If you lived in Turkiye, an employer, school or authority abroad may ask for a Turkish criminal record certificate (adli sicil kaydı). Turkish citizens can usually get it online in minutes, and foreigners who lived in Turkiye can apply through a Turkish consulate. Official translated versions and an online apostille are also available.
- 01
Online
Through e-Devlet.
The Ministry of Justice service on turkiye.gov.tr issues a barcoded certificate. The recipient can verify it online with the barcode number and the Turkish ID number.
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Languages
Official versions in many languages.
Translated versions, including English, are offered to citizens through e-Devlet or Turkish missions, and to foreigners through missions. This may make a separate translation unnecessary, but the recipient decides.
- 03
Without e-Devlet
Consulates and courthouses.
Foreigners who lived in Turkiye apply through Turkish missions abroad using the consulate request form. Applications can also be made at the criminal record offices of chief public prosecutors in Turkiye.
- 04
Through someone else
Only with an express power of attorney.
Under the Criminal Records Law (No. 5352), a representative can apply only if the power of attorney expressly authorizes it. A general power is not enough.
- 05
Which record
Criminal record or archive record.
The criminal record shows final convictions that have not yet moved to the archive record. Entries move to the archive once a sentence is served or time-barred, and some, such as judicial fines, go there directly. Foreign recipients often want the version that includes the archive record, so check what they ask for.
- 06
Apostille
Online through e-Apostil.
Criminal record certificates can be apostilled online at eapostil.gov.tr or through e-Devlet, including from abroad, and the apostille can be verified online. A paper apostille is issued by the courthouse justice commission.
Good to know
The law sets no expiry date; the recipient decides how recent it must be.
Rules and office practice change. Turkish-law matters are handled by the Turkish attorneys at Sonmez Partners.
Official sources
- turkiye.gov.tr – Criminal record query
- Ministry of Justice – Applying from abroad
- Ministry of Justice – Criminal record services
- Law No. 5352 – Criminal Records Law (PDF)
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Sonmez Consulting LLC is not a U.S. law firm.