Frequently asked questions about translations and documents in Turkey
Here are answers to the questions we are asked most often, covering sworn and notarised translation, notaries, powers of attorney, apostilles, documents for living in Turkey, prices and payment.
Translations: types, languages and turnaround
1. What is the difference between a sworn and a notarised translation?
The difference lies in who certifies the translation. A sworn translation (yeminli tercüme) is made and signed by a sworn translator, a professional who has taken an oath before a Turkish notary. A notarised translation (noter onaylı tercüme) is the same sworn translation, with the translator's signature also certified by a notary. The notary does not check the content: the translator is responsible for the accuracy of the translation.
Example: for a private company, a translation signed by a sworn translator is often enough, while the migration authority (Göç İdaresi) accepts foreign documents only with a notarised translation.
2. Do I need a sworn or a notarised translation?
The institution you are submitting the document to decides, so check with it in advance. In most cases, Turkish state authorities require notarisation: for a residence permit, for example, foreign documents are accepted only with an apostille (or consular legalisation) and a notarised translation. Some private organisations accept a sworn translation without a notary.
If you do not know the requirements, send us the document and tell us where you are taking it. We will tell you which option is usually accepted there.
3. Which languages do you translate?
4. Can a translation between two foreign languages, such as German and English, be notarised?
Yes, but only in two steps: a Turkish notary certifies translations only where one of the languages is Turkish. The document is first translated from German into Turkish and the translation notarised; the Turkish text is then translated into English and notarised as well.
Example: a German bank statement has to be submitted in English to an institution that requires a translation certified by a Turkish notary. We translate the statement into Turkish and have that translation notarised, then translate the Turkish text into English and have the second translation notarised too. If notarisation is not required, a single direct translation from German into English is enough, and we will tell you which route is simpler.
5. How will my name be spelt in the translation?
We spell names exactly as they are printed in Latin letters in your passport. If you do not have a passport, we agree the spelling with you before we start. What matters most is that your name is spelt the same way in every document.
Example: if the translation of an Arabic marriage certificate says “Mohammad” but the passport says “Mohammed”, the institution may doubt that both documents belong to the same person. So please send a photo of your passport's photo page together with the document.
6. Do stamps, seals and the apostille need to be translated?
Yes. A translation covers the entire document: the text, seals, stamps, signatures, notes on the back and the apostille, if there is one. That is why a foreign document gets its apostille before it is translated; otherwise, it would have to be translated again.
7. Does a translation expire?
No law sets an expiry date for a translation: it is usually used for as long as the document itself is valid, and the institution decides how recent your documents must be. For a marriage in Turkey, for example, documents are, as a rule, valid for six months from the date of issue.
If you get a new document, such as a new passport, it needs a new translation.
8. How long does a translation take?
We state the exact turnaround in our quote before you pay, and it runs from the moment of payment. A passport or certificate usually takes one working day, and longer documents take more time. In particularly urgent cases, we can translate a document on the day you contact us, and that turnaround is also set out in the quote.
Notarisation adds time, as the notary works to their own schedule. Example: a passport translation ordered in the morning can usually be notarised the same day.
9. What if my document has a mistake or my name is spelt differently?
The translator translates the document as it stands: only the authority that issued the original can correct a mistake in it. If you notice discrepancies between your documents, tell us before we translate them. We will explain how such discrepancies are usually dealt with, but the final decision rests with the institution.
Example: your birth certificate says “Catherine”, but your passport says “Katherine”. Discrepancies like this are common, and it is better to discuss them in advance than at your appointment.
Sworn translators and interpretation
10. What is a sworn translator, and how do I know one made my translation?
A sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) is a translator who has proved their command of a language to a notary and taken an oath before that notary. The oath covers the languages in which the translator has proved their competence, each paired with Turkish. On a notarised translation, the notary states which translator made it, and that is your confirmation.
Lansarin's founder, Can Arman, is a sworn translator of English, Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish, registered with a notary and with the Antalya Justice Commission (adalet komisyonu).
11. Can any notary certify your translation?
No. A translation is certified by the notary before whom the translator took the oath. That is why we arrange the notarisation ourselves, and you do not need to look for a notary. A notarisation is valid throughout Turkey, not only in Antalya, but it is the institution that decides whether to accept the document.
