Introduction to
Turkey tax planning guide

With its rich cultural heritage, Mediterranean climate, affordable cost of living, and strategic location between Europe and Asia, Turkey is an increasingly popular destination for expats looking for both adventure and comfort.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to Turkey from a personal tax perspective, including tax residency, income tax, special tax regimes and tax return obligations. 



TaxPilot recommend that you organize your affairs in good time to get ahead and make the most of favorable tax treatment while making sure you’re meeting your tax return obligations.

TAX SYSTEM

HOW YOU’RE TAXED IN Turkey

Turkey follows a residence taxation model. If you are resident, you will pay tax worldwide incomes. If you are non-resident, you will pay tax on local incomes only.

Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
Non-Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
RESIDENCY

YOUR RESIDENT STATUS IN Turkey

You’ll be considered tax resident if you satisfy any of the following criteria:
Physical presence

if you spend more than 183 days in Turkey during the tax year period.

Home

if your main residence is located in Turkey during the tax year.

HIGHEST RATE

INCOME TAX IN Turkey

Residents are subject to progressive tax rates and the highest rate of tax levied on employment income and self employment income is 40%.
Global comparison
56%
World highest
40
%
Turkey
0%
World lowest
OTHER TAXES

PERSONAL TAXES IN Turkey

Asset tax

Tax on property and share sales

Wealth tax

Tax on value of owned assets

Death tax

Tax on assets passed to heirs

Social tax

Tax to contribute to state welfare

 * It is recommended that you review your affairs and structure accordingly so that you do not end up creating an unexpected tax charge and paying more tax than necessary.
INTERNATIONAL TAX

DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS IN Turkey

If you receive incomes overseas while you are living in Turkey, you may find the source country, as a starting point, continues to tax the income which may cause double taxation unless you are using special tax regime.

Double taxation agreements can be used to mitigate double taxation and receive tax free income. As such, the more double taxation agreements a country has, the better, as agreements will ensure you’re not taxed twice and even better, ensure your income is tax free.  

At present, Turkey has 82 double taxation agreements signed.

Global comparison
140
World highest
82
Turkey
0
World lowest
COMPLIANCE

TAX OBLIGATIONS IN Turkey

What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The tax year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December.
What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The deadline to file your tax return is 31 March following the end of the tax year. The deadline to settle the tax liability is split into two installments. 50% is due by 31 March following the end of the tax year and 50% is due by 31 July following the end of the tax year.
Do you need to make advance payments of tax?
You may be required to make advance payments of tax towards future tax years on top of settling the current tax year liability.