Quick Answer
How do I get a Turkish tax number as a foreigner?
Visit ivd.gib.gov.tr and complete the online form for foreigners (Yabancılar İçin Vergi Kimlik Numarası). You need your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and a Turkish address. The number is generated instantly — takes 5–10 minutes. Alternatively, visit any tax office (vergi dairesi) in person with your passport. The tax number is required for bank accounts, SIM contracts, internet setup, ikamet applications, and most other administrative tasks.
Get Your Tax Number Online — Step by Step
Go to ivd.gib.gov.tr
This is the Turkish Revenue Administration's online portal. Navigate to "Yabancılar İçin Vergi Kimlik Numarası" (Tax Number for Foreigners).
Select your nationality and enter passport details
Enter your country of birth, date of birth, and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport.
Enter your Turkish address
Provide a Turkish address — your apartment address if you have one, or a hotel address if you haven't moved in yet. This can be updated later.
Submit and receive your number
The number is generated instantly and displayed on screen. Screenshot it and write it down. You will also receive it by SMS if you provided a Turkish mobile number.
Print or save the certificate
Download the PDF certificate from the portal. You will need this as proof of your tax number for banks and official processes.
What You Need a Tax Number For
All banks require tax number + passport. Without it you cannot open any account.
Prepaid SIM needs only passport; postpaid contract needs tax number.
Türk Telekom, Superonline, and other providers require it for contract.
Not mandatory but often requested by landlords and notaries.
Tax number needed at the ikamet application stage.
Any Turkish-source income requires filing under your tax number.
Mandatory for all real estate transactions in Turkey.
Electricity, gas, and internet contracts require it.
Required for all vehicle registration and transfer documents.
FAQ
What is the Turkish tax number for foreigners?
The vergi kimlik numarası (VKN) is Turkey's universal identification number for tax and administrative purposes. Every person who resides or conducts transactions in Turkey needs one. For foreigners, it is a 10-digit number issued instantly online or at any tax office. It is not a tax residency declaration — simply having the number does not make you a Turkish tax resident. In 2026, it is the foundational document for almost all expat administrative tasks.
Is the tax number the same as the ikamet number?
No — these are separate numbers. The tax number (vergi numarası) is for tax and administrative identification. The ikamet number is on your residence permit card. Both are needed for different purposes. Get the tax number first (it takes 5 minutes) and you can then use it to help open a bank account before your ikamet is approved.
What if I make a mistake entering my details online?
If you enter incorrect passport details, you may receive an error or generate an incorrect record. Visit any local tax office (vergi dairesi) in person with your passport to correct it. The in-person process takes 30–60 minutes and produces an official certificate. Tax offices are in every city and district.
Does getting a Turkish tax number mean I have to pay tax in Turkey?
No. The tax number is an administrative identification tool — it does not automatically make you a Turkish tax resident or create any tax obligation. Tax residency is determined by how many days you spend in Turkey per year (generally 183+ days) and whether you have Turkish-source income. Consult a tax adviser if you have any income from Turkish sources.
Can I get a tax number without a Turkish address?
Yes — the online system accepts a hotel address or a temporary address. You can update your address later once you have a permanent apartment. Tax offices also issue numbers in person with just your passport if you prefer — no Turkish address required.