Turkish Banks: 10 Major Banks and a Foreigner’s Guide

The Banks Association of Turkey maintains the current official list of member Turkish banks. The banking system is well-regulated and diverse. Whether you’re a local or a foreign investor, banks in Turkey offer a range of services, including online banking, business accounts, and multi-currency options.

In this guide created by Global Citizen Solutions, you will discover ten major banks in Turkey, how to open an account, and the selection checklist to choose between Turkish banks, depending on your financial needs.

Banks in Turkey: Key Details

Foreigners are generally permitted to open bank accounts in Turkey, but eligibility and requirements depend on the bank and the applicant’s profile and financial needs.

The latest Banks Association of Türkiye figures put Ziraat Bank at the top of the ranking in terms of total assets, with total assets of $194.88 billion, as of 30 June 2026.

The directory of member banks is published by the official site of the Banks Association of Turkey.

Banks may ask for a passport, Turkish tax number, proof of address, residence permit, and source-of-funds documents. However, the exact documents required should be confirmed with the bank.

The TMSF (Savings Deposit Insurance Fund of Turkey) enforces deposit protection limits and eligibility.

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankası A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number one by total assets, Ziraat Bank had total assets of $194.88 billion, as of 30 June 2026. Established in 1863, this bank is one of the oldest banks in Turkey. Ziraat Bank allows non-resident foreigners to open an account with their passport, registered address, and foreign tax ID. Foreign non-residents should confirm which account types are available.

Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası T.A.O.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number two by total assets, VakıfBank had total assets of $124.72 billion, as of 30 June 2026. VakıfBank has a dedicated page for expat services that covers deposit and foreign currency accounts, insurance, loans, and payment services. Foreign non-residents should confirm which account types are available and the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements to open one.

Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number three by total assets, Türkiye İş Bankası had total assets of $109.31 billion, as of 30 June 2026. Established in 1924, it is one of the oldest banks in Turkey. Türkiye İş Bankası has a dedicated expat banking page that allows non-resident foreigners to open an account using their passport, registered address, and foreign tax ID.

An official document, issued and approved by the Turkish Ministry of Finance, that confirms the applicant’s national ID may be used in the absence of a passport or residence permit. A Turkish SIM card is needed to activate the İşBank mobile app. Foreign non-residents should confirm which account types are available and the KYC requirements to open one.

Türkiye Halk Bankası A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number four by total assets, Halkbank had total assets of $101.38 billion, as of 30 June 2026. Halkbank allows non-resident foreigners to open an account with their passport, registered address, and foreign tax ID. Foreign non-residents should confirm which account types are available and the KYC requirements to open one.

Türkiye Garanti Bankası A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number five by total assets, Garanti BBVA had total assets of $94.78 billion, as of 30 June 2026. Garanti BBVA allows non-resident Turkish citizens to open an account, but foreign nationals must have a Turkish residence permit and ID card to open one.

Akbank T.A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number six by total assets, Akbank had total assets of $80.03 billion, as of 30 June 2026. Akbank has a dedicated expat banking page and allows resident foreign expats to open an account. Foreign residents living or working in Turkey should confirm which account types are available and the KYC requirements to open one.

Yapı ve Kredi Bankası A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number seven by total assets, Yapı Kredi had total assets of $76.70 billion, as of 30 June 2026. Yapı Kredi has a dedicated page for banking for foreigners; however, the exact documents required are not specified. Foreign nationals should confirm directly with the bank which account types are available and the KYC requirements to open one.

QNB Bank A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number eight by total assets, QNB Bank (formerly known as QNB Finansbank) had total assets of $45.87 billion, as of 30 June 2026. QNB Bank allows non-resident foreigners to open accounts and operates within the global banking network of the parent, Qatar National Bank Group. Foreign nationals should confirm directly with the bank which account types are available and the KYC requirements to open one.

Denizbank A.Ş.

