When a Turkish court decision needs to be used in another country, it must often be legalized through the Apostille process. This ensures that the decision is officially recognized abroad under the 1961 Hague Convention. With the assistance of a reputable Turkish Law Firm and a competent English Speaking Turkish Lawyer, obtaining an apostille in Turkey becomes a straightforward and reliable legal procedure. In this guide prepared by the Best Lawyer in Turkey, you will find a step-by-step explanation of the apostille process for court rulings in Turkey.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certification that makes a Turkish legal document valid in countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. It confirms the authenticity of signatures, seals, or stamps on official Turkish documents, including court judgments.
Is Turkey a Member of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. Turkey has been a member of the 1961 Hague Convention since 1985, which means apostilled documents from Turkey are valid in other member countries without further legalization.
Which Court Documents Can Be Apostilled?
- Civil court decisions (e.g., divorce, inheritance, compensation)
- Criminal judgments
- Commercial court rulings
- Family court decisions (child custody, guardianship)
- Certified copies of case files and court transcripts
Where Can You Get a Court Apostille in Turkey?
- Governorates (Valilik) in each province
- District governorates (Kaymakamlık) in larger cities
- Authorized public notary or judicial secretariat (for document certification before apostille)
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain an Apostille on Court Decisions
1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Court Decision
Contact the court clerk’s office (mahkeme kalemi) and request a certified final copy with official stamps and signatures.
2. Get Translation and Notarization (if needed)
If the receiving country does not use Turkish, the document should be translated by a sworn translator and notarized.
3. Visit the Governorate Office (Valilik)
Bring the original document and the notarized translation (if applicable) to the provincial governor’s office to request the apostille certificate.
4. Apostille Certificate Issued
If all requirements are met, the Apostille certificate will be issued on the same day or within 1–2 working days.
Important Notes for Foreigners
- You must present a valid ID or passport.
- If acting on behalf of someone, bring a valid notarized power of attorney.
- Each apostille applies to one document—separate requests are needed for multiple documents.
How Long Does It Take?
In most cases, the apostille process takes 1 to 3 working days, depending on the province and the completeness of your paperwork.
Why Work with ER&GUN&ER Turkish Law Firm?
- Fast apostille processing through official channels
- Certified translations and notary coordination
- Legal consultation on valid court decisions
- End-to-end representation with power of attorney
- Support in English, French, and other languages
Related Services
- Legal Translation Services in Turkey
- Inheritance Rights for Foreigners
- Understanding Turkish Court System
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I apostille a divorce decision in Turkey? Yes, if it’s final and certified by the court.
- Do I need to translate the decision before apostille? Only if the receiving country does not accept Turkish documents.
- What if I’m abroad—can a lawyer get an apostille for me? Yes, with a power of attorney, a lawyer can complete the process on your behalf.
- Are apostilled documents valid everywhere? Only in countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention.
- Can criminal court judgments be apostilled? Yes, provided they are final and issued by a Turkish court.
Conclusion: Apostille Your Court Documents with Confidence
Legalizing Turkish court decisions for international use doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support from a Turkish Law Firm and guidance from English Speaking Turkish Lawyers, the apostille process can be fast and reliable. Contact the Best Lawyer in Turkey to begin your document legalization process today. Get in touch with us.