A TAPU is an official document which shows you have ownership rights over the real estate. The owner's full name and photograph, and detailed information of the asset appear on this document.

The TAPU has to be sealed with a stamp in the central part at the bottom and this section has to be signed by a TAPU officer.

The picture of all owners are to be suffixed to the top-right of the TAPU, it has to be sealed with a stamp and signed by the TAPU officer.

Whether a property does belong to a person can be checked through the pictures and names appearing on the TAPU. If the TAPU is a Xerox copy, then make sure it has been ratified by a notary public. Otherwise, a fake TAPU might have been handed over to you. With regards to the names, you can ask for the ID card of the seller(s) and compare the TAPU to the ID card in terms of names.

It is very wise to check your Tapu to make sure you own what you think you own. Check before you buy and also check when you recieve your Tapu.
Please click to image on left for original size.



Property Tax
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes in Turkey are levied upon the income, both domestic and foreign, of individuals and corporations resident in Turkey. Non-residents earning income in Turkey through employment, ownership of property, carrying on a business or from other activities giving rise to income are also subject to tax, but only on their Turkish derived income.

Property Taxe Rates:
Property taxes are paid each year on the tax values of land and buildings at rates varying from 0.3% to 0.6%. In the case of the sale of property, a 4.8% levy is paid on the sales value by both the buyer and the seller. The rate is reduced to 2.4% if the property is contributed as capital-in-kind.


VISA Requirement
Any visitor planing on staying in Turkey for less than 90 days does not need to apply in advance for a visa. Upon arriving in Turkey all visitors will get a visa at the airport. This is given at passport control and costs 10 GBP, this visa allows unlimited entry for 90 days.

For a stay exceeding three months a Residence Permit is necessary. This involves formal application to the Turkish Consulate at the start. Later, renewals will be carried out by Police Authorities and Department for Foreigners in the city or town in which you would like to stay. It is a legal requirement that all persons living in TURKIYE must register with the local area's muhtar, an official whose sole purpose is to maintain the register. It is strongly advised you do this and apply for a residence permit as soon as you are certain you will stay in TURKIYE for a period of time exceeding three months. Alternatively, if you leave the country before your visa expires, upon re-entry you can get a further three month visa.

Working in Turkey
All foreigners working in TURKEY must have work permits. It is the responsibility of employers to do this, but it is also up to you to ensure that the process has started and is continuing. A residence permit is necessary in conjunction with a work permit, also achieved with your employer's assistance.