Fields to check in the document
A criminal record certificate is a short one-page document, but every field matters: name, surname, Turkish ID number, mother’s and father’s names, place and date of birth, purpose of issue, date and barcode. The purpose selected when the document was obtained (for example, submission to an official institution) is printed on it and is translated as written.
If the person’s name is spelled differently in the passport (for example Turkish characters in Latin letters), tell us which spelling to use. If the record says there is no entry, that is translated plainly, with no comment added.
Issue date and validity
Many institutions want a criminal record certificate issued within a certain period. That period varies between institutions and appears in the application list, not on the document. Get a certificate close to your application date and plan the translation around it; translating an old certificate means repeating the translation when you get a new one.
Some countries may also want the certificate apostilled. Confirm with the institution which authority issues the apostille and whether it comes before or after translation; see our apostille and translation guide for details.
Criminal record certificates and their uses
| Application | Note |
|---|---|
| Long-stay visa and residence permit | How many months old the certificate may be |
| Job applications abroad | The employer’s required language and certification |
| Marriage abroad | Whether it is requested with the marriage documents |
| Adoption, citizenship | Apostille and notarization requirements |
Related language pages
Criminal record certificates are most often translated into English, German, Arabic, Spanish. Our apostille and translation guide explains when a document needs an apostille.
Frequently asked questions
Is a “sabıka kaydı” the same as an “adli sicil kaydı”?
Yes. “Sabıka kaydı” is the everyday name; the official name is “adli sicil kaydı”.
Which purpose should I select when getting the certificate?
The purpose you choose on e-Devlet is printed on the document. If the institution wants specific wording, select accordingly; the translation renders the document’s wording as is.
Does the archive record need translating too?
If the institution also asks for the archive record, it is obtained and translated as a separate document. Check how the application list words it.
This guide is for general information. Confirm the document and certification requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and include the current list of requirements in your translation request.