Buying Property in Turkey for Iraqi Citizens 2026

According to the latest statistics released by the Turkish Statistical Institute, Iraqi investors remain among the most active foreign buyers in Turkey’s real estate market. The Turkish government has opened the door wide for foreign property ownership, offering numerous incentives designed to stimulate the local economy. As a result, buying property in Turkey for Iraqis has become increasingly accessible, especially when following the legal requirements and regulations.
This comprehensive guide from Damas Real Estate Consulting explains everything Iraqi citizens need to know about real estate ownership in Turkey.

Iraqis as Top Foreign Buyers in Turkey

Iraqi citizens rank third among the top foreign nationalities purchasing real estate in Turkey, following Russians in first place and Iranians in second. Property sales to foreigners have risen by 6.9%, and historically, Iraqis even held the number one spot in 2015, particularly in buying residential properties.

Why Iraqis Prefer Buying Property in Turkey

Iraqis show significant demand for Turkish real estate due to several attractive factors, including:

Geographical proximity between Iraq and Turkey, allowing for short and convenient flights.
Cultural and social similarities, providing Iraqis with a sense of familiarity and social stability.
Supportive legal environment, as Turkey allows Iraqis to own all types of properties—residential, commercial, touristic, and land—without restrictions.
Strong security and political stability, making Turkey safer than many Middle Eastern countries for investing capital.
Tourism potential, which creates opportunities for profitable investment and enjoyable long stays.
Continuous increase in property value, supported by a thriving economy and dynamic real estate sector.
High-quality infrastructure, construction standards, and services in modern Turkish cities.
A large Iraqi community, which helps new residents integrate easily.
Advanced health, education, and social services, attracting Iraqi families.
Ease of transferring funds from Iraq to Turkish banks safely and legally.

Types of Properties Iraqis Can Own in Turkey

Turkish property laws allow Iraqis to purchase all types of real estate, including:

1. Residential Properties

Traditional apartments, modern units in residential complexes, duplexes, triplexes, home-office units, penthouses, villas, and more.
Iraqis favor residential options due to family considerations.

2. Commercial Properties

Shops, offices, warehouses, commercial complexes, and storage facilities are all available to Iraqi investors, supporting their growing business expansions in Turkey.

3. Touristic Properties

Hotels, serviced apartments, resorts, restaurants, and cafés—areas where Iraqi investors have already achieved notable success.

4. Land (Construction or Agricultural)

Iraqis may own either type—construction land for building, or agricultural land for farming and small-scale projects.

Requirements for Iraqis to Buy Property in Turkey

The Turkish government imposes simple regulations to organize foreign property ownership:

Total property owned by an individual Iraqi must not exceed 30 hectares.
Iraqis cannot own more than 10% of land in any municipal district.
The property must not be located in military or security zones.
The investor must have no criminal records that legally restrict property ownership.

These regulations are minor compared to the wide range of privileges granted to foreign buyers.

Required Documents for Iraqi Buyers

Documents related to the buyer:

Valid passport translated into Turkish.
Recent biometric photos (white background).
Turkish tax number from the local tax office.

Documents related to the property:

Binding purchase agreement between buyer and seller.
Compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK).
Proof of converting the payment into Turkish lira through the Central Bank.
Proof of bank transfer from buyer to seller in Turkish lira.
Receipts of title deed fees and other associated costs.

Residence Permit and Citizenship for Iraqis Through Real Estate

Given Turkey’s beauty, lifestyle, and cultural familiarity, many Iraqis seek real estate residence permits to live legally and long-term in the country.

Real Estate Residence (Tapu Residence)

New regulations (since 16/10/2023) require the property’s value to meet a government-specified threshold to qualify for residence. Multiple properties may be combined to reach the required amount.

Turkish Citizenship Through Investment

Iraqis may obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing property worth at least:

$400,000 USD (subject to change).
The investor must commit not to sell the property for 3 years.
Official property valuation is required (provided by Damas Real Estate).
Payment must be made through certified bank transfers.

Citizenship is usually processed within 3 to 6 months after submitting the application.

Common Real Estate Fraud Risks for Iraqis in Turkey

Despite the strength of Turkey’s real estate market, risks exist—especially for foreigners unfamiliar with local laws. Key fraud risks include:

Selling unlicensed or legally restricted properties.
Raising the price at the time of official registration.
Delayed property delivery.
Manipulating payment or installment terms.

To avoid such risks, Iraqis should work exclusively with licensed, reputable real estate companies like Damas Real Estate, which provides full legal support and property verification services.

Steps to Buying Property in Turkey for Iraqis

1. Choosing the Right Location

Popular Iraqi-preferred areas in Istanbul include:

Başakşehir – luxury, conservative, close to the new airport.
Beylikdüzü – quiet, modern, affordable.
Maltepe & Kartal – scenic Asian-side districts with good value.
Esenyurt – budget-friendly with strong future investment potential.

2. Working With a Trusted Real Estate Company

A professional and licensed company protects investors from fraud and handles legal procedures from start to finish.
Damas Real Estate is one of the top licensed firms in Turkey with extensive services for Iraqi clients.

3. Preparing the Necessary Budget

Additional expenses include:

Title deed transfer tax: 4% of property value.
VAT: 1%–18% depending on property type and size (mainly new properties).
Title deed issuance fee: 300–1000 TRY.
Annual property tax: 0.2%–0.6%.
Utility activation fees: up to 3000 TRY.
Real estate consultancy fees: vary based on company services and experience.

4. Determining the Payment Method

Options include:

Cash payment (most common for Iraqis).
Developer installment plans (easy and interest-free options).
Bank loans (difficult for Iraqis without long-term residence or citizenship).

How Iraqis Can Transfer Money to Turkey

Carrying large amounts of cash through airports is illegal. Legal transfer methods include:

International bank transfers (the safest).
Money transfer companies (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram—best for small amounts, not property).
Exchange offices (fast but must be used with caution and only through reputable offices)