Turkey is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force since 29 September 1985). A U.S. public document bound for Turkey needs a single apostille from the competent authority of the state that issued or notarized it, or from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. No embassy or consular legalization is required, and Turkey's authorities cannot demand one.
Ratified 1985-07-31; in force 1985-09-29 (HCCH).
The route, step by step
- Identify the issuing office
State or local signature → that state’s competent authority. Federal signature → U.S. Department of State. How to tell.
- Prepare the right version
Certified copies for vital and court records; complete notarization for private documents. Preparation checklist.
- Request the apostille
Name Turkey as the destination on the request form so the office issues an apostille (not an authentication certificate).
- Translate if required
Confirm with the receiving office in Turkey whether a translation is needed and by whom it must be made.
Using U.S. documents in Turkey
Türkiye has been a member since 1985 and accepts U.S. apostilles. Translations into Turkish must be by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) and notarized by a Turkish notary. Procedures: marriage (apostilled birth certificate and a certificate of no impediment — for U.S. citizens, an affidavit sworn at the U.S. consulate or a notarized U.S. affidavit, apostilled), residence permits (apostilled birth and marriage certificates for family ties; apostilled FBI or state check for some categories), citizenship by investment (apostilled birth and marriage certificates, police checks), property POAs (apostilled, translated and notarized before use at the tapu office), and recognition of foreign divorces (tanıma ve tenfiz court proceedings using the apostilled decree).
Why U.S. documents are sent to Turkey
- residence permit
- marriage in Turkey
- Turkish citizenship (by investment, descent)
- property purchase
- education
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or legalization for Turkey?
An apostille. Turkey is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy legalization is needed.
Who issues the apostille for Turkey?
The U.S. state that issued or notarized the document, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — never a U.S. embassy, and never Turkey’s embassy.
Does Turkey require a translation?
Requirements vary by the receiving authority in Turkey; translate after the apostille with the translator type they specify.
