International money transfer documents
International money transfer: your document list
Select the purpose and method of the transfer. You will see the documents banks usually request.
The list is general; each bank may ask for more documents or decline a transfer.
International money transfer documents: source of funds and payment route
International money transfer documents for Turkey must show where the money comes from, how it is sent and what it will be used for. Turkish banks review transfers under Law No. 5549 on the Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime; for property purchases and citizenship by investment, payment through a bank and the foreign exchange purchase certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi, DAB) are decisive. Cash above the set limit must be declared to customs on entry to Turkey.
Source of funds documents for international money transfers
- Payslips and an employer letter
- Sale contract for property or company shares sold in your country
- Bank statements for recent months showing how the savings were built up
- Certificate of inheritance, gift deed or will
- Tax returns for self-employment income
The larger the amount, the more detailed the bank's questions. Translations of foreign-language documents speed up the process.
Bank transfer from abroad
In an international transfer the sender should be the account holder or the buyer, and the SWIFT instruction should include a payment reference, for example "Purchase price, residential property, Istanbul, block/parcel". Transfers from third-party accounts lead to extra questions and may not be usable for a citizenship file.
Account in Turkey
Open the receiving account first; see documents to open a bank account in Turkey.
Prepare the documents
Document the source and purpose of the funds before sending.
SWIFT instruction
State sender, recipient and payment reference clearly.
Keep the receipts
Keep the SWIFT receipt and the Turkish bank's credit advice.
Bringing cash into Turkey
Cash above the set limit must be declared to customs on entry. The customs declaration is later used when depositing the money at a bank and proving its source. Before travelling, check the current limit with the customs authorities of the Ministry of Trade, and the rules of the country you depart from.
Transfers for property purchases and citizenship
For citizenship through property, the foreign currency must be sold to a Turkish bank and a foreign exchange purchase certificate (DAB) obtained. It must be traceable that the payment went from the buyer's account to the seller's account. Details: documenting investment payments and buying property in Turkey as a foreigner.
Company capital and shareholder payments
When a company is formed, the capital is paid into an account opened in the company's name. Foreign capital should be documented with the articles of association, a shareholders' resolution and the SWIFT receipt. See company formation in Turkey.
Sanctions-related transfers
Direct bank transfers from countries subject to international sanctions, such as Iran, are generally not possible. Any route used must be lawful and documented; funds whose route cannot be proven may be rejected by the bank or be unusable for a citizenship file.
Common mistakes
- Payment from a relative's or acquaintance's account
- Exchanging currency without obtaining a DAB
- Not declaring cash to customs
- Missing or vague payment reference in the SWIFT instruction
Have the payment route checked before you transferTell us the purpose, the approximate amount and the country the funds come from. Consultations are held in Turkish, English, Arabic or Persian.
Overview: opening a bank account in Turkey
Questions about international money transfer documents
Which documents do banks ask for on the source of funds?
Usually payslips, contracts for assets sold or bank statements.
What is the foreign exchange purchase certificate (DAB)?
A document issued by a Turkish bank when it buys foreign currency; it is required for citizenship through property.
Can property be bought with cash?
It is possible with a customs declaration and a bank deposit; paying cash directly to the seller is not advisable.
Can a family member send the money for me?
For citizenship the payment should come from the applicant; third-party payments require extra documents and can put the file at risk.
This guide is based on the official legislation of the Republic of Türkiye and was last updated on .
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice on a specific case. No particular outcome of any application or proceeding is promised.
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