Power of Attorney for Property Purchase in Turkey

A power of attorney in Turkey (vekâletname) allows a trusted representative—typically your lawyer—to complete steps in a property purchase on your behalf. For overseas buyers managing travel constraints or language issues, a POA makes buying property remotely both practical and compliant.

In this guide, we explain how a POA operates in Turkish real estate, how to issue it in or outside Turkey, and how to use a POA for property safely.

What a Power of Attorney Covers in Real Estate

A POA authorises your representative to carry out defined actions, such as signing the sale agreement, submitting applications at the Land Registry Office (Tapu ve Kadastro), paying official fees, and arranging utilities. Where the principal does not understand Turkish, the notary must conclude the transaction with a sworn translator present.

Best practice is to keep the POA specific and limited to the identified purchase and related filings. In most cases, this reduces risk and reflects how Turkish notaries and the land registry expect real estate mandates to be drafted.

Issuing a POA in Turkey (at a notary)

If you are in Turkey, you can issue a POA at a Turkish notary public. You typically present your passport (with certified Turkish translation if required), tax number, and your lawyer’s details. If you do not speak Turkish, a sworn translator is required during execution. The notary prepares the document in Turkish and records it in the notarial system.

For POAs to be used in land registry procedures, the principal’s photograph must be affixed and stamped on the POA; land registry practice rejects POAs without an approved photo.

Issuing a POA from Abroad (consulate or foreign notary)

If you reside outside Turkey, there are two common routes:

1. At a Turkish consulate: you execute the POA before consular officers; consular POAs are directly recognised in Turkey.

   
   
   

2. Before a local notary: the POA must carry an Apostille (Hague 1961) and be submitted with a certified Turkish translation. For countries not party to the Apostille Convention, consular legalisation is required.
   
   
   

For land registry use, ensure the POA includes the principal’s photograph and that the translation and notarisation meet TKGM criteria.

Using a POA to Buy Property Remotely: Scope to Include

When instructing us to prepare a POA for property, we typically include narrowly drafted authorities to:

• Sign the sale or purchase contract and related applications
  
  
  

• Submit and receive documents at Tapu ve Kadastro and municipal offices
  
  

  
  

• Pay statutory fees and taxes from funds you provide

  
  
  

• Complete ancillary steps such as insurance or valuation filings, where required by practice
  
  
  

You may add a validity period or prohibit onward delegation if you prefer. We tailor wording to align with the Turkish Civil Code framework and land registry circulars in force.

Timelines, Safety and Revocation

• Timelines: Issuing a POA at a Turkish notary is often completed the same day, subject to appointment availability and translation. Consular or foreign-notary routes depend on local appointment and Apostille or legalisation timing.
  
  

  
  

• Revocation: You can revoke a POA at any time by issuing a notarial revocation (in Turkey or, if issued abroad, via the same channel with Apostille or legalisation) and notifying your representative and any office that may rely on it. This reflects standard practice under the Civil Code and Notary Law. (General guidance; specific steps depend on where the POA was issued.)

  
  
  
  

Market Context for Foreign Buyers

According to TÜİK, foreign nationals purchased 10,461 properties in Turkey between January and June 2024, and 23,781 for the full year—approximately 1.6% of all residential sales. In early 2025, foreign-buyer activity remained steady at around 1–2% of total transactions, with 574 homes sold to overseas buyers in March 2025 (1.4%).

Although the overall number of foreign purchases has decreased compared with previous years, the practical use of a power of attorney remains widespread. Many international investors continue to complete transactions remotely to avoid travel and streamline formalities with the Land Registry.

In key coastal destinations such as Bodrum, Göcek, Alanya, Kaş, Fethiye, and Antalya, it is standard practice for foreign buyers to appoint a lawyer through a POA to handle title registration and related procedures. For further guidance, see Buying Property in Fethiye and Property Lawyer Turkey.

FAQ

1. Do I have to include my photograph on the POA?

For land registry use, yes—the principal’s photo must be affixed and stamped on the POA under TKGM practice.

2. Can I issue a POA outside Turkey?

Yes. Use a Turkish consulate (directly valid) or a local notary with Apostille (or consular legalisation if not an Apostille country), with a certified Turkish translation.

3. Is a translator required at the notary?

If you do not understand Turkish, a sworn translator must attend the notary transaction, as required under Article 74 of the Turkish Notary Law.

Summary

A carefully drafted POA for property enables buying property remotely in Turkey while meeting notary and land registry requirements. The critical compliance points are sworn translation where needed, a photo-bearing POA for Tapu procedures, and (when issued abroad) correct Apostille or consular legalisation and Turkish translation. With a limited-scope POA and a qualified lawyer, most buyers complete the process efficiently and lawfully.

For professional legal assistance with your power of attorney or property purchase in Turkey, contact Gokalp Legal. We are based in Fethiye and represent clients in Antalya, Muğla, Istanbul, and across Turkey.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.