12. How can I check that a Lansarin translation is genuine?
Our translations carry a badge in the corner with the document number (Doc ID) and a verification code in the format XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. Enter the code on the Document Verification page of the Lansarin website to confirm that we issued the document. On a notarised translation, the notary also certifies the translator's signature.
13. Can I get my own translation, or one from another agency, notarised?
Not as it stands: the notary certifies the sworn translator's signature, and the translator is responsible for every word. We can use your translation as a starting point: our translator will check it against the original, correct it and sign it.
14. Do I need a sworn translator at the notary, or can a relative interpret?
If you do not speak Turkish, you need a sworn translator: the Notary Law requires one to be present during the notarial act, and a close relative cannot take that role. The law bars the following from acting as translator: your spouse (including a former spouse), relatives in the direct line (parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren), brothers and sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, your spouse's relatives up to the second degree, adoptive parents and adopted children, the notary's staff and anyone with an interest in the transaction.
Example: you are signing a power of attorney, and your husband speaks fluent Turkish and English. He still cannot interpret for you at the notary, so a sworn translator is needed. Even if the notary speaks some of your language, that does not, as a rule, replace a sworn translator.
16. How do I book an interpreter, and how much does it cost?
Send us the date, time and address, and tell us what it is for: a notary, the land registry, a bank, a hospital or a business meeting. Interpretation costs from ₺2,800 per hour. Book as early as you can, and no later than the day before the appointment. If the meeting is held by video call, we will interpret online.
Notaries in Turkey
17. How can Lansarin help with notary documents?
Lansarin is not a notary's office: in Turkey, only a notary can perform notarial acts. We translate documents and arrange for the translations to be notarised. Following your instructions, we prepare a bilingual text for a power of attorney, consent or statement, and the notary then draws up the document. We book the appointment with the notary and attend it as sworn translators.
We strictly comply with Turkish law and do not provide legal services. But we know well what notaries ask foreigners for, and we help you gather everything you need in advance, so that you do not have to come back a second time.
18. What does a foreigner need to sign a document at a Turkish notary?
- A valid passport.
- A notarised passport translation into Turkish, which notaries ask for.
- A Turkish number: a foreigner identification number or a tax number.
- A sworn translator, if you do not speak Turkish.
The foreigner identification number starts with 99 and is issued with a residence permit or a work permit. The number stays with you even after your residence permit has expired. If you do not have one, you need a tax number. We will prepare your passport translation in advance and help you get a tax number.
19. What ID does a Turkish citizen need at a notary?
Any one of these documents: an identity card (kimlik kartı), a Turkish passport, a driving licence, a lawyer's ID card or a temporary identity document (geçici kimlik belgesi).
20. What is a Turkish tax number, and how do I get one as a foreigner?
It is a Turkish taxpayer number (vergi kimlik numarası). A notary enters it in the document if you do not have a foreigner identification number. You can get one free of charge online from the Digital Tax Office (dijital.gib.gov.tr) using your passport details, and the number is issued immediately. Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport: they must match the record of your entry into Turkey.
If it does not work online, any tax office will issue the number when you show your passport.
21. Can a Turkish notary certify a copy of a foreign document?
No. A Turkish notary does not certify a copy of a document issued by a foreign state authority as a “true copy of the original”. If you need the document in Turkey, it is translated into Turkish and the translation is notarised. A notary can certify copies of Turkish documents.
Example: an employer in Turkey asks for a “certified copy” of your British degree certificate. In Turkey, a notarised translation of the certificate is usually submitted instead.
22. Can I get notary documents done remotely?
For a translation, yes: you do not need to go to the notary, because the notary certifies the translator's signature, not yours. We will send you the finished document. For a power of attorney, consent or statement, no: by law, these are signed in person before the notary. If you are abroad, you can sign such a document at a Turkish consulate, or before a local notary followed by an apostille – see question 30.
