Rent Out Your Property in Turkey as a Foreigner
Real Estate Investment Is Just the Beginning
Owning property in Turkey as a foreign national is a major step — but making income from it through rental is an entirely different process. Whether you're planning to rent long-term to locals or short-term to tourists via Airbnb or Booking.com, the rules are strict, evolving, and enforcement is increasing in 2025.
This comprehensive guide explains:
The difference between short-term and long-term rentals
Licensing and municipal permits required
How to register rental income and pay taxes legally
What foreigners can/can’t do with their property
Risks of unlicensed Airbnb use
New updates as of 2025 and what you must comply with
Let’s get started.
II. Can Foreigners Legally Rent Out Property in Turkey?
Yes — but only if done properly and legally.
There is no legal prohibition on foreigners renting out property they own in Turkey. However, they are subject to the same rules as Turkish citizens — plus some extra steps depending on residency status.
III. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rental: Know the Difference
🔹 Long-Term Rental
A written rental agreement (at least 30 days)
Not subject to tourism regulations
Must declare income via annual tax return
🔹 Short-Term Rental (e.g. Airbnb)
Rentals less than 30 days
Requires tourism operating license and municipal permit
Higher regulatory burden and tax oversight
📌 2024 Law Update: All short-term rental hosts must register with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, obtain a “Turizm Amaçlı Konut Kiralama Belgesi”, and display a QR code.
IV. Renting Short-Term: What Permits Do You Need in 2025?
✅ 1. Ministry of Culture and Tourism License
This is the primary requirement. Without it, listing your property on Airbnb, Booking.com, or similar platforms is illegal.
Required Documents:
Tapu (title deed)
Rental operation plan
Emergency contact and insurance
Building residents’ written approval (for apartment buildings)
✅ 2. Municipality Notification
Depending on your city, you may need to file a declaration with your local belediye (municipality) and pay a tourism fee.
✅ 3. Fire & Security Compliance
You may need to install:
Fire extinguishers
Smoke detectors
Emergency lighting
And post exit plans
📌 Penalty for non-compliance: up to ₺1,000,000 TL fine or business ban.
V. Renting Long-Term: What Are the Legal Steps?
✅ 1. Sign a Legal Lease
Must include: tenant’s ID, duration, monthly rent, deposit
Preferably notarized
Copy submitted to the tax office if income will be declared
✅ 2. Declare Rental Income
Rental income is subject to progressive income tax, ranging from 15% to 40%.
Deductions allowed:
Property maintenance
Management fees
Depreciation
Mortgage interest (if property is rented out)
Declare income before March 31 each year.
VI. Can You Rent Through Airbnb Without a Permit?
No.
Unlicensed rentals are now actively monitored. Platforms like Airbnb share host data with Turkish authorities. If you're found listing your property without proper licensing:
You may be fined
Your listing may be taken down
You could face tax evasion penalties
VII. Do You Need to Be a Resident to Rent Out Your Property?
No. Residency is not mandatory for renting property, but it affects how you’re taxed.
Residents: taxed on global rental income
Non-residents: taxed only on income generated in Turkey
Make sure you obtain a tax ID (Vergi Numarası) and register with the tax office.
VIII. Is It Better to Use a Rental Management Company?
If you're living abroad or don’t want to deal with operations, a property management firm can:
Handle tenant screening
Collect rent
File tax returns
Ensure compliance with tourism laws
Be sure to sign a clear service agreement and check if the company is registered.
IX. FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I rent out my property if it's mortgaged?
Yes, unless your mortgage contract prohibits it.
❓ Can I do Airbnb in an apartment building?
Only if you receive written approval from the building’s management or all owners. Or if the kind of real estate in Title deed record registered as “Aparts”, “hotel” or “detached property”.
❓ Do I need to issue invoices?
Yes, for short-term rentals, you must provide official invoices (fatura) and register with the Revenue Administration system.
X. Penalties for Illegal Rentals in 2025
Operating without license: up to ₺1 million fine
Tax evasion: 25%–50% tax penalties + interest
Platform bans and blacklisting
Tenant eviction rights and potential lawsuits
XI. Final Checklist: Renting Out Your Property Legally
☑️ Get your tourism license for short-term rentals
☑️ Sign and register leases for long-term rentals
☑️ Declare all income with correct tax forms
☑️ Keep proof of compliance (building approvals, receipts)
☑️ Consider legal review of your contracts and tax filings
📌 Need Legal Help With Rental Compliance?
At Ensari Yiğitcan Çakmak Law Office, we assist foreign property owners in:
Rental licensing and application filing
Tax registration and income declarations
Legal review of lease agreements
Municipal compliance and tenant disputes
Rental collection and documented reporting
📞 Renting legally means earning securely. Let us help.
🌐 www.ensariyigitcancakmak.av.tr
📧 info@ensariyigitcancakmak.av.tr
📱 +90 533 194 52 14
📲 Follow us for updates:
