Creating a power of attorney for Turkey — here is how

Almost every legal matter in Turkey requires a power of attorney (vekaletname) — so you do not have to travel. Two questions show you the right route.

What do you need the power of attorney for?
Is a Turkish consulate easy for you to reach?

The consulate route (simplest option)

The Turkish consulate issues the power of attorney directly in the Turkish format — no apostille, no translation needed. Book an appointment online, appear in person, and the document is immediately usable in Turkey.

The notary route (no consulate appointment)

A German notary certifies the power of attorney; afterwards: apostille (regional court) and a certified Turkish translation by a sworn translator. More steps and costs, but feasible without a consulate appointment.

What you will need

  • Passport or Turkish ID
  • 2 biometric photos (for the fotoğraflı vekaletname)
  • Details of the authorised person (name, bar association/baro and registration number if a lawyer, address)
  • On the notary route additionally: apostille (regional court) + certified Turkish translation

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Frequently Asked Questions

A "special power of attorney with photo": it contains your photo and explicitly lists the powers (e.g. conducting divorce proceedings, selling real estate). Turkish courts, land registries and the civil registry require this form — general powers of attorney are rejected.

The consulate is usually simpler and cheaper: Turkish format, no apostille, no translation. The notary route makes sense when no consulate appointment is reachable — then add the apostille and certified translation.

At the consulate, a moderate consular fee applies. On the notary route, notary fee, apostille and certified translation add up — considerably more in total. Exact amounts depend on scope and fee schedules.

In principle indefinitely, until revoked or unless it contains an expiry date. In practice some offices ask for a reasonably recent copy — clarify this with the office receiving the document.

Not legal advice. Non-binding orientation (as of 2026) — requirements of individual consulates, notaries and Turkish authorities may differ. Best agree the exact wording of the powers with your lawyer.