23. How can a foreigner buy or sell a car in Turkey?
In Turkey, cars are bought and sold at a notary. As a foreigner, you need the same documents as for other notarial acts: your passport, its notarised translation, a foreigner identification number or tax number, and a sworn translator if you do not speak Turkish. You can register a car in your own name only if you have a residence permit. The notary will tell you which documents are needed for the car itself. We will prepare your passport translation and come with you to the sale.
24. How long does a notary appointment take?
It varies from visit to visit, depending on the notary and the length of the document. With us, you do not wait in a queue: we book a time with the notary in advance, and the text of the power of attorney or consent, the passport translation and the tax number are ready before the appointment.
Powers of attorney and parental consent
25. Can a foreigner sign a power of attorney at a Turkish notary?
Yes. You need a valid passport, its notarised translation into Turkish and a Turkish identification or tax number (see question 18). If you do not speak Turkish, a sworn translator attends the signing: they interpret the text for you and also sign the power of attorney. Following your instructions, we will prepare a bilingual text and come with you to the notary.
26. Does my representative have to come to the notary?
No. Only the person granting the power of attorney comes to the notary. The power of attorney includes the representative's details: full name, nationality and passport or Turkish ID card number.
Example: you live in Antalya and are appointing your brother, who lives in Manchester. He does not need to come; a photo of his passport is enough.
27. What do you need from me to prepare a power of attorney or consent?
Send us a photo of your passport and the representative's details (for a consent, the child's details), and briefly describe what needs to be done and in which country. From this, we will prepare a bilingual text for the notary.
The more specific the powers, the fewer questions a bank or registration authority will ask. Example: “to sell the flat at (full address)” rather than “to manage my property”.
28. Can I sign a power of attorney in Turkey for use in another country?
Yes. The power of attorney is signed before a Turkish notary and then apostilled or, for countries outside the Hague Convention, put through consular legalisation. The text is drawn up in Turkish and translated into the language of the destination country, and we take care of that part.
The destination country sets the rules for the translation: in some countries, a translation of a foreign power of attorney is certified again by a local notary anyway. So tell us in advance where the power of attorney will be used and for what purpose.
29. How do I sign a power of attorney for my home country while I'm in Turkey?
There are two routes. The first is your country's consulate in Turkey, if it offers notarial services – not every consulate does, so check first. The power of attorney is then drawn up in your language and, as a rule, needs neither an apostille nor a translation at home. The second is a Turkish notary plus an apostille. In that case, the power of attorney is usually translated again at home, together with its apostille, under that country's rules.
Example: you want to sell a flat in your home country. If your consulate offers notarial services and you can get an appointment, you can sign the power of attorney there in your own language. If it does not, if you cannot get an appointment, or if a Turkish power of attorney is specifically required, we will help you sign one before a Turkish notary.
30. How do I sign a power of attorney abroad for use in Turkey?
There are two options. The first is the Turkish consulate in the country where you are: a power of attorney made there is valid in Turkey without an apostille. The second is a local notary plus an apostille: in Turkey, the power of attorney is then translated into Turkish and the translation is notarised.
Property transactions have stricter requirements: the land registry does not accept a power of attorney on which the notary has certified only the signature, and it asks for a 6×4 cm photo taken within the last six months. In practice, the land registry accepts both options, but a consular power of attorney is more reliable and simpler. Send us the text before you sign it, and we will check it so that the document does not have to be redone.
31. How long is a power of attorney valid, and how do I revoke it?
In Turkey, a power of attorney that states no time limit is valid indefinitely, but you can limit its term in the text. You can revoke a power of attorney at any time, at any notary: a revocation (azilname) is drawn up, and the notary formally notifies the representative. The revocation takes effect once the representative has received the notice.
Banks, the land registry and any other institutions where the power of attorney has already been used should also be notified of the revocation separately.
32. Can a foreign parent sign a child travel or residence consent at a Turkish notary?
Yes. A consent (muvafakatname) is made at a notary in the same way as a power of attorney: you need your passport, its notarised translation, a foreigner identification number or tax number and, if you do not speak Turkish, a sworn translator. The notary may ask you to show that you are in Turkey legally: on a visa, within a visa-free period, or with a residence permit or work permit.
The consent states what it is for: living in Turkey, a trip, studies or obtaining documents.
