Foreigners and Turkish citizens alike are often required to provide an official criminal record certificate—also referred to as a police clearance certificate—for a variety of legal and administrative processes. Whether you're applying for Turkish citizenship by investment, a residence permit, a work visa, or pursuing international employment or university admission, proving a clean criminal record is a basic but essential legal requirement. In Turkey, this document is formally called the Adli Sicil Kaydı and is issued by the Ministry of Justice.
At our Turkish Law Firm, we support foreign nationals, expats, and dual citizens in obtaining their criminal background check certificates both within Turkey and from abroad. Our team of English speaking Turkish lawyers ensures that all procedural steps are followed correctly, that documents are accepted by both Turkish and foreign authorities, and that apostille and sworn translation requirements are met. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for immigration and document legalization, we provide full legal support for clearance processes related to government applications, commercial licensing, and cross-border personal verification.
What Is a Criminal Record Certificate in Turkey?
The criminal record certificate (adli sicil belgesi) is an official government document issued by the Turkish Ministry of Justice indicating whether an individual has any prior criminal convictions registered in the national judicial database. The certificate may be issued with or without “archived” entries, depending on the purpose. Most administrative processes require a clean (no record) certificate without archived data. The certificate is often requested in formal procedures such as employment background checks, immigration, naturalization, court filings, or tenders requiring personal integrity documentation.
Our Istanbul Law Firm helps clients determine which version of the document is needed, and whether additional notarization or apostille is required based on the receiving institution. Our Turkish Law Firm also provides customized advisory for clients applying to foreign authorities where document acceptance standards differ. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers ensure your certificate is properly formatted and legally valid across jurisdictions.
How to Obtain a Criminal Record Certificate in Turkey
There are several ways to obtain a valid criminal record certificate in Turkey, depending on your residency status and whether you're applying from inside or outside the country. Turkish citizens and foreigners with a valid residence permit can apply directly via the e-Devlet system, which generates a downloadable and officially valid document within minutes. Alternatively, applicants can visit any courthouse (Adliye) and request the document in person at the Criminal Records Office. Foreigners without a Turkish ID number must apply through a legal representative or Turkish consulate abroad.
Our English speaking Turkish lawyers provide proxy services for clients who need assistance collecting documents locally. As a full-service Turkish Law Firm, we also assist with official requests submitted via embassies and consulates, ensuring proper jurisdictional identification and eligibility. For high-priority immigration cases, our Istanbul Law Firm provides expedited document retrieval, notarization, and certified translations within 24–48 hours.
Do You Need Apostille and Translation?
If the police clearance certificate will be used outside of Turkey—for example, in a visa application or residency process abroad—it must be authenticated with an apostille stamp under the Hague Convention. This stamp confirms the document’s legal validity for use in countries that are parties to the treaty. In addition, most foreign authorities require a sworn translation of the document into English, German, French, or the local language of the destination country.
Our Turkish Law Firm arranges notarized translations by certified experts and handles apostille services at local governorates (Valilik). As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for international document processing, we ensure that each document is delivered in legally admissible format with the necessary stamps and verifications. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers also advise clients on how to submit the certificate abroad and prepare supplementary documentation if needed by consulates or foreign immigration agencies.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
One of the most frequent reasons for rejection is presenting a certificate that lacks apostille or proper translation. Some clients mistakenly submit printouts from e-Devlet without QR code or use outdated certificates (older than 30 days), which may be rejected by embassies or immigration authorities. Another common error is requesting a version with archived records when the receiving agency only accepts a certificate showing "no record."
At our Istanbul Law Firm, we eliminate these risks by thoroughly reviewing your use case before requesting the document. As an experienced Turkish Law Firm, we align the format and content with the legal standards of the target country. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers communicate directly with foreign consulates when needed to verify document acceptability in advance—saving clients time, money, and lost opportunities.
Also read: why a clean criminal record is essential in citizenship by investment applications
Where Is the Criminal Record Certificate Used?
The criminal background certificate is a prerequisite for a wide range of legal and administrative procedures both inside and outside of Turkey. Foreigners applying for Turkish citizenship, long-term residence permits, work visas, or family reunification must submit a clean criminal record as part of the background check process. Similarly, international employers, universities, and licensing authorities in other countries may request a police clearance certificate from Turkey to confirm the applicant’s legal standing.
Our Turkish Law Firm assists clients in preparing criminal record packages for use in citizenship applications, employment visa programs, student visas, business registration, and professional licensing procedures. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for document legalization, we tailor our support to meet the unique standards of each jurisdiction. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers ensure that your documents are complete, accurate, and timely—so you never miss a deadline or face unnecessary rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long is a criminal record certificate valid? Most institutions accept it if issued within the last 30 days. Some may allow up to 3 months.
- Can foreigners apply for a criminal record in Turkey? Yes, through a lawyer or with a valid residence permit via e-Devlet or courthouse.
- Is apostille necessary? Yes, for use outside Turkey. It confirms international legal validity.
- Can I apply from abroad? Yes. Through a Turkish consulate or with power of attorney granted to a Turkish Law Firm.
- Can I use this certificate for citizenship? Yes. It is mandatory for all Turkish citizenship by investment applications.
- Do I need a lawyer? Not legally, but a Turkish Law Firm prevents mistakes and ensures document acceptance abroad.
Ensure a Smooth Process with Legal Support from a Turkish Law Firm
Whether you're applying for citizenship, planning to work abroad, or setting up a business, a clean and valid criminal record certificate is often the first document requested. Mistakes in format, translation, or apostille can lead to rejection—and unnecessary delays in life-changing processes.
At our Istanbul Law Firm, our experienced English speaking Turkish lawyers prepare, review, and legalize your police clearance documents for seamless use in Turkey and abroad. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for international document processing, we make sure you’re legally ready—wherever your path takes you.