Representation by Power of Attorney
Legal Representation in Turkey Without Traveling
Under Turkish law, many transactions can be carried out through a lawyer acting under a duly executed power of attorney (PoA). This page explains how the process works, step by step.
Clients living abroad can complete a substantial part of their legal transactions in Turkey without travelling here. The legal basis is the power of attorney: a document executed before a notary or consulate that authorises a lawyer to carry out defined transactions on your behalf.
A PoA can be executed in two ways: directly in Turkish at a Turkish consulate in your country of residence, or before a local notary with an apostille added under the 1961 Hague Convention. Documents executed in a foreign language are used in Turkey with a sworn translation.
How the process works
1. Initial meeting
Your matter is assessed in an online meeting; the required PoA content and supporting documents are identified. For real estate transactions, the PoA must bear your photograph and contain specific authorisations.
2. Executing the power of attorney
The PoA is executed at the Turkish consulate in your country or before a local notary (with apostille). We prepare the required wording and send it to you; the sworn translation of your passport and your Turkish foreigner ID number are also obtained at this stage.
3. Sending the documents
As most transactions require the original signed PoA, the document is couriered to our office. Its content is confirmed together upon receipt.
4. Carrying out the work and reporting
The transactions are carried out by our office before the relevant authorities and, where necessary, the courts. You are informed by email or phone at every significant stage, and copies of documents are shared on request.
Examples of matters that can be handled remotely under a PoA
- Real estate purchases, sales, and land registry transactions
- Company formation and commercial contract processes
- Filing and conducting litigation; recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
- Transfer of inherited assets and estate proceedings
- Lease agreements and eviction proceedings
- Obtaining a tax number and applications before public authorities
Some procedures may require personal attendance by their nature — for example, the collection of biometric data in residence permit and citizenship applications, or in-person requirements applied by some banks when opening accounts. Whether your matter can be handled remotely is assessed clearly at the initial meeting.
Frequently asked questions
In which language should the PoA be executed?
PoAs executed at a Turkish consulate are in Turkish and can be used directly. PoAs executed before a local notary in a foreign language require an apostille and a sworn translation in Turkey.
What is an apostille and where do I obtain it?
An apostille is a certificate under the 1961 Hague Convention that makes official documents issued in one member state valid in the others. The issuing authority varies by country — typically ministries of justice, courts, or prefecture-type authorities.
Can I revoke the power of attorney?
Yes. The principal may revoke the PoA at any time; revocation is made through a notary and notified to the relevant authorities.
Let's assess your matter together
Contact us to clarify whether your transaction can be handled remotely and which documents are required.
Contact us