A Power of Attorney is commonly used when purchasing property in Turkey to avoid the time-consuming journey required to complete title deed transfer formalities.
Only licensed real estate agents or registered lawyers should be granted powers of attorney (POA). It's best to restrict the powers to those that are absolutely necessary. This type typically includes the ability to purchase property and set up service subscriptions such as water and electricity on your behalf.
Types of Power of Attorney in Turkey
1. General Power of Attorney
This gives the agent broad authority to represent you legally in all matters. In some cases, your signature is required for approval of major decisions.
2. Specific Power of Attorney
This gives the attorney authority to act on your behalf in a specific transaction only, in this case, the purchase of a property. This is the recommended type for real estate transactions.
The Process of Obtaining Power of Attorney
If You Are in Turkey
Any Turkish notary can issue a power of attorney. When you bring the required documents to the notary's office, the POA form will be prepared for you.
Non-Turkish speakers must use a sworn translator because all documents related to notary transactions for property purchase in Turkey are in Turkish. Sworn notary translators will accurately translate the contents of the POA documents.
You must pay the applicable fees after completing necessary documents and signing to receive your receipt.
If You Are Outside Turkey
Countries that have signed an apostille agreement with Turkey can use this solution:
- Take your power of attorney to a notary office in your country
- Have it certified by a competent authority (district governorate or municipality) with an apostille
- Send the paperwork to Turkey where it must be notarized
Important Note: Some POAs are only valid if they include photographs. Have your notary include a photo of you on the power of attorney if requested. Your passport number replaces your Turkish tax ID number when applying from outside Turkey.
Required Documents for Power of Attorney
- Turkish tax ID number (or passport number if applying from abroad)
- Valid passport
- Notarized copy and translation of passport
- ID of the individual who will be given the authority
- 2 Photographs (for certain types of POA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a power of attorney?
It's a legal document that authorizes one person (the proxy) to act on behalf of another (the attorney) under the supervision of a notary public. The proxy has legal authority to sign decisions on behalf of the attorney.
How do I grant a power of attorney in Turkey?
Officers prepare the POA for you when you bring required documents to a notary office. The information on POA papers is translated by a notary-certified interpreter for accuracy.
When is a photograph required for a power of attorney?
A picture of an attorney is required for "selling power" (authority to sell property). Other types typically don't require it.