How to Transfer Money to Turkey to Buy Real Estate

In 2026, choosing the right methods of transferring money to Turkey is a crucial aspect of real estate investment, as it directly affects the speed and security of the transaction. The buyer's decision depends on the amount, convenience and legal requirements of both countries. Bank transfers offer a high level of control and transparency but may involve fees (around 0.5%) and delays. Cryptocurrency payments attract investors with their decentralisation and speed but come with legal and financial risks that need to be managed carefully. Important: since April 30, 2021, using cryptocurrency as a means of payment has been prohibited in Turkey; see the section below for details.

International money transfer services provide quick options without needing a bank account, but they have limits on transfer sizes and high fees (ranging from 1% to 20%). Cash payments remain popular, especially where access to banking is limited, though they come with restrictions and security issues. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each method helps buyers optimise the process and avoid mistakes when transferring funds.

Contents:

• Bank transfer to the seller's account
• Cryptocurrency
• Electronic payments
• Cash payments
• What Turkish rules require in 2026
• Which method does not suit whom
• Frequently asked questions
• Partners

Bank transfer to the seller's account

You can pay for a house or apartment in Turkey either remotely or in person via a bank transfer. The initial deposit is typically made in cash or by card. The remaining amount is transferred strictly on the day ownership is officially registered, as this protects both the buyer and the seller. It's important to contact your bank in advance to clarify the timeframe, transfer methods and possible limitations regarding business days and cut-off times. We have compared all the options, including transfers, cash, cards and installment plans, in our article on property payment methods in Turkey.

For international transfers, the bank usually charges a fee of around 0.5% of the total amount. There may also be minimum flat fees or variable rates depending on the currency used. Buyers are advised to consider these additional costs in advance, keep a reserve, understand processing times and supported payment systems (like SWIFT or SEPA) and verify whether the converted amount will be credited automatically or if manual confirmation is required. Note that Turkey is not part of the SEPA zone, so euro transfers to a Turkish bank go through SWIFT.

The bank might ask for documentation, such as proof of the source of funds (salary, business income, etc.), a tax identification number and a copy of the sales agreement. Sometimes, a certificate of no criminal record might also be needed. Remember that these requirements vary depending on the country of origin, the transfer amount and the bank's internal policies, so it's best to request a complete list of required documents in advance. For large amounts, the Turkish bank also checks the source of funds under financial monitoring rules (MASAK). Some Turkish banks reject payments from countries under international sanctions, so the route for such transfers is agreed with the bank before paying a deposit.

Advantages of bank transfers:

• High level of security and transaction oversight.
• Ability to track the transfer and confirm receipt.
• Funds go directly to the seller's account without intermediaries.

Disadvantages:

• Fees and additional charges may increase the total cost.
• International transfers may take several business days.
• Delays may occur due to document verification or currency control procedures.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is popular with investors, and buyers often ask whether they can use it to pay for an apartment in Turkey. Not directly: since April 30, 2021, a Central Bank of Turkey regulation has prohibited using crypto assets to pay for goods and services, and the ban still applies in 2026. Buying and selling cryptocurrency on exchanges is still allowed.

How to buy property if your savings are in cryptocurrency:

• Sell the cryptocurrency on an exchange, preferably one licensed in your country of residence or in Turkey.
• Receive the money into a bank account, either your own account abroad or at a Turkish bank. Keep the sale statements: the bank will ask about the source of funds.
• Pay for the purchase by an ordinary transfer to the seller's account on the day of the Land Registry transaction.

Why you should not agree to "crypto payment" bypassing a bank:

• Such a payment breaks Turkish rules, and the price on the TAPU is stated in lira anyway.
• There is no anonymity: the buyer and the price are recorded at the Land Registry, and banks check the source of funds.
• Citizenship by investment and the VAT exemption require a bank transfer of foreign currency from abroad.
• Intermediaries offering "crypto escrow" are not regulated by law, so the risk of fraud is high.

Electronic payments

Funds can be transferred via international money transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram. These services are typically available at bank branches, shopping centres, airports and train stations. Not every service works in every country, so check availability in your country in advance. To send money, you need to:

• Visit an office of the selected payment service.
• Provide the recipient's full name in Latin letters.
• Share all required details with the recipient: the amount sent, fee amount, currency, country of origin and the tracking number (such as MTCN or a similar code).

