What does an apostille verify, and what does it not?
An apostille certifies the origin of the signature on a document, the capacity of the signatory and, where applicable, the seal or stamp; it should not be thought of as a procedure that approves the content of the text or the accuracy of a translation. It does not mean that the document will be accepted, that the application will succeed or that every type of translation is sufficient.
The HCCH’s official guidance states that an apostille is issued by the competent authority in the place where the document originated. Universe Tercüme is not an apostille authority. When assessing the translation requirement and which version of the document should be translated, the guidance of the relevant competent authority should be followed for official certification.
Tell three different procedures apart
| Procedure | What it does | What it does not replace |
|---|---|---|
| Translation | Renders the content of the document in the target language | Official certification of the source document |
| Notarization | Completes the relevant notary office’s approval procedure | Automatic acceptance in every country, or an apostille |
| Apostille | Provides certification for an official document within its scope | Translation, recognition (equivalence) or an application decision |
Apostille first, or translation first?
It is not right to give a single order that applies to every file. Some requests require the apostille on the source document to be translated as well. In another file, an approval procedure that the translation depends on may come up separately. Do not assume an order of steps before finding out which document the receiving institution wants, with which attachments and which certifications.
Review the application list, the complete source document and any existing certifications together. If you have a document that has already been apostilled, send all of it, including dates and additional pages. It should be stated clearly whether the translation will cover only the main text or also the related annotations and approvals. Submitting the same document to two different institutions may result in two separate requests.
How to check the country and competent authority
The contracting parties and links to competent authorities can be found in the HCCH’s Apostille Section. Simply having heard the name of a country is not enough; the scope of the document concerned and whether the Convention applies between the countries must also be checked. If the country that issued the document is different from the country where you will use it, include both in your translation request.
In Türkiye, confirm with the relevant official authority which office to apply to for your document type. Differences such as the distinction between administrative and judicial documents can affect where you are directed. A translation office’s address is not a substitute for the address of the official certifying authority. Find out from the office where you will apply whether you need the original, a copy or other documents for the procedure.
A five-question check before you apply
- In which country was my document issued, and in which country will it be used?
- On which document does the receiving institution want the apostille?
- Is the original, a certified copy or a digital version of the document required?
- Is a separate translation of the apostille certificate required?
- Is there enough time for the translation, notary and official authority stages?
How to send us your translation request
You can share your document, your existing approvals and the institution’s requirements by email or WhatsApp. With this information, Universe Tercüme can assess the scope of the translation and any need for notarization. Rather than placing an order based only on the phrase “apostilled translation” before the official stages are clear, set out in writing which procedure will be carried out by whom. This clarity also helps the price quote and delivery plan to be prepared correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Does a translation office issue the apostille?
An apostille is issued by the relevant competent authority. Universe Tercüme provides translation services; it is not an official apostille authority.
If my document is notarized, does that count as an apostille too?
No. Notarization and an apostille are different procedures. Which document needs which certification must be checked separately.
Does the apostille page need to be translated as well?
The scope required by the receiving institution is what decides this. If a translation of the apostille certificate is required, add that page to the file alongside the main document.
Can an apostille be used for every country and every document?
No such generalisation can be made. Whether the Convention applies, the scope of the document and the receiving institution’s requirements must be verified from current official sources.
Official sources and application information
Before you start, you can check the relevant institution’s current requirements using these sources.
This guide is for general information only. Verify the document and approval requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and share the current list of requirements with your translation request.