Documents and legalisation in Türkiye: apostille, translation, notary
Türkiye accepts foreign documents only after legalisation: an apostille if the issuing country is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, otherwise consular legalisation at the Turkish consulate in the issuing country. Translations are made by sworn translators (yeminli tercüman) and the translator's signature is certified by a notary (noter).
Order of legalisation
- Apostille on the original document — in the issuing country (courts, civil registry, police, depending on the document).
- Sworn translation into Turkish (yeminli tercüman).
- Notarial certification of the translation or the translator's signature.
- For some authorities — extra certification or the original document.
What is done where
| What | Where or who | What for | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apostille | issuing country (Hague Convention) | recognition in Türkiye | 11.10.2026 |
| Sworn translation | yeminli tercüman | Turkish translation with the force of the original | 11.10.2026 |
| Certification | notary (noter) | acceptance by an authority | 11.10.2026 |
| Power of attorney | notary, often bilingual | deals, bank, court | 11.10.2026 |
| Tax number | tax office (GİB) with a passport | bank, residence, deals | 11.10.2026 |
For residence and deals
- For residence (ikamet): passport, photos, health insurance, proof of address, tax number, an e-İkamet appointment.
- To buy property: a notarised translation of the passport, tax number, the seller's title deed, DASK insurance at completion.
- Arrange a power of attorney in advance — without it the deal cannot proceed.
Frequent questions
- Do documents for Türkiye need an apostille?
- Yes, if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Convention: the apostille is placed there, then the document is translated and certified in Türkiye.
- Who translates for official bodies?
- Only a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman); a notary certifies the signature.
- Can I get a power of attorney in advance?
- Yes, usually a bilingual one at a notary; it is needed for property, bank and court matters.
The figures and data of this section were checked against 15 official sources (list below); verification date — 11.10.2026. Disputed amounts are marked 'requires verification'.