This method is convenient for paying for properties in off-plan projects in Turkey without opening a bank account. To send money, you only need to show your passport and provide the funds in cash. The transfer is processed directly through the service's system, bypassing bank accounts, allowing the recipient to receive the funds within minutes or hours. In practice, because of the limits, this is usually used for a deposit or individual installments rather than the full price of an apartment.

Note that service providers charge a fee, usually between 1% and 20% of the transfer amount, depending on the provider, the amount sent and the destination country. There are also daily limits on how much can be sent, set by both the payment system and the laws of the sending country. In some cases, documentation confirming the source of funds may be required.

Advantages of electronic payments:

• Ability to send money without opening a bank account.
• Fast delivery of funds to the recipient.
• Wide network of service points worldwide.

Disadvantages:

• High fees for large amounts.
• Daily transfer limits.
• Not all systems support large payments typical for real estate purchases.

Cash payments

When carrying cash across a border, a customs declaration is usually required above a set threshold, which in many countries is the equivalent of about 10,000 US dollars or euros. Customs authorities have the right to request documents confirming the legal origin of the funds. Amounts below this threshold do not require declaration. Check the rules of the country you are leaving: some countries restrict taking out foreign currency in cash. On entry to Turkey, the amount is not limited and a declaration is not mandatory, but customs officers may ask how much cash you are carrying, and the answer must be accurate: for an incorrect answer, a fine of 10% of the undeclared amount is imposed and the cash is held. When leaving Turkey, cash in foreign currency over EUR 10,000 must be declared at customs.

To withdraw cash in Turkey, you can use ATMs. It's advisable to check in advance what commission your bank charges and which currency is best for withdrawal to minimise conversion losses. Keep in mind that there are withdrawal limits, so accessing a large sum may take several days. Cards issued by banks under international sanctions may not work in Turkey.

Advantages of cash payments:

• No need for banking operations or wire transfers.
• Immediate access to funds without waiting.
• No need to open a bank account or interact with financial institutions.

Disadvantages:

• Restrictions on transporting large sums and mandatory declaration.
• Security risks associated with transporting and storing cash.
• Potential inconvenience when withdrawing large amounts due to limits and fees.

What Turkish rules require in 2026

In addition to the price of the apartment, the buyer pays a 4% title deed transfer fee (by law split equally with the seller), a Land Registry fee of TL 20,870 in 2026, a valuation report and DASK insurance; these amounts should also be included in the transfer.

"We advise first transferring a small amount by the same route as the main one and seeing how long the money takes and what documents the bank asks for. It is best to send the main amount once the valuation report is ready and the date of the Land Registry transaction is known," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Which method does not suit whom

• Cryptocurrency, for those who want to pay with it directly. This is prohibited; it will first have to be sold and the money received into an account.
• Cash and payment services, for those buying for citizenship. A bank transfer with a foreign exchange purchase certificate is required.
• An unprepared transfer from a country under sanctions, for those who have not agreed the route with the bank. Some Turkish banks reject such payments.

Each of these situations is visible in advance. One thing usually helps: open an account at a Turkish bank and make a test transfer through it before paying a deposit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to transfer money to buy an apartment in Turkey?

By bank transfer via SWIFT to the seller's account or to your own account at a Turkish bank.

Can you buy an apartment in Turkey with cryptocurrency?

Not directly: since 2021, cryptocurrency cannot be used for payments. It is sold on an exchange and the payment is made by an ordinary transfer.

How much cash can you bring into Turkey?

As much as you like. A declaration on entry is not mandatory, but if customs asks, the amount must be stated accurately. When leaving Turkey, foreign currency over EUR 10,000 must be declared.

What documents will the bank ask for?

A passport, a tax number, the sale agreement and documents on the source of funds; for large amounts, more detailed ones at the bank's request.

Partners

Yekta Homes, founded in 2005, is a leading developer in Turkey. With over 20 years of operation, the company has successfully completed more than 20 residential complexes in prestigious areas of Alanya and Gazipasa (with another 8 projects under construction), providing quality housing to more than 2,000 families. Yekta Homes offers a full range of services, supporting clients at every stage of the home-buying process, from selecting the right property to finalising ownership documents. We have described the property purchase procedure step by step in a separate article.

Among its additional services is assistance with money transfers, which significantly simplifies and speeds up the transaction process for foreign investors. By working with Yekta Homes, clients gain access to high-quality homes in popular tourist regions of the country as well as to a reliable partner who handles all the complexities related to transferring funds and completing the real estate purchase in Turkey.