How to Get a Tax Number in Türkiye in 2026: Complete Guide

Obtaining a tax number in Türkiye is a fundamental requirement for anyone planning to conduct business, work, or establish a long-term presence in the country. Whether you’re an individual expatriate, a foreign investor, or a business entity, understanding the process of acquiring a Turkish tax number is essential for legal compliance and smooth operations.

At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been guiding clients through Turkish tax registration procedures since 2017. Our corporate lawyers team will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a tax number in Türkiye in 2026.

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As Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, a leading full-service company formation and governance firm based in Istanbul, we have been advising foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals on Turkish legal and administrative procedures since 2017. One of the very first steps for anyone engaging with the Turkish legal or financial system is obtaining a Turkish tax number.

This article explains how to get a tax number in Türkiye, who needs it, required documents, application methods, and common pitfalls—updated and optimized for 2026.

What Is a Turkish Tax Number?

A Turkish tax number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) is a unique identification number issued by the Turkish Tax Administration (Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı). It is used to track tax-related and many non-tax-related transactions.

There are two main types:

• Individual Tax Number: Issued to foreign individuals who are not Turkish citizens
• Corporate Tax Number: Issued to companies incorporated in Türkiye

Without a tax number, it is practically impossible to complete most official or financial transactions in Türkiye.

Who Needs a Tax Number in Türkiye?

A tax number is required not only for taxpayers but also for many administrative procedures. Common situations include:

• Foreigners buying real estate in Türkiye
• Opening a bank account
• Establishing a company
• Becoming a shareholder or director in a Turkish company
• Signing long-term rental contracts
• Applying for a residence permit
• Issuing invoices or conducting commercial activities

Whether you are an individual or a corporate investor, obtaining a tax number is a foundational step before proceeding with broader legal or commercial plans.

How to Get a Tax Number in Türkiye as a Foreigner (Individual)

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

Foreign individuals typically need:

• Original passport
• Notarized Turkish translation of the passport (in some tax offices)
• Local address in Türkiye (temporary address is acceptable)

No residence permit is required solely to obtain a tax number.

Step 2: Apply to the Tax Office or Online

There are two application methods:

1. In-Person Application

You may apply at any local tax office (Vergi Dairesi). The process usually takes less than one hour if documents are complete.

2. Online Application

Foreign individuals can apply through the Turkish Tax Administration’s online system by submitting passport details and address information. Once approved, the tax number is issued electronically.

Step 3: Receive Your Tax Number

The tax number is issued immediately or within one business day. It remains valid for life unless replaced by a Turkish ID number.

How to Get a Tax Number for a Company in Türkiye

Corporate tax numbers are issued automatically during the company incorporation process. Once your company is registered with the Trade Registry, the tax office assigns a tax number and opens a corporate tax file.

Foreign investors often obtain their corporate tax number when setting up:

• A limited liability company, commonly preferred by SMEs and foreign entrepreneurs due to its flexible governance and lower capital requirements
• A joint-stock company, typically chosen for larger investments, holding structures, or companies planning to attract shareholders or go public

At Akkas & Associates, we coordinate the entire process seamlessly, ensuring the tax registration aligns with your commercial objectives.

Can You Get a Tax Number Without Being in Türkiye?

Yes. A tax number can be obtained through:

• A legal representative holding a notarized power of attorney
• A professional accounting firm experienced in cross-border representation

Many of our international clients obtain their tax numbers remotely before entering Türkiye, allowing them to proceed directly with banking, real estate, or incorporation procedures upon arrival.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite the simplicity of the process, several issues frequently cause delays:

• Providing inconsistent passport or address information
• Using an incorrect or outdated address
• Applying for the wrong type of tax number
• Attempting company-related transactions with an individual tax number

Professional guidance minimizes these risks and ensures your tax registration supports your broader legal and commercial strategy.

Why a Tax Number Is Critical for Company Formation

If you plan to establish a business, the tax number is not just a formality—it is the backbone of your legal presence in Türkiye. It is required for:

• VAT registration
• Corporate bank accounts
• Issuing invoices
• Hiring employees
• Filing tax returns

Working with experienced company formation lawyers ensures that tax registration, trade registry filings, and corporate governance are handled correctly from the outset.

Tax Number vs. Residence Permit: Key Distinction

A common misconception is that a residence permit is required to obtain a tax number. In reality:

• A tax number can be obtained without a residence permit
• A residence permit application often requires a tax number

Understanding this sequence is especially important for foreigners planning long-term stays or investments.

Tax Numbers for Shareholders and Directors

Foreign shareholders and directors of Turkish companies must have individual tax numbers, even if they are non-residents. This applies regardless of whether the company is structured as a limited liability company or a joint-stock company.

Proper registration avoids compliance issues and ensures smooth interaction with banks, notaries, and government authorities.

Tax Numbers for Bank Account Opening

A Turkish tax number is a mandatory requirement for opening a bank account in Türkiye. Both foreign individuals and companies must obtain a valid tax number before any Turkish bank can initiate account-opening procedures. Banks use the tax number to verify identity, comply with regulatory obligations, and report financial transactions to the tax authorities. Without a tax number, it is not possible to open or activate a bank account in Türkiye.

How Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm Supports You

Since 2017, Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm has assisted thousands of foreign individuals and corporations with tax registration and company formation in Türkiye. Our multilingual team manages the process end-to-end, including:

• Individual and corporate tax number applications
• Power of attorney arrangements
• Company incorporation and governance
• Ongoing tax and corporate compliance

Our approach is practical, efficient, and fully aligned with Turkish regulations.

Final Thoughts: Get It Right from the Start

Obtaining a tax number in Türkiye is straightforward—but only when done correctly. Errors at this stage can create delays and complications in banking, property acquisition, or company formation. Professional legal support ensures your tax number is issued accurately and positioned to support your long-term objectives.

Contact us to Get a Tax Number in Türkiye

At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been providing comprehensive Turkish company formation and governance services since 2017. Our experienced team offers multilingual support to help international clients navigate every aspect of doing business in Türkiye, including tax registration and compliance.

Whether you need assistance obtaining your personal tax number, registering your business entity, or ensuring ongoing tax compliance, our dedicated professionals are here to guide you through every step of the process. We understand the challenges foreign nationals and businesses face when dealing with Turkish administrative procedures, and we’re committed to making your experience as smooth and efficient as possible.

Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and discover how our expertise can help you establish a strong, compliant presence in Türkiye. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on your business goals and personal objectives in this dynamic country.