Granting a Power of Attorney (PoA) for use in Turkey can be essential for managing legal matters, completing administrative procedures, or authorising professionals to act on your behalf. Yet, for many foreign nationals, the process appears unfamiliar, overly bureaucratic and often confusing due to language barriers and differing notarial procedures. This guide has been prepared to provide a clear, detailed, and internationally accessible explanation of how to grant a legally valid PoA for use in Turkey – whether you are physically present in Türkiye or living abroad. It also outlines how Bıçak Law Firm can support you at every stage of the process.

Understanding the Turkish Power of Attorney (PoA)

A Power of Attorney (vekaletname) is a legal document authorising another person – typically a lawyer – to act on your behalf. In Turkey, PoAs are commonly required for a wide range of transactions, including:

• Real estate purchase or sale
• Opening or closing bank accounts
• Corporate and commercial transactions
• Litigation, criminal complaints, and court representation
• Family law and divorce processes
• Inheritance and probate matters
• Immigration and residence permit procedures
• Enforcement and debt collection

A PoA intended for use in Turkey must be issued in accordance with Turkish law, notarised, and, where applicable, apostilled or legalised. The requirements differ depending on where the PoA is issued and in what language it is prepared.

Why Foreign Nationals Often Need a PoA in Turkey

Foreign clients frequently rely on a PoA because many Turkish legal and administrative procedures cannot be handled remotely or online. A PoA enables an authorised attorney to act immediately, ensuring that matters such as property sales, corporate filings, litigation steps or urgent court applications are completed without delay. It is also invaluable for clients who cannot travel to Turkey due to work commitments, relocation, health concerns, or immigration restrictions.

A properly executed PoA ensures:

• Efficiency in legal and administrative processes
• Compliance with Turkish notarial and procedural standards
• Avoidance of delays caused by missing legal formalities
• Protection of your rights through authorised representation

The Role of Language and Notarial Requirements

Unlike many jurisdictions, all notarial transactions in Turkey must be executed in Turkish. This requirement directly affects how foreign nationals issue a PoA. If you do not speak Turkish, a sworn interpreter registered with the notary public must be physically present during the signing.
The interpreter reads the entire PoA aloud in a language you understand and confirms that you have fully comprehended the content.

This linguistic requirement also affects PoAs issued abroad:

• A PoA must be written entirely in Turkish, or
• A foreign-language PoA must be translated into Turkish and notarised by a sworn translator in Turkey to be valid.

Because the language rules are strict, professional support is highly recommended to avoid invalid or unusable PoAs.

Three Legally Accepted Methods for Issuing a PoA for Use in Turkey

Foreign nationals have three valid methods to issue a PoA that will be recognised by Turkish authorities. The most appropriate option depends on your location, timeframe, and the legal work to be performed.

Option 1: Issuing a PoA Inside Turkey (Fastest and Most Cost-Effective Method)

If you are currently in Turkey – or can travel – this is generally the most efficient option.
A Turkish notary public can issue a PoA in approximately 1–2 hours, and the process is straightforward provided that the document has been properly prepared beforehand. Key Features

• The PoA is issued entirely in Turkish.
• A sworn translator is required if you do not speak Turkish (arrives within ~15 minutes).
• The process is efficient and cost-effective.
• Once notarised, it can be used immediately anywhere in Turkey.

How Bıçak Law Firm Assists You?

• Preparing a legally compliant draft PoA in Turkish.
• Coordinating notary appointments in Ankara, Istanbul or any city.
• Coordinating interpreter in Ankara, Istanbul or any city.
• Providing a lawyer or team member to accompany you at the notary.
• Ensuring all formalities – including translation – are fulfilled without delays.

For clients already in Turkey, this method is almost always the quickest and simplest way to authorise legal representation.

Option 2: Issuing a PoA Abroad at a Turkish Consulate or Embassy

If you are not in Turkey, you can issue a PoA at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate, which acts as a notary abroad. This method is highly reliable because a PoA issued by a Turkish consulate is already considered notarised under Turkish law, meaning it does not require an apostille or any additional certification. Key Features

• Appointment at the consulate is required.
• The PoA is prepared in Turkish.
• A translator may assist if you do not speak Turkish.
• The signed original must be physically sent to Turkey.

How Bıçak Law Firm Assists You?

• Preparing the exact draft PoA that complies with consular requirements.
• Guiding you on booking an appointment.
• Advising on required identification documents.
• Receiving, registering, and immediately acting upon your PoA in Turkey.

This is the most secure and straightforward option for clients abroad.

Option 3: Issuing a PoA Abroad Before a Local Notary + Apostille

Turkey is a party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. If your country is also a member, you may issue a PoA through a local notary in your own jurisdiction. Process Overview

• We provide a Word-format draft PoA suitable for notarisation.
• You sign the PoA before a local notary.
• You obtain an apostille from the authorised institution in your country (e.g., district governor, municipality, court clerk).
• You send us a digital copy and mail the original to Turkey.
• If the PoA is not in Turkish, we arrange sworn translation in Turkey before use.

Why Use This Method?

• You cannot travel and the nearest Turkish consulate is far away.
• Local notarisation is quicker than waiting for consular appointments.
• You require a bilingual PoA or a PoA compliant with your local legal environment.

This method is slightly more complex due to apostille and translation requirements, but Bıçak Law Firm handles all subsequent legalisation and formalities in Turkey.

Step-by-Step PoA Issuance Process (All Options)

Whether you choose to issue the PoA in Turkey, at a consulate, or through a local notary, the overall workflow is the same:

• You contact us and share your passport information.
• We prepare the PoA draft in Turkish (and English if required).
• You select your preferred issuance method.
• You sign the PoA (notary, consulate, or local notarisation).
• You apostille the PoA, if applicable.
• You mail the original to our address in Turkey.
• We register the PoA at the relevant institutions.
• We begin acting on your behalf immediately.

This structured process ensures speed, accuracy, and compliance.

Required Documents for Issuing a PoA

Different notaries and consulates may have additional requirements, but the essential documents include:

• Passport or ID
• Local address proof (in some jurisdictions)
• Passport photos (for some types of powersoccasionally required)
• For corporate PoA: company registry documents and authorisation papers
• For property transactions: title deed information

We provide a customised checklist based on your country and purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to travel to Turkey to issue a PoA? No. You may issue it abroad at a consulate or through a local notary with apostille.

Does the PoA need to be in Turkish? Yes. A Turkish version is required for use in Turkey.

How long does the process take? In Turkey: 1-2 hours. Abroad: 1–10 days depending on consulate or notary schedules.

Can a PoA be limited? Yes. It can be restricted to a single transaction or broad for general legal representation.

How do I send the PoA to Turkey? Via international courier services (UPS, DHL, FedEx).

Why Work with Bıçak Law Firm?

Bıçak Law Firm is an internationally oriented Turkish law firm with extensive experience in assisting foreign clients. Our team:

• Prepares all PoA drafts in compliance with Turkish notarial laws
• Coordinates with notaries, consulates, and apostille authorities
• Manages sworn translationshttps://www.bicakhukuk.com/en/certified-translation-of-legal-documents/ and registrations
• Provides multilingual support
• Ensures your legal matters proceed efficiently without your physical presence

We have successfully assisted thousands of international clients with litigation, commercial transactions, family matters, immigration procedures, and cross-border representation.

Begin the Process Today

To start issuing your Power of Attorney for Turkey, contact us via:

• WhatsApp
• Email
• Contact Form
• Phone

Our team will guide you step-by-step and ensure a smooth and compliant PoA issuance process, wherever you are in the world.