- June 7, 2021
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Blog
Foreign individuals and international companies may need to complete notary procedures in Turkey for a wide range of legal, commercial and administrative transactions. Powers of attorney, company documents, declarations, signature procedures and document certifications are common examples of transactions involving Turkish notaries.
Foreign nationals may also face additional requirements, particularly when they do not speak Turkish or when documents issued abroad will be used in Turkey. Depending on the procedure, a sworn translator, Turkish translation, notarization, apostille or legalization may be required.
We assist foreign clients with the preparation and coordination of procedures before notaries in Turkey, including document preparation, sworn translator arrangements and related legal or administrative requirements.
What Does a Notary Do in Turkey?
A notary in Turkey is a public official authorized to perform and certify certain legal transactions, authenticate signatures and copies, certify translations in applicable cases, and prepare or authenticate various documents that may be required for legal, commercial and administrative procedures.
Foreign individuals frequently encounter Turkish notaries when issuing a power of attorney, completing certain company procedures, signing declarations, obtaining certified copies, having translations notarized or carrying out other transactions requiring notarial certification.
Notaries do not act as lawyers or provide legal representation for the parties. Their role is primarily to perform or certify transactions within their statutory authority and provide the required notarial form or authentication.
Common Notary Procedures in Turkey for Foreigners
Power of Attorney Before a Turkish Notary
Foreign nationals can issue a power of attorney before a Turkish notary to authorize another person to carry out specified legal, commercial or administrative transactions on their behalf in Turkey.
Depending on the purpose, a power of attorney may be used for matters such as company procedures, property transactions, legal representation and certain administrative formalities. A foreign national who does not sufficiently understand Turkish may also need a sworn translator during the notarial procedure.
Sworn Translator Assistance at Turkish Notaries
Foreign nationals who do not sufficiently understand Turkish may need the assistance of a sworn translator during certain notary procedures in Turkey. The translator assists the foreign party in understanding the document and the transaction being completed before the notary.
Sworn translator assistance is particularly common in procedures involving powers of attorney, declarations, agreements and other notarial documents. We can assist with coordinating a suitable sworn translator where required for the procedure.
Notarized Translation in Turkey
Foreign-language documents may need a notarized translation in Turkey when they are submitted for certain legal, commercial or administrative procedures. This generally involves a translation prepared by a sworn translator whose signature is certified by a Turkish notary.
Notarized translations are commonly requested for documents such as powers of attorney, passports, certificates, diplomas and corporate documents. The exact requirement depends on the document, its intended use and the authority or institution receiving it.
Company & Corporate Notary Procedures
Foreign investors and companies may need to complete various notary procedures in Turkey in connection with corporate and commercial transactions. These procedures may involve powers of attorney, signature declarations, certified copies, corporate documents and other documents required for use before Turkish authorities or institutions.
We assist foreign shareholders, directors and companies with the preparation and coordination of documents required for notarial procedures, including related translation, certification and authentication requirements where applicable.
Signature Declarations and Signature Certification
Turkish notaries may be involved in signature declarations and the certification of signatures required for various legal, corporate and administrative transactions. Foreign individuals and company representatives may encounter these procedures when completing transactions or preparing documents for use before Turkish authorities and institutions.
The documents and formalities required depend on the particular transaction and the capacity in which the person is acting. Where foreign-language documents or foreign nationals are involved, translation, sworn translator or additional authentication requirements may also apply.
Certified Copies and Document Certification in Turkey
Foreign individuals and companies may need certified copies or notarial certification of documents in Turkey for legal, commercial and administrative procedures. Turkish notaries may certify copies or perform other certification procedures within the scope of their authority.
Depending on the intended use of the document, additional requirements such as translation, notarization, apostille or legalization may also apply. We assist foreign clients in identifying the appropriate procedure and coordinating the necessary documentation.
Real Estate Notary Procedures in Turkey
Foreign buyers and property owners may encounter notary procedures in Turkey in connection with real estate transactions, particularly when issuing powers of attorney, signing certain agreements or preparing documents related to a property transaction.
The required procedure depends on the nature of the transaction and the documents involved. Foreign nationals may also require sworn translator assistance, translated documents or additional authentication when completing a relevant procedure before a Turkish notary.
Contracts and Declarations Before Turkish Notaries
Certain contracts, declarations and undertakings may be prepared, executed or certified before a Turkish notary depending on the nature of the transaction and the formal requirements applicable to the document.
