DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi) – Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate in Turkey

All non-resident foreign buyers must obtain it.

A DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi) is required for all foreign nationals who do not hold Turkish citizenship or residency when purchasing property in Turkey. This includes:

• Europeans (EU/EEA citizens)
• Non-EU foreigners (e.g., US, UK, Middle Eastern buyers)
• Turkish citizens living abroad (if paying in foreign currency)

Turkish residents or citizens paying in Turkish lira (TRY) from a local account do not need a DAB. The document is only for transactions involving foreign currency transfers.

Through a Turkish bank after currency exchange.

To get a DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi), follow these steps:

1. Open a bank account in Turkey (or use an existing one).
2. Transfer foreign currency (EUR, USD, GBP, etc.) to your Turkish account.
3. Visit the bank in person to exchange the foreign currency into Turkish lira (TRY).
4. Request the DAB from the bank after the exchange.

The bank will issue the document immediately, listing your name, passport number, exchanged amount, and date. Some banks may require a notarized passport translation for non-Turkish speakers.

Buyer info, exchange amount, and bank stamps.

A standard DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi) includes the following details:

• Buyer’s full name and passport number
• Foreign currency type (EUR, USD, etc.) and amount
• Exchanged Turkish lira (TRY) amount
• Exchange rate applied
• Date and time of the transaction
• Bank’s name, branch, and official stamp
• Unique transaction reference number

The document is typically 1 page and printed on bank letterhead. Some banks may add a QR code for verification. All text is in Turkish, but translations are not officially required.

No, one DAB covers one property purchase only.

A DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi) is issued for a specific amount and can only be used for one property transaction. If you buy multiple properties, you need:

• A separate DAB for each purchase, or
• A single DAB covering the total amount if buying multiple properties in one transaction.

The Turkish Land Registry (Tapu Office) matches the DAB amount to the property’s declared value. Any discrepancy may require additional documentation or a new DAB.

The Tapu Office will reject the title transfer.

If the DAB amount is lower than the property’s declared price, the Turkish Land Registry (Tapu Office) will not approve the title transfer. This is because:

• The DAB must cover the full purchase price in foreign currency.
• Partial payments require multiple DABs (e.g., for installments).

To resolve this, the buyer must:

1. Exchange additional foreign currency.
2. Obtain a new DAB for the remaining amount.
3. Submit both DABs to the Tapu Office.

Yes, foreigners need it for all purchases, new or resale.

Yes, a DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi) is mandatory for all property purchases by foreigners in Turkey, whether:

• Buying from a developer (new build), or
• Purchasing a resale property from another owner.

The requirement applies regardless of the property’s age, location, or seller’s nationality. The only exception is if the foreign buyer pays entirely in Turkish lira (TRY) from a local account—though this is rare for non-residents.

Yes, but major currencies are preferred by banks.

Turkish banks can issue a DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi) for any foreign currency, but the most commonly accepted are:

• Euro (EUR)
• US Dollar (USD)
• British Pound (GBP)
• Swiss Franc (CHF)

Less common currencies (e.g., AED, RUB, CNY) may be accepted but could face:

• Higher exchange fees.
• Delays in processing.
• Additional verification by the bank.

Always confirm with your bank before transferring funds.