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number nine by total assets, DenizBank had total assets of $44.32 billion, as of 30 June 2026. DenizBank allows non-resident Turkish citizens to open an account, but foreign nationals must have a Turkish residence permit and ID card to open one.

Türk Eximbank

Listed by the Banks Association of Turkey at number ten by total assets, Türk Eximbank had total assets of $33.79 billion, as of 30 June 2026. Türk Eximbank is Turkey’s official export credit institution and has a different institutional purpose to the other banks listed. Therefore, it allows neither citizens nor non-resident foreigners to open standard personal, checking, or savings bank accounts.

This checklist allows foreigners to compare banks based on their circumstances. The list shouldn’t be used to determine whether a chosen bank accepts the application or offers a particular service, as the requirements must be confirmed directly with them. Banks should also be compared based on individual needs, as this changes depending on the person.

• Applicant acceptance
  • Check if non-residents or foreign nationals apply and if the bank accepts applications from your nationality.
  • Check is the bank and branch is likely to consider your applicant profile.
  • Look at whether an in-person appointment is part of the account opening processing and if there are additional eligibility or compliance checks required.
• Required documents
  • Check if only a passport, residence permit, and criminal record certificate are needed, or if other identity documents are required.
  • Check if you need a Turkish tax ID and source-of-funds documentation alongside proof of address.
  • Determine if acquiring a Turkish passport reduces documentary requirements.
  • Your documents may need to be translated, notarized, or apostilled.
• Services
  • Check if you can open the account remotely or if you have to apply in a branch.
  • Determine if the bank offers services in English or another preferred language.
  • Check if the required service is available through your intended branch or an onboarding channel.
  • If you require online or mobile banking, check if the bank supports it.
  • Check which currencies are supported and the multiple-currency account options and fees.
  • Check the support for incoming and outgoing international transfers, including currencies, transfer limits, exchange rates, and how long they take.
  • Check if support is available in a language you understand.
• Current fees
  • Check the bank’s fees for account maintenance, cash withdrawals, cards, as well as transaction tariffs.
  • If you’re buying property in Turkey, check the currency conversion rate.
  • Confirm whether fees differ for residents and non-residents.
  • Confirm whether fees differ for personal accounts and corporate accounts.
  • Check for deposit and minimum balance conditions.

The onboarding sequence should typically follow this structure:

1. Contact the chosen bank or relevant branch.
2. Request the specific documents that applicants need to apply.
3. Prepare the requested identity, tax ID, proof of address/residence, and source-of-funds evidence, and any other documents the bank requires.
4. Submit the application and documents for a compliance review.

Foreigners are generally able to open a bank account in Turkey both as residents and non-residents, but this depends on the bank. Requirements differ for each bank and depend on the applicant’s situation and identity. Some banks require a Turkish residence permit.

Eligibility to apply to open an account does not mean a bank will approve the application, as they perform their own due diligence on prospective customers, and foreign applicants may be subject to additional requirements. This can include providing supporting documentation or submitting a physical application in a branch.

Document a bank may request

A bank may ask for documents confirming your identity, tax number, registered address, residence status, and source of funds. The exact requirements can vary by bank, branch, applicant, and account type.

For example, individuals starting a business in Turkey are generally required to provide the Trade Registry Gazette showing the company’s legal registration to open a corporate account, whereas those applying for a Turkish citizenship through investment may need to provide documents relating to their investment and citizenship application.

Deposit protection in Turkey is generally regulated under the Banking Law No. 5411. The TMSF (Savings Deposit Insurance Fund of Turkey) is responsible for the deposit and participation fund insurance system.

Eligible deposits with Turkish banks are insured by law up to the relevant statutory limit and credit institution. Protection is not universal, as the TMSF determines eligibility based on the depositor, the current limit, deposit type, and currency.

The TMSF periodically updates the limits of this coverage, and eligible account holders should follow these limits and other parameters included in this coverage when evaluating their protection.