Apostille in Turkey: Where to Get It and When You Need It
Last updated: July 7, 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 at the courthouse. The usual order: apostille the original first, then have the apostilled document sworn-translated.
Which office for which document?
For administrative documents, go to any district governorship or the provincial governorship — the process is typically same-day and free of charge. For court decisions and judicial paperwork, the justice commission at the courthouse issues the apostille.
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). 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?
Apostilles on administrative documents from governorships are generally free. If a notarized document is being apostilled, the notary fee applies first.
Is there an e-apostille?
Turkey issues e-apostilles for certain document types; whether it is accepted depends on the institution in the destination country.
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.