A “taahhütname,” best translated as a letter of undertaking, is a legal document used to demonstrate your intent to perform a specific action to Turkish officials. Derived from the Arabic word “taahhüt” (meaning declaration, undertaking, or commitment) and “name” (meaning letter), this document outlines your commitment to fulfill certain obligations or remedy any wrongdoings. The contents vary depending on the situation but typically include clauses detailing the commitment and potential penalties for non-compliance.
A “taahhütname” typically requires at least two people to sign it in most situations. For it to be valid and useful in future disputes, it should include a clause about legal remedies.
In this letter, you commit to specific actions in exchange for products or services. You agree to pursue legal action if these commitments are not met.
When Will You Need a Taahhütname?
You may need a taahhütname in several situations in Turkey, such as:
- Residence permit applications
- Tourist/travel visas
Additionally, taahhütnames are often required for:
- House sales
- Rental transactions
- Business agreements
- Bank applications
- Service subscriptions
If a Turkish government official, landlord, employer, or someone else asks for a taahhütname and you are unsure how to write one, don’t worry. They will provide instructions on what to include. Communicate these details to a notary, and you will quickly get your letter stamped and ready for submission.
Visa Sponsorship: A taahhütname may be required as an invitational letter to sponsor someone for a travel visa. This letter shows your commitment to sponsoring their temporary entry or stay in Turkey.
If you are a student, unemployed, or retired and cannot cover your travel expenses, Turkish authorities will need proof of support from a sponsor. This sponsor, who must be a first-degree relative registered in Turkey, will cover all associated costs, such as your stay and departure.
For Short-Term Residence: You will often need a taahhütname for a residence permit application in Turkey.
When applying for a residence permit, you must prove you have the financial resources to live in Turkey. You can submit documents like property deeds, payslips, or evidence of income from inheritance or business. Alternatively, you can draft a taahhütname to declare your means and list your income sources in detail. Attach this taahhütname to your application form.
Another requirement is to prove your residence, whether through property ownership, rentals, or other arrangements. If you plan to live with someone other than a close relative, the host must submit a notarized letter of undertaking. If the host is married, you will also need a taahhütname from their spouse.
The government requests this to ensure that everyone listed on the property’s title deed or rental contract reaffirms their commitment to being responsible for the foreigner staying in their home. This includes ensuring the foreigner does not overstay their permit period, departs on time, and does not leave any debts. The signee of the taahhütname agrees to cover any unpaid fines or debts.
For Minors: If you are under 18, you need a notarized letter of undertaking from a person or legal entity in Turkey. This undertaking must be specified in a letter of parental consent written by your parent or legal representative living abroad.
This ensures you will have suitable accommodation, food, education, and financial means to continue living in Turkey.
Signing the Taahhütname
Taahhütnames are always prepared in Turkish. If you do not speak Turkish, you will need a sworn translator/interpreter present during the signing. The interpreter will read the document aloud in English and ensure you understand it before notifying the notary to proceed with the signing.
You will have to pay for the interpreter, with costs varying by city and professional charges.
Typically, you won’t need to write the taahhütname yourself; a notary official will prepare it. There is no fixed fee for a taahhütname, as costs vary based on the number of pages to be signed and stamped, and the document’s content.
Once signed and stamped by the notary, the taahhütname becomes a legally acceptable public record. The notary will stamp the letter with a unique number, allowing you to request a copy if needed in the future.
