As a foreigner living in Turkey, you may find yourself in need of notarization services for various legal and administrative matters. However, navigating the process of finding a notary and getting your documents notarized can be confusing and intimidating, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Turkish legal system and language. In this blog post, we will go over the steps you can take to find a notary and get your documents notarized in Turkey as a foreigner.
What is notarization and why is it needed?
Notarization is the process of authenticating a document or transaction by a notary public, a legally recognized and impartial witness who is authorized to certify the authenticity of signatures, documents, and other legal matters. In Turkey, notarization is often required for a wide range of legal and administrative matters, such as purchasing property, registering a business, or obtaining a work permit.
How to find a notary in Turkey?
There are several ways to find a notary in Turkey as a foreigner:
- Online directories: The Turkish Chamber of Notaries and the Turkish Ministry of Justice have online directories that list the names and contact information of notaries in Turkey. You can search these directories by city or region to find a notary in your area. Also you can search for notary on google maps (You can type “noter” on google maps to find notaries that are close to you).
- Legal service providers: Many law firms and legal service providers in Turkey offer notarization services as part of their legal services. These firms can notarize your documents on your behalf for a service fee. You can search for legal service providers in your area through online directories or by contacting the local bar association.
- Embassies and consulates: Some embassies and consulates in Turkey also offer notarization services for their citizens. You can contact your embassy or consulate to see if they offer this service and find out more about the process.
What to expect when working with a notary in Turkey?
Once you have found a notary in Turkey, you can expect the following process:
- Make an appointment: Most notaries in Turkey require an appointment to provide their services. You can make an appointment by contacting the notary directly or through their website or legal service provider.
- Prepare the documents: Before your appointment, you will need to prepare the documents that need to be notarized. Make sure to bring all relevant documents, such as identification, proof of address, and any supporting documents. You may also need to have your documents translated into Turkish if they are not in that language.
- Attend the appointment: At your appointment, you will need to present your documents and identification to the notary. The notary will review your documents and may ask you questions about the content of the documents and the purpose of the notarization.
- Pay the fee: Notarization services in Turkey usually come with a fee, which is typically paid in cash or by credit card. The fee will vary depending on the type of notarization and the complexity of the documents.
- Collect the notarized documents: Once the notarization process is complete, the notary will stamp and sign the documents, and you will be given a copy of the notarized documents. Make sure to keep these documents safe as they may be required for future legal or administrative matters.
As a foreigner living in Turkey, getting your documents notarized may be a necessary step in various legal and administrative matters. By understanding the process and preparing the necessary documents, you can make the process of finding a notary and getting your documents notarized go smoothly and efficiently.
