Sworn Translator Authorisation in Turkey
In Turkey, the role of a sworn translator is critical for the accurate and official translation of documents for administrative and legal purposes. To qualify as a sworn translator or a certified translator as they are locally called in the US and the UK, an individual must meet a comprehensive set of criteria that ensures they are capable and trustworthy.
Firstly, educational qualifications are important. Prospective sworn translators must possess a significant level of education relevant to language and translation. This may include university degrees in language studies or internationally recognised certifications like ILTES or TOEFL, particularly for those translating to and from English.
Secondly, official accreditation is required to legitimise a sworn translator's qualifications and capabilities. This accreditation is granted by judicial authorities in Turkey, such as courts and notary offices, which conduct thorough background checks, competence examinations, and practical tests.
Additionally, holding Turkish citizenship is essential to become a sworn translator in Turkey. This stipulation ensures the translator is legally recognised and accountable under Turkish law. Also, having a clean criminal record is non-negotiable, as it assures the integrity and reliability of the translator in handling sensitive and confidential documents.
Finally, sworn translators often collaborate with notaries in Turkey, who authorise the translations, making them valid for both national and international use. This process points the importance of accuracy and legality in their work, ensuring that translated documents uphold the legal standards required in Turkey and beyond.
Difference between Sworn and Notarised Translation
Notarised translations are also done by sworn translators. However in this context, the sworn translator signs and stamps the document before taking it to a notary where their oath is registered. The notary verifies the translator’s identity by their signature and then seals the document to confirm its authenticity. The fee for this service is regulated by the Turkish Notaries' Union and varies based on the text's length, measured in lines, and the number of pages or documents involved. By principle, a sworn translation in Turkey is the same as a Certified translation in the US or UK. They serve the same purpose but have different requirements for the translators.
Translayte also offers notarisation services for all our Turkish translations, ensuring that your documents meet the necessary legal standards both in Turkey and internationally. This added layer of verification guarantees that your translated documents are recognised and accepted by authorities and institutions worldwide.
Sworn Translations | Notarised Translations | |
A sworn translation is completed by a sworn translator who is officially recognised by the Turkish government, and registered with a local notary office. | A notarised translation in Turkey involves an additional layer where the sworn translation is taken to a notary public. | |
2. | Sworn translators must pass specific exams and are authorised to translate official documents which are then stamped with their registered translator's seal. This makes the document legally valid in administrative and legal proceedings within Turkey. | The notary public does not attest to the accuracy of the translation but rather to the identity of the person signing the document — in this case, the sworn translator. |
Where are Sworn Translations Required in Turkey?
Sworn translations in Turkey are necessary in various legal, academic, and governmental settings where document authenticity is paramount. Sworn translations will usually be required in institutions like these in Turkey:
- General Directorate of the Infrastructural Investment: This agency may require sworn translations of documents from immigrants involved in public projects or those who need to engage with government contracts and infrastructure development.
- Courts: For foreign legal documents in Turkish courts.
- Universities and Colleges: Educational institutions require sworn translations to accurately assess the academic qualifications of international students against Turkish standards. This ensures that degrees, certificates, and transcripts are properly understood and evaluated.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye: This ministry often deals with documents related to international affairs, including visas, diplomatic correspondences, and treaties involving foreigners. Sworn translations are needed to maintain the integrity and accuracy of communications and legal documents.
- Ministry of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye: This ministry requires sworn translations for financial documentation related to taxation, investment, and financial compliance of immigrants and foreign entities operating in Turkey.
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security: For employment-related documents such as contracts, employee records, and benefits information, translations are necessary to ensure all parties fully understand their rights and obligations under Turkish law.
These are only some of the places where sworn translations may be required from a foreigner in Turkey.
How to Obtain Sworn Translations in Turkey
To obtain a sworn translation in Turkey, one must engage the services of a sworn translator registered with a local notary public or a translation agency that can give you access to the later. The process typically involves submitting the original document or a certified copy, specifying the target language, and any specific requirements to the translator. To get sworn translations for use in and out of Turkey, you can request a free quote here.
Translayte now supports a wide range of language pairs for translation services, including:
- English <> Turkish
- German <> Turkish
- French <> Turkish
- Italian <> Turkish
- Russian <> Turkish
- Greek <> Turkish
- Dutch <> Turkish
- Arabic <> Turkish
- Farsi <> Turkish
- Azerbaijani <> Turkish
- Georgian <> Turkish
- Spanish <> Turkish