Power of Attorney for Property

A power of attorney lets someone else act for you, which is why people use one to buy or sell a property or a vehicle when they can't be present. It is also one of the few documents where careless wording can cause real harm, so the content matters as much as the signature.

Limited or general authority

• A limited power of attorney covers a specific task, for example buying one named property or selling one named vehicle. The person you authorize can do that and nothing else.
• A general power of attorney covers a wide range of actions. Many lawyers advise against giving one, because it can allow someone to act on your assets far beyond what you intended.

As a rule, give only the authority the job needs. If you are authorizing a purchase, say so, and don't add powers you don't need.

What a property power of attorney should be clear about

• Who is authorized. The full name and identification details of the person you are authorizing.
• What they may do. For example, buy or sell, and which property it applies to. Identify the property precisely, so the document leaves no room for doubt.
• Any limits. If there are conditions, such as a minimum price, say so in the document.

The office that will receive the document, such as a land registry office or a traffic office, decides what it needs. Ask what it requires, and give us the details before the appointment so the text matches.

What to prepare

• Your passport, and in many cases a translation of it.
• Your Turkish tax number. If you don't have one, we take care of getting it issued. See Tax Number in Turkey for Foreigners.
• The details of the person you authorize, as they appear on their identity document.
• The property or vehicle details, as the receiving office needs them.

If you don't speak Turkish, tell us when you book, so we can explain how the signing works. The signing is in person and by appointment. See Notary Appointment in Istanbul.

If you are not in Turkey

A power of attorney can also be arranged outside Turkey, for example through a Turkish consulate or a notary in your own country, and the exact steps depend on where you are. We explain the options in Power of Attorney in Turkey for Foreigners.

Can it be cancelled?

Yes. A power of attorney can generally be revoked, but the revocation has to be done properly and the person you authorized has to be told. If your plans change, don't wait.

Mistakes that cost time

• Giving a general power of attorney when a limited one is enough.
• Vague descriptions. The property or vehicle should be identified precisely.
• Not asking the receiving office. Land registry and traffic offices have their own expectations.
• Name mismatches. Names in the document, your passport and the other person's identity document should agree. See Names in Translation.
• Authorizing someone you don't know well. A power of attorney is trust in writing. Be sure of the person.

How we help

Tell us what the power of attorney is for and who you are authorizing. We will explain the steps, arrange the appointment and take care of the notary signing, and the translation and apostille or legalization if the document has to be used abroad. We do not give legal advice on transactions, so speak to a lawyer if you have questions about the sale or purchase itself.