Bank · SIM · Tax number
Sort out your tax number, bank account and SIM card together in your first week in Türkiye
In Türkiye, renting a home, signing contracts and opening a bank account almost always require a tax number first, and you also need to know the SIM card and IMEI registration rules for your phone to work without problems. Yeni İpekyolu (New Silk Road) is by your side in Chinese at the tax office, the bank and the mobile operator's store, completing these essential procedures in the right order.
Three keys to daily life in Türkiye
Tax number, phone line, bank: the right order for your first week
In Türkiye, a tax number, a local phone line and a bank account are the starting point for almost all daily and business transactions. Rental contracts, electricity and water subscriptions, bank accounts and online shopping may require a tax number, and many online services and banking transactions send an SMS verification code to a Turkish number. If you get the order wrong, you can get stuck at one step and have to make repeated trips.
The general order is: first obtain a tax number from the tax office with your passport, then get a registered phone line, then open a bank account. When you receive a residence permit, you are issued a foreigner identification number starting with 99; with it you can get an e-Devlet password and view information such as residence, address and tax online. The exact order may vary depending on your personal situation and the bank's requirements.
Why might the phone you brought from China suddenly stop working?
Türkiye applies an IMEI registration system to phones brought from abroad. When a Turkish SIM card is inserted into a foreign phone, it can usually be used normally for only a certain period; if it is not registered and the fee paid within this period, the phone may not work on Turkish networks. The period, fee and registration method change from time to time; confirm the current rules with the relevant authority and clarify the matter early after entering Türkiye.
The procedure usually requires your passport with an entry record, the phone and its IMEI number; the fee is paid first, and registration is then completed at the operator or through online channels. Many Chinese clients only notice the problem when their phone suddenly stops working, at which point they either complete the procedure late or buy a local phone. Based on your entry date and your phone's situation, we explain whether registration makes sense and accompany you through the procedure.
Banks ask about the source of funds: give consistent answers
Turkish banks have different account opening requirements for foreigners, and there may even be differences between branches of the same bank. Some ask only for a passport and tax number, while others require a residence card, proof of address or employment documents. When opening an account, the bank usually asks about the source of funds, intended use and your occupation, and your answers need to be clear and consistent. We confirm the requirements in advance and interpret at the branch to help prevent rejections caused by miscommunication.
Once your account is open, we recommend activating mobile banking and learning how to make transfers (havale/EFT) and pay bills. Be especially wary of fraudulent calls and messages: banks and the police generally do not ask for passwords or verification codes over the phone. For large international transfers or corporate accounts, confirm compliance requirements with the bank and a financial advisor; we take care of communication and translation.
For those spending their first week in Türkiye
Newcomers to Türkiye
Those who need a tax number before renting a home and signing contracts, and a local phone line soon after arriving. Many procedures send a verification code to a Turkish phone number, so it is hard to move forward without a local number. We help you get everything done in one go, in the right order.
Assigned employees
For the company to pay salaries, the employee needs a Turkish bank account in their own name. Some banks may ask for a residence card, employment document or proof of address. We confirm the target bank's requirements in advance to cut down on unnecessary trips.
Those bringing their phone from China
A phone brought from abroad and used with a Turkish SIM card can be blocked if IMEI registration is not completed, usually within a certain period. Registration requires paying a fee and processing documents, and the rules change from time to time. We explain the process according to current rules and accompany you through it.
Partners setting up a business in Türkiye
Before a company is set up, foreign partners usually also need a personal tax number. The legal and tax procedures for company formation are handled by a lawyer and a financial advisor. We support the partners' basic personal procedures and translation.
Where we go with you, from the tax office to the operator
Tax number
We accompany you to the tax office with your passport to obtain a personal tax number; in some cases, an online application is also possible. The procedure is usually quick, but your original passport and address details in Türkiye are required. The tax number is the foundation for your bank account, rental and IMEI registration.
Bank account opening
Banks have different requirements for foreigners; some ask for a residence card or proof of address. We help you choose a suitable bank and interpret at the branch. When opening an account, the bank may ask about the source of funds and intended use; we help you answer correctly.
