Company Documents for Use Abroad

When a Turkish company opens an account abroad, signs with a foreign partner or registers a branch, the other side usually asks for proof that the company exists and that the person signing can act for it. Knowing the Turkish names of these documents, and who issues them, makes the request much easier to answer.

Documents commonly requested

Which of these you need depends on the receiving party. A bank may ask for different documents than a government registry or a business partner, so ask for a list before you order anything.

The signature circular

The signature circular is the document that shows who can sign for the company and how. It is prepared by a notary, with the authorized person signing in front of the notary. Foreign banks and partners often ask for it, because it lets them check that a signature on a contract or a power of attorney belongs to someone with authority. Because the signer has to attend, plan an appointment. See Notary Appointment in Istanbul.

Apostille and translation

If the destination is a Hague Convention country, company documents can be apostilled, and if it isn't, they need consular legalization. Many receiving parties also ask for a translation. Which of these applies, and in which form, is up to the receiving party, so confirm it before you start. Read more in Apostille or Consular Legalization? and Sworn vs. Notarized Translation.

Mistakes that cost time

• Ordering before asking. Different receiving parties want different documents.
• Documents that are too old. Some parties only accept recent trade registry documents. Ask how recent, then order.
• Name mismatches. The company name and the signer's name should be spelled the same way on every document, and in the translation.
• A signer who isn't the authorized person. If the signature circular and the document don't match, the other side will question it.
• Getting an apostille for a non-member country. It won't be recognized, and the documents need legalization instead.

How we help

Tell us which company documents you need, where they are going and who will receive them. We will confirm what is required and handle the notary work, the translation and the apostille or legalization. Our business desk is available at business@notarypublic.istanbul.