Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü (TKGM) (Land Registry and Cadastre)

Deed transfers, title searches, and cadastral verification.

The TKGM offers key services for foreign buyers, including:

Title deed (tapu) transfers: Registering property ownership changes after a sale. Title searches: Verifying a property’s legal status, ownership history, and encumbrances (e.g., mortgages or liens). Cadastre services: Confirming land boundaries and zoning compliance via official maps.

Foreigners must visit a TKGM office (or use their online portal with a Turkish ID) to complete transactions. Some services require a yabancı kimlik numarası (foreign ID number) or a power of attorney if represented by a lawyer.

Locate offices via the official TKGM website or e-Devlet.

To find a TKGM office, use the official TKGM website or the e-Devlet portal. Enter the city or district where the property is located (e.g., Istanbul, Antalya) to see addresses, contact details, and operating hours.

Major cities have multiple branches, while rural areas may have one central office. Appointments are often required for services like deed transfers. Foreigners can bring a translator or lawyer to assist, as most staff speak limited English.

Yes, but access requires a Turkish ID or e-Devlet login.

The TKGM offers an online parcel query tool to check property details like ownership, boundaries, and zoning. However, foreigners need a yabancı kimlik numarası (foreign ID) or an e-Devlet account (linked to a Turkish tax number) to access full records.

Without these, you can visit a TKGM office in person or authorize a lawyer to perform the search. Note that online data may not reflect recent transactions until officially registered.

Typically 1–3 days, but delays may occur.

A standard tapu transfer at the TKGM takes 1 to 3 business days if all documents are correct and taxes are paid. Complex cases (e.g., inheritance, disputes, or military zone properties) may take weeks or require additional approvals.

Processing times vary by office workload—busy cities like Istanbul or Antalya may have longer queues. Foreigners should confirm timelines with their lawyer or the local TKGM branch before planning travel.

Deed fee, cadastre fee, and service charges apply.

The TKGM charges several fees for tapu services. Here are some examples:

Deed transfer fee (tapu harcı):, Cadastre fee: for boundary checks, Other Service fees: for title searches or document processing.

Fees are paid at the TKGM office via bank transfer or credit card. Foreigners should confirm exact costs beforehand, as rates may vary by property type or location.

Yes, via cadastral surveys and legal resolution.

The TKGM resolves boundary disputes by conducting cadastral surveys to verify land measurements and legal boundaries. If neighbors or buyers contest a property’s borders, the TKGM compares official maps with on-site inspections.

Disputes escalated to court may require TKGM reports as evidence. Foreign owners should hire a Turkish lawyer to navigate this process, as resolutions can take months. The TKGM does not mediate ownership conflicts—only boundary or zoning issues.

No, but they enforce restrictions on military zones.

The TKGM does not issue military clearance (required for properties in restricted zones), but they enforce restrictions by blocking tapu transfers until clearance is obtained from the relevant Governorate or General Staff.

Foreign buyers must submit military approval to the TKGM before completing a transfer. The TKGM’s system flags properties in sensitive areas (e.g., near borders or military bases) and halts transactions until compliance is confirmed.

They register transfers but don’t handle probate.

The TKGM registers inherited property once probate is settled but does not process wills or distribute assets. Foreign heirs must first obtain a veraset ilamı (inheritance certificate) from a Turkish court or consulate, then submit it to the TKGM to update the tapu.

For properties with multiple heirs, the TKGM may require a notarial agreement on ownership shares. Taxes (e.g., inheritance tax) must be paid before the transfer is finalized.