Similar to the Governors of the 80 other Provinces of Turkey, the Governor of Van is appointed by the Government of Turkey and is responsible for the implementation of government legislation within Van.

The Ministry of the Interior first considers and puts forward possible candidates for approval by the cabinet.

The Governor of Van has both bureaucratic functions and influence over local government.

The main role of the Governor is to oversee the implementation of decisions by government ministries, constitutional requirements and legislation passed by Grand National Assembly within the provincial borders.

As the commander of the provincial police and Gendarmerie forces, the Governor can also take decisions designed to limit civil disobedience and preserve public order.