33. How can the other parent give consent from abroad?
They can give it at the Turkish consulate in the country where they live, and the document is then valid in Turkey without an apostille. The other option is a local notary plus an apostille, followed by a notarised Turkish translation in Turkey.
Example: the father lives in the UK and consents to the child living with the mother in Antalya. He signs the consent before a notary public there and has it apostilled by the FCDO, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. We then translate it into Turkish and have the translation notarised. To avoid redoing anything, send us the text before it is signed.
Apostille and legalisation
34. What is an apostille, and when do I need one?
An apostille is a stamp or a separate sheet with which a state confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal on an official document. You need one when a document from one country that is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention is to be used in another. Turkey is a party, as are the UK, Ireland, the United States, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
Example: a UK marriage certificate needed for a family residence permit in Turkey is first apostilled by the FCDO's Legalisation Office in the UK, then translated together with the apostille, and the translation is notarised by a Turkish notary. Find out more on our Apostille page.
35. Where do I get an apostille on a Turkish document?
Administrative and notarial documents are apostilled at a governor's office (valilik) or a district governor's office (kaymakamlık), and court documents at a justice commission (adalet komisyonu). Notaries do not issue apostilles themselves. We can take the document in for an apostille and collect it for you when it is ready.
36. Can a foreign document be apostilled in Turkey?
No. Only the country that issued a document can apostille it: British documents are apostilled in the UK (by the FCDO's Legalisation Office), German ones in Germany and American ones in the US (usually by the Secretary of State of the issuing state). If you cannot travel there yourself, we can obtain the document, with its apostille, from abroad under a power of attorney – see our Official Document Retrieval Services page.
37. Does the apostille go on the original or on the translation?
It depends on where the document is going. For use in Turkey, the apostille goes on the foreign original, and the Turkish translation is notarised without an apostille. If a Turkish document is going abroad, an apostille is often needed on both the original and the notarised translation – the receiving side decides.
Example: a Turkish birth certificate for use abroad is usually apostilled, translated together with the apostille, and the translation is then notarised. Whether a second apostille is needed, this time on the notarised translation, is up to the destination country. Before you order, check the institution's requirements, or send them to us.
38. What if a country is not part of the Hague Convention?
Then you need consular legalisation instead of an apostille: a chain of certifications. For Turkish documents, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the procedure as follows: a notarised translation, then the governor's or district governor's office, then the Ministry's certification unit. Whether the destination country's consulate must also certify the document afterwards depends on that country's rules, and we will check this for your case.
For use in Turkey, a foreign document from such a country is legalised at the Turkish consulate in the issuing country, or at that country's consulate in Turkey followed by certification at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a governor's office. The document is then translated into Turkish and the translation notarised.
39. Can I get an apostille online?
For some Turkish documents, yes, through e-Devlet, Turkey's e-government portal. As of October 2026, you can apostille a criminal record certificate, court decisions and civil registry extracts this way, including multilingual ones. As far as we know, notarised translations are still apostilled only on paper, at a governor's or district governor's office.
Documents for residence permits, marriage, children, driving, study and property
40. How do I get my lease notarised for a residence permit?
For a short-term residence permit, the migration authority accepts a notarised lease showing the landlord's details as proof of accommodation. Both parties come to the notary. If you do not speak Turkish, the law requires a sworn translator to be present at the signing.
We can translate a lease you have agreed with your landlord, or prepare a bilingual version, and come with you to the notary. For everything about residence permit documents, see our Residence permit support page.
41. What documents does a foreigner need to get married in Turkey?
The usual list is:
- a certificate of no impediment (evlenme ehliyet belgesi) from your country, issued by its state authority or its consulate (documents from honorary consulates are not accepted)
- your birth certificate
- your passport and its notarised translation
- a medical certificate for marriage, and photos
Documents issued in your country are submitted with an apostille and a notarised translation. A certificate from a consulate in Turkey cannot be apostilled: the consul's signature is certified at the governor's office of the city where the consulate is located (for embassies in Ankara, at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and the certificate is then translated, with the translation notarised. The details in all your documents must match your passport. The marriage must take place within six months of the date the certificate of no impediment was issued. Since 2024, marriage offices have accepted applications only from foreigners with a valid passport and a legal right to stay in Turkey.
