Which documents should I get apostilled before leaving my home country?

Documents that commonly need apostille for use in Turkey: birth certificate (for residence permit and marriage registration), marriage certificate (for family residence permit and name change), university degrees and transcripts (for qualification equivalence through MEB or university admission), criminal background check (for long-stay residence permit applications in some regions), and power of attorney documents used for property purchase. The apostille must be obtained in your home country from the designated competent authority — in the UK this is the FCDO, in Germany the Oberlandesgericht or Regierungspräsidium, in the Netherlands the Rechtbank. Processing typically takes 1–6 weeks depending on the country. Do not leave your home country without apostilles on documents you anticipate needing — getting them from Turkey is slow and expensive via consular services.

Do I need to translate all my documents before arriving in Turkey?

No — you do not need to translate documents before arriving. Certified translations (by a yeminli tercüman, a sworn translator registered in Turkey) are obtained in Turkey and are only valid when produced by a Turkey-registered translator anyway. A translation done in your home country is not accepted by Turkish institutions. So there is no point translating documents before arrival. What you should do before arrival: get apostilles on the relevant originals. Once in Turkey, have them translated by a local sworn translator (costs ₺300–800/document, takes 2–5 days). The exception: if a Turkish consulate in your home country is processing a visa or other matter, they may accept home-country translations at that pre-arrival stage.

What is the difference between a certified copy and a notarised translation?

These are two different things often confused: A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been officially stamped and signed by a Turkish notary (noter) to confirm it matches the original. This is used when an institution wants a copy of your passport, ikamet, or other document on file. A notarised translation is a translation of a foreign-language document into Turkish, produced by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman), that has then been additionally certified by a notary. Not all translations need notarisation — a sworn translation alone is sufficient for most purposes (residence permit, school enrolment). Notarisation is additionally required for certain legal transactions (property purchase, company formation, court proceedings). When in doubt, ask the institution what level of certification they need.

How many copies of each document should I bring to Turkey?

Recommended copies to bring: Passport — bring your physical original passport and have 10–15 certified photocopies made in Turkey after arrival (cost: ₺50–150 per certified copy at a notary). Birth certificate — bring 2–3 original copies if possible (some countries issue multiple originals), or 1 original plus apostille. For certified translations, always order 3–5 copies from the translator — extra copies cost only ₺100–200 each. Key rule: any document a Turkish institution takes and keeps on file cannot be retrieved. A residence permit application, a property purchase, a school registration, and a bank account opening each may want a certified copy of your documents. Plan to have at least 3 certified copies of your most-used documents (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate) available.

How do I get a police clearance certificate (criminal record check) for Turkey?

A criminal background check (police clearance certificate) is sometimes required for longer-stay residence permit categories and for certain professional licences. How to obtain one: UK: the ACRO Criminal Records Office issues UK police clearance certificates. Apply online at acro.police.uk — processing 10 working days (standard) or 5 days (fast-track). Apostille needed from FCDO. Germany: Führungszeugnis from the Bundesamt für Justiz (Federal Office of Justice) — apply at your local Einwohnermeldeamt or online for German residents. Processing 2–4 weeks. Netherlands: Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG) from Justis — apply online or via gemeente. Processing 4–8 weeks. USA: FBI Identity History Summary (background check) — apply via FBI website. Processing 3–4 months. Note: some Turkish Göç İdaresi offices do not require a police clearance for tourist-based ikamet applications. Confirm with your specific local immigration office before ordering.

What documents do I need to open a Turkish bank account?

To open a Turkish bank account as a foreigner: Required at all banks: valid passport (original), Turkish tax number (vergi numarası — obtainable at any Vergi Dairesi or online via İnteraktif Vergi Dairesi in 10 minutes), Turkish mobile phone number registered in your name. Additionally required at most banks: Turkish residence permit (ikamet) or evidence of application — some banks require a physical ikamet card, others accept the appointment confirmation. Address proof (utility bill, rental contract). Some banks also ask for: a Turkish TIN (same as vergi numarası), proof of income or funds. Easiest banks for foreigners without ikamet: Ziraat Bankası and Halkbank (state banks) are reported to be more flexible for foreigners without completed ikamet. Private banks (Garanti, İş Bankası, Yapı Kredi) are more straightforward once ikamet is in hand.

Do I need my home country driving licence translated for Turkey?

For driving in Turkey as a tourist or short-stay visitor: A valid home country driving licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) — obtained in your home country before travel — are sufficient for up to 6 months from the date of entry stamp in your passport. After becoming a resident (getting ikamet), the position changes: you have 30 days from getting your ikamet to convert your foreign licence to a Turkish one OR to prove continuous use under a tourist-to-resident transition. Converting your licence requires a certified Turkish translation of the foreign licence. The certified translation must be done by a yeminli tercüman in Turkey. Practical advice: if your home country licence is about to expire, get it renewed at home first — converting an expiring or expired licence to Turkish is more complex.

