What are the requirements for a valid power of attorney in Turkey?

A power of attorney used in Turkey usually must be notarized. For documents issued abroad, apostille or consular legalization may be required, along with a certified Turkish translation. The scope and granted authorities should be clearly defined.

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Turkey?

In many practical cases, yes. Notarization is commonly required by Turkish authorities, banks, registries, and courts, especially when the attorney will sign binding documents or complete official filings.

Do foreign powers of attorney require an apostille for Turkey?

If the POA is issued in a country that is party to the Apostille Convention, an apostille is typically required for use in Turkey. If not, consular legalization may be required instead.

Is a Turkish translation required for a power of attorney?

If the POA will be submitted to Turkish authorities, a certified Turkish translation is generally required. Requirements may vary depending on the authority and the transaction.

What should be included in the scope of a power of attorney for Turkey?

The POA should specify the attorney’s identity, the principal’s identity, and the exact authorities granted. For higher risk actions such as litigation, real estate, company formation, or bank accounts, special and explicit authorities may be required.

How can a power of attorney be revoked in Turkey?

A POA can generally be revoked by the principal. In practice, revocation is often documented and notified through appropriate channels depending on where and how the POA is used.

Power of Attorney in Turkey (POA) Requirements, Notarization, Apostille

Quick Answer

A power of attorney used in Turkey is commonly required to be notarized. Foreign POAs typically need an apostille (or consular legalization), plus a certified Turkish translation. For actions like court representation, banking, real estate, or company filings, the scope must include specific and explicit authorities.

Power of Attorney in Turkey: Practical Requirements

A power of attorney (POA) authorizes an attorney-in-fact to act on behalf of the principal. In Turkey, POAs are widely used for company procedures, banking, litigation, customs, real estate transactions, and day to day commercial matters. The required format depends on the intended transaction and the authority receiving the document.

Checklist for Using a POA in Turkey

Notarization: Often required for official and high-risk transactions
Foreign POA: Apostille or consular legalization may be required
Turkish translation: Typically required for submission in Turkey
Scope: Must clearly list the granted authorities
Special authorities: May be needed for court, banking, real estate, and registry filings

Foreign Powers of Attorney: Apostille, Legalization, and Translation

If the POA is issued outside Turkey, the acceptance requirements usually depend on whether the issuing country is part of the Apostille system. In addition, Turkish authorities and registries typically require a Turkish version of the document through certified translation practices.

Scope and Special Authorities

A common reason for rejection is an unclear or incomplete scope. If the attorney will sign binding contracts, open or manage bank accounts, represent the principal before authorities, or conduct court proceedings, the POA should grant explicit authority for those actions. For corporate matters, the principal’s capacity and signing authority should also be consistent with company documentation.

Common Use Cases for Businesses

Company formation and trade registry filings: signing applications and corporate documents
Banking: account opening, signing bank forms, handling corporate banking
Litigation and enforcement: representation before courts and enforcement offices where applicable
Commercial contracts: signing agreements, amendments, and termination documents
Customs and logistics: appointing representatives for customs and compliance procedures

Common Mistakes That Delay Transactions

Using a generic POA without listing the exact authorities needed
Missing apostille or legalization when required
Submitting a POA without a Turkish translation to the relevant authority
Mismatched names, passport numbers, or corporate titles across documents

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Back to Legal Glossary

Power of Attorney

Quick Answer

Power of Attorney in Turkey: Practical Requirements

Checklist for Using a POA in Turkey

Foreign Powers of Attorney: Apostille, Legalization, and Translation

Scope and Special Authorities

Common Use Cases for Businesses

Common Mistakes That Delay Transactions

Related Terms

Notarization Requirements

Apostille

Legal Representation in Court

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