Selling Property in Turkey as a Foreigner via Power of Attorney

One of the most common questions from foreign property owners in Turkey is whether they can sell their property without physically being present in the country. The answer is yes—through a power of attorney (vekâletname), foreign nationals can efficiently manage and sell their Turkish properties from anywhere in the world.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) or "vekâletname" in Turkish is a legal document that authorizes another person to act on your behalf. In Turkey, this document can grant someone the authority to complete property transactions, including selling, signing documents, and handling administrative procedures at the Land Registry Office.

For foreign property owners, a POA is invaluable because it eliminates the need to travel to Turkey for every transaction. This is particularly beneficial for those who live abroad, have busy schedules, or want to streamline their property management.

Types of Power of Attorney for Property Sales

How to Obtain a Power of Attorney

Option 1: At a Turkish Consulate/Embassy

Foreign nationals can obtain a POA at their nearest Turkish consulate or embassy. This is the most common method for those living abroad:

• Schedule an appointment at the Turkish consulate
• Bring your passport and Turkish tax number
• Provide details of the person receiving the power of attorney
• The consulate will prepare and notarize the document
• The POA is then apostilled or legalized for use in Turkey

Option 2: At a Turkish Notary Public

If you're already in Turkey, you can obtain a POA directly from a Turkish notary public (noter). This process involves:

• Visiting a local notary office with your passport
• Providing the drafted POA document
• Paying the notary fees
• Signing the document in the presence of the notary

Step-by-Step Process for Selling with POA

Step 1: Grant Power of Attorney

Execute a power of attorney authorizing your representative (typically a lawyer, family member, or trusted individual) to handle the property sale. The POA should specifically mention the property address, the power to sign the sale agreement, and authority to complete the title transfer.

Step 2: Property Valuation

Before selling, obtain a professional valuation report from an approved Turkish appraiser. This is mandatory for property transactions and ensures the sale price reflects fair market value.

Step 3: Find a Buyer and Negotiate Terms

Your representative can negotiate with potential buyers, accept offers, and finalize the sale terms on your behalf. All agreements should be clearly communicated to you for approval.

Step 4: Sign Sale Agreement

The sale agreement (satış sözleşmesi) is signed by your attorney under the power of attorney. Ensure the agreement clearly states the sale price, payment terms, and completion date.

Step 5: Title Deed Transfer

At the Land Registry Office, your attorney presents the POA, sale agreement, valuation report, and other required documents. The buyer pays the property tax, and the title deed is transferred to the new owner.

Step 6: Receive Funds

Payment is typically made to your Turkish bank account or transferred internationally. Your attorney can assist with opening a Turkish bank account if you don't have one.

Important Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions