Sworn vs. Notarized Translation in Turkey — What's the Difference?
Last updated: September 28, 2026 · Uğur Arı — sworn translator, Kartal 12th Notary Office
A sworn translation is produced, signed and stamped by a translator who has taken an oath before a Turkish notary office. A notarized translation is that same sworn translation with an additional layer: the notary certifies the translator's signature. Notarization is not a separate type of translation — it is an extra attestation added when the receiving institution requires it.
When is a sworn translation enough?
It depends on the destination authority's written rule, not on Turkish practice. What four common destinations publish on their official pages (last checked September 2026):
| Destination | What the official rule asks for | Notary in the rule? |
|---|---|---|
| United States — USCIS | A full English translation plus the translator's certification that it is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate into English (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). | Not mentioned |
| United Kingdom — GOV.UK | The translator confirms in writing on the translation that it is a ‘true and accurate translation of the original document’, with the date, their full name and contact details. | Not mentioned |
| Canada — IRCC | A translation by a certified translator; if the translator is not certified, the translation plus an affidavit from the person who translated it. | Only on the affidavit route |
| Australia — Home Affairs | Translations made outside Australia do not need NAATI accreditation; the translator adds their full name, address, telephone number and language qualifications. | Not mentioned |
Turkish courts, land registries and many banks, universities or employers set their own rule and often do ask for notarization — follow the exact wording of your checklist. Translations on this site are signed by Uğur Arı, a sworn translator registered with the Kartal 12th Notary Office in Istanbul.
When do you need notarization?
In our practice, Turkish court files, title-deed (tapu) transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and marriage registration usually require notarization on top of the sworn translation — this is observed practice, not a single written rule, and the requesting office has the final say. The notary certifies the translator's signature, not the content; accuracy remains the sworn translator's responsibility.
What does it cost?
Translation: 850 ₺ for a single-page official document (price list dated 25 July 2026). Notary: there is no single ‘notarization price’. The notary office calculates it under the 2026 Notary Fee Tariff (Official Gazette of 30 December 2025, No. 33123) together with the statutory fees (harç) due under the Fees Law. Fixed tariff items include a comparison fee of 80.68 TL per page for documents written outside and brought in for certification (Art. 5) and a notary fee of 30% of the statutory fee, never below 58.82 TL (Art. 1). Our own estimate — not an official figure — is roughly 1,060–1,770 ₺ for IDs and passports and 1,900–3,000 ₺ for diplomas and transcripts; the exact amount is set by the notary office on the day.
How do I know which one I need?
Check the wording of the institution requesting the document: "sworn translation" or "certified translation" is usually satisfied by the sworn signature; "notarized translation" means the notary layer is required. If unsure, send the document and the requirement text on WhatsApp — we'll tell you which one applies, free of charge.
Does every sworn translation need to go through a notary?
No. Notarization is needed only when the receiving institution asks for it. The published translation rules of USCIS (US), GOV.UK (UK) and Home Affairs (Australia) do not mention a notary; Turkish courts, land registries and some institutions do require it.
Does the notary check the translation itself?
No — the notary certifies the sworn translator's signature and authority. The accuracy of the translation is the sworn translator's legal responsibility.
- US — 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) ‘Translations’ (eCFR) →
- UK — GOV.UK: Certifying a document (translations) →
- Canada — IRCC: documents in a language other than English or French →
- Canada — IRCC: what an affidavit for a translation is →
- Australia — Home Affairs: translating documents →
- Türkiye — 2026 Notary Fee Tariff (Official Gazette 30.12.2025, No. 33123) →
- Türkiye — Notary Law No. 1512 (mevzuat.gov.tr) →
Public official sources; rules 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.