers many advantages, including:

• Syrians can obtain a residence permit through property ownership.
• Eligibility to apply for Turkish citizenship and obtain a Turkish passport, allowing visa-free travel to many countries.
• Guaranteed financial returns and capital appreciation over time.
• Opportunities for your children to study in internationally recognized Turkish universities and access international schools in various languages.
• Lower living costs in Turkey compared to countries with similar high-quality infrastructure.
• A culturally rich environment similar to Eastern and Arab traditions.

This concludes the Skyline Real Estate article on how Syrians can buy property in Turkey, explaining the four possible methods, as well as detailing the steps and benefits of purchasing property in Turkey.