Foreign individuals and companies operating in Turkey often require high-quality legal translation services. Whether it's a commercial contract, court ruling, power of attorney, or real estate agreement, accurate and sworn translations are essential for legal compliance. This guide—prepared by an experienced Turkish Law Firm and supported by English Speaking Turkish Lawyers—explains how legal translation works in Turkey, what to expect, and why it matters. Trust the Best Lawyer in Turkey to help you navigate this critical process smoothly.
What Is a Legal Translation?
Legal translation involves converting legal documents from one language to another, ensuring that terminology, formatting, and meaning are preserved for use in legal and administrative proceedings. In Turkey, these translations are typically performed by sworn translators authorized by the Notary Public.
Common Documents Requiring Legal Translation in Turkey
- Commercial contracts and agreements
- Court judgments and case files
- Power of attorney (vekaletname)
- Marriage, birth, and death certificates
- Passport and ID documents
- Real estate sale contracts
- Company formation and incorporation documents
- Academic certificates and diplomas
Who Can Perform Legal Translations?
Legal translations must be performed by a sworn translator registered with a Turkish notary. Each page is signed and stamped. In some cases (e.g., apostille or court use), the translated document must also be notarized and/or legalized.
Steps to Get a Sworn Legal Translation in Turkey
1. Choose a Sworn Translator
Select a certified translator registered with a local Notary Public. Your Turkish Law Firm can help coordinate this step.
2. Provide the Original Document
The document must be scanned clearly or submitted physically. Original format must be preserved.
3. Translation and Formatting
The translator produces a legally formatted translation, mirroring the original layout and including critical legal terms.
4. Notarization (if needed)
The translation can be notarized by a Turkish Notary to become legally valid for court or official procedures.
5. Apostille (for international use)
If the document will be used abroad, the notarized version can be apostilled by the Governorate (Valilik).
Why Legal Translation Quality Matters
- Errors can cause contracts to be unenforceable.
- Ambiguities can delay court processes or visa approvals.
- Accurate translations ensure international recognition and legal credibility.
Why Work with ER&GUN&ER Turkish Law Firm?
- We work only with government-certified sworn translators.
- We review all translations for legal accuracy.
- We coordinate notary and apostille steps.
- We translate both to and from Turkish, English, French, Arabic, Russian, and more.
- Full service from document prep to final delivery in hard copy or digital form.
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a translation done in another country? Only if it is apostilled or re-translated and notarized in Turkey.
- Are notarized translations mandatory? For official procedures (court, residence, land registry), yes.
- How long does a sworn translation take? Usually 1–2 business days depending on length and language.
- Can my lawyer coordinate this process? Yes. Turkish lawyers often arrange sworn and notarized translations on behalf of foreign clients.
- Is a sworn translator the same as a court interpreter? No. A court interpreter is appointed for hearings, while sworn translators work on documents.
Conclusion: Make Your Legal Documents Valid Across Borders
Legal translations are not just linguistic tasks—they are a legal requirement. By partnering with the Best Lawyer in Turkey and our certified translation network, your documents will be precise, accepted, and ready for international use. Contact our Turkish Law Firm today to request legal translation assistance from English Speaking Turkish Lawyers.