The title deed process for a foreign buyer starts with a check on whether the property sits within a military or security zone, followed by booking an appointment at the land registry office. A sworn translator must be present for any party who doesn’t speak Turkish, and the transfer is signed and registered before the parties or their representatives. The whole process can also be handled from abroad through a notarised power of attorney.
- Average Processing Time
- Depends on appointment availability (can vary)
- Where to Apply
- The relevant Land Registry Office (via the appointment system)
- Validity
- Ownership is acquired upon registration
Who It’s For
Foreign individuals who have decided to buy a property in Turkey
We guide you through every stage of the process.
Buyers who don’t speak Turkish and will need a sworn translator during the transaction
Having a translator present is a mandatory requirement at the land registry office.
Foreign nationals wanting to buy through a representative without travelling to Turkey
The power of attorney’s scope and how up to date it is matter for a smooth transaction.
Those wanting to confirm the property’s military/security zone status before buying
This check is a critical step to take before paying a deposit.
Required Documents
Passport and its sworn translation
Required for identity verification.
A Turkish tax number
Must be obtained before the title deed transaction.
Biometric photograph
Taken within the last six months.
A current valuation report
We cover how to obtain this report on a separate page.
Bank receipt showing the deed transfer fee was paid
The fee must be paid before registration.
The property’s current title deed record
Used to check for any mortgage or lien on the property.
Appointment confirmation
The appointment slip obtained through the land registry’s system.
A notarised, up-to-date power of attorney, if a representative will handle the process
If issued abroad, an apostille is required.
The document list can vary by application reason and personal circumstances; the current requirements of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management apply.
Process Steps
-
01
Initial Assessment and Appointment
Within 1-2 daysDetails about the property and the parties are clarified, and an appointment is booked with the land registry office.
-
02
Military/Security Zone Check
Ranges from a few days to a few weeksThe relevant authorities are asked to confirm the property can be sold to a foreign buyer.
-
03
Valuation Report and Document Completion
Varies by caseThe valuation report and other required documents are gathered.
-
04
Signature and Registration at the Land Registry
On the day of the appointmentThe parties or their representatives sign, with a sworn translator present if needed.
-
05
Post-Registration Guidance
In the days following registrationOnce the transfer is finalised, we plan the next steps for tax and utility matters.
Not sure whether your situation fits this process?
Initial AssessmentLegal Basis
Land Registry Law No. 2644 Article 35
Governs the acquisition of real estate and limited rights in rem by foreign individuals; a 2012 amendment removed the reciprocity requirement.
Land Registry Law No. 2644 Article 36
Subjects real estate acquisition by foreign-capital companies to a separate procedure under the relevant regulation.
Fees Law No. 492
Sets out the rules for the deed transfer fee payable upon registration.
Common Mistakes
Paying a deposit before the military/security zone check is completed
If the result comes back negative, the transfer can’t proceed, and getting the deposit back can turn into a separate dispute.
Declaring a value on the deed lower than the actual sale price
This creates a risk of an underpaid fee and administrative penalties, and can complicate proving the real price later.
Proceeding without a sworn translator for a party who doesn’t speak Turkish
The land registry office can halt the transaction over this, forcing the appointment to be rescheduled.
Drafting the power of attorney too narrowly, or letting it go out of date
If the representative turns out not to be authorised for a required step, the process has to restart, costing time.
Taking over a property with an existing mortgage or lien without checking for it first
The buyer can end up unknowingly exposed to an obligation tied to someone else’s debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the transaction can also be carried out from abroad with a notarised power of attorney.
Yes, for any party who doesn’t speak Turkish — the land registry office requires it.
It depends on the location and how busy the relevant authority is; we can’t promise an exact timeframe.
We recommend keeping bank records showing the funds came from abroad; we guide you on this during the process too.
We verify the property’s current title deed record through official channels; this check is a standard part of the process.
No, either party can be represented by a proxy; the appointment is planned accordingly.
We cover the next steps — property tax registration, utility transfers, and more — on a separate page.
Related Services
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.