Foreign individuals and companies may require assistance with document preparation, translation and coordination of the notarial procedure. Where a foreign party does not sufficiently understand Turkish, sworn translator assistance may also be required depending on the transaction.
Apostille and Documents for Use Abroad
Documents prepared or certified in Turkey may require apostille or other authentication procedures when they are intended to be used before authorities or institutions in another country. The applicable procedure depends on the destination country, the type of document and the relevant international arrangements.
We assist foreign clients with identifying and coordinating the appropriate notarization, translation and authentication process for documents intended for international use, where applicable.
What Documents Do Foreigners Need at a Turkish Notary?
The documents required for a notary procedure in Turkey depend on the type of transaction and whether the foreign client is acting personally or on behalf of a company. However, some documents and supporting information are commonly requested in notarial procedures involving foreigners.
Passport or Identification
A valid passport or other acceptable identification is generally required to verify the identity of the foreign individual completing the notarial procedure.
Sworn Translator, if Required
A foreign national who does not sufficiently understand Turkish may need a sworn translator to assist during certain procedures before a Turkish notary.
Documents for the Transaction
The original or supporting documents relating to the transaction may be required, depending on whether the procedure concerns a power of attorney, declaration, contract or certification.
Corporate Documents
If the person is acting on behalf of a foreign or Turkish company, corporate documents showing the company and the representative’s authority may be required.
Power of Attorney, if Applicable
Where a person is acting through an authorized representative, the relevant power of attorney and the authorities granted under that document may need to be reviewed.
Apostille or Legalization
Documents issued abroad may require apostille, legalization, translation or other authentication procedures before they can be used for a notarial transaction in Turkey.
How Much Do Notary Procedures Cost in Turkey?
The cost of notary procedures in Turkey is not always fixed and may vary depending on the type of transaction, the number and length of the documents, the certification required and whether additional services such as sworn translation are necessary.
For foreign individuals and companies, the total cost of a notarial procedure may include several separate items.
Notary Fee
The official fee charged by the Turkish notary depends on the transaction and the documents involved.
Sworn Translator Fee
Foreign clients who do not sufficiently understand Turkish may need a sworn translator, whose fee is generally separate from the notary fee.
Translation & Certification
Foreign-language documents may require sworn translation, notarization or other certification before they can be used.
Professional Assistance
Where requested, professional assistance with document preparation, legal review, translator arrangements and coordination of the procedure is a separate service.
How Does a Notary Procedure Work for a Foreigner in Turkey?
The exact procedure depends on the transaction, but foreigners completing a notarial procedure in Turkey will generally need to prepare the relevant documents, determine any translation requirements and complete the transaction before the Turkish notary.
Identify the Procedure
First, determine the notarial transaction to be completed and the documents required for that specific procedure.
Prepare the Documents
Prepare your passport, transaction documents and any corporate, foreign or supporting documents required for the notarial procedure.
Arrange Translation if Needed
If you do not sufficiently understand Turkish or foreign-language documents are involved, sworn translation or translator assistance may be required.
Complete the Notarial Procedure
The relevant documents are presented to the Turkish notary and the transaction, signature, certification or other required notarial procedure is completed.
Can a Foreigner Who Does Not Speak Turkish Complete a Notary Procedure in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign nationals who do not speak Turkish can complete notarial procedures in Turkey; however, if the person does not know Turkish, a sworn translator must be present during the notarial procedure. The sworn translator enables communication between the foreign party and the notary and translates the relevant statements and documents as required for the transaction.
This requirement is particularly important for transactions such as powers of attorney, declarations, agreements and other documents executed before a Turkish notary. The notary must be satisfied that the foreign party understands the nature and consequences of the transaction.
Interpreter requirements should therefore be confirmed with the relevant notary in advance. In practice, some notaries may require an interpreter who can communicate in the foreign national’s native language, rather than relying on another language the person may speak. We can assist with confirming the requirements and coordinating an appropriate interpreter before the appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Notaries in Turkey
Practical answers to common questions foreign individuals and companies may have when completing notarial procedures in Turkey.
Need Assistance With a Notary Procedure in Turkey?
Tell us what transaction you need to complete and whether you are currently in Turkey or abroad. We can help identify the documents, translation requirements and practical steps involved before proceeding with the relevant Turkish notary.
