Apostille in Turkey: Where to Get It and When You Need It
Last updated: September 28, 2026 · Uğur Arı — sworn translator, Kartal 12th Notary Office
An apostille certifies a document for use in another country and is never issued by a translator or a notary. In Turkey, administrative documents (birth records, diplomas, criminal record checks) are apostilled by the district governorship (kaymakamlık) or the provincial governorship (valilik); judicial documents such as court decisions are apostilled by the Justice Commission Presidency (Adalet Komisyonu Başkanlığı) at courthouses in cities with a high criminal court — the authorities Türkiye has designated to the Hague Conference (HCCH). For most Turkish documents the common order is apostille first, then sworn translation of the apostilled document — but some receiving institutions ask for the reverse, or for the translation to be apostilled as well, so confirm the order with them. Criminal record (adli sicil)? Its e-Devlet, apostille and translation steps are in the dedicated criminal-record guide.
Which office for which document?
For administrative documents, go to any district governorship (kaymakamlık) or the provincial governorship (valilik). There is no apostille fee: Türkiye's entry in the HCCH list of competent authorities states ‘No charge’, and governorships publish the same (any notary or translation work your file needs is paid separately). For court decisions and other judicial documents, the Justice Commission Presidency at a courthouse with a high criminal court issues the apostille; criminal record documents and court decisions can also be apostilled electronically (see below).
Apostille first or translation first?
Apostille the original document first, then translate: the apostille certificate itself must appear in the translation. Some receiving institutions additionally require the translation (or its notarized version) to be apostilled — this depends entirely on the destination country's institution, so check the application checklist.
What if the destination country is not in the Hague Convention?
The apostille only works between member states of the Hague Apostille Convention (most of Europe, the US, the UK and many others); Türkiye has applied it since 29 September 1985. For non-member states, consular legalization through that country's mission in Turkey replaces the apostille — a longer process worth starting early.
Can you handle the apostille for me?
The apostille must be issued by the state authority, so we cannot obtain it on your behalf — but we'll tell you exactly which office to visit, in what order, and make sure the final translation covers every stamp and annotation, apostille included.
Is the apostille free?
No fee at governorships: Türkiye's HCCH competent-authority entry states ‘No charge’. If your file first needs notarization or translation, those are paid separately.
Is there an e-apostille?
Yes, for two document types: criminal record documents and court decisions can be apostilled electronically via eapostil.gov.tr (Ministry of Justice announcement of 15 October 2019), also reachable through e-Devlet. Other documents still receive a paper apostille, and acceptance of an e-apostille depends on the institution in the destination country.
- HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (official list) →
- HCCH — Türkiye's competent authorities and fee (‘No charge’) →
- Ministry of Justice — criminal records and court decisions on e-Apostille (15.10.2019) →
- Onikişubat District Governorship — apostille procedure and fee →
Public official sources; procedures can change — verify the current version before you apply.
Requirements are ultimately set by the receiving institution, notary office or authority; practices vary and cannot be guaranteed. This guide is general information, not legal advice.