If one of the spouses does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator is needed at the ceremony, and it is up to the couple to bring one. Check the exact list with the marriage office (evlendirme dairesi) in your district – we will help you gather and translate the documents.
42. My child was born in Turkey. How do I prepare documents for my home country?
The birth is registered in Turkey first, and you receive a Turkish birth document. For use in another country, it is usually apostilled and translated into that country's language. A convenient option is the multilingual birth extract (Formül A), which can be apostilled online through e-Devlet.
Ask your country's consulate in advance which document it accepts, in what form, and whether the translation must be notarised in Turkey.
43. Do I need my diploma translated to work or study in Turkey?
For recognition by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), yes. You need a translation of the diploma and its transcript of grades, certified by a Turkish notary or a Turkish consulate, and there is no exception for English-language diplomas, including those from the UK or the US. YÖK does not accept electronic diplomas that lack a handwritten signature or seal, a hologram or watermarks.
YÖK does not require an apostille for every country: there are separate rules, for example, for Ukraine. Employers and universities may have requirements of their own, so check them in advance.
44. Can I drive in Turkey on a foreign licence, and how do I exchange it?
Yes: as a foreigner, you can drive on a foreign licence for six months from the date you entered Turkey. After that, it must be exchanged for a Turkish licence at a population directorate (nüfus müdürlüğü), by appointment. For the exchange, you need a translation of the licence certified by a notary or a consulate.
Only licences from countries on the official list can be exchanged: as of October 2026, the list includes the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia and Ukraine, but not the United States, Ireland, Canada or Australia. Find out more on our Driving licence exchange page.
45. Do I need translations or an interpreter to buy property in Turkey?
At the land registry, a passport in Latin script is usually not translated, and a passport in another script only if the registry itself asks for it. If you do not speak Turkish, a sworn translator must be present at the transaction. A power of attorney issued abroad is accepted as the original or a certified copy with a translation and, from Hague Convention countries, with an apostille. The land registry's requirements for such a power of attorney are stricter than usual – see question 30.
Our interpreter can accompany you to the transaction, at an hourly rate.
46. How do I prepare a criminal record certificate for Turkey or abroad?
A foreign certificate is obtained and apostilled in the country that issues it, and then translated in Turkey, with the translation notarised. The law sets no period of validity for the certificate: that is decided by the institution requesting it. Getting a certificate from abroad can take several weeks, so order it well in advance.
A Turkish criminal record certificate (adli sicil kaydı) can be obtained on e-Devlet, apostilled online and translated into the language you need. If you cannot get a foreign certificate yourself, we can obtain it for you.
Remote orders, scans and delivery
47. Can I order a translation from a scan, without the original?
Yes. A translation can be made from a scan or photo and notarised entirely remotely. If the document's authenticity cannot be checked online (by a QR code, an electronic signature or an electronic apostille), the translation states that it was made from a copy.
Not every institution accepts a translation marked “made from a copy”, so check its requirements in advance. Documents legalised through the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs require the original.
48. Do I have to leave the original document with you?
No. In Turkey, the original is not usually bound to the translation: a copy of the original is placed on the back of the translation, and you keep the original. The exception is legalisation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the translation is bound to the original.
If the document cannot be verified electronically, we only need to see and scan the original once. Show it to us at the office or when you collect the translation, or send it to us and we will return it with the finished translation.
49. Will a translation made abroad be accepted in Turkey, and vice versa?
As a rule, no. Turkish institutions expect a translation into Turkish certified by a Turkish notary or by a Turkish consulate abroad. A translation certified abroad, for example by a notary in your home country, is usually not accepted.
In the other direction, each country sets its own rules for translations, and some accept only translations certified locally. So check the institution's requirements before you order: it is often cheaper to have a document translated in the country where it will be submitted.
50. How will I receive my finished translation?
We send a scan of the finished translation (PDF) free of charge by e-mail or WhatsApp. Institutions usually need a paper copy: you can collect it free of charge at our office in Antalya or from the notary, or have it sent by courier to the address you give us, in Turkey or abroad. Delivery is paid by the client unless the quote says otherwise. We do not control the notary's or the courier's timing, but we will tell you straight away about any delay.
