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Turkish Legal Services — Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney in Turkey for Foreigners (2026):
Vekaletname Complete Guide
A vekaletname (notarised power of attorney) is one of the most important legal documents for foreigners in Turkey. You need one for property purchases, company formation, property management, and dozens of other situations where you cannot be present in person. This is the complete guide — when you need it, what to include, how much it costs, and how to get one from abroad.
Quick Answer
A vekaletname is a notarised power of attorney prepared at a Turkish notary (noter). It authorises someone to act on your behalf for a specific purpose. For property purchase: costs ₺2,500–6,000 all-in. Requires a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) if you don't speak Turkish. Can be prepared at Turkish consulates abroad. Valid indefinitely unless revoked — but land registries prefer documents less than 12 months old.
Common Vekaletname Types and Costs
| Type | Cost Range | What It Authorises | Translator Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property purchase | ₺2,500–6,000 | Title deed signing, valuation, insurance, registration | Yes — if you don't speak Turkish |
| Property sale | ₺2,500–5,000 | Title deed transfer as seller, receipt of funds | Yes |
| Property management | ₺1,500–3,500 | Rental management, utility accounts, minor repairs | Yes |
| General/admin purposes | ₺800–2,000 | Bank accounts, government correspondence, general admin | Yes |
| Company formation | ₺2,000–5,000 | Forming and registering a company on your behalf | Yes |
| Inheritance | ₺2,000–6,000 | Managing estate, dealing with courts and registries | Yes |
| Legal representation (lawyer) | ₺1,000–3,000 | Representing in court, legal proceedings | Yes |
| Vehicle sale | ₺800–2,000 | Signing vehicle sale documents, registration transfer | Yes |
Getting a Vekaletname: Step by Step
Define the scope precisely
Before going to the notary, write down exactly what you need the authorised person (vekil) to be able to do. For property: include the specific property address and parcel number. For general admin: list the specific actions. Scope that is too broad creates security risks; too narrow creates problems mid-transaction.
Find a Turkish notary (noter)
Use noter.org.tr to find your nearest notary office. In major cities, no appointment is needed for standard vekaletname. Call ahead to confirm they can handle your language combination and to arrange a translator if needed.
Arrange a sworn translator
If you do not speak Turkish, a yeminli tercüman (sworn translator) must be present. Call the notary at least 24 hours ahead to arrange one (cost: ₺300–800). Bring your own if you have a trusted one — their registration number must be verifiable.
Bring required documents
Your passport (original). Your Turkish tax number if it has been issued. Any property documents (address, tapu parcel number). The full name and Turkish ID number (TC Kimlik No) of the person you are authorising (the vekil).
Review and understand the document
The notary or translator will go through the vekaletname with you in your language before you sign. Read every word — or have it translated to you. Pay particular attention to the scope: what the vekil can and cannot do.
Sign and pay
Once you confirm you understand and agree, sign in front of the notary. Pay the fee (cash or card — check ahead). Request 3 certified copies. You receive a legally valid vekaletname on the same day.
Getting a Vekaletname from Abroad (Turkish Consulate)
If you are not in Turkey, you can get a Turkish vekaletname prepared at any Turkish consulate abroad. The process is legally equivalent to preparation in Turkey.
Contact your nearest Turkish consulate (büyükelçilik or başkonsolosluk) by phone or email to book an appointment
Prepare the scope of the vekaletname — bring a written summary of what you need authorised
Bring your passport (original), any relevant documents (property details, name of the vekil with their Turkish ID number)
A Turkish-speaking consular officer will prepare the vekaletname
You sign in front of the consular officer — no separate translator needed as consular staff are bilingual
Fees are the same as in Turkey (regulated notary fees). Processing: same day or within 1–2 days depending on consulate
Critical Warnings for Vekaletname
- • Broad scope is dangerous: A vekaletname authorising someone to buy, sell, mortgage, and transfer any and all property is very high risk. Limit scope to the specific transaction.
- • Verify your vekil: Only grant a vekaletname to someone you completely trust. Property fraud via vekaletname exists — an unscrupulous vekil with broad authority can cause enormous damage.
- • Property purchase PoA: the vekil should be your own verified lawyer or a trusted person, not someone introduced to you by the property developer or seller.
- • Revoke promptly if the transaction falls through: do not leave vekaletname documents unused — revoke at the notary as soon as the authorised purpose is complete or cancelled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Notary Services in Turkey
Complete noter guide — all services and costs
Certified Translations in Turkey
Sworn translator guide for all documents
Buying Property in Turkey
Full property purchase guide — vekaletname used throughout
Property Lawyer in Turkey
Finding and working with a Turkish property lawyer
Moving to Turkey Document Checklist
Complete pre-departure document guide
Opening a Company in Turkey
Company formation requiring vekaletname