Obtaining a Criminal Record Certificate in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide
In Turkey, an individual’s criminal record can only be accessed by the Attorney General’s Office or the individual themselves after a period of five years following a conviction. This restriction is based on Article 76 of the Turkish Constitution, which protects the right against self-incrimination.
If you need a criminal record certificate (police clearance) in Turkey, follow these steps:
Step 1: Authorize a Legal Attorney (Optional)
- If you cannot apply in person, you may authorize a registered attorney to obtain your criminal record on your behalf.
- Your attorney must be registered with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (Find a lawyer).
- If you are in Istanbul, you can search for an attorney through the Istanbul Bar Association (Attorney Search).
Step 2: Obtain an Apostille Stamp (For Foreign Nationals)
- Foreigners must obtain an apostille stamp on their criminal record certificate.
- The apostille ensures that the document is recognized internationally in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
- If the recipient country is not part of the apostille agreement, the document must be authenticated by the Turkish Consulate in that country.
Step 3: Provide Proper Identification
- Turkish citizens must present their national ID (Kimlik Kartı).
- Foreign nationals must provide a Turkish Residence ID Card or an ID number.
- Important: If you have a long Arabic name, providing a Turkish residence ID number helps avoid errors in the digital system.
Step 4: Document Language and Translation
- The criminal record certificate is issued only in Turkish.
- If your country recognizes apostille-certified documents, you can have the document translated into your language if necessary.
- If your country does not recognize the apostille system, you must obtain approval from the Turkish Consulate in your country.
Step 5: Processing Time
- If you apply in person at the General Prosecutor’s Office, the process typically takes a few hours.
- If you apply via a Turkish Embassy or Consulate, processing time varies by location.
Where to Apply for a Criminal Record in Turkey?
| Applicant Type | Application Location |
|---|---|
| Turkish Citizens (Living in Turkey) | General Prosecutor’s Office (Adliye) |
| Turkish Citizens (Living Abroad) | Nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate |
| Foreign Nationals (Living in Turkey) | General Prosecutor’s Office (Adliye) |
| Foreign Nationals (Living Abroad) | Nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate |
For mail applications, send a request to:
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti
Adalet Bakanlığı
Adli Sicil Genel Müdürlüğü
Tuna Caddesi No.10, Ankara, Turkey
Conclusion: Key Points on Getting a Criminal Record Certificate in Turkey
✔ Only accessible by the individual or Attorney General’s Office.
✔ Lawyers can request the document with a notarized power of attorney.
✔ Foreign nationals must provide a valid Turkish ID number.
✔ Apostille or consular authentication is required for international use.
✔ Processing time is typically within a few hours for in-person applications.
If you need legal assistance in obtaining a criminal record certificate, consulting a registered lawyer in Turkey is highly recommended.
