Setting Up a Power of Attorney

Purchasing property in North Cyprus is a smooth and straightforward process when you’re guided by professionals. One of the most important steps is granting Power of Attorney (PoA) to a trusted North Cyprus lawyer, which allows them to act on your behalf for essential legal procedures.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about setting up a Power of Attorney — whether you’re purchasing in sole or joint names, in Cyprus or from abroad.

Why You Need a Power of Attorney in North Cyprus

There are two key stages during a North Cyprus property purchase where a Power of Attorney is required:

Signing the Contract of Sale
Transferring the Title Deed (usually months later, after your Permission to Purchase is granted)

Granting Power of Attorney enables your lawyer to complete these legal steps for you, especially when you’re not physically present in the TRNC.

Power of Attorney in Your Sole Name

You can set up a sole name Power of Attorney in one of two ways:

Option 1: Set It Up in North Cyprus

Recommended: This is the easiest and most cost-effective method.
Simply make an appointment with one of our NCI-approved lawyers during your visit.
You’ll sign the Power of Attorney in person at their office.
There is usually no charge when it’s set up for a property purchase.
Be sure to bring your passport with you.

Even if you haven’t chosen a property yet, it’s worth setting up a PoA during your trip so your lawyer can act quickly when you find the right home.

Option 2: Set It Up from Abroad

If you’re unable to visit Cyprus, you can still create a Power of Attorney from your home country. However, please note:

This process is more time-consuming and more expensive.
Once your chosen lawyer receives a scanned copy of your passport, they will draft the PoA document and email it to you.
You will then need to visit your local TRNC Representative Office (or Turkish Embassy if one doesn’t exist) to have the document signed and authenticated.
You’ll be advised on how to return the original document to your lawyer in North Cyprus.

NCI strongly recommends setting up the Power of Attorney while you are in Cyprus to avoid the additional time and cost.

Power of Attorney in Joint Names

If you intend to purchase property jointly (e.g., with a spouse or partner), both buyers must provide Power of Attorney. Here’s how:

When Both Parties Are in Cyprus

Book a joint appointment with your lawyer.
Both parties will sign the PoA in person during your stay.
Bring valid passports for both individuals.

When One or Both Parties Are Abroad

Each person must follow the overseas process individually.
Lawyers will prepare the PoA documents separately.
Signing must take place at a TRNC Office or Turkish Embassy, as outlined above.

⚠️ Important: Foreign buyers are allowed to purchase only one property or plot of land per person. If you may wish to buy a second property later, consider putting the first one in one name only.

Power of Attorney for Title Deed Transfer Only

It is possible to:

Have just one person sign the PoA for the initial contract, and
Later take joint ownership on the title deed.

If you want the title deed to include a second party who is not present in Cyprus:

The lawyer can still include both names on the title, provided they receive the second party’s documents (passport and police report from the country of origin).
A PoA from the second person is not required in this case.
This option is often used by couples where only one person can travel initially.

Additional Legal Considerations

When setting up Power of Attorney, it’s a good time to: