Power of Attorney in Turkey: What Foreigners Need to Know (And How to Use It Remotely)

Foreigners often need legal representation in Turkey for matters like real estate transactions, setting up a business, handling immigration procedures, or dealing with personal legal issues. A Power of Attorney (PoA) is the most practical and legally accepted way to manage these matters without being physically present in Turkey.

This article will guide you through the essentials of issuing a Power of Attorney in Turkey, how to arrange it remotely from abroad, and what common legal mistakes to avoid.

✅ What Is a Power of Attorney in Turkey?

A Power of Attorney, known as “vekaletname” in Turkish, is a legal document that authorizes someone else, usually a lawyer or a trusted individual, to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or administrative matters within Turkey.

Depending on what you authorize, a Power of Attorney in Turkey can allow someone to:

• Buy or sell property in your name

• Open a bank account

• Represent you in court

• Apply for Turkish residence or citizenship

• Handle immigration processes and government paperwork

• Manage tax matters or social security

• Establish and manage a company

  
  

🌍 Can a Foreigner Give a Power of Attorney in Turkey?

Yes, foreigners can issue a legally valid Power of Attorney in Turkey. It is a very common practice, especially among international investors, property buyers, and expatriates living outside the country.

To be accepted by Turkish authorities, a Power of Attorney must follow these legal requirements:

• It must be notarized by a Turkish notary or a foreign notary with an apostille or consular certification

• It must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator

• A valid passport copy of the person giving the authority must be included

• The scope of authority must be clearly stated

  
  

✈️ How to Issue a Turkish Power of Attorney Without Coming to Turkey

Even if you are abroad, you can still legally issue a Power of Attorney that is accepted in Turkey. Here are the most common methods:

1. Through the Turkish Consulate in Your Country

This is the most straightforward and secure method. Here's how it works:

• Schedule an appointment at the nearest Turkish consulate

• Bring your passport and explain the authority you want to give

• The consulate prepares the PoA in Turkish

• It is sent directly to your representative or lawyer in Turkey

  
  

2. Through a Local Notary and Apostille (For Hague Convention Countries)

If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention:

• Draft the Power of Attorney in your native language

• Notarize the document locally

• Obtain an apostille stamp

• Send the original document to Turkey

• It will then be translated into Turkish and notarized again by a Turkish notary

3. Through a Turkish-Speaking Notary Abroad

In some cases, if there is a Turkish-speaking notary or translator available abroad, they can assist in preparing the document. However, this is rare and requires extra legal review to ensure the document is valid in Turkey.

📋 What Should Be Included in a Turkish Power of Attorney?

To ensure smooth legal processing and avoid delays, your PoA should include:

• Full legal details of both the principal (you) and the attorney

• A clear and detailed list of the authorities being granted

• The duration or expiration date of the PoA, or a clause stating it remains valid until revoked

• Authorization for specific actions such as real estate transfer or immigration filing if applicable

• Permission to appoint a sub-attorney if needed

  
  

⚠️ Common Mistakes Foreigners Make with Turkish Power of Attorney

Many foreigners unintentionally make legal errors when trying to authorize someone in Turkey. Some of the most frequent issues include:

• Using online PoA templates that are not legally valid in Turkey

• Forgetting to apostille or have the document certified by a Turkish consulate

• Not translating the PoA into Turkish

• Failing to define the authority in detail, leading to legal challenges later

• Sending scanned copies instead of the required original hard copy

• Appointing someone who is not legally eligible to act on their behalf

  
  

🧑‍💼 Why Work With a Licensed Turkish Lawyer?

Giving someone the legal right to act on your behalf is a serious decision. Working with a licensed Turkish lawyer ensures that your Power of Attorney is legally valid, clearly written, and used only for the purposes you intend.

At Legit Law, we provide:

• Professional drafting and review of your PoA

• Legal advice on which authorities to grant or limit

• Coordination with Turkish notaries, consulates, and translators

• Full representation for property, immigration, litigation, and other legal procedures

We have successfully assisted clients from the UK, USA, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and several Gulf countries in managing property transactions, residency filings, and company setups in Turkey.

📎 Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Power of Attorney issued abroad valid in Turkey?Yes, as long as it is notarized and apostilled (or certified by a Turkish consulate) and translated into Turkish.

How long does it take to process a Power of Attorney in Turkey?After receiving the original document, translation and notarization can typically be completed within one to two business days.

Can I cancel my Power of Attorney in Turkey?Yes, you can revoke the authority at any time through a Turkish notary.

How much does it cost to issue a Power of Attorney?Costs vary by country and the type of authority being granted but generally range from 100 to 250 euros.

📞 Need Help with Your Turkish Power of Attorney?

If you need reliable legal support for issuing a Power of Attorney in Turkey or want to make sure it is legally correct and enforceable, contact Legit Law today. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with transparent service, fast communication, and full legal protection—no matter where you are in the world.