Getting a tax number is often one of the first steps for foreign students planning to study in Turkey. But what exactly is a tax number? A tax number is a special 10-digit identification number used by everyone living in Turkey to carry out financial transactions. You may need this number when opening a bank account, making a lease agreement, or even when buying a telephone line.
Advantages of Having a Tax Number
A tax number not only makes your student life in Turkey easier, but also speeds up many legal processes. Here are some of the advantages of having a tax number:
- Open a Bank Account: Most banks in Turkey require a tax number when opening an account. This account is essential for receiving your scholarship payments or transferring money from your family.
- Rental Contract: A tax number is often required to rent a house or dormitory. In this way, you can officially make your lease contract and start the subscription process.
- Insurance Transactions: It may also be necessary to submit a tax number when making health insurance or private insurance transactions.
- Official Institutions: Government offices in Turkey (e.g. Immigration Administration, Tapu Directorate, Population Directorate) often require this number for transactions.
- E-commerce and Online Shopping: In some cases, a tax number may also be required for online shopping or e-invoicing in Turkey.
This makes both daily life and official transactions much smoother for students.
Which Students Should Get a Tax Number?
It is obligatory for all foreign students who come to Turkey on a student visa and will be studying here for an extended period of time to obtain a tax number. Especially for students enrolled in language school, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs, the tax number is an essential document for both financial and official transactions.
What about short-term visitors? While it is not mandatory for students on short-term programs or summer courses on a tourist visa to obtain a tax number, it is recommended. Why? This is because some dormitories or landlords may still require this number to open a lease or subscription. A tax number is also usually required for students on tourist visas who want to open a bank account.
In a nutshell:
- Long-term student visa (language school, university, graduate school, etc.): Tax number is mandatory.
- Short-term tourist visa (language course less than 3 months, etc.): Not mandatory but recommended.
Therefore, getting a tax number as soon as you arrive in Turkey will help you to live your student life both planned and stress-free.
How can a foreigner apply for a Turkish tax number in person
A foreigner can apply for a Turkish tax number in person by following these steps:
- Visit the Local Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi) that corresponds to your registered address in Turkey.
- Take a queue number and request the “Foreign Tax Number Application Form” (Yabancılar Vergi Kimlik Numarası Başvuru Formu).
- Prepare and submit the required documents:
- Original passport and a photocopy of the passport.
- Proof of address in Turkey (if available).
- Completed application form.
- If applying through a representative, a power of attorney may be required.
- Submit the documents to the tax office staff for verification.
- The tax office will issue the 10-digit tax number immediately on the spot, printing a certificate that confirms the number.
Important notes:
- Tourist visa holders can apply for the tax number; a residence permit is not mandatory.
- Language barriers may exist, so it can be helpful to bring someone who speaks Turkish or to grant power of attorney to a lawyer.
- Each family member must apply separately even if applying together.
- The process is free of charge and usually quick.
This in-person application is often preferred if there are issues with the online application system or if immediate issuance is needed.
The Process of Obtaining a Tax Number for International Students in Turkey
Don’t be intimidated by getting a tax number in Turkey! In fact, it is much easier and faster than you think. There are two main ways to get a tax number for foreign students: online application and face-to-face application from the tax office.
Online Application via Digital Tax Office
The easiest and fastest method in Turkey is to apply online. You can complete the “Potential Tax Identification Number for Foreigners” application in a few minutes by visiting gib.gov.tr, the official website of the Interactive Tax Office. Here are the steps:
- Site Login: Enter the Digital Tax Office (Interactive Tax Office) website.
- Application Screen: Click on the “Potential Tax Identification Number Application for Foreigners” link on the home page.
- Fill in the Form: Fill in your passport number and other personal information completely and accurately.
- Confirmation and Number: When you press the “OK” button, the system will automatically give you a tax number.
- Inquiry: If you have already applied or lost your number, you can check your status in the “Potential Tax Identification Number Inquiry for Foreigners” tab.
This method is very practical, especially for students with internet access, and gives immediate results without waiting in line.
Face-to-Face Application from Tax Office
If you do not have access to the internet or prefer face-to-face transactions, you can go to the nearest tax office to submit your application. There are tax offices in almost every city in Turkey and there is usually a separate counter or information desk for foreigners. The staff on duty will assist you when you indicate that you are a student and would like to obtain a tax number.
The process is also fast here; you can get your number in a short time after submitting your documents.
Required Documents and Steps
When applying for a tax number, you need to prepare some documents. The documents are usually the same for both online and face-to-face applications. Here’s what you need:
- Passport (original and photocopy)
- Residence address (address of your hotel, dormitory or place of residence)
- Application form (available from the tax office or online)
If these documents are ready, you can quickly complete your application.
Once this process is completed, you can use your tax number to open a bank account, sign a lease, or even buy internet and phone lines. In short, getting a tax number will be the first step to start your student life in Turkey!
The Effects of Getting a Tax Number on Your Daily Life
A tax number is an integral part of your daily life in Turkey. It facilitates financial and official transactions in Turkey, especially for international students.
Open a Bank Account
Most banks in Turkey require a tax number when opening an account. Opening a bank account as a student is important to receive your scholarships or make your rent payments. It is often not possible to open a bank account without this number.
Phone Line and Other Services
A tax number may also be requested when you want to get a telephone line or internet connection. In addition, tax numbers are requested by most institutions for electricity, water and natural gas subscription transactions. Having a tax number to legally access many services in Turkey makes your daily life easier.
What to do when your student visa expires in Turkey
When your student visa in Turkey expires or is about to be extended, you need to fulfill some official procedures. This is where the tax number comes into play! In order to extend your legal stay in Turkey or renew your residence permit, it is very important that your tax number is registered and active.
One of the most common problems faced by students is that the application is considered incomplete because the tax number is not declared during the residence permit extension application. Thanks to the tax number, your financial and official transactions in Turkey will go faster and you will not waste time in your residence permit applications.
How to Apply for Residence Permit Extension
In order to apply for a residence permit extension, you must first apply online on the official website of the Directorate General of Migration Management. At the time of application:
- Tax number
- Passport photocopy
- Certificate of residence or lease
- Health insurance policy
- Student certificate
Such documents are requested. It is very important that these documents are complete for your application to be finalized quickly.
After submitting your application online, you must go to the Immigration Administration on the appointment date given to you and submit your documents. The officer will check your application and extend your residence permit if there are no missing documents.
Role of the Tax Number
Your tax number is the most important information documenting your legal presence and financial record in Turkey at the time of application. The tax number can also be used when purchasing a health insurance policy or showing your bank account transactions. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you obtain the tax number in advance so as not to interrupt your life as a student in Turkey.
Make Your Education Life Easier in Turkey!
Getting a tax number is one of the most important steps you can take as a student in Turkey. The tax number opens doors for you to open bank accounts, carry out official transactions and meet your daily needs. Now is the time to take action! Make your education life easier by completing your application through the Digital Tax Office and make a new start in Turkey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tax number in Turkey?
A tax number in Turkey, called “Vergi Kimlik Numarası” (VKN), is a unique identification number assigned to individuals and businesses for tax and financial purposes by the Turkish Revenue Administration.
Why do we need a tax identification number?
The tax number is needed to identify taxpayers, ensure proper tax payment, open bank accounts, conduct official transactions, buy property, and access various public and financial services in Turkey.
What does it mean when you have a tax number?
Having a tax number means you are registered with the Turkish tax system and can legally engage in financial, commercial, and administrative activities that require tax reporting and identification.
Do foreigners pay taxes in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners who earn income or conduct business in Turkey are required to pay taxes and must obtain a tax number to fulfill their tax obligations.