Commercial Property in Antalya for Foreign Buyers: Buying and Letting Shops and Offices

Antalya is one of the cities where foreigners buy the most homes in Turkey. But foreign investors are no longer interested only in flats: shops, offices and other commercial units are on the agenda of those seeking steady rental income and long-term value growth. Cafés, stores and service businesses opened by Russian-speaking entrepreneurs also keep demand for commercial space lively.

This guide summarises the key steps for foreign investors who want to buy or let commercial property in Antalya.

Photo: Unsplash

Can foreigners buy commercial property in Turkey?

Yes. Within the conditions and limits of the Land Registry Law, citizens of many countries, including the Russian Federation, can buy shops, offices and other commercial units in Turkey just as they can buy homes. Properties in military or security zones go through an additional clearance process.

Buying steps

1. Get a tax number. It is issued quickly at a tax office with your passport. Details in this article.
2. Open a Turkish bank account. Paying through a bank matters for security and for the documents needed for citizenship and the VAT exemption.
3. Check the property. Title-deed use (shop, commercial unit, office), occupancy permit, encumbrances, management plan and whether a business licence can be obtained.
4. Valuation report. A report by a licensed appraiser is mandatory at the land registry for foreign buyers.
5. Title transfer. If you do not speak Turkish, a sworn interpreter attends at the land registry. A representative can also complete the transfer with a power of attorney.

Turkish citizenship through commercial property

Citizenship by real estate requires buying property worth at least USD 400,000 and registering a 3-year no-sale annotation on the title deed. The rule does not require the property to be a home; a suitable shop or office can also qualify. Payment in foreign currency must be documented by the bank, and the value in the valuation report must meet the threshold. See our citizenship page and citizenship by investment guide.

VAT exemption on new developments

Foreigners who are not resident in Turkey may not have to pay VAT when buying a commercial unit sold for the first time by the developer, if:

• at least half of the price is brought into Turkey in foreign currency before the invoice date, and the rest is paid within one year;
• the property is kept for 3 years. If it is sold earlier, the deferred VAT and late-payment interest become payable.

If you buy a resale shop from a private individual, VAT usually does not apply.

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Rental income and taxes

• If you let your shop to a tenant who is a taxpayer, the tenant deducts 20% withholding tax from the gross rent and pays it to the tax office.
• Foreign owners are also taxed in Turkey on rental income earned in Turkey. Check your filing obligation, and whether your country has a double taxation treaty with Turkey, with an accountant.
• Annual property tax and any service charges are the owner’s responsibility unless the lease says otherwise.

Which area suits which business?

• Central Muratpaşa and Lara Street: heavy footfall, shops, cafés and offices.
• Konyaaltı: seafront strip and shops on the ground floors of new residential projects, with a year-round foreign population.
• Alanya: a district with many Russian-speaking residents and strong demand for services and retail.
• Kepez, Döşemealtı and Aksu: warehouses, showrooms and large commercial spaces.

Explore options for sale and rent on our commercial property page. Our team offers support in Turkish, English, Russian and Arabic.

Related articles

• Buying a Shop in Antalya
• Renting Commercial Property in Antalya
• Selling Commercial Property in Antalya

This content is for information only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Citizenship and tax rules can change; confirm the current rules with a lawyer and an accountant before any transaction.