Buying property in Türkiye as part of a citizenship application involves more than finding the right property at the right price. How you transfer the payment matters just as much — and in this process, the details are unforgiving. A transfer that doesn't meet the required criteria won't just cause delays. It can get your citizenship application rejected outright.
The Money Must Come From You, Directly
The purchase amount must be sent from a bank account held in your name, from outside Türkiye. Payments made by a third party — a family member, a business partner, anyone other than the applicant — are not accepted under any circumstances. There are no exceptions to this.
Bank Transfer Only — No Alternatives
All payments must be made via SWIFT bank transfer. Cash payments, in-person transactions, and platforms like Western Union or MoneyGram are prohibited. Cryptocurrency is also off the table entirely. If it isn't a direct bank-to-bank SWIFT transfer, it doesn't qualify.
The Seller's Account Must Match Exactly
Payment must go directly to a Turkish bank account held in the seller's name. The account holder's name and the seller's name must be an exact match. Any discrepancy here — even a minor one — can create serious problems down the line.
What to Write in the Transfer Description
The SWIFT description field cannot be left blank or filled in casually. Use one of the following phrases, exactly as written: "Property purchase in Turkey", "Real estate purchase – Turkish Citizenship", or "Price of real estate purchase in Turkey". This description is part of the official paper trail — get it right the first time.
The Amount Must Match — Completely
The transfer amount needs to align precisely with the property price, the appraisal report, and all related documentation. Partial payments are strongly discouraged. Inconsistencies between figures are a common reason applications run into trouble.
Foreign Currency or Turkish Lira — Both Work, With One Condition
You can pay in either foreign currency or Turkish Lira. Whichever you choose, you must obtain a Foreign Currency Purchase Receipt (DAB) or an official bank letter confirming that foreign currency entered Türkiye. Your bank will issue this — make sure you request it and keep it on file.
Timing — Don't Leave It Late
Payment must be completed before the title deed transfer takes place, or at the absolute latest on the same day as the transfer. Don't wait until after the deed changes hands.
Every rule listed above exists because citizenship applications are reviewed in detail, and payment documentation is scrutinized closely. One misstep — the wrong description, a third-party transfer, a missing DAB receipt — can unravel an application that was otherwise solid. If anything here is unclear, speak with your advisor before you initiate anything.
