Web tapu (online title deed) – digital property ownership in Turkey

Yes, with a Turkish tax number and authentication.

Foreign property owners in Turkey can access web tapu if they have a valid vergi numarası (tax number) and register on the TKGM portal. Authentication requires either a Turkish e-signature (e-imza) or a mobile signature (mobil imza).

Without these, foreigners may need to visit a local Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü (Title Deed Office) with their passport and tax number to request access. The system interface is primarily in Turkish, but browser translation tools can assist.

Yes, but physical deeds may still be required.

Web tapu is legally recognized as an official record of property ownership in Turkey. Courts, banks, and government agencies accept digital copies from the TKGM portal as valid proof, provided they are printed or saved with the system’s timestamp and security seals.

However, some transactions (e.g., sales, mortgages) may still require the original physical tapas or a notarized copy. Always confirm with the relevant institution whether a digital version suffices for your specific need.

Ownership, property details, and legal status.

A web tapu record in Turkey includes:

Ownership data: Current and past owners’ names, tax numbers, and share percentages (if co-owned).

Property details: Address, land registry number (ada/parsel), size (in m²), and zoning status (e.g., residential, agricultural).

Legal status: Mortgages, liens, court orders, or restrictions (e.g., haciz for debt seizures). Updates reflect in real-time, ensuring accuracy for due diligence.

Updates occur in real-time or within 24 hours.

The web tapu system in Turkey updates automatically when changes are registered at the Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü (Title Deed Office). Most transactions (e.g., sales, inheritance transfers, mortgages) appear within 24 hours, though some may reflect instantly.

Delays can occur during high-volume periods or if manual verification is required. For critical transactions, verify updates directly with the local deed office or a lawyer to ensure accuracy before proceeding.

Digital vs. paper: accessibility and usage.

Web tapu and physical tapus in Turkey serve the same legal purpose but differ in format and use:

Accessibility: Web tapu is available 24/7 online; physical deeds require in-person visits or postal requests.

Updates: Digital records reflect changes faster (often real-time). Physical deeds must be reissued for updates.

Acceptance: Both are legally valid, but some institutions (e.g., banks for mortgages) may insist on original physical deeds or notarized copies.

No, physical deeds are required for transfers.

While web tapu is useful for verifying property details, it cannot replace the physical tapus for sales or ownership transfers in Turkey. The law requires both parties to sign the original deed at the Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü (Title Deed Office) in the presence of an officer.

However, buyers can use web tapu to check the property’s legal status (e.g., debts, liens) before finalizing the transfer. Always cross-reference with the physical deed for accuracy.

High security with government encryption.

The web tapu system is secured by Turkey’s T.C. Çevrimiçi İşlemler (government online transaction) protocols, including:

Encryption: 256-bit SSL for data protection.

Authentication: Requires e-signature or mobile signature tied to the owner’s tax number.

Audit trails: All access and changes are logged. However, fraud risks remain if login credentials are compromised. Report discrepancies to TKGM immediately.

Contact TKGM or visit the local deed office.

If web tapu displays incorrect information (e.g., wrong owner, outdated liens), take these steps:

1. Verify: Cross-check with your physical deed or a lawyer.

2. Report: Submit a correction request via the TKGM portal (requires e-signature) or visit the local Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü with supporting documents (e.g., sale contract, court orders).

3. Follow up: Corrections may take 5–30 days, depending on the issue’s complexity.

Yes, including imarlı/imarsız status.

Web tapu displays zoning classifications under the Yapı Kullanım Durumu (Building Usage Status) section. Key terms include:

İmarlı (zoned): Approved for construction under municipal plans.

İmarsız (unzoned): No construction permitted (e.g., agricultural land).

Restrictions: May note height limits, usage types (residential/commercial), or conservation protections. For detailed plans, consult the local municipality’s imar durumu (zoning status) documents.