Video: Can Armenian Citizens Purchase Real Estate in Turkey and Azerbaijan? Details

Recently, discussions have intensified regarding the ability of citizens from Turkey and Azerbaijan to acquire real estate in Armenia. On March 28, Suren Tovmasyan, the head of the Cadastre Committee, stated that the legislative regulations regarding property acquisition in Armenia allow citizens from any country to purchase non-agricultural real estate in Armenia. Thus, the law in Armenia does not impose restrictions based on the nationality or representation of any country.

Auroranews.am has investigated the regulations that Turkey and Azerbaijan have regarding this matter. Can Armenian citizens buy real estate in these countries?

Starting with Turkey: the country has a specific list of countries whose citizens can purchase property in Turkey without the need for any additional permits. There are also countries that have specific procedures established for property purchasing. Additionally, there is a section detailing countries whose citizens cannot buy property in Turkey. This list is topped by Armenia.

This means that Armenian citizens cannot acquire any real estate in Turkey. In addition to Armenians, citizens from Syria, North Korea, Nigeria, Cuba, and Yemen are also prohibited from purchasing property in Turkey.

According to Azerbaijani legislation, foreigners can buy real estate in the country, for instance, an apartment or house, but cannot acquire land. Only Azerbaijani citizens can do that. In this context, no specific restrictions were found regarding Armenian citizens; however, the fact remains that Armenian citizens cannot even enter Azerbaijan, let alone have the opportunity to purchase property there. Moreover, if a foreign citizen has a name indicative of Armenian ethnicity, this may already pose challenges for entering the country, if not outright prohibitions.

It is worth noting that it is unknown who the citizens of Turkey and Azerbaijan are that have acquired property in Armenia. They may be ethnic Armenians living and working in Turkey; however, it appears that the laws in Armenia have a loophole.