What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document issued in one country for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

If you need an Apostille in Turkey, understanding the process is crucial to avoid delays, rejections, or additional legal complications.

Where to Get an Apostille in Turkey?

In Turkey, Apostille certification can be obtained from the following Competent Authorities:

✅ Governorships (Valilikler) and Sub-Governorships (Kaymakamlıklar) – For most public documents
✅ Ministry of Justice, Justice Commissions, and Heavy Penal Courts – For judicial and legal documents

These authorities are responsible for validating Turkish-issued documents before they can be used internationally.

Apostille Process for Turkish Documents

If your official document was issued in Turkey, follow these steps to obtain an Apostille stamp:

1️⃣ Notarization: Some documents (e.g., translations, corporate papers) require notarization before Apostille approval.
2️⃣ Certified Translation (if required): Documents intended for foreign use may need to be translated and notarized.
3️⃣ Apostille Approval: Submit the document to the Competent Authority (Governorships or Ministry of Justice).
4️⃣ Use the Apostilled Document Internationally: Once Apostilled, the document is legally recognized in all Hague Convention countries.

Apostille for Foreign Documents in Turkey

If your document was issued in a foreign country, it must be Apostilled in its country of origin before being used in Turkey.

Foreign documents Apostilled abroad are accepted in Turkey without further legalization.
If a document was not Apostilled, it must go through legalization by the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country.

Important: Some embassies and consulates in Turkey provide Apostille services for their citizens. Check with your country’s diplomatic mission for details.

Which Documents Require an Apostille in Turkey?

A wide range of legal, personal, and corporate documents require Apostille certification, including:

Personal Documents:

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Divorce Decrees
• Death Certificates
• Police Clearance (Criminal Record)
• Diplomas & Academic Transcripts
• Identity Register Copies
• Name Equivalence Documents

Corporate & Business Documents:

• Articles of Incorporation
• Chamber of Commerce Registration
• Corporate Power of Attorney
• Tax Certificates
• Commercial Invoices
• Certificates of Good Standing

Legal & Government-Issued Documents:

• Court Decisions
• Authorization Letters
• Work Completion Certificates

How to Get an Apostille in Istanbul and Other Turkish Cities?

If you need an Apostille in Istanbul, you can visit:

️ Istanbul Governorship (İstanbul Valiliği)
️ Sub-Governorship Offices (Kaymakamlıklar) in districts
️ Justice Commission Offices (for court-related documents)

For other cities in Turkey, visit the local Governorship or Ministry of Justice office.

E-Apostille in Turkey

Since 2019, Turkey introduced the E-Apostille System, managed by PTT (Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı Anonim Şirketi).

E-Apostille services are currently available for:
✅ Identity Register Copies
✅ Criminal Record Certificates
✅ Name Equivalence Certificates
✅ Diplomas & Transcripts
✅ Marriage Certificates

You can apply online via the official PTT website to receive a digital Apostille certificate.

Apostille Validity and Legalization for Non-Hague Convention Countries

The Apostille Convention does not have a fixed validity period, but some countries may impose expiration dates. Always verify with the country where you will use the document.

❗ For non-Hague Convention countries (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, etc.), additional steps are required:
✔️ Translation & Notarization
✔️ Approval by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
✔️ Legalization by the country’s embassy or consulate in Turkey

Why Choose Professional Apostille Services in Turkey?

Obtaining an Apostille in Turkey can be complex. Mistakes can result in delays, rejection, and extra costs. Hiring an experienced professional ensures:

✅ Accurate notarization and translation
✅ Fast and efficient document processing
✅ Compliance with Turkish and international regulations

Avoid untrained or unqualified individuals who lack expertise in Turkish legal procedures. Save time and money by using a trusted Apostille service provider.