Complete 2026 guide to getting a Turkish tax number (VKN). In-person and online application, required documents, power of attorney route, and common mistakes for foreign investors.

How to Get a Turkish Tax Number in 2026: Complete Guide for Foreigners

A Turkish tax number — Vergi Kimlik Numarası (VKN) — is the single most important identifier a foreigner can hold in Turkey. You cannot open a bank account, buy property, transfer the title deed (Tapu), set up a company, or even register for a residence permit without one.

The good news: obtaining a Turkish tax number is completely free, takes 15–30 minutes, and can be done either in person at a tax office or fully online. This guide walks you through both methods, explains the documents you need, and clarifies the difference between a tax number and full tax registration.

What Is a Turkish Tax Number (VKN)?

The VKN is a unique 10-digit number assigned by the Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB) to individuals and entities engaging in financial or legal transactions in Turkey. For foreigners without Turkish citizenship, it functions as a reference key in Turkey's financial and legal systems.

Holding a tax number does not mean you owe taxes, must file returns, or need to report income. It is simply an identifier — like a financial fingerprint — that allows you to transact in Turkey.

VKN vs. TCKN vs. Tax Registration: Know the Difference

Identifier	Who Has It	Digits	Purpose
VKN (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)	Foreigners without Turkish ID	10	Tax number for property, banking, investments
TCKN (T.C. Kimlik Numarası)	Turkish citizens and new naturalised citizens	11	National ID number
Tax Registration	Active taxpayers (companies, self-employed)	—	Ongoing filing and compliance obligations

Key rule of thumb: buying property or opening a personal bank account → tax number is enough. Starting a company or earning taxable income in Turkey → you need full tax registration, which your accountant will arrange.

Do You Need a Tax Number?

You need a Turkish tax number if you plan to:

Buy property in Turkey (required for the Tapu title deed transfer)
Open a Turkish bank account
Apply for a Turkish residence permit
Set up a company or become self-employed
Sign a long-term rental contract
Buy a vehicle or register utilities
Apply for Turkish citizenship by investment (where relevant)

In short: if you are doing anything financially significant in Turkey, you need a tax number first.

Method 1: Apply at a Tax Office (In Person)

This is the classic and most reliable method — especially if you are already in Turkey.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Original passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Photocopy of the passport identity page
Your address in Turkey (hotel address is accepted for short visits)
Contact details (phone number, email)

Step 2: Visit Your Local Tax Office

Find the nearest Vergi Dairesi (tax office). Most offices have a dedicated foreigner window. Inform the officer you need a vergi kimlik numarası for a foreigner.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Fill out the short application form with your passport details and Turkish address. The officer will issue your VKN immediately — usually within 15–30 minutes. You will receive a printed certificate with your 10-digit number.

Method 2: Apply Online (Remote)

If you are not yet in Turkey, you can obtain a tax number remotely — a crucial option for investors buying property without travelling.

Step 1: Go to the GİB Online Portal

Visit the Turkish Revenue Administration portal at intvrg.gib.gov.tr (the "İnternet Vergi Dairesi" — Internet Tax Office). The system supports a foreigner application flow.

Step 2: Start a Foreigner Application

Select the option for foreign individuals without Turkish ID. You will be asked for:

Passport number and expiry date
Date and place of birth
Country of nationality
Address in Turkey (or planned address)
Email and phone number

Step 3: Receive Your Number

Once the system verifies your details, your VKN is generated and displayed on screen. You can download the official certificate (Vergi Kimlik Belgesi) as a PDF. In most cases the process takes just a few minutes.

Important Note on Remote Applications

While the online system works for many nationalities, some foreign nationals may need to complete the process in person or via a notarised power of attorney handled by a Turkish representative. If you encounter issues online, your lawyer or SimplyTR team can obtain the number on your behalf.

Using a Power of Attorney

If you cannot travel to Turkey, a notarised power of attorney (vekaletname) allows a trusted representative — such as a SimplyTR lawyer — to obtain your tax number and complete property purchases on your behalf. The power of attorney must be issued at a Turkish consulate in your country or by a Turkish notary, then registered in Turkey.

This is the standard route for remote property investors and works seamlessly for the full purchase process, from tax number to title deed.

Tax Number for Companies

If you are setting up a Turkish company, the company itself receives a VKN upon registration with the Trade Registry. In addition, every foreign shareholder and director must obtain their own personal VKN. Your company formation lawyer or accountant typically arranges all of these in one workflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing tax number with tax registration. A VKN alone creates no filing obligations — do not assume you must submit returns just because you hold one.
Using an expired passport. Your passport must be valid for the application; renew first if needed.
Providing inconsistent name spelling. Keep your name spelling identical across passport, tax number, bank account, and Tapu — mismatches cause delays in property purchases and citizenship applications.
Assuming you need a residence permit first. You do not. A tax number is available to any foreigner regardless of residency status.
Losing your tax certificate. Keep the PDF and the physical printout — you will need the number repeatedly (bank, Tapu, utilities, insurance).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Turkish tax number free?
Yes. Obtaining a VKN is completely free of charge.

How long does it take?
In person: 15–30 minutes. Online: a few minutes after verification. Remote via power of attorney: 1–3 business days.

Do I need a residence permit to get a tax number?
No. A valid passport is sufficient. You can obtain a tax number as a tourist or on a short visit.

Can I get a tax number before buying property?
Yes — and you should. The tax number is required for the title deed transfer, so obtaining it first streamlines the purchase.

Is the tax number the same as my residence permit number?
No. They are separate identifiers. Foreign residents receive a Foreigner ID Number (YKN) with their residence permit, which is distinct from the VKN.

Can my lawyer get a tax number for me without me being present?
Yes, with a notarised power of attorney. This is the standard practice for remote buyers.

Get Your Turkish Tax Number Handled by SimplyTR

Whether you are buying property remotely, starting a company, or planning a citizenship application, SimplyTR arranges tax numbers and the full legal workflow for foreign investors — including power of attorney, due diligence, and title deed transfer.

Contact SimplyTR to get started →

This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Procedures may change — verify current requirements with the Turkish Revenue Administration or a qualified advisor.

How to Get a Turkish Tax Number in 2026: Full Guide for Foreigners