Apostille and e-Apostille in Türkiye: Legalizing Documents for International Use

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an international certificate that proves a public document is genuine. This can include things like a birth certificate, a court decision, or a diploma. It allows the document to be legally used in another country. The apostille system was created under the 1961 Hague Convention, which Türkiye has joined. An apostille confirms the following:

• The document was issued by a competent authority,

• The signature and seal are authentic,

• The format complies with international standards.

Apostilles are only valid between member states of the Hague Apostille Convention.

What Is an e-Apostille?

An e-Apostille is the electronic version of the traditional apostille. It allows for faster and paperless document verification via Türkiye’s official platform: www.eapostil.gov.tr.

The process is as follows:

1. The applicant applies online through the e-Apostille portal.

2. The request is forwarded to the competent authority (Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Interior).

3. The official document is generated and signed electronically using a Qualified Electronic Certificate (NES) by PTT.

4. The applicant receives the e-Apostilled document securely through the same portal.

e-Apostilles eliminate waiting lines and reduce costs, labor, and time loss.

Which Documents Can Be Apostilled in Türkiye?

Currently, the following documents are eligible for e-Apostille:

• Criminal Record Certificate

• Court Judgments

• Civil Registry Extracts (e.g., birth, death, marriage)

Additional document types under development for e-Apostille include:

• Name Equivalency Certificates

• Diplomas and Transcripts

• Marriage Eligibility Certificates

• Corporate Documents (e.g., company formation or project completion certificates)

Traditional (paper) apostille can also be applied to the following:

Civil Status Documents

• Birth Certificate

• Death Certificate

• Marriage Certificate

• Family Registry (Nüfus Kayıt Örneği)

Educational Documents

• Diploma

• Transcript

• Student Certificates

Judicial Documents

• Criminal Records

• Court Decisions

• Affidavits or Witness Statements

Notarized Documents

• Power of Attorney

• Declarations

• Translations

• Consent Forms

Commercial and Corporate Documents

• Trade Registry Gazette

• Company Activity Certificates

• Signature Circulars

• Authority Certificates

• Invoices or Certificates of Origin

Note: Apostilles are not issued for diplomatic, customs, or commercial documents such as contracts and invoices. These must be legalized by Turkish Chambers of Commerce or foreign consulates.

Who Issues Apostilles in Türkiye?

Apostilles are issued by different authorities depending on the type of document:

Document TypeCompetent AuthorityJudicial DocumentsProvincial Heavy Penal Courts or Ministry of JusticeAdministrative DocumentsGovernorships or District Governorates (Kaymakamlık)Notarized DocumentsGovernorships or District Governorates

Apostilles cannot be issued abroad. They must be obtained within Türkiye by the authorized institution in the city where the document was issued.

e-Apostille Verification by Foreign Authorities

Documents issued through the e-Apostille portal are digitally signed with a Qualified Electronic Certificate and can be verified by foreign authorities using the "I want to verify document" button on the official site. This ensures the authenticity and integrity of the document.

Apostille vs. Consular Legalization

Apostille is used in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. It does not require approval from a foreign consulate. The process is usually quick and the document can be used in all countries that have signed the Convention. The apostille stamp has a standard square format, usually at least 9 by 9 centimeters.

Consular legalization is used when the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention. In this case, the document must also be approved by the foreign consulate. The process takes longer and the document is only valid in the specific country where the consulate has approved it. The format of the legalization stamp or certificate depends on the consulate and may vary.

Validity and Expiry

• The apostille seal itself does not expire, but the underlying document may (e.g., criminal records are typically valid for only 3–6 months).

• Documents must be clean, legible, and original or notarized copies.

Special Treaties and Exceptions

Türkiye has bilateral agreements with countries like Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, and Luxembourg, which waive apostille or notarization requirements for many public documents. These agreements often cover:

• Civil status documents (birth, marriage, death)

• Court judgments

• Diplomas and academic certificates

Türkiye is also a party to CIEC (Commission Internationale de l'État Civil). Under CIEC agreements, multilingual civil documents issued by member countries are accepted without apostille.

Countries That Accept Turkish Apostilles

Türkiye’s apostille certification is recognized by over 120 countries, including:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Netherlands

• Spain

• South Korea

• Japan

• Australia

• Brazil

• And many more…

See the official list of Hague Convention member states for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apostille my passport or driver’s license?
No. Identity documents are not eligible for apostille.

Can I apostille a copy?
Only if it is a notarized copy.

Can my document be apostilled outside of Türkiye?
No. Apostille must be issued in the country where the document originated.

How long does an apostille take?
Typically 3–10 business days, depending on the issuing authority.

Do I need to translate apostilled documents?
Only if the foreign authority requires it. Apostille does not substitute for translation.

Conclusion

If you are a foreign national who needs to legalize a Turkish document for use abroad—or vice versa—understanding the apostille system is essential. Türkiye now offers both traditional and electronic apostille options depending on the document type and destination country.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we help individuals and companies obtain apostille and e-apostille certifications efficiently. Whether you need court records, diplomas, or corporate documents legalized, our team ensures your paperwork meets all international requirements.