If you do not speak Turkish, a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) is required for key property procedures in Turkey, especially at the land registry (tapu) and notary. This requirement ensures you fully understand the legally binding documents you sign, and it is grounded in Turkish law and administrative practice. When a party to a land registry or notarial transaction does not know Turkish, an interpreter must be present and must sign the official record confirming the translation. This applies to title deed transfers at the Land Registry and to notarial acts such as issuing a power of attorney (vekaletname) for a property purchase. If you are fluent in Turkish, a translator is not required.
When a sworn translator is required
For title deed transfers at the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorates (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlükleri), a sworn translator is required if any party does not speak Turkish. The interpreter attends the appointment, translates the official deed (resmi senet) and declarations, and signs the record to confirm accurate translation. The Land Registry and Cadastre General Directorate (TKGM) confirms that foreign buyers may complete transactions with the assistance of a sworn translator when they do not speak Turkish. This practice is part of standard foreign buyer procedures across directorates and is reflected in TKGM’s official information for foreigners on real estate acquisition.[1][3] If both parties are Turkish-speaking, the land registry does not require an interpreter.[3]
Legal basis at the land registry and the notary
The obligation to ensure parties understand the content of official deeds is set out in the Land Registry Regulation (Tapu Sicili Tüzüğü), which governs the preparation and execution of registry records and requires that the registry officer ascertain the parties’ will and understanding before execution.[2] Where a party cannot understand Turkish, this verification is carried out through a sworn interpreter who reads and explains the deed before signature and then signs as an interpreter. For notarial acts, Article 75 of the Notary Law No. 1512 states that, if a party does not know Turkish, the notary must conduct the act through an interpreter sworn before the notary, and the interpreter must sign the document, with the notary certifying the interpreter’s participation.[1] This covers powers of attorney, statements, and notarized translations required in a property transaction.
Common property documents that trigger the interpreter requirement
Two touchpoints typically require an interpreter if you do not speak Turkish. The first is the title deed transfer at the Land Registry, where the official deed is prepared and read to the parties prior to signature; the interpreter ensures the buyer and seller understand the content and signs the record.[3][4] The second is at the notary when you issue a power of attorney for a representative to act for you in the purchase, or when you notarize translations of foreign documents for registry use. The Notary Law requires a sworn interpreter for non-Turkish speakers at these acts, and the interpreter’s identity and signature are recorded in the notarial deed.[1] The Presidency’s Investment Office also notes that transactions may be completed via a representative with a notarized power of attorney, which for non-Turkish speakers involves an interpreter at the notary.[4]
Documents in foreign languages and certified translations
If you present foreign-language documents for the land registry record, such as a marriage certificate to annotate marital status or a corporate document for a company buyer, the registry will require a Turkish translation prepared by a certified translator and notarized. If the document was issued outside Turkey, it must generally be legalized for use in Turkey, most commonly by an apostille under the Hague Convention, or through consular legalization if the issuing state is not party to the Convention. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains the apostille process for foreign public documents used in Turkey, which accompanies the notarized Turkish translation when required by the registry.[5] The registry officer decides, under the Regulation, which supporting documents are necessary to complete and record the transaction.[2]
Who can act as the sworn translator and how they participate
At the land registry, the interpreter must be a qualified sworn translator recognized by the directorate and able to accurately translate between Turkish and the parties’ language. Local directorates typically maintain rosters of interpreters for common languages, and the interpreter’s identity is recorded in the file. During the appointment, the interpreter reads and explains the official deed to the parties, confirms understanding, and signs the deed as interpreter. At the notary, the interpreter must be sworn before the notary, and their participation is entered into the notarial deed as required by Article 75 of the Notary Law.[1] The interpreter must be impartial and is not one of the parties to the transaction.[1][2]
Costs, timing, and practical points
Interpreter arrangements are made by the parties, and their fees are paid directly to the interpreter. Notarial acts are subject to a statutory fee schedule published in the Official Gazette, with additional interpreter fees arranged according to practice; buyers should ask the notary for the applicable charges in advance.[1] The presence of the interpreter should be booked for the specific appointment time, because the land registry will not proceed with execution if a required interpreter is absent. If you appoint a Turkish-speaking proxy using a proper power of attorney, the land registry appointment can proceed without you personally and without an interpreter at the registry, because your proxy speaks Turkish; however, your initial notarial power of attorney issuance will still require an interpreter if you do not speak Turkish.[1][4] This sequencing helps avoid delays on the day of transfer.
Summary and key takeaways
For non-Turkish speakers, a sworn translator is mandatory at the critical points where you sign legally binding instruments: the land registry deed and any notarial acts such as a power of attorney or notarized translations. The requirement flows from the Land Registry Regulation and the Notary Law and is reflected in official guidance issued for foreign buyers. Using a sworn interpreter ensures your declarations are valid and that the registrar or notary can certify your understanding. If you are fluent in Turkish, the interpreter requirement does not apply. For specific document needs and scheduling, contact the relevant land registry directorate or notary in advance.
Related Questions:
– Q15 What documents are required at the Land Registry for foreign buyers in Turkey?
– Q16 Can I give a power of attorney in Turkey for a property purchase?
– Q17 Do foreign documents need apostille and notarized translation for use in Turkey?
– Q18 How does a title deed (tapu) transfer appointment work for foreigners?
References:
[1] Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete). “Notary Law No. 1512 (Noterlik Kanunu).” https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=1512&MevzuatTur=1&MevzuatTertip=5
[2] Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete). “Land Registry Regulation (Tapu Sicili Tüzüğü), 17.08.2013, No. 28738.” https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2013/08/20130817-3.htm
[3] General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM). “Real Estate Acquisition of Foreigners.” https://www.tkgm.gov.tr/en/page/real-estate-acquisition-foreigners
[4] Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office. “Buying Property.” https://www.invest.gov.tr/en/guide/Pages/Buying-Property.aspx
[5] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye. “Apostille Convention and Legalization of Documents.” https://www.mfa.gov.tr/apostille-convention.en.mfa
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Property law and tax rules in Turkey change frequently. Consult a licensed Turkish lawyer, accountant, or real estate professional before making any purchasing decision.