Power of Attorney in Turkey: Complete Guide 2026

A Power of Attorney (Vekaletname) in Turkey is a legal document that authorizes another person or entity to act on your behalf in specific matters. For foreign property buyers who cannot be physically present in Turkey during the purchase process, a Power of Attorney provides a secure and legally recognized way to complete property transactions, TAPU transfers, and related administrative procedures without requiring your personal presence.

This guide explains how Power of Attorney works in Turkey, when it is required versus optional, the different types available, and how to obtain and use one for property purchase. Understanding the Power of Attorney process helps you make informed decisions about whether you need one and how to ensure it is properly executed. For a complete overview of the property purchase process, see our guide to buying property in Turkey.

It is important to understand that a Power of Attorney does not transfer ownership rights to the attorney. The property title deed (TAPU) will be issued in your name only, and ownership transfer occurs directly at the Land Registry Office, not through a notary. A notary in Turkey does NOT transfer property ownership—only the Land Registry Directorate can execute ownership transfers and issue TAPU documents.

What is a Power of Attorney in Turkey?

A Power of Attorney in Turkey is a formal legal document that grants specific authority to another person (the attorney or agent) to perform certain actions on your behalf. The document must be notarized to be legally valid and must clearly specify the scope of authority granted.

For property purchases, a Power of Attorney allows your authorized representative to sign contracts, complete TAPU transfers at the Land Registry Office, handle utility registrations, and perform other administrative tasks related to your property purchase. The document does not give the attorney ownership rights—the property remains yours, and the TAPU is issued in your name.

Power of Attorney documents in Turkey are commonly used because they provide flexibility for international buyers who may have scheduling constraints, travel limitations, or prefer to have experienced local representatives handle the administrative aspects of property purchase. The system is well-established, legally secure, and widely accepted by Turkish authorities.

When is a Power of Attorney Required vs. Optional?

A Power of Attorney is required when you cannot be physically present in Turkey for essential steps in the property purchase process. Specifically, you need a Power of Attorney if you cannot attend:

• The TAPU transfer at the Land Registry Office (mandatory for ownership transfer)
• The signing of the final sales contract (if required by the seller or developer)
• Utility registration appointments (electricity and water meter transfers)
• Bank account opening procedures (if you need to be present)
• Any other procedures that require your signature or presence

A Power of Attorney is optional but recommended if you want to streamline the process and have a trusted representative handle administrative tasks even when you could be present. Many buyers choose to use a Power of Attorney to avoid multiple trips to Turkey and to leverage local expertise for document preparation and procedure coordination.

If you can be present for all required steps, you do not need a Power of Attorney. However, even if you plan to be present, having a Power of Attorney as a backup can be useful if unexpected circumstances prevent your travel.

Power of Attorney for Property Purchase

A Power of Attorney for property purchase should specifically authorize your representative to perform all actions necessary to complete the purchase. The scope of authority typically includes:

• Signing sales contracts and reservation agreements
• Completing TAPU transfer at the Land Registry Office
• Paying taxes, fees, and related expenses on your behalf
• Registering utilities (electricity and water) in your name
• Handling bank transactions related to the purchase
• Collecting and submitting required documents
• Representing you in communications with government offices

The Power of Attorney document should be specific about the property address or clearly state that it applies to property purchases in general. A general Power of Attorney for property matters is typically acceptable, but a specific Power of Attorney for a particular property provides additional clarity and may be preferred by some authorities.

Power of Attorney for TAPU Transfer and Utilities

The TAPU transfer is the most critical step that requires either your personal presence or a valid Power of Attorney. At the Land Registry Office, your authorized representative can sign the transfer documents, pay the title deed tax (4% of declared value), pay the registration fee (approximately €65), and receive the TAPU document in your name.

After the TAPU transfer, utility registration (electricity and water meters) can also be completed by your attorney. These registrations require your TAPU and passport, and the Power of Attorney authorizes your representative to complete these procedures on your behalf. For detailed information on all costs associated with property purchase, see our complete guide to property purchase expenses in Turkey.

It is important to note that the TAPU transfer itself occurs at the Land Registry Office, not at a notary. The Power of Attorney authorizes your representative to act on your behalf at the Land Registry, but the ownership transfer is executed by government officials, not private notaries. The TAPU transfer process remains the same whether you are present or represented by an attorney.

