The noter… and why it matters so much.
A noter in Turkey is a public official with specific qualifications and a special legal standing, who gives legal force to the various documents and transactions of individuals and legal entities, and who carries out other duties under the authority granted to him by law.
The noter in Turkey is a necessity for every resident, citizen and newcomer to the country. It is the notary public's office, where all papers and documents are certified, so that no other body has to verify the authenticity of stamps and paperwork. Its powers include the notarisation of every kind of property contract
The main documents certified by a noter in Turkey
A great many documents require notarisation, such as marriage contracts, academic certificates, driving licences, identity cards, passports, general and special powers of attorney, sale, purchase and tenancy contracts, as well as invitation applications for visits to Turkey.
What does a noter do?
The first and most important task of the noter is certifying documents (passports, birth certificates, identity cards, marriage contracts, tenancy agreements, driving documents and educational certificates at every level), along with powers of attorney, both general and special. Beyond that, the noter certifies commercial agreements, signatures and stamps, and any document that needs to be translated into Turkish must go through the noter to confirm that it is genuine.
How do I go through the notarisation process?
Notarisation is very straightforward. You simply have the documents you want certified translated by a sworn translator, then go to a noter office and hand over the original together with the translation bearing the sworn translator's stamp. Once the fees are paid, the documents are certified and officially approved.
Why documents must be translated into Turkish
Translating documents into Turkish matters enormously, because government departments, universities and other institutions will not accept any document that has not been certified by the notary public (the noter).
Where do I find noter offices?
Every district of every Turkish province has noter offices, and you can look them up on Google Maps, which will point you to the nearest one.