What documents do I need for a Turkish SIM card as a foreigner?

To buy a Turkish SIM card (from Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, or Türk Telekom): Standard tourist SIM: passport only. Valid for the duration specified (typically 30–90 days). Registered SIM for long-term use: passport + ikamet residence permit. Registration links the SIM to your identity in Turkish systems (IMEI + SIM registered together). Important: your foreign phone must be registered in Turkey if you want to use it with a Turkish SIM long-term. Foreign phones used in Turkey on a Turkish SIM that are not registered will be blocked after approximately 90 days. Registration process: go to a Turkcell/Vodafone/Türk Telekom operator store with your passport, ikamet, and IMEI number (dial *#06# on your phone) and pay the phone registration fee (₺800–2,000). This registers your device for 2 years.

What documents should I have translated before applying for ikamet (residence permit)?

Documents to have certified-translated for a Turkish residence permit (ikamet) application: Birth certificate (doğum belgesi) — almost universally required. Marriage certificate (evlilik cüzdanı) — required if applying for family ikamet or listing dependants. Health insurance policy — usually already in Turkish if from a Turkish insurer; if foreign insurer, needs certified translation. Accommodation document — rental contract, or property title deed. The rental contract must typically be notarised by your landlord (evi kiraya verenin noter tasdikli imzası). Tip: have all translations done and copies made before booking your ikamet appointment — appointments are hard to get and you do not want to arrive missing documents.

How long are apostilles valid?

Apostilles themselves do not expire — an apostille issued on a document confirms authenticity at the time of issue. However: The underlying document may expire (e.g. a police clearance certificate is typically only accepted if issued within the last 3–6 months, regardless of when it was apostilled). Some institutions set their own "freshness" requirements — a civil registry may require a birth certificate issued within the past year. Marriage certificates used for visa/immigration purposes are sometimes required to be issued within 6 months. The apostille certifies the official who signed the document had authority to do so at the time — it remains valid indefinitely. Practical rule: get criminal record checks and marriage/civil status certificates as close to your Turkey move date as possible. Birth certificates do not usually go "stale."

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Moving to Turkey Document Checklist (2026):
Complete Pre-Departure Guide

Getting your documents right before you leave prevents weeks of delays once you arrive. This is the complete, practical checklist — what to apostille in your home country, what to bring, what you'll have certified-translated in Turkey, and which documents you need for the key processes: residence permit, bank account, school enrolment, and property purchase.

Quick Answer

Before leaving your home country: apostille your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and criminal background check. Bring originals of everything — translations happen in Turkey by sworn translators and are only valid when done locally. Key documents needed first: passport, tax number (vergi numarası), and a rental contract. For residence permit (ikamet): birth certificate + certified translation + health insurance + accommodation proof. Allow 3–5 weeks for apostilles from most European countries.

Last updated January 2026

Master Document Checklist

Document	Apostille Before Leaving?	Certified Translation in Turkey?	Used For
Passport (original)	N/A — not apostilled	Certified copy by notary in Turkey	Everything
Birth certificate	Yes — before leaving	Yes — sworn translator	Ikamet, marriage, school enrolment
Marriage certificate	Yes — if needed	Yes — sworn translator	Family ikamet, civil registration
Divorce decree	Yes — if applicable	Yes — sworn translator	Civil status documentation
University degree / diploma	Yes — for qualification recognition	Yes — sworn translator	Work permits, Turkish university, MEB denklik
Academic transcripts	Sometimes required	Yes — sworn translator	University admissions, school enrolment
Criminal record check	Yes — apostille recommended	Yes — sworn translator	Some ikamet categories, professional licences
Driving licence	Not typically	Yes — for Turkish licence conversion	Turkish driving licence application
Medical records / prescriptions	Rarely required	Yes — if needed for Turkish healthcare	Private health insurance, specialist treatment
Property documents (if buying)	Depends on type	Yes — power of attorney requires notarised translation	Property purchase, Tapu (land registry)
Company registration docs	Yes — if foreign company involved	Yes — sworn translator	Company formation in Turkey
Insurance certificates	Rarely required	Yes — if foreign insurer	Vehicle insurance, health insurance docs

Documents by Key Process

Residence Permit (Ikamet) Application

Valid passport

Must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the ikamet period requested

Application form (e-ikamet)

Completed online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr before appointment

Biometric photos (4)

Recent, white background, biometric standard

Proof of health insurance

Turkish private health insurance policy covering the full ikamet period

Proof of accommodation

Rental contract (notarised landlord signature) or property title deed (tapu)

Birth certificate + certified translation

Original apostilled birth certificate with sworn Turkish translation

Financial means proof

Bank statement, pension certificate, or income declaration showing minimum funds

Ikamet card fee payment receipt

Card fee paid via PTT or e-Government; bring the receipt

Bank Account Opening

Passport (original)

