The former Turkish subsidiary of Sberbank DenizBank began to refuse Russians to open accounts

As intermediaries who help Russian citizens obtain cards from Turkish banks told RBC (you need to have an account to obtain and renew a residence permit), since the beginning of this year DenizBank began to reject Russians.

The presence of the problem was confirmed to the publication by the managing partner of Lenar Wealth Management, Lenar Rakhmanov, who works in Istanbul.

In March, Turkish authorities announced a solution to the problem of opening accounts for Russians trying to obtain or renew a residence permit. The local Ministry of Culture and Tourism has reached an agreement with Turkish banks.

At the same time, as Sergei Ovsyannikov, one of the intermediaries, explains, today it is not possible to open an account in DenizBank even if you have all the necessary documents.

“The bank makes exceptions only for clients with a large deposit of $100,000 or more,” Ovsiánnikov clarified.

Lenar Rakhmanov adds that the “caliber of the client” influences the chances of opening an account for a citizen of the Russian Federation.

“A lot depends on personal agreements with a particular branch and those who represent the client,” the lawyer explained.

If previously DenizBank provided services for opening an account with a foreign passport, now the bank asks to present a residence permit and registration in Turkey, after which the organization makes a decision.

“But even having a residence permit and local registration does not guarantee opening an account, so with a complete package of documents, Russians find it easier to contact another bank,” said another intermediary, Elena Chernyshova. She also added that approximately 60% of applicants from Russia do not have Turkish registration.

DenizBank began requiring Russians for a temporary residence permit to open an account in February 2024.