51. How do you handle my documents and personal data?
We process personal data under Turkey's Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) to fulfil your order and the obligations the law places on us, such as issuing an invoice. Your documents are seen only by those who need them to work on your order: translators, the notary if notarisation is needed, and the courier service for delivery. The law classes medical documents and criminal records as special categories of data, and we handle them with particular care, within the requirements of the law.
You can send documents via WhatsApp or to info@lansarin.com. Find out more in our Privacy Policy.
Orders, prices and payment
52. How do I order a translation?
Send a photo or scan of the document via WhatsApp, to info@lansarin.com or through the form on our website, and tell us where you will submit it. We will send you a quote with the price and turnaround, usually within three working hours. Once you have paid, we translate the document, have it notarised if needed and deliver it in the way that suits you: as a PDF, at our office, at the notary or by courier.
53. How much does document translation cost?
The cost depends on the document and its length. Some starting prices from our price list:
- passport: from ₺600
- ID card or internal passport: from ₺800
- driving licence: from ₺900
- birth, marriage or divorce certificate: from ₺1,400
- criminal record certificate: from ₺1,400
- power of attorney or consent: from ₺1,400 per page
- interpretation: from ₺2,800 per hour
All prices include VAT. Your first translation order comes with a 20% discount (it does not apply to notary or consular fees), and for large volumes and regular orders we will offer individual terms. We will give you the exact price and turnaround in a quote, usually within three working hours of seeing the document. Lansarin Care is a programme for children under 18 who travel abroad for medical treatment: if an application meets the programme's conditions, we translate the medical documents free of charge, and we make our decision within 24 hours. The full price list is on our Pricing page.
54. Is the notary fee included in the price?
No, unless your quote says otherwise: notary, consular and other state fees are paid separately.
Notary fees are set by a state tariff that is approved every year. In 2026, the notary's basic rate is ₺667.67 per page of translation, and half that for a page of no more than 10 lines. Charges for extra copies and other items under the tariff are added to this, so the total depends on the number of pages, copies and documents.
The tariff changes, so always check the current amount in advance: we can tell you the cost of notarising standard documents straight away, and work it out for other documents the same day. Call us or message us on WhatsApp (Monday to Friday, 09:30–18:00): +90 242 606 0004.
55. How can I pay for my order?
Orders are paid in full, in a single payment, and we start work once you have paid. You can pay:
- By card online: via a secure VakıfBank 3D Secure payment link (Visa, Mastercard, Troy).
- By bank transfer: to our company's VakıfBank accounts in Turkish lira, US dollars, euros or pounds sterling. Please give the quote number as the payment reference. Bank charges and conversion costs are paid by the sender.
- At the office: by card or in cash.
- Outside the office, including at the notary: by card.
Cash payments at the office are limited to ₺30,000 under Turkish tax rules. Larger amounts are paid by card or bank transfer.
After payment, we will send you an e-invoice (e-Arşiv Fatura or e-Fatura), which also serves as proof of payment. For the invoice, we need your first name, surname and address or, if a company is paying, its name, tax number and tax office.
56. What if there is a mistake in my translation?
Tell us as soon as you notice it, ideally at info@lansarin.com. We will correct the mistake as a priority and free of charge, and if the translation has already been notarised, we will also pay for the new notarisation. If, however, the mistake was caused by incorrect or incomplete information given to us, the correction may be charged separately. If the mistake is in the original document itself, see question 9.
When you receive your translation, check the spelling of names, dates and document numbers straight away: that way, any inaccuracy can be corrected before you submit your documents.
57. Where is your office, and what are your opening hours?
Our office is at Fabrikalar Mah., Namık Kemal Bul., Dalgakule Plaza, No: 51B, 6th floor, offices 34–35, Kepez, Antalya. We are open Monday to Friday, 09:30–18:00 (Istanbul time), and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. You can send WhatsApp messages and e-mails at any time, and we will reply during working hours. Phone and WhatsApp: +90 242 606 0004.
These answers are based on current rules and our own practice. Institutions change their requirements, and each institution decides for itself whether to accept a document, so check its requirements in advance. Lansarin does not provide legal services.
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