International Tax Planning in Turkey: English-Speaking Tax Lawyer in Antalya
Foreigners who live in Turkey, own property here or invest through a Turkish company often have tax obligations in more than one country. International tax planning in Turkey means understanding where you are tax resident, which income is taxed where and how a double taxation treaty affects the result.
Alkan Law Office is an Antalya law firm that advises foreign individuals and companies on the legal side of Turkish taxation, working alongside accountants in Turkey and abroad. An English-speaking lawyer explains your position in plain terms, and your Antalya attorney can represent you in tax disputes before the tax office and the tax courts.
Tax Advice for Foreigners and International Investors
Legal tax advice for individuals and companies with a connection to Turkey and at least one other country.
Tax Residency
Assessing whether you are a full or limited taxpayer in Turkey, how residency is determined and what changes when you move to Turkey or leave it.
Immigration LawDouble Taxation Treaties
Applying the relevant treaty between Turkey and your home country to avoid paying tax twice on the same income, and obtaining the documents needed to claim treaty benefits.
Property & Rental Income
Tax obligations when buying, owning, renting out and selling property in Turkey, including annual property tax and the declaration of rental income.
Real Estate InvestmentsInheritance & Gift Tax
Inheritance tax declarations for assets in Turkey, the position of foreign heirs and how lifetime gifts are treated under Turkish law.
Inheritance for Foreign HeirsCompany Structuring
Tax aspects of choosing a company form, distributing profits and paying salaries or fees to foreign shareholders and directors.
Corporate LawTax Disputes
Objections to tax assessments and penalties, settlement procedures with the tax administration and lawsuits before the tax courts.
How International Taxation Works in Turkey
Under the Income Tax Law No. 193, individuals who are resident in Turkey are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income earned in Turkey. Residency mainly depends on whether a person has their domicile in Turkey or stays in Turkey for more than six months in a calendar year, with certain exceptions.
Turkey has signed double taxation treaties with many countries. Where a treaty applies, it can limit Turkey’s right to tax certain income or allow a credit for tax paid abroad, but treaty benefits usually require a certificate of tax residence from the other country.
Tax rules and rates change regularly. For that reason, any plan should be reviewed against the legislation in force at the time and coordinated with a qualified accountant for filings.
- Income Tax Law No. 193Full and limited tax liability, rental income, capital gains and annual declarations.
- Corporate Tax Law No. 5520Taxation of companies resident in Turkey and of foreign companies earning income in Turkey.
- Inheritance and Gift Tax Law No. 7338Tax on assets acquired through inheritance or gift.
- Property Tax Law No. 1319Annual property tax on buildings and land in Turkey.
- Tax Procedure Law No. 213Tax assessments, penalties, objections and settlement procedures.
Send a short summary of your situation in English. Attorney Ahmet Alkan will review it and explain your options and the next steps — whether you are in Antalya or abroad.
Our Approach to International Tax Planning
Good tax planning starts with the facts and ends with a structure you can explain to any tax authority.
- 01
Fact Finding
Your residency, income sources, assets in Turkey and abroad, and plans for the coming years are reviewed in detail.
- 02
Legal Analysis
Turkish tax law and the relevant double taxation treaty are applied to identify your obligations and the legitimate options available.
- 03
Recommendations
You receive clear written advice on the steps to take, coordinated with your accountant in Turkey and your adviser at home.
- 04
Implementation & Review
Contracts, company documents and applications are prepared, and the structure is reviewed when the law or your situation changes.
Tip for foreigners moving to Turkey: Check your tax residency position before you move, not after. The date you arrive and the length of your stay can change which country taxes your income.
International Tax Planning: Frequently Asked Questions
When does a foreigner become tax resident in Turkey?
Generally, a person becomes a full taxpayer in Turkey if their domicile is in Turkey or if they stay in Turkey for more than six months in a calendar year. There are exceptions, and a double taxation treaty may also decide which country has priority.
Do I pay tax in Turkey on rental income from my property?
Yes. Rental income from property located in Turkey is taxable in Turkey, including for non-residents, subject to the applicable exemptions and the filing rules for the year concerned. A double taxation treaty may also affect how the income is treated in your home country.
Is there an inheritance tax in Turkey?
Yes. Assets acquired through inheritance or gift may be subject to inheritance and gift tax under Turkish law. Heirs usually need to file a declaration within the statutory period, and assets located in Turkey are within the scope of the tax regardless of the heirs' nationality.
How do double taxation treaties help?
A treaty allocates taxing rights between Turkey and the other country and provides ways to avoid paying tax twice on the same income, such as exemptions or tax credits. To rely on a treaty, you normally need a certificate of tax residence from your country.
Do I need a tax number in Turkey?
Yes. Foreigners need a Turkish tax number for most legal transactions, including buying property, opening a bank account and becoming a company shareholder. It can be obtained from a tax office, or through a representative under a power of attorney.
Your Antalya Attorney
Need tax advice for your life or business in Turkey?
Attorney Ahmet Alkan is an English-speaking lawyer in Antalya who advises foreign individuals and companies on the legal aspects of Turkish taxation and represents them in tax disputes, working with accountants where filings are required.
The information on this page is general in nature, reflects Turkish law at the time of publication and does not constitute legal advice. For an assessment of your particular case, please consult a lawyer.
