Expats beware: Forgotten bank accounts in Türkiye risk forfeiture

Türkiye’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) has listed bank accounts that will have remained inactive for 10 years by Dec. 31, 2024, which will be transferred to the fund unless account holders contact their respective banks by Jun. 14, 2025, to reclaim their funds and prevent forfeiture.

According to the latest data, 1.67 million dormant accounts that had no transactions since 2014 contained a total of ₺507 million ($13.92 million). These funds have already been transferred to TMSF as of the end of 2023.

Among the unclaimed amounts transferred to TMSF, various foreign currencies were also included:

• 124.09 million Turkish liras
• 4.59 million U.S. dollars
• 5.65 million euros
• 202,224 British pounds
• 138,623 Swiss francs
• 6.47 million Japanese yen
• 140,371 Norwegian kroner
• 358,362 Swedish kronor
• 114,387 Danish kroner
• 29,457 Australian dollars
• 1,470 Saudi riyals
• 2,535 Canadian dollars

In 2023, assets totaling ₺429.87 million from 1,61 million dormant accounts were transferred to TMSF.

Unclaimed forgotten bank accounts to be forfeited

Under Turkish regulations, any bank deposit, participation fund, trust, or receivable that remains unclaimed for 10 years is subject to statutory forfeiture. The list of accounts facing expiration is published annually on the official websites of TMSF and the relevant banks for four months, starting in February.

If account holders or their heirs fail to claim their assets before the deadline, these funds will be permanently transferred to TMSF.

Expats and foreign residents in Türkiye are strongly advised to check whether their accounts are at risk and take necessary action before Jun. 14, 2025.

Inactive accounts can be checked via the web address https://zamanasimisorgu.tmsf.org.tr/.