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Notary services in Turkey are regulated by a dedicated public framework under the Notary Law (Noterlik Kanunu), which governs the appointment, duties and ethics of public notaries nationwide. Notaries act as impartial witnesses who authenticate signatures, draft certain documents, certify copies and prepare deeds to provide legal certainty in civil and commercial transactions. This framework sits within Turkey’s broader civil and commercial law system and interfaces with general rules on property, contracts and inheritance.
Notaries are state officials operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice, with nationwide offices to serve residents and foreign nationals. Notarial acts carry a public faith effect that helps prevent fraud and ensure enforceability of documents in courts and administrative bodies. In recent years, Turkey has advanced digitalization in notary work, including document authentication processes and record-keeping, while maintaining the requirement for physical presence in many cases.
For formal texts and updates, consult the official law portal Mevzuat.gov.tr and the Ministry of Justice guidance. These sources provide the current Noterlik Kanunu text, related regulations, and practical instructions for notaries and their clients. Ministry of Justice and Mevzuat.gov.tr are authoritative references for Turkish notary law.
Foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Turkey often require notarial assistance in multiple steps, including authentication of deeds, translation and potential apostille. A lawyer helps ensure the documents comply with Turkish and foreign requirements and coordinates with the notary for a smooth closing. This is crucial for cross-border transfers and anti-fraud protections.
When forming a Turkish company or handling share transfers, you may need a lawyer alongside the notary. The lawyer can draft or review the articles of association, shareholder agreements and other complex documents to ensure corporate governance and compliance with the Turkish Commercial Code. The notary then certifies the final forms for enforceability.
For estate planning and inheritance matters, a lawyer helps interpret the Civil Code provisions and tailor a vasiyetname (will) or other instruments to your family's needs. Notaries provide formal execution and storage of wills, but legal advice ensures options align with your goals and Turkish succession rules. This reduces the risk of disputes during probate.
Power of attorney ( vekaletname ) for asset management or medical decisions often requires careful drafting to limit risk and scope. A lawyer can draft precise authorizations and ensure the notary memorializes them correctly, including any translations and international use requirements. Notarial acts alone do not substitute for comprehensive legal advice on consequences and risk allocation.
Notarizing contracts involving foreign elements, such as cross-border lease agreements or import-export arrangements, may trigger additional requirements like translations, apostille or legalization. A lawyer guides you through the applicable regulatory steps and coordinates with the notary to produce compliant, defensible documents. This collaboration helps prevent later disputes or misinterpretation of terms.
Noterlik Kanunu (Notary Law) - Governs the appointment, powers, duties and ethics of Turkish notaries and the procedures for notarial acts. The law ensures public faith in notarial documents and outlines the standard notarial process across all provinces. Effective since 1969, with subsequent amendments to adapt to evolving practice and digitalization. See Mevzuat.gov.tr for the current text.
Türk Ticaret Kanunu (Turkish Commercial Code) No. 6102 - Governs commercial transactions, corporate governance, and related documents that may be notarized in Turkey. The Code came into force on 1 July 2012 and remains a central reference for business notarial acts such as share transfers and commercial contracts. See Mevzuat.gov.tr for the latest text.
Medeni Kanun (Turkish Civil Code) No. 4721 - Sets out rules on personal status, property rights, marriage regimes and succession that influence notarial practices such as wills, prenuptial agreements and property transactions. The Civil Code framework was revised and implemented with the modern Turkish legal system, with effect around 2002. Official texts are available at Mevzuat.gov.tr.
A notary is a public official who authenticates signatures, certifies copies, drafts certain documents and prepares deeds. Their acts provide legal certainty for civil and commercial matters and are recognized by courts. Notaries ensure documents are accurate and properly executed.
Use official directories on turkiye.gov.tr or the Ministry of Justice website to locate notaries by city. Verify the notary's license status and contact information before scheduling. Check for languages offered and availability for your date.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for all parties. Foreigners should present their passport and, if applicable, a valid visa. For company acts, bring corporate documents and proof of authority for the representative.
Bring the title deed (tapuda), identity documents of purchaser and seller, tax numbers, and the draft sale agreement. If translations are needed, arrange sworn translations or certified translations before the notary appointment. Have any supporting documents ready for review.
Most simple acts can be completed in a single appointment, typically 30-60 minutes. Complex documents or translations may require additional time or a follow-up visit. For international steps, plan 1-2 days to finalize all formalities.
Notarial fees follow the Notary Tariff regulated by the Ministry of Justice. Costs vary by act type and document length; request a written quote before proceeding. Fees may adjust annually, so confirm current rates at the time of your appointment.
A notary can validate signatures and certain formal aspects, but for complex or high-value contracts a lawyer is advisable. A lawyer reviews terms, risks and enforceability before you proceed to notarization. This helps prevent future disputes.
Notaries can certify copies and attest translations in some cases, usually with bilingual capability. Foreign documents may require sworn translations by a certified translator and sometimes apostille for international use. Confirm requirements with the notary in advance.
Notarial authentication verifies signatures and copies for Turkish use. Apostille is an international certification under the Hague Convention to confirm authenticity for use abroad. The notary can handle authentication, while apostille is handled by the relevant authorities for international use.
Electronic signatures are recognized under Turkish law for many documents. Notaries can accept electronically signed documents if properly verified. Some documents may still require wet signatures or stronger verification methods depending on the act.
Notarization is commonly used for mortgage deeds and related loan documents. While not every mortgage requires notarization, many lenders request notarial authentication to ensure enforceability of security interests. Verify with your bank or lender what they require.
Visit a notary to express your wishes verbally or in draft form. The notary will draft the will in a formal format and require signatures in the presence of witnesses. The notary will store the original, and you may request certified copies for safekeeping.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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