Foreign nationals who have been convicted of a criminal offense in Turkey may, in certain legal circumstances, request the deletion of their criminal records. This process, governed by Turkish law, is especially relevant for individuals who have completed their sentences and seek to avoid the long-term legal or administrative consequences of having a criminal record on file.

Legal Definition of Criminal Record in Turkey

Under Turkish law, criminal records are maintained by the General Directorate of Criminal Records and Statistics, affiliated with the Ministry of Justice. Once a sentence becomes final, the conviction is entered into the adli sicil (judicial registry).

This registry reflects:

• The criminal offense

• Relevant provisions of the Turkish Penal Code

• The type and duration of the sentence

• The method of enforcement (e.g. imprisonment, fine, suspension)

Is Deletion Possible for Foreigners?

Yes. Foreign nationals may request deletion of their Turkish criminal record if the following conditions are met:

• The sentence has been fully served, converted, or declared completed under supervision

• There are no ongoing restrictions or pending criminal proceedings

• The request complies with Law No. 5352 on Criminal Records and Archive Records

This process does not apply to records held by security or intelligence units for operational purposes.

Legal Framework

The deletion of criminal records in Turkey is primarily regulated by:

• Law No. 5352 on Criminal Records and Archive Records

• Article 13 of the same law (deletion upon execution of sentence)

• Provisions of the Turkish Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code

Procedure for Deletion Request

1. Application: A written petition is prepared by the individual or their legal representative.

2. Submission: The petition is submitted to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office of the individual’s place of residence or where the judgment was issued.

3. Review: The prosecutor evaluates whether legal conditions have been fulfilled.

4. Decision: If approved, the record is deleted from the central database. Archive records, in limited cases, may still be retained for internal purposes, but are not visible in official certificates.

Required Documentation

• Copy of passport or Turkish identity number (if available)

• Criminal record certificate (if issued previously)

• Proof of sentence completion (e.g. release document, probation certificate)

• Power of attorney, if submitted by a lawyer

Why Foreigners May Need Criminal Record Deletion

Expunging a Turkish criminal record may be relevant for:

• Visa and residency permit applications

• Immigration clearance and security screenings

• Employment background checks

• Academic enrollment or international travel

• Applying for Turkish citizenship or renewing residence permits

Attorney Representation

A foreign national may appoint a lawyer in Turkey to carry out the entire process. The power of attorney must comply with Turkish law and may be issued via consulate if the client is abroad.

Contact

For assistance with criminal record deletion procedures in Turkey, you may contact our office. We offer representation before Turkish prosecutors and coordinate official communication with relevant authorities.