Certified Chinese translation
For procedures with no notary requirement, a stamped, certified Turkish translation is enough
In Turkey, many universities, companies, trade fair organizers and some banks usually ask only for a translation bearing the translation agency's stamp and signature; notarization is not always needed. Yeni İpekyolu prepares certified translations with the agency stamp and a translator's declaration, which are faster and more practical than sworn translation and notarization. Before delivery, we work with you to clarify exactly what the receiving party requires.
Where is a certified translation enough, and where is it not?
The difference between certified and sworn translation
In Turkey, translations are generally handled at several levels. The most basic is a plain translation used only to understand the content; next is a certified translation, in which the translation agency confirms its accuracy with its stamp; above that is a sworn translation signed by a translator who has taken an oath before a notary; and finally there is notarization, in which the notary certifies the sworn translator's signature. Many Chinese clients think every translation needs notarization, but for many procedures this is not necessary.
In general, Göç İdaresi (the Presidency of Migration Management), the land registry, courts, notaries and some public bodies require sworn translation and notarization, while supplier qualification reviews between companies, trade fair applications, employers' internal assessments and some schools' preliminary evaluations are often satisfied with a stamped certified translation. However, this is not a fixed rule; even institutions of the same type may have different requirements, and what counts is the requirement of the institution receiving the document.
Supplier files and official notices: is a certified translation enough?
If the receiving party wants to understand the content of the document or use it for internal records and evaluation, a certified translation is usually sufficient. For example, when a Turkish buyer asks for Turkish versions of your business registration, ISO certificate and product test reports for supplier evaluation, or a Turkish employer wants to see your CV and employment certificate. In such cases, a certified translation saves the time and fees of a notary, and delivery is faster.
Another common situation: you have received a Turkish notice, contract or invoice and want to understand its content before deciding on the next step. In this case you can start with a certified translation. If the document later has to be submitted to an official body, the same translation can be signed by a sworn translator and taken to a notary, without translating it again. For documents that may have legal consequences, we also recommend consulting a licensed lawyer in Turkey.
Starting without asking the institution and inconsistent name spellings get documents rejected
There are two most common mistakes. The first is ordering without asking: the official body requires a notarized translation, the certified translation is rejected and time is lost. The second is the opposite: all documents are notarized and unnecessary costs are incurred. The best approach is to ask the institution before submission and, if possible, obtain the requirement in writing, such as an email or document list. We can help you confirm with the institution in Turkish or interpret its requirements.
Names of people and companies must also be spelled consistently. Differences between the romanized spelling of Chinese names, the English company name and the spelling in Turkish documents are a frequent reason documents are questioned. Send us the romanized name in your passport and the English name your company uses in international correspondence. If the same documents may need notarization later, tell us at the start; we will plan the procedures accordingly.
Checklist for the stamp, signature and "true to the original" declaration
At Yeni İpekyolu, certified translations are done by a specialist translator directly from Chinese into Turkish; a second translator checks numbers, names and terminology, then the agency stamp is applied and the translator's signature and "true to the original" (aslına uygundur) declaration are added. Seals, signatures and tables are marked according to their positions in the original document, making comparison easier for the reviewer. In addition to Chinese-to-Turkish translation, we can also translate Turkish documents into Chinese for review by your head office in China.
What you need to prepare: a clear scan, photo or editable file of the document; the receiving institution and its translation requirement; the romanized spellings used for personal and company names; and the requested delivery date. If you are not sure whether the institution wants a certified or notarized translation, just send us its requirements and we will give our recommendation; if it cannot be confirmed for certain, we usually recommend going straight to sworn translation.
Companies and individuals whose needs a stamped translation will meet
Chinese companies working with Turkish firms
For supplier qualifications, product certificates and company profiles, Turkish business partners are usually satisfied with a stamped translation. This lets supplier evaluations be completed faster. If the other party later asks for notarization, you can switch to a sworn translation.
Companies exhibiting at trade fairs in Turkey
For fair applications, product lists and company information, organizers usually accept a certified agency translation. For the exact requirement, follow the organizer's exhibitor manual. Especially suitable for fair preparations on a tight schedule.
Employees applying for jobs in Turkey
For CVs, employment certificates and reference letters, employers mostly ask for a certified translation for internal assessment. However, requirements may differ for documents submitted to an official body for a work permit. Confirm with your employer or their advisor first.
Individuals who first want to understand the content
Understand a notice, invoice or contract from Turkey first through a certified translation; if a notary is needed, you can switch to sworn translation later. This lets you assess the importance and urgency of the matter first. If legal consequences are involved, we recommend consulting a licensed lawyer in Turkey.
What a stamped translation file contains
Stamp and translator's declaration
Every translation carries the agency stamp, the translator's signature and a "true to the original" declaration. The declaration is written in Turkish in the locally common form. Digital and printed copies are available.
Commercial and qualification documents
Qualification and test certificates, product catalogs, company profiles and quotations. Technical terms and model numbers are checked for consistency. Suitable for Turkish buyers' supplier evaluations.
Personal supporting documents
Unofficial documents such as CVs, employment and income certificates and reference letters. Job titles and institution names are translated according to Turkish usage. Names are kept identical to the spelling in the passport.
Two-way translation
From Chinese into Turkish, and also Turkish documents into Chinese for presentation to your head office in China. Turkish contracts, notices and invoices can be translated. Chinese-English and Turkish-English are also possible.
Easy upgrade to sworn translation
If the institution later requires a notary, the same translation can be converted into a sworn translation and taken to a notary. No retranslation is needed, saving time. Notarization usually requires the original document or a certified copy.
Service summary and requirements
| Use | Institutions and companies with no notary requirement |
|---|---|
| Delivery time | Usually from 1 business day |
| Pricing | Per page or per word |
| Service languages | Chinese · Turkish · English |
| Cities served | Mainly Istanbul; also Ankara, Izmir and other cities |
The final price and timeline depend on your documents and scope; we send a clear quote within 2 hours.
What you need to provide
- A scan, photo or editable file of the document
- The receiving institution and its translation requirement (a written statement is even better)
- The romanized spellings used for personal and company names
- Requested delivery date
The process from purpