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Turkish Legal Services — Notary
Notary Services in Turkey for Foreigners (2026):
Costs, Process, and What to Expect
Turkish notaries (noter) are essential for property purchases, powers of attorney, document certification, and dozens of legal processes foreigners encounter. This is the complete guide — what notaries do, how much they charge, when you need a translator, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Quick Answer
Turkish notaries (noter) certify documents, prepare powers of attorney (vekaletname), and witness legal transactions. For foreigners: bring your passport and the documents you need certified. If you don't speak Turkish, a sworn translator must be present. Fees are government-regulated: certified copies cost ₺200–500/page; a property power of attorney costs ₺2,500–6,000. Find your nearest notary at noter.org.tr.
What Turkish Notaries Do
A Turkish notary (noter) is a regulated legal professional operating under the Turkish Notaries Law. Unlike in some countries, Turkish notaries are not simply document stampers — they have wide legal authority and their certifications carry significant legal weight in Turkish courts and government offices. For foreigners living in Turkey, the notary is an unavoidable part of several important life processes.
Notary Services: Fee Guide
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of document (per page) | ₺200–500 | Passport copy, diploma, certificate etc. |
| Signature certification | ₺300–600 | For contracts, declarations |
| Simple power of attorney (vekaletname) | ₺800–2,000 | E.g. for bank, general admin |
| Property purchase power of attorney | ₺2,500–6,000 | Includes translator fee if applicable |
| Certified translation (per page) | ₺400–800 | Via notary-affiliated sworn translator |
| Inheritance power of attorney | ₺2,000–5,000 | Complex documents, more pages |
| Sworn translator (when required) | ₺300–800 | Per session, varies by duration |
| Apostille (via notary preparation) | ₺500–1,500 | Plus Ministry of Justice apostille fee |
Fees are government-regulated and updated annually. Rates above are indicative for 2026 — confirm with the specific notary office before attending.
Common Notary Situations for Foreigners
Buying property in Turkey
Certified translation of passport, power of attorney if attending remotely, preliminary contract witnessing
Always required
Applying for residence permit
Certified copies of foreign documents, sworn translations of birth certificate
Often required
Enrolling children in school
Certified translation of birth certificate, previous school records
Usually required
Opening a company in Turkey
Notarised articles of association, signature declaration, certified passport translation
Always required
Managing affairs from abroad
Power of attorney for a trusted person in Turkey to act on your behalf
When needed
Marriage/family documents
Certified translations for use in Turkish civil registration
When applicable
Step-by-Step: Using a Turkish Notary as a Foreigner
Identify which notary service you need
Know exactly what you need: certified copy, power of attorney, signature witnessing, or translation. Call ahead to confirm the notary offers what you need and ask what documents to bring.
Arrange a sworn translator if needed
If you cannot communicate in Turkish, a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) must be present. The notary can arrange one with notice (call ahead), or you can bring your own. Budget ₺300–800 extra.
Bring your passport and tax number
Always bring your original passport (not a copy) and your Turkish tax number. For residence-permit-related documents, bring your ikamet card too.
Bring original documents
Notaries certify originals, not copies of copies. For certified copies, bring the original document. For translations, bring the original foreign-language document.
Complete and review the notary document
Read (or have translated) every document before signing. The notary will explain in Turkish; the translator will relay to you. Do not sign anything you do not understand.
Pay the fee and receive your certified document
Pay at the notary office (cash or card — check ahead). You receive the completed notarised document typically on the same day, sometimes within a few hours for complex documents.
Common Mistakes at the Turkish Notary
- • Bringing photocopies instead of originals — notaries always need originals
- • Not arranging a translator in advance — some notaries cannot proceed without one
- • Confusing "notarised" with "apostilled" — these are different processes
- • Signing a power of attorney with overly broad scope — specify exactly what authority is granted
- • Not getting multiple certified copies — get at least 3 copies of important documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Power of Attorney in Turkey for Foreigners
Full vekaletname guide — types, costs, and process
Certified Translations in Turkey
Sworn translator guide and costs
Buying Property in Turkey
Full guide — notary used at multiple stages
Residence Permit in Turkey
Notarised documents often required for ikamet
Opening a Company in Turkey
Notary required for company formation
Turkey Relocation Document Checklist
Complete document preparation guide