Banks keep a certified copy; bring the original

Turkish tax number (vergi numarası)

Get this first — takes 10 minutes at any Vergi Dairesi or online

Turkish mobile phone number

Must be registered in your name; some banks let you use a foreign number initially

Ikamet or proof of application

State banks (Ziraat, Halk) may open without ikamet; private banks typically require it

Address in Turkey

Rental contract or utility bill showing your Turkish address

Property Purchase

Passport + certified translation

The Land Registry (Tapu) has its own sworn translator; confirm in advance whether to bring your own

Turkish tax number (vergi numarası)

Required for property registration

Property valuation report (ekspertiz)

Obtained by the seller or your lawyer — mandatory since 2019

Power of attorney (vekaletname)

Required if you cannot attend in person; prepared at Turkish notary with sworn translator present

DASK compulsory earthquake insurance

Must be in place before title deed transfer; obtained from any insurance company

Bank transfer evidence (SWIFT)

International fund transfer receipt proving funds came from abroad (required for most nationalities)

Pre-Departure Timeline

3–4 months before

Apply for criminal background check

USA: FBI check takes 3–4 months. UK ACRO: 2–4 weeks standard. Germany: 2–4 weeks. Netherlands: 4–8 weeks. Start this first.

6–8 weeks before

Gather original documents

Request fresh copies of birth certificate and marriage certificate from your local registry office. Some countries only issue one original — check if duplicates are available.

4–6 weeks before

Apply for apostilles

Submit documents to your country's apostille authority. UK: FCDO (typically 2–3 weeks). Germany: Oberlandesgericht (1–3 weeks). USA: State Secretary of State office (varies by state). Budget 3–4 weeks.

2–3 weeks before

Obtain International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get an IDP from your national auto club (AA/RAC in UK, ADAC in Germany, AAA in USA). Valid for 1 year. Required alongside your home licence for driving in Turkey as a new resident.

1 week before

Make digital copies of everything

Scan all original documents in high resolution. Store encrypted copies in cloud storage AND email copies to yourself. A lost passport mid-move is manageable if you have digital copies.

Day of departure

Carry-on vs checked luggage

Keep all original documents in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. Originals are irreplaceable. Luggage can be lost.

First Week in Turkey: Documents to Obtain

Turkish tax number (vergi numarası)

Day 1–2

Go to any Vergi Dairesi with your passport. Takes 10–15 minutes. Or use İnteraktif Vergi Dairesi online. Free. Required for almost everything else.

Turkish SIM card

Day 1–3

Get a SIM from Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, or Türk Telekom with your passport. Register your phone IMEI within 90 days if staying long-term (costs ₺800–2,000).

Rental contract notarisation

Week 1

For ikamet, your rental contract needs your landlord's signature notarised. Arrange this with your landlord — take the contract to a notary together.

Health insurance

Week 1

Turkish private health insurance required for ikamet application. Buy from a Turkish insurer (Acıbadem Sigorta, Allianz Turkey) covering the full residency period.

Book ikamet appointment

Week 1

Go to e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr to book your residence permit appointment. Appointments are in demand — book immediately on arrival.

Hire sworn translator

Week 1–2

Find a yeminli tercüman for birth certificate and any other documents needed. Ask at your notary or the local expat community for recommendations.

Most Common Document Mistakes

• Leaving your home country without apostilling your birth certificate — you cannot do this from Turkey easily
• Assuming your home country certified translation will be accepted in Turkey — it will not. Turkey only accepts translations by Turkey-registered sworn translators
• Not ordering enough certified copies — get 3–5 copies of any translated document
• Arriving with an expiring passport — ikamet approval requires your passport to be valid for the full ikamet period plus 60 days
• Waiting to register your foreign phone — it gets blocked after 90 days of Turkish SIM use if not registered

Document Storage in Turkey

Once in Turkey, store all original documents in a fireproof document folder or safe. Your passport, ikamet card, birth certificate, and property tapu (if applicable) cannot be easily replaced. Keep certified copies in a separate location from originals. Use e-Devlet (Turkey's government digital platform) to store and access key records once you have your ikamet — many documents become accessible digitally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Certified Translations in Turkey

Sworn translator guide — costs and how to find one

Notary Services in Turkey

What Turkish notaries do and what they cost

Residence Permit (Ikamet) in Turkey

Full guide to applying for Turkish ikamet

Power of Attorney in Turkey

Vekaletname — when and how to get one

How to Get a Turkish Tax Number

Vergi numarası — 10-minute process explained

Moving to Turkey

Complete relocation guide overview

Moving to Turkey Document Checklist (2026):Complete Pre-Departure Guide

Master Document Checklist

Documents by Key Process

Residence Permit (Ikamet) Application

Bank Account Opening

Property Purchase

Pre-Departure Timeline

First Week in Turkey: Documents to Obtain

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Moving to Turkey Document Checklist (2026):
Complete Pre-Departure Guide