For a document issued abroad to be usable in an official transaction in Turkey — a title deed transfer, a marriage, incorporating a company, an equivalency application — there’s usually a set order to follow: first an apostille or consular certification, depending on the country where the document was issued, then a sworn translation in Turkey and, where needed, notarisation. We check for you which route applies based on where your document comes from.
- Scope
- The process for making documents from abroad valid for use in Turkey
- Status of the Translation
- A sworn translation is completed with notarisation where required
- Apostille Check
- Checked for you based on the country where the document was issued
Who It’s For
Foreign nationals needing to submit a document from abroad for an official transaction in Turkey
We clarify together which document is needed for which transaction.
Parties who will need a translator for a title deed or marriage procedure
The land registry and civil registry offices require a translator for any party who doesn’t speak Turkish.
Those preparing documents for diploma equivalency or a citizenship application
We check the required document set for these applications together.
Those unsure whether their document will be accepted in Turkey
We check your document’s status before you start the process.
Required Documents
The original document, or a clear copy, to be translated or certified
How legible the document is directly affects translation quality.
Information on which country issued the document
We check whether an apostille or consular certification is needed based on this.
Information on which transaction the document will be used for (title deed, marriage, equivalency, citizenship, etc.)
The required document and certification format can differ by transaction.
Passport or identity details
The institution or the transaction date the document will be used for, if known
We plan the translation and certification process around this date.
Appointment details, if a translator is needed for a title deed or marriage procedure
The translator is arranged to match the appointment time.
A power of attorney, if the process will be handled by proxy
The power of attorney itself can, in some cases, also require translation and certification.
The document list can vary by application reason and personal circumstances; the current requirements of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management apply.
Process Steps
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01
Identifying the Document and Transaction
Within 1 dayWe clarify which document is needed for which transaction.
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02
Checking Apostille or Consular Certification
Varies by countryThe required certification route is determined based on the issuing country.
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03
Sworn Translation
A few daysThe document is translated by a sworn translator in Turkey.
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04
Notarisation (if required)
Within 1-2 daysThe translation is notarised where the relevant transaction requires it.
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05
Using the Document in the Relevant Transaction
Depends on the transactionThe prepared document is used in the title deed, marriage, or application process.
Not sure whether your situation fits this process?
Initial AssessmentLegal Basis
Notary Public Law No. 1512
Sets out the notarisation procedure and the principles for certifying a sworn translation before a notary.
Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (The Hague, 1961)
The international convention underlying the apostille; we check your document’s status within this framework.
Common Mistakes
Applying for an official transaction with a document that lacks an apostille
A document missing its apostille is rejected by the relevant authority, and the process has to start over.
Submitting a translation without notarisation
Many official transactions won’t accept a translation that isn’t notarised.
Having the translation done by someone who isn’t a sworn translator
Official authorities only accept translations from a sworn translator.
Starting the process without checking the document’s validity period
Some documents (like a criminal record certificate) can have expired, halting the process.
Going to a title deed or marriage appointment without arranging a translator
Without a translator present, the appointment may have to be rescheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
We check this for you; since the list of party states changes from time to time, we share the current status during a consultation.
Both confirm a document’s authenticity; which one applies depends on the country where it was issued.
Official transactions require the translation itself to come from a sworn translator; we recommend running the process with us from the start.
The route depends on the type of document and the authority that issued it; we check this for you.
Official transactions in Turkey generally require the sworn translation to be done in Turkey; we plan the process this way.
If it comes from a country outside the apostille system, an alternative route like consular certification applies.
The cost depends on the number of documents and the nature of the transaction; we clarify this during a consultation.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.