Assistance obtaining Turkish tax number (Vergi No)

Who needs a tax number in Turkey?

The tax number (Vergi Numarası) is an identification number issued by the Turkish Revenue Administration, used to establish a person's financial identity in any official transaction of a financial nature. It's needed by every foreigner who wants to open a bank account, buy a phone line, sign an electricity, water, or internet subscription contract, buy property, or carry out any commercial or investment activity in Turkey. It's available to any foreigner regardless of their residence status; even someone without a valid residence permit, or who is in Turkey on a short-term visa, can obtain a tax number if a particular transaction requires it.

For those holding a valid residence permit in Turkey, their foreigner ID number (the number tied to their residence permit) is used as the tax number itself, without needing a separate number, under a Revenue Administration decision that has been in effect for years. Those without a residence permit are issued an independent tax number specifically for this purpose.

Documents and general requirements

Important points to know

• Obtaining a tax number is entirely free, and no government fees are charged for its issuance
• The tax number never expires; once issued, it remains fixed and valid at all times without needing any renewal
• Obtaining the tax number is not tied to the type of entry visa or the length of residence in Turkey
• Many foreigners confuse the tax number with the foreigner ID number tied to a residence permit; for holders of a valid residence permit the two numbers are the same, while for those without residence an independent tax number is issued, unrelated to the ID number
• The tax number is valid in all Turkish cities and tax offices without exception, as it's registered in a unified nationwide database

Frequently asked questions

Is the tax number the same as the foreigner ID number? For those holding a valid residence permit in Turkey, yes; the foreigner ID number itself is used as the tax number. Those without a residence permit get an independent tax number unrelated to the ID number.

Does the tax number expire or need renewal? No, the tax number doesn't expire and doesn't need any periodic renewal after being issued.

Do minor children need a tax number? Yes, if the child is party to an official transaction requiring a tax number, such as registering property in their name or opening a bank account for them, they need their own tax number regardless of their age.

Are there any fees for obtaining a tax number? No, issuance of the tax number by the Turkish Revenue Administration is entirely free, and no government fees are charged for obtaining it.

Last updated: 2026-09-07