When is notarized translation needed?
When you use a document in an official application, you need to find out exactly which type of translation the institution wants. Notarized translation may be requested for diplomas and transcripts, powers of attorney, company documents, civil registry documents or court decisions. However, the type of document alone does not make it mandatory. The same diploma may face different preparation requirements when submitted to different institutions.
Share the exact wording in the application checklist. Terms such as “onaylı tercüme”, “certified translation” and “notarized translation” do not describe the same practice in every country. Adding an unnecessary attestation to a signed translation that an institution requires can increase the cost; skipping a required attestation can delay the completion of your file.
How do translation, notarisation and an apostille differ?
| Stage | Main purpose | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Translation | Rendering the content in the target language | Language, terminology and completeness |
| Notarisation | Completing the relevant notary office’s approval procedure | Required documents and notary office requirements |
| Apostille | Certifying the origin of certain official documents | Type of document, competent authority and country of use |
These stages do not replace one another. In Türkiye, the main rule on translation at notary offices is in Article 96 of the Regulation on the Notaries Law (Noterlik Kanunu Yönetmeliği). Whether an apostille is required should be checked separately against the guidance of the competent authority.
Discuss originals and copies from the start
Keep the scan you send for a quote separate from the physical document needed during the procedure. Which original, copy or annex the notary office will ask for is confirmed for each file. Don’t leave things to the last day on the assumption that “I sent it online, so the original won’t be needed”. If there are any barcodes, extra pages or earlier attestations attached to the document, share images of those too.
It is also important to say how many copies you need. Submitting one translation separately to different institutions may require extra printouts or attestations. Requesting extra copies later may not follow the same workflow as a number of copies planned from the start. If you need both a digital copy and physical copies, mention both at the quote stage.
Checklist from sending to collection
- Find the receiving institution’s document checklist and the wording of its approval requirement.
- Share the complete document, including any annexes and the reverse side.
- Tell us the spelling of names, the target language and the country of use.
- Agree how the physical documents will be delivered and how many copies are needed.
- Review the quote covering translation, approval and delivery items.
- Once you approve, proceed according to the agreed delivery plan.
Is the notary fee part of the translation price?
The translation service and the cost of the notary procedure should be considered separately. What the total quote covers should be set out in writing. Document length, language, number of copies and the scope of the procedure all affect the total. That is why a single “price per page” given without seeing the document may not reflect the full cost of an official application.
When you tell Universe Tercüme what your document is for, your translation and approval needs can be assessed together. The service is not a guarantee of the outcome of your application; the final decision on acceptance rests with the institution reviewing the document. If the institution’s specific requirements change, let us know before translation starts, or, if they change while the work is under way, at the earliest possible stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is every certified translation notarized?
No. The translation prepared by a sworn translator and having that translation additionally attested by a notary are separate stages.
If a translation is notarized, is an apostille unnecessary?
That cannot be assumed. Whether an apostille is needed is assessed separately, based on the country, the institution and the type of document.
Can I receive my document as a PDF only?
Find out whether the institution accepts digital submission. If the application requires a physical approved copy, a scanned PDF alone may not be enough.
What should I share for an urgent notarized translation?
Send the complete set of documents, the target language, the institution’s requirements, the number of copies and the application deadline. Translation time and official processing time need to be considered together.
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. Confirm the document and approval requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and share its current checklist with your translation request.