SIM card registration
We help you buy a registered line with your passport at the operator's store and compare package and data options. Turkish operators offer prepaid and postpaid lines, and some options may be limited for foreigners. We help you compare the packages that suit you.
IMEI registration
We explain the registration period, required documents and fee process for phones brought from abroad, and accompany you through the procedure. Phones brought from abroad usually need to be registered and the fee paid within a certain period; confirm the current rules on deadlines and amounts with the relevant authority. If not registered in time, the phone may not work with a Turkish SIM card.
e-Devlet password
Once you have a foreigner identification number, we help you get an e-Devlet (Türkiye's e-Government portal) password and explain commonly used services. Through e-Devlet, you can access residence, address, tax and various bill information. The password is usually obtained from PTT (post office) branches with an identity document.
Service summary and requirements
| Processing time | Usually completed with accompaniment in 1–2 business days |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Quotation by scope · official fees separate |
| City | Mainly Istanbul |
| Service languages | Chinese · Turkish · English |
| Cities served | Mainly Istanbul; also Ankara, Izmir and other cities |
The final price and timeline depend on your documents and scope; we send a clear quote within 2 hours.
What you need to provide
- Original valid passport
- Residence card (if you have one)
- Address details in Türkiye or proof of address (e.g. rental contract)
- Turkish phone number (usually required for account opening)
- The phone to be registered and its IMEI number (shown by dialling *#06#)
Four steps from assessing your situation to mobile banking
- 1
Clarify your situation
Let us know whether you have a residence card, your address and your phone model. If your phone was brought from China, also tell us your date of entry into Türkiye. This information determines the order of procedures and the documents required.
- 2
Sequence plan
We list the order of procedures and the documents required for each step; the tax number usually comes first. Since banks usually ask for a Turkish phone number when opening an account, it is important to get a line early. For IMEI registration, you need to keep an eye on the deadline.
- 3
Procedures together
Following the plan, we visit the tax office, bank and operator in turn, interpreting on the spot. In most cases, the basic procedures are completed in one or two business days. If approval takes longer at some banks, we keep following up.
- 4
How-to guidance
We explain the basics of online banking, mobile banking and e-Devlet. Most Turkish banking apps have an English interface; we show you transfers, bill payments and enquiries. We also warn you about fraudulent calls and messages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a bank account without a residence card?
Some banks can open an account with a passport and tax number; however, requirements vary by bank and branch and may be updated by regulations. We confirm in advance so you do not make a wasted trip. Even if an account is opened, some services may only become available once you have your residence permit.
How long will the phone I brought from China work in Türkiye?
A foreign phone with a Turkish SIM card can usually be used unregistered for only a certain period; after that, IMEI registration must be completed by paying a fee, otherwise it may be blocked. The period, fee and procedure may change; confirm the current rules with the relevant authority. We recommend clarifying this early after entering Türkiye.
Does a tax number expire?
A personal tax number is usually valid indefinitely. Once you receive a residence permit, your foreigner identification number is generally also linked to the tax system. Your record may need updating when details change, such as a change of address.
What is the difference between a tax number and a foreigner identification number?
A tax number is obtained from the tax office with your passport and is used for early procedures such as renting and opening a bank account. A foreigner identification number is usually issued with a residence permit, starts with 99, and is used in e-Devlet, hospitals and many official systems. The two are linked under certain conditions; for details, refer to the relevant authority's rules.
Are Chinese bank cards practical in Türkiye?
UnionPay cards can be used at some ATMs and merchants, but they are not as widely accepted as local cards and may incur fees and exchange rate differences. If you will live or work in Türkiye long term, a Turkish bank account is far more practical. Confirm the conditions for international money transfers with your bank.
How many phones can I register for IMEI?
Under current practice, there are usually limits on the number and frequency of personal registrations for phones brought from abroad, and the rules change from time to time. If you have brought more than one phone, let us know in advance and we will explain which one is better to register under the current rules. The relevant authority's current regulations determine the exact conditions.
What should I do if my bank account is restricted?
Turkish banks may restrict an account when information is missing or a transaction needs verification. Usually you need to go to the branch and submit additional documents or provide an explanation. We can accompany you to the branch and interpret; if there is a legal dispute, consult a Turkish lawyer.
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