Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for Irish people — whether buying holiday homes along the coast, retiring in the sun, setting up businesses, or marrying Turkish nationals. Turkish authorities have specific requirements for foreign documents, and understanding the process before you begin is essential.
Why Documents Need Notarisation for Turkey
Turkey has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1985. This means Irish documents notarised by a Notary Public and apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are accepted by Turkish authorities — including the Tapu (Land Registry), courts, the noter (Turkish notary), and government departments — without embassy legalisation.
Turkish authorities generally require documents to be accompanied by a sworn Turkish translation (yeminli tercüme) by a translator approved by a Turkish noter. The translation is certified by the noter and attached to the original document.
The Apostille Process for Turkey
After notarisation by Hugh Phelan in Cork, the document is submitted to the DFA in Dublin for an apostille. The DFA verifies the notary’s signature and seal and issues the apostille certificate. This is the only authentication step required for Turkish authorities.
Common Documents Notarised for Turkey
- Powers of Attorney (Vekâletname): For property purchases, managing bank accounts, court representation, and business transactions. Turkish noterler have very specific format requirements — your Turkish lawyer should draft the document.
- Birth Certificates: For marriage applications, residence permits, and family matters.
- Marriage Certificates: For registering a foreign marriage in Turkey, property purchases by married couples, and family reunification.
- Criminal Record Certificates: Required for residence permit applications and certain employment categories.
- Corporate Documents: For establishing a Turkish company (limited şirket or anonim şirket) or registering a branch at the Trade Registry.
- Educational Certificates: For professional recognition by YÖK (Council of Higher Education) and employment purposes.
Buying Property in Turkey
Turkey’s property market attracts many Irish buyers, particularly along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Irish citizens can purchase most types of property in Turkey, subject to military zone restrictions.
The key document is a power of attorney (vekâletname) authorising your Turkish lawyer to act on your behalf at the Tapu (Land Registry Office). Your Turkish lawyer should draft the power of attorney in the specific format required by the Tapu, including both English and Turkish versions.
You will also need a Turkish tax number (vergi numarası), which can be obtained at any tax office in Turkey or through the Turkish consulate. A notarised passport copy is required for the tax number application.
Residence Permits
Irish citizens can apply for various types of Turkish residence permits:
- Short-term residence permit: For tourism, property ownership, business, or study purposes. Valid for up to two years.
- Long-term residence permit: After eight years of continuous legal residence in Turkey.
- Family residence permit: For spouses and dependants of Turkish citizens or foreign residents.
Residence permit applications require notarised and apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates (where applicable), and criminal record certificates, all with sworn Turkish translations.
How to Get Started
Contact Hugh Phelan’s office in Cork:
- Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
- Share any document requirements from your Turkish lawyer, noter, or the Turkish consulate
- Bring original documents and valid photo ID
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He holds a BCL from UCC, a Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice, and is dual-qualified as a solicitor in both Ireland and England & Wales. Appointed as a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Ireland and commissioned for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. Turkey has been a member since 1985. Irish documents notarised and apostilled are accepted by Turkish authorities without embassy legalisation.
Do I need a sworn Turkish translation?
Yes. Turkish authorities generally require a yeminli tercüme (sworn translation) certified by a Turkish noter. Your Turkish lawyer can arrange this locally once you provide the notarised and apostilled original.
Can Irish citizens buy property in Turkey?
Yes. Irish citizens can purchase most types of property in Turkey, subject to certain restrictions (e.g., military zones). You need a Turkish tax number, a notarised power of attorney, and your passport. Your Turkish lawyer handles the Tapu (title deed) transfer.
Need Documents Notarised for Turkey?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public in Cork, for prompt professional service.
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