Power of Attorney in Türkiye

Power of attorney in Türkiye for real estate transactions

Types of powers of attorney, how they are issued, and how they are used

A power of attorney for real estate in Türkiye is an official legal document that allows a representative to act on behalf of the owner or buyer. This instrument is widely used by foreigners when buying and selling real estate in Türkiye, especially in remote and online transactions.

Turkish law permits and regulates transactions by proxy, making them legal, transparent, and secure when properly executed.

Why is a power of attorney used when buying or selling real estate in Türkiye?

A power of attorney in Türkiye allows you to:

  • buy real estate without being present in person;
  • sell an apartment or house remotely;
  • register the title deed (TAPU);
  • sign a sales contract;
  • open a bank account;
  • obtain a Turkish tax number;
  • pay taxes and government fees;
  • connect utilities;
  • apply for a residence permit or Turkish citizenship.

This is an ideal solution for foreign investors, buyers of new-build properties, and owners living outside Türkiye.

The main types of powers of attorney for real estate in Türkiye

General power of attorney (Genel Vekaletname)

A general power of attorney in Türkiye grants broad authority to the representative and may cover:

  • property management;
  • representation before government authorities;
  • signing documents;
  • financial and legal actions.

📌 Important: for real estate transactions, the power of attorney must explicitly state the right to buy or sell.

Special power of attorney for real estate

The most widely used and the safest option.

A special power of attorney for the purchase or sale of real estate in Türkiye allows the representative to:

  • complete the transaction for one specific property;
  • register the TAPU;
  • sign the contract;
  • handle the settlements and the payment of fees.

The document specifies:

  • the cadastral details of the property;
  • a precise list of the permitted actions;
  • the validity period of the power of attorney.

This format removes unnecessary risks and gives you full control over the transaction.

Power of attorney for purchasing real estate in Türkiye

Used when the property has not yet been chosen.

It grants the right to:

  • select a property within the agreed budget;
  • conclude a purchase and sale agreement;
  • register the ownership;
  • pay the taxes and fees.

Frequently used for online property purchases in Türkiye and for investments in new developments.

Power of attorney for the sale of real estate

Issued by the owner in order to sell the property remotely.

It allows the representative to:

  • put the property on the market;
  • sign the contract;
  • transfer the TAPU to the new owner;
  • complete the transaction without the seller being present in person.

📌 When a transaction is processed through the TapuTakas system, only the seller's own IBAN can be entered, which safeguards the payment.

Power of attorney for legal support of the transaction

Used for:

  • obtaining a tax number;
  • submitting documents;
  • dealing with the Land Registry Office;
  • supporting the purchase without granting the right to sell.

Suitable for clients who want to be involved in the key decisions but prefer to delegate the formalities.

How to issue a power of attorney in Türkiye

Issuing a power of attorney within Türkiye

  • at a Turkish notary;
  • on the basis of your foreign passport;
  • with a notarised translation;
  • processing time: 30–60 minutes.

Issuing a power of attorney abroad

  • at a notary in your country of residence;
  • with an apostille;
  • with a notarised translation into Turkish;
  • followed by registration of the document in Türkiye.

Both options have equal legal force.

Who can you grant a power of attorney to?

  • a licensed lawyer;
  • a real estate agency;
  • a trusted individual.

What matters most is the professionalism, licensing, and accountability of the representative.

Validity and revocation of a power of attorney

  • a power of attorney may be issued for a fixed term or for an indefinite period;
  • the document can be revoked at any time;
  • the revocation is recorded by a notary.

The security of transactions carried out by proxy in Türkiye

When correctly drawn up:

  • ownership is registered solely in the owner's name;
  • all actions are recorded by the government authorities;
  • financial transactions are carried out through official channels;
  • the risk of fraud is minimised.

That is why a power of attorney is a key instrument for the remote purchase of real estate in Türkiye.