Authentication Authorities in Türkiye

In this report, we introduce each Turkish authority responsible for authenticating official foreign documents, highlighting the differences between them and the importance of each.

Kaymakam (District Governor)

The Kaymakam acts as the local government representative in the region they serve. They authenticate documents issued by local authorities and other official foreign documents. Specific documents authenticated by the Kaymakam include:

- Birth certificates
- Foreign educational certificates after translation
- Passport and financial document authentications
- Building permit authentications

Noter (Notary)

Notaries authenticate translated certificates used in legal matters or to establish rights, such as:

- Identity certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Experience certificates
- Old property deeds

Vali (Governor)

In addition to the previously mentioned certificates, the Governor also authenticates the following documents after translation and notarization:

- Educational certificates
- Nationality certificates
- Health insurance and social security documents
- Property and land registration documents
- Driving licenses and vehicle registration
- Professional and business licenses

What Does Document Authentication Mean?

Authentication means verifying the validity and authenticity of documents issued outside Turkish institutions by placing an official stamp from the issuing authority and signing them by an authorized government official. This process confers legitimacy and credibility, requiring several administrative and legal steps such as stamping by your country's embassy and then the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Kaymakam for further authentication and then by a notary.

Procedures for Authenticating Foreign Documents in Türkiye

1. Visit the Turkish embassy or consulate in the document's issuing country.
2. If the document needs translation into Turkish, it must be done.
3. After translation, it should be authenticated by the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
4. Ensure the documents bear the signature and stamp of the certifying authority in the issuing country.
5. Contact the Turkish embassy or consulate in the document's issuing country to determine the requirements and ensure authentication before submitting the documents.

Duration of Document Authentication in Türkiye

The duration for document authentication in Türkiye varies depending on the type of document and the relevant authority:

- Birth, death, and marriage certificates: Authentication can take from several days to a week.
- Educational documents and contracts: These may take longer. It is recommended to contact the relevant authority for accurate information.
- Syrian embassy: Authentication takes about a week.
- Saudi embassy: Authentication is completed within three days.
- Qatari embassy: Authentication takes between two to three days.
- Local document authentication in Türkiye: Can take from two days to a week.
- Documents authenticated by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Takes between two to four days.

Important Notes to Consider

1. Documents not authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the issuing country cannot be authenticated by the relevant embassies in Türkiye.
2. Documents issued by consulates in Istanbul need only be authenticated by the Kaymakam for use outside Turkish borders.
3. Documents issued by embassies in Ankara require authentication only from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. Documents from Arab countries in English or Arabic require multiple authentication steps, including translation, before being ready for use in Türkiye.
5. University degrees issued by Northern Cyprus require special authentication before they can be used in Türkiye.