KÜHEYLAN HUKUK
How to Use a Document Issued Abroad in Türkiye? Apostille, Sworn Translation and Foreign Power of Attorney Guide MÖHUK numbered 5718 art.53, art.58; The Hague Convention on the Abolition of the Requirement for Certification of Foreign Official Documents (Apostille Convention) was prepared based on the legislation in force as of 2026 and official sources dated October 2026.
In order for an official document issued in a foreign country to be used in Türkiye, an apostille annotation (or consular certification for countries that are not parties to the apostille convention) and a certified Turkish translation are generally required. Apostille does not verify the content of the document; It certifies the authenticity of the signature, the signer's title and the seal. In foreign court decisions, apostille does not replace a recognition or enforcement decision.
What is Apostille?
Apostille, within the scope of the Hague Convention dated 5 October 1961, is a one-stage certification method that facilitates the use of official documents issued in the contracting states in other party states. The competent authority of the country where the document is issued certifies the authenticity of the signature on the document, the title of the signatory and the seal or stamp. Apostille does not guarantee that the content of the document is correct. It does not change the language, that is, a Turkish translation is also required for the document in a foreign language.
For documents issued in countries that are not parties to the agreement, the certification chain can be applied through the country's foreign affairs authority and Türkiye's consulate in that country. For this reason, it should be checked from the beginning whether the country where the document is issued is a party to the Convention.
What Stages Does the Document Go Through in Türkiye?
Obtaining an apostille from the competent authority in the country where the document is issued (or consular certification for non-party countries).
Sworn translation of the entire document, including the apostille annotation, into Turkish.
Certification of the translation by a notary. The notary certifies the translator's signature; does not decide the accuracy of the information in the document.
Submission of the document to the Turkish institution or court where it will be used.
Translation; It should include the main text, notes on the back, seals and apostille annotation. Name and surname writing must be compatible with the passport and civil registry. Incorrect spelling may be a reason for rejection in institutional transactions.
How to Use a Foreign Notary Power of Attorney?
If the power of attorney issued abroad is to be used in Türkiye, it requires apostille or consular approval and a Turkish translation. However, completing the formal requirements does not indicate that the authority in the power of attorney is sufficient. Authorization must be clearly written for important transactions such as real estate sales, mortgages, donations or inheritance transactions. If the text of the power of attorney is unclear, it may lead to the rejection of the transaction in land registry or court proceedings. Notarial procedures carried out in Türkiye's foreign missions may not require additional apostille. Since the application may vary from institution to institution, the relevant institution's conditions must be confirmed in writing before the transaction.
Apostilling a foreign court decision does not replace the enforcement or recognition of the decision in Türkiye. According to Article 58 of MÖHUK, the acceptance of a foreign judgment as conclusive evidence or final judgment depends on the court's determination that it meets the conditions for enforcement. The duly approved original or approved copy and approved translation of the judgment and the finalization certificate are attached to the enforcement petition (Art. 53). Entering population documents such as birth, marriage or death records into the Turkish population register is a separate administrative procedure.
The authority issuing the apostille is unauthorized.
The apostille number or signature does not match the main document.
Incomplete translation (failure to translate the back side, seal or apostille).
The document is not up to date. For example, celibacy or criminal record documents expiring.
Lack of finalization annotation.
Lack of special authority in the power of attorney.
Since the validity period of the documents varies from institution to institution, it saves time to learn the conditions of the institution that will receive the document in advance.
Translation Sworn translation and notary approval; Must be translated including apostille annotation
Case Summary Form: Fictional example: A foreign person living abroad gives power of attorney to a relative to carry out transactions regarding his or her inheritance in Türkiye. He sends the document to Türkiye, but the land registry office does not accept the power of attorney. Process: The lawyer examines the powers in the power of attorney, the apostille number and the translation. Lack of authority or lack of translation is detected, a new power of attorney is planned to be prepared. Result: When the document chain is completed completely, the process proceeds. Renewing the faulty document creates time and cost. For this reason, the document layout must be established correctly from the beginning.
Does apostille verify the content of the document?
No. Apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the signatory's title and the seal; does not guarantee the accuracy of the content.
Is a Turkish translation required for an apostilled document?
Yes. Apostille does not change the language. For documents in a foreign language, sworn translation and notary approval are required.
Is there an apostille period?
There is no general validity period for the apostille annotation. However, the document itself may need to be up to date and the time period varies from institution to institution.
Is a foreign court decision valid in Türkiye with apostille?
No. The decision gains effect with the recognition or enforcement decision in Türkiye (MÖHUK article 58). Apostille only facilitates its use as a document.
How is the document approved in non-partisan countries?
The chain of approval is applied through the Foreign Affairs Office and Türkiye's consulate in that country. Process may vary by country.
Why should special authority be written in the power of attorney?
The authority for transactions such as sales, mortgages and donations must be clearly stated in the power of attorney. Otherwise, the transaction may be rejected.
Trying to have the apostille done on a simple photocopy instead of an official or certified copy.
Not including the apostille annotation and the reverse side in the translation.
Not clearly stating special powers such as sales or inheritance in the power of attorney.
Using outdated document.
Preparing the document without confirming in writing the conditions of the institution to be used.
A small deficiency in foreign documents can delay many processes, from the title deed transaction to the court file. The correct document chain is decisive in terms of both time and cost. Küheylan Law Firm provides legal support in the preparation of foreign documents for use in Türkiye, the issuance of powers of attorney and the processes against document rejection decisions.
Important Legal Notice: The legal explanations contained in this guide have been prepared by Küheylan Law Firm for general information purposes and do not constitute legal advice. The unique conditions of each file may change the outcome. In order not to miss the application, objection and lawsuit deadlines, it is recommended to get legal support from a lawyer before the process begins. © 2026 Küheylan Law Firm. All rights reserved.
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