Ukrainian and Russian: similar script, different language
Ukrainian is also written in Cyrillic but is a separate language from Russian, with letters Russian does not use, such as і, ї, є and ґ. Some documents issued in Ukraine are in Ukrainian and some older ones may be in Russian. We check the language when you send the document; if one file contains both, each document is translated from its own language.
The same name can take different forms in the two languages: Олена (Olena) in Ukrainian, Елена (Elena) in Russian. Ukraine uses an official transliteration system for rendering names in Latin script, and passport spellings are based on it. The translation follows the spelling in the passport.
Procedures that use Ukrainian documents
Ukrainian citizens living in Türkiye have birth and marriage certificates, divorce decisions and diplomas translated for residence permits, marriage to a Turkish citizen, registering a child or enrolling them in school, and diploma recognition. Ukraine is a party to the Apostille Convention; documents issued in Ukraine are apostilled by the competent authority there, and the apostille is translated too.
If you need to authorise a relative in Ukraine for a procedure in Türkiye, or they need to authorise you, a power of attorney translation is involved. Confirm with the institution handling the procedure in which country, and before which notary or consulate, the power of attorney should be drawn up.
Ukrainian translation: documents and uses
| Document | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate (свідоцтво про народження) | Residence permit, registering a child |
| Marriage certificate, divorce decision | Marriage in Türkiye, marital status |
| Diploma and supplements | YÖK recognition, job applications |
| Power of attorney | Authority from Ukraine for a procedure in Türkiye |
| Turkish documents (Turkish into Ukrainian) | Applications to institutions in Ukraine |
Frequently asked questions
My document was issued in Ukraine but is in Russian. Is it translated as Ukrainian?
A document is translated from the language it is written in. A Russian-language document is translated from Russian; we confirm the language when we see it.
My passport says Olena but an older document says Elena. Which is used?
The translation follows the passport spelling. If the institution needs proof that both spellings refer to the same person, clarify with it how to document that.
Can I get an apostille for my Ukrainian document in Türkiye?
No. A document issued in Ukraine can only be apostilled by the competent authority in Ukraine.
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.