Power of Attorney Issued Abroad vs. Issued in Turkey

You can obtain a Power of Attorney either in your home country (at a Turkish consulate or embassy) or in Turkey (at a Turkish notary). Both methods are legally valid, but the process and requirements differ.

Power of Attorney Issued Abroad

If you issue the Power of Attorney in your home country, you must do so at a Turkish consulate or embassy. The process typically involves:

• Contacting the Turkish consulate or embassy in your country to schedule an appointment
• Preparing the Power of Attorney document (the consulate may provide a template or require you to bring a prepared document)
• Providing your valid passport and any required identification
• Paying the consulate fees (varies by country and consulate)
• Having the document notarized and authenticated by the consulate

The Power of Attorney issued at a Turkish consulate is immediately valid in Turkey and does not require additional authentication or apostille. This is the most common method for buyers who cannot travel to Turkey before the purchase process begins.

Power of Attorney Issued in Turkey

If you issue the Power of Attorney in Turkey, you do so at a Turkish notary office. This option is available if you visit Turkey before the purchase process begins or during an early stage of the process. The process involves:

• Visiting a Turkish notary office with your passport
• Providing the notary with details about the scope of authority you wish to grant
• Signing the Power of Attorney document in the presence of the notary
• Paying notary fees (typically €50-€150 depending on the scope and complexity)

Both methods produce legally equivalent documents. The choice depends on your travel schedule and convenience. Power of Attorney issued at Turkish consulates abroad is more common for international buyers, as it allows you to complete the authorization before your first trip to Turkey.

Apostille vs. Turkish Consulate Notarization

For Power of Attorney documents, Turkish consulate notarization is the standard and recommended method. An apostille is not required for Power of Attorney documents issued at Turkish consulates, as the consulate authentication itself provides the necessary legal validity.

If you have a Power of Attorney notarized in your home country by a local notary (not at a Turkish consulate), you would need an apostille to make it valid in Turkey. However, this approach is not recommended, as Turkish consulate notarization is simpler, more direct, and immediately recognized by all Turkish authorities.

The apostille process (under the Hague Convention) can add time and complexity, requiring you to obtain the apostille from the appropriate authority in your country, then potentially have the document translated and authenticated again. Turkish consulate notarization avoids these additional steps and ensures immediate validity in Turkey.

Choosing Who Can Act as Your Attorney

You can authorize several types of representatives to act on your behalf, each with different implications and suitability depending on your needs.

Trusted Real Estate Company

Many buyers authorize their real estate agency (such as Maximos Real Estate, within the scope of their services) to act as their attorney. This option is convenient because the agency is already familiar with your purchase, understands the process, and can coordinate all steps efficiently. Real estate agencies typically include Power of Attorney coordination as part of their service package for buyers who require it.

When authorizing a real estate company, ensure the Power of Attorney clearly specifies the scope of authority and that you trust the company to act in your best interests. The company should have a good reputation, proper licensing, and experience handling Power of Attorney transactions.

Independent Lawyer

You can authorize an independent Turkish lawyer to act as your attorney. This option provides professional legal representation and may be preferred if you want legal oversight separate from the real estate transaction. Engaging an independent lawyer requires a separate agreement and fee structure, as this is outside the scope of typical real estate agency services.

An independent lawyer can provide additional legal protection and may be particularly valuable for complex transactions or if you have specific legal concerns. However, this option involves additional costs and requires you to coordinate between the lawyer and your real estate agency.

Personal Appearance Without Power of Attorney

If you can be present for all required procedures, you do not need a Power of Attorney. Personal appearance allows you to maintain direct control over every step and eliminates the need for authorization documents. However, this option requires you to be available for travel to Turkey at specific times during the purchase process.

Many buyers combine approaches: they handle initial property selection and contract signing in person, then use a Power of Attorney for the TAPU transfer and utility registration if they cannot return for those specific appointments.

Costs Overview

Power of Attorney costs vary depending on where and how it is issued:

• Turkish Consulate (abroad): Consulate fees typically range from €50 to €200, depending on the country and consulate. Some consulates charge based on the number of pages or the complexity of the document.
• Turkish Notary (in Turkey): Notary fees typically range from €50 to €150, depending on the scope of authority and document complexity. Simple property purchase Power of Attorney documents are usually at the lower end of this range.
• Translation (if required): If you need the Power of Attorney translated, translation costs typically range from €30 to €100 depending on length and language pair.
• Additional services: Some real estate agencies include Power of Attorney coordination in their service package, while others may charge separately for this service.

These costs are one-time expenses and are relatively modest compared to the overall property purchase costs. The convenience and flexibility provided by a Power of Attorney often justify these expenses for buyers who cannot be present for all procedures.

Risks and Common Mistakes to Avoid

While Power of Attorney is a secure and well-established system, there are important considerations to ensure proper execution:

• Insufficient scope of authority: Ensure your Power of Attorney clearly authorizes all actions needed for your purchase, including TAPU transfer, utility registration, and payment of fees. An incomplete Power of Attorney can delay or complicate the process.
• Expired or invalid documents: Verify that your Power of Attorney is properly notarized and authenticated. Documents not issued at a Turkish consulate or Turkish notary may not be recognized.
• Choosing an unreliable attorney: Only authorize trusted, licensed professionals or reputable companies. Verify credentials and reputation before granting Power of Attorney.
• Not specifying property details: While general Power of Attorney for property matters is usually acceptable, specifying the property address or purchase details can provide additional clarity and prevent misunderstandings.
• Not keeping copies: Always obtain and keep certified copies of your Power of Attorney. You may need these for reference or if issues arise during the process.
• Assuming notaries transfer ownership: Remember that notaries do not transfer property ownership in Turkey. The Power of Attorney authorizes your representative to act at the Land Registry Office, where ownership transfer actually occurs.

Revoking a Power of Attorney

You can revoke a Power of Attorney at any time, provided you have the legal capacity to do so. To revoke a Power of Attorney issued in Turkey, you must:

• Issue a revocation document at a Turkish notary or Turkish consulate
• Notify your attorney in writing of the revocation
• Inform any relevant authorities (such as the Land Registry Office) if procedures are in progress

If you revoke a Power of Attorney after procedures have begun, you may need to complete those procedures in person or issue a new Power of Attorney to a different representative. Revocation does not affect actions already completed by your attorney while the Power of Attorney was valid.

Validity Period and Limitations

Power of Attorney documents in Turkey do not have a fixed expiration date unless you specify one in the document. However, some authorities may prefer Power of Attorney documents issued within a certain timeframe (typically within the last 6-12 months) for ongoing procedures.

Power of Attorney is limited to the specific scope of authority granted in the document. Your attorney cannot exceed the authority granted, and any actions outside the specified scope would be invalid. The document does not grant ownership rights, financial control beyond specified transactions, or authority to make decisions you have not authorized.

If your property purchase extends over a long period (such as off-plan properties with extended construction timelines), ensure your Power of Attorney remains valid or be prepared to issue a new one if needed for later procedures.

When Power of Attorney is NOT Suitable

Power of Attorney may not be suitable or sufficient in certain situations:

• Complex legal disputes: If your purchase involves legal complications, disputes, or unusual circumstances, you may need to be present or engage specialized legal representation beyond standard Power of Attorney.
• Citizenship applications: While Power of Attorney can handle property purchase, citizenship applications typically require your personal presence for interviews, biometrics, and final approval steps.
• Mortgage applications: Some banks may require your personal presence for mortgage applications, even if you have a Power of Attorney for property purchase.
• Personal preference for control: If you prefer to maintain direct control over every step and decision, personal appearance may be more suitable than Power of Attorney.

In most standard property purchases, Power of Attorney is suitable and effective. However, if your situation involves unusual complexity or specific requirements, consult with your real estate agency or legal advisor to determine whether Power of Attorney is appropriate for your needs.

Practical Final Notes

Power of Attorney should always be issued with a clearly defined scope that matches the exact procedures you intend to delegate. Overly broad authorizations are unnecessary for standard property purchases and may create avoidable legal exposure.

Before issuing a Power of Attorney, confirm whether personal presence is required for any remaining steps in your specific transaction, particularly for banking, mortgage approval, or immigration-related procedures.

If your purchase timeline extends over several months, verify whether the receiving authority accepts older Power of Attorney documents or requires a recently issued version. This is especially relevant for off-plan purchases and delayed TAPU transfers.

Power of Attorney is often used in conjunction with legal representation. For information about engaging a property lawyer in Turkey to oversee the purchase process, see our property lawyer guide. Once the purchase is complete, the TAPU title deed transfer occurs. For details about the TAPU Title Deed in Turkey process, see our TAPU guide.

For buyers who cannot be present during the purchase process, professional buying assistance provides authorized representation and complete coordination, handling all procedures on your behalf while keeping you informed at every stage.