Apostille Guide

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an international certificate that confirms a document’s authenticity among countries party to the Hague Convention; it removes the need for separate consular legalization.

Which Authority Issues It?

Administrative documents: Governor’s and District Governor’s offices
Judicial documents: courthouses (Heavy Penal Court chief clerk’s offices)

First translation and notary, then apostille

Usually the document is translated by a sworn translator and notarized first; the apostille is then obtained.

Which Documents Need It?

Diplomas, transcripts, criminal-record certificates, civil records, powers of attorney and trade-registry documents are the most common documents requiring an apostille.

Countries outside the Hague Convention

If the destination country is not a party to the Hague Convention, a consular legalization procedure replaces the apostille; we follow that process too.

We Manage the Process for You

Holland Tercüme follows the translation, notarization and apostille steps end to end in Ankara and prepares your document turnkey.

How the certified translation Works

We keep things simple and complete every project in five clear steps, with no uncertainty at any stage:

Request & quote: Send the document and we confirm price and deadline in writing.
The right translator: Your text goes to an expert who knows the field’s terminology.
Double check: A second reviser reviews the translation end to end.
Official certification: Sworn certification, notarization and apostille are added as needed.
Hand-over: Digital and/or printed copies reach you by your preferred method.

You can follow progress at every step and ask about status whenever you like.

Measurable Quality: Three-Stage Control

For certified translation we apply the discipline of ISO 17100 to make quality measurable. No text leaves us straight from a single hand:

Expert translation: a translator with domain knowledge.
Independent revision: a one-to-one check against the source.
Quality control (final QA): proofreading and formatting.

With error categories and feedback loops we continuously improve, and our translation memory preserves your brand-specific terminology.

Our Information-Security Standard

The security of your certified translation files matters as much as quality. Everyone in the process — translator, reviser and project manager — works under a strict confidentiality undertaking, and we can apply your own company NDA if you prefer.

Documents are stored in a 256-bit encrypted environment and destroyed at project close. We also stand behind the accuracy of our work and make in-scope corrections free of charge.

Why Holland Tercüme?

Translation is less a commodity than a matter of trust. Here are concrete reasons to choose us:

Domain expertise: every document is handled by a specialist in its field.
Double check: high accuracy through independent revision.
Privacy: contractual confidentiality and encrypted storage.
On time: we keep our word, with no delays.
Transparent pricing: clear from the start, no surprises.

Our strongest reference is the clients who keep coming back year after year; we aim to be a long-term solution partner, not a one-off supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between certified translation and a notarized translation?

In short: sworn certification rests on the translator’s authority, while notarization is an official attestation. In practice most institutions require a notarized document; some accept a sworn signature alone. We clarify your need from the outset and guide you to the right approval so your document is not turned away.

Do I need to bring my document in person?

No; for most cases a clear scan or photo of your document is enough. Only for certain notary and apostille procedures that act on the original will we let you know in advance. You can run the whole process remotely from anywhere in Türkiye and receive the certified output by courier.

How fast is delivery?

Standard documents are usually ready in 1–2 business days. For urgent cases — visa, customs, health — a same-day option is available. For multi-page, high-volume projects we plan the deadline without compromising quality and confirm it clearly at the quote stage.

Do you also handle the apostille?

Of course. We handle translation, notarization and the apostille/consular steps in full; you deal with a single point of contact. We determine the correct legalization path for the destination country and deliver the document submission-ready.

How can I pay?

We offer practical payment methods, primarily bank transfer/EFT. Corporate clients can work with consolidated monthly invoicing. Whichever you choose, you see the amount you will pay — in writing and in full — before work starts.

How is the confidentiality of my documents protected?

Every project is covered by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Your documents are stored on 256-bit encrypted infrastructure, accessed only by the experts on the project, and permanently deleted at your request once complete. Nothing is shared with third parties except where legally required.

What happens if there is an error in the translation?

In such a case we review your feedback quickly and make in-scope corrections at no extra cost. Our aim is not to close the matter but to fit the document precisely to your and the institution’s expectations.

Will an institution abroad accept your translation?

Yes. Documents prepared with a sworn translator’s certification, notarization and apostille carry international validity. Based on whether the destination country is party to the Hague Convention, we determine the correct approval chain from the start and deliver the document in the format the relevant institution expects.

Have Questions? Get in Touch

We are happy to answer anything about your certified translation before we begin. Reach us by phone, WhatsApp or e-mail and we will clarify everything from the right approval type to turnaround, based on your specific case. Transparency is a constant part of how we work, from first contact to delivery. A specialist project advisor is ready to plan the best solution with you.