Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for Irish property buyers, whether for holiday homes, retirement, or investment. The process involves specific documentation requirements, and most Irish documents will need to be notarised and apostilled before they are accepted by Turkish authorities.
Overview of the Turkish Property Purchase Process
- Find a property and agree on the price
- Obtain a Turkish tax identification number
- Open a Turkish bank account
- Conduct due diligence on the property
- Prepare and sign the purchase contract
- Apply for military clearance (required for some areas)
- Complete the title deed (tapu) transfer at the Land Registry
Documents You Need from Ireland
1. Notarised Passport Copies
You will need notarised copies of your passport. These are used for:
- Obtaining a Turkish tax number
- Opening a Turkish bank account
- The title deed transfer
- Military clearance application
2. Power of Attorney
If you cannot be present in Turkey for every step, you will need a notarised power of attorney authorising someone (usually your lawyer in Turkey) to act on your behalf. The power of attorney should:
- Be specific to the property transaction
- Name the property or specify the scope clearly
- Grant specific powers (signing contracts, transferring title, making payments)
- Be notarised by an Irish notary
- Be apostilled by the DFA
- Be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator
3. Proof of Funds
Turkish authorities and banks require evidence that funds are being transferred legitimately. Bank statements or a bank reference letter may need notarisation.
The Apostille Requirement
Turkey is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. All notarised Irish documents must be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs before use in Turkey.
Sworn Translation
All documents must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) recognised by Turkish authorities. Translations done in Ireland may need to be verified by a sworn translator in Turkey.
Important Considerations
- Military clearance: Foreign buyers need military clearance for the property location. This can take several weeks.
- Title deed check: Always have a Turkish lawyer verify the title deed (tapu) is clear of encumbrances
- Reciprocity: Irish citizens are permitted to buy property in Turkey
- Tax implications: Consider both Turkish and Irish tax consequences of property ownership abroad
- Earthquake insurance (DASK): Mandatory for all properties in Turkey
Timeline
- Document preparation in Ireland: 2–3 weeks (notarisation + apostille)
- Turkish translation: 3–5 days
- Military clearance: 1–8 weeks (varies by location)
- Title deed transfer: 1 day (once all documents are ready)
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to buy property in Turkey from Ireland?
Notarised passport copies, power of attorney (if not attending in person), and proof of funds. All need notarisation, apostille, and Turkish translation.
Do I need a power of attorney?
If you cannot attend every step in person, yes. It must be notarised, apostilled, and translated into Turkish.
Does Turkey accept Irish apostilles?
Yes. Turkey is a Hague Convention member.
How long does the process take?
Typically 4–8 weeks from offer to title deed. Document preparation should start early.
Get Started
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor and Notary Public, practises from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He prepares powers of attorney and other documents for Turkish property purchases.
Contact: 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com.
Buying Property in Turkey? Get Your Documents Ready
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork