What to check in a power of attorney
The most important parts of a power of attorney are the names and ID or passport numbers of the principal and the agent, and the section listing each power granted. The powers are translated in full and in the source order. The notary’s certification, stamps, signatures and any apostille page are part of the document too; send them all together.
Names must match the spelling in the person’s passport or Turkish ID card. If property is involved, block, parcel and address details should be checked against the title deed record; a one-letter difference can stop the procedure.
From abroad to Türkiye, and from Türkiye abroad
If someone living abroad needs to authorise a procedure in Türkiye, the power of attorney can be drawn up at the Turkish consulate in their country or by a local notary. For a power of attorney from a foreign notary to be used in Türkiye, an apostille (or consular legalisation for countries outside the Apostille Convention), then a Turkish translation and often notarization of that translation are usually required. Confirm the steps in advance with the notary or institution that will handle the procedure.
In the other direction, if a power of attorney drawn up at a Turkish notary is to be used abroad, the destination country’s language and institution decide. Some countries want the apostilled Turkish original together with its translation. You can ask your notary whether it can be drawn up bilingually from the start.
Types of power of attorney and their uses
| Document | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Power of attorney to sell or buy property | Sale or purchase at the land registry |
| Litigation power of attorney | Authorising a lawyer for a case in Türkiye |
| Bank and general power of attorney | Bank, pension or government office procedures |
| Power of attorney to sell a vehicle | Vehicle sale through a notary |
| Corporate power of attorney | Signing contracts or applying on behalf of a company |
Related language pages
Powers of attorney are most often translated from and into English, German, Arabic, Russian. Our apostille and translation guide explains when a document needs an apostille.
Frequently asked questions
Can a power of attorney issued abroad be used directly in Türkiye?
Usually not. In most cases an apostille or consular legalisation, a Turkish translation and notarization of the translation are needed. The notary or institution handling the procedure decides which steps apply.
Can the powers in the document be summarised in translation?
No. For official use, the powers are translated in full and in the source order.
Is the apostille page translated too?
The apostille is attached to the document and is usually translated too. Send it with the document unless the institution says otherwise.
This guide is for general information. Confirm the document and certification requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and include the current list of requirements in your translation request.