Notes from the Office
Turkish Document Terms
Turkish offices, forms and certificates use words that don't translate neatly, and a single mix-up can mean ordering the wrong document. This glossary explains the terms we hear most often from foreigners.
Documents and records
| Turkish | English | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Nüfus Müdürlüğü | Civil registry office | The office that issues civil status documents |
| Nüfus Kayıt Örneği | Family registry record | A Turkish-language record of civil registry details. The full version (vukuatlı) includes all family members |
| Formül A / B / C | Multilingual extracts | International extracts for birth (A), marriage (B) and death (C), issued in Turkish plus another language |
| Aile Cüzdanı | Family booklet | The booklet that records a marriage and the children |
| Adli Sicil Kaydı | Criminal record certificate | A certificate showing criminal record status |
| İkamet İzni | Residence permit | Permission for a foreigner to live in Turkey |
| Vergi Numarası | Tax number | The tax identification number. See Tax Number in Turkey for Foreigners |
Notary documents
| Turkish | English | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Noter | Notary | The official who confirms identity and signatures |
| Vekaletname | Power of attorney | Authorizes another person to act for you. See Power of Attorney in Turkey for Foreigners |
| Muvafakatname | Consent letter | Written permission, for example for a child to travel. See Affidavit and Consent Letter in Turkey |
Translation and certification
| Turkish | English | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Yeminli Tercüme | Sworn translation | A translation by a sworn translator. See Sworn vs. Notarized Translation |
| Noter Onaylı Tercüme | Notarized translation | A translation certified by a notary |
| Apostil | Apostille | The certification for use in Hague Convention countries. See What Is an Apostille? |
| Valilik / Kaymakamlık | Governorship / District governorship | The offices that issue apostilles in Turkey |
| e-Devlet | E-Government portal | The online government portal where many documents are ordered |
Why the terms matter
- Similar names, different documents. A multilingual extract and a family registry record are not interchangeable. See Turkish Birth and Marriage Certificates for Use Abroad.
- Sworn is not the same as notarized. A document may need both, and the receiving office decides.
- Always use the exact name. When you ask a Turkish office for a document, use its Turkish name, so you receive the right one.
How we help
If a Turkish term on a form or a request is unclear, send it to us and tell us where the document is going. We will explain what it is and what you need to do next.
Not sure what a Turkish document is called, or which one you need? Send us a photo and tell us the purpose.
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