Opening a bank account in Turkey is a crucial step for comfortable living and conducting business in the country. This article outlines the process of opening an account in three major Turkish banks—DenizBank, Ziraat Bank, and VakıfBank—and provides up-to-date information on deposits, account opening fees, and bank card service charges. Contact us if you wish to open an account promptly without a residence permit. Our service fees start from $290.
General Requirements for Opening a Bank Account
For Russian citizens, opening a bank account in Turkey typically requires a residence permit (İkamet Tezkeresi) or a work visa. While there have been instances of accounts being opened without these, such cases often depend on specific circumstances and the policies of individual bank branches. Turkish banks may impose one of two charges when initiating an account:
- Deposit: A sum that must remain in the account for a specified period, often starting from several hundred dollars.
- Fee: A non-refundable charge levied by the bank for opening the account.
To open a bank account in Turkey, you will generally need to provide the following documents:
- Passport (Pasaport)
- Residence Permit (İkamet Tezkeresi)
- Tax Identification Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
- Proof of Address (Adres Belgesi)
Opening an Account in Alanya, Antalya, and Istanbul
The process for opening an account in cities like Alanya, Antalya, or Istanbul involves:
- Visiting a local branch of the chosen bank.
- Providing the necessary documents: passport, residence permit, tax number, and proof of address.
- Completing the account opening application.
- Upon document verification, receiving a debit card.
DenizBank
DenizBank offers a wide range of services, making it a popular choice among expatriates. Branches in Alanya are conveniently located and provide high-quality service.
Case Study:
Elena, who moved to Alanya, opened an account with DenizBank in January 2024. She was required to make a deposit of $1,000 and pay an account opening fee of 1,650 TRY, along with insurance costing 2,600 TRY. Her card was ready within a week.
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum Deposit: $1,000
- Account Opening Fee: 1,650 TRY
- Insurance: 2,600 TRY
- Annual Card Maintenance Fee: 75 TRY
- Cash Withdrawal Fee at Other Banks: 1.8%, minimum 5 TRY
- International Transfer Fee: 0.3%, minimum 40 TRY
Ziraat Bank
Ziraat Bank is Turkey’s largest state-owned bank, known for its stable conditions and convenient services for foreign nationals. As of December 2024, Ziraat Bank continues to open accounts for foreigners in dollars, euros, and Turkish lira. The bank does not charge an account opening fee; however, some branches may require a deposit for a period of one to three months. The deposit amount can vary from 5,000 TRY to $20,000, depending on the discretion of the branch manager.
VakıfBank
VakıfBank is another major state-owned bank offering services in retail and corporate banking, known for its flexibility and accessibility. As of December 2024, VakıfBank continues to open accounts for international customers in dollars, euros, and Turkish lira. The bank charges a fee for opening an account but does not require a deposit.
Important Considerations
- Turkish SIM Card: It is advisable to obtain a Turkish SIM card, as online banking services often require a local phone number for SMS confirmations.
- Tax Number: A Tax Identification Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) is essential for opening a bank account in Turkey. This can be obtained by completing a form on the official website of the Turkish Revenue Administration and visiting a tax office with your passport.
- Residence Permit: While some banks may open accounts without a residence permit, having one significantly facilitates the process.
Please note that banking policies and requirements can change, and practices may vary between branches. It is recommended to contact the chosen bank branch directly to confirm current requirements and procedures.
Real Story
Ivan opened an account at Ziraat Bank in February 2024. To do so, he was required to make a minimum deposit of 250 TRY. The account was opened without any additional fees, and he received his bank card within three days.
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum Deposit: 250 TRY
- Annual Card Maintenance Fee: 50 TRY
- Cash Withdrawal Fee at Other Banks: 1.5%, minimum 5 TRY
- International Transfer Fee: 0.2%, minimum 30 TRY
VakıfBank offers quality service and a wide range of financial products, making it a popular choice among expats.
Real Story
Maria, who opened an account at VakıfBank in March 2024, paid an account opening fee of 5,000 TRY. Half of this amount was refunded to her account. Her bank card was ready within five days.
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum Deposit: 300 TRY
- Account Opening Fee: 5,000 TRY (50% refunded)
- Annual Card Maintenance Fee: 60 TRY
- Cash Withdrawal Fee at Other Banks: 1.6%, minimum 5 TRY
- International Transfer Fee: 0.25%, minimum 35 TRY
Other Banks Operating in Alanya and Antalya
İş Bankası
Türkiye İş Bankası, known as İş Bankası, is one of the largest and oldest banks in Turkey. Founded in 1924, it offers a wide range of services for both individuals and businesses. In Alanya, Antalya, and Istanbul, İş Bankası has multiple branches providing services such as account opening, loans, investment options, and more. The bank also actively develops its digital services, allowing clients to manage their finances via mobile app and online banking.
Garanti BBVA
Garanti BBVA, one of Turkey’s leading banks, has an extensive network of branches across the country, including in Alanya and Antalya. Founded in 1946, the bank offers a wide array of services, including mortgage loans, car loans, investment products, and insurance. Garanti BBVA is also known for its advanced digital technologies, providing clients with user-friendly online financial tools.
Yapı Kredi
Yapı Kredi Bankası, founded in 1944, is another major player in Turkey’s banking sector. It provides services to both individuals and businesses. Branches in Alanya and Antalya offer a variety of banking products, including loans, deposits, investments, and insurance. The bank also focuses heavily on digital development, giving clients full control of their accounts through online banking and mobile apps.
Halkbank
Halkbank, or Türkiye Halk Bankası, was established in 1933 and plays an important role in Turkey’s financial landscape. It serves both individual clients and small to medium-sized businesses. Halkbank offers a broad range of services, including loans, deposit accounts, investment products, and more. The bank also provides online and mobile banking services, making financial management more convenient.
Akbank
Akbank, founded in 1948, is one of Turkey’s top private banks. It offers a variety of banking services, including personal and mortgage lending, investment products, and insurance. In Alanya and Antalya, Akbank branches are known for their high-quality customer service and reliable banking solutions. The bank is also a leader in digital innovation, allowing clients to perform most transactions online.