What Is an Apostille and Where Do You Get One? (Guide by Document Type)
Mustafa ŞahinJul 02, 2026Last updated: Jul 07, 2026Reviewed by: Şahinler Expert Team#apostille#documents
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille certifies a document's authenticity for use abroad (1961 Hague Convention). Apostilled documents are valid in all member states without further consular legalisation.
Which Office for Which Document? (Türkiye)
| Document | Apostille authority |
|---|---|
| Civil registry extract, birth/marriage certificate | District/Provincial governor's office |
| School certificates (MEB) | Governor's office (after education directorate approval) |
| University diplomas | Governor's office |
| Criminal record | District/Provincial governor's office |
| Court judgments | Justice commission at the courthouse |
| Notarial deeds (powers of attorney etc.) | District/Provincial governor's office |
Free of charge, same-day in most provinces.
The Key Question: Translate First or Apostille First?
Depends on the destination country; two common flows:
The wrong order means starting over. Ask the receiving institution — or ask us; we know each country's practice.
E-Apostille
Criminal records and some court documents support the e-apostille via e-Devlet — issued in minutes with a QR-verifiable printout.
Frequent Mistake
No apostille on photocopies — only on the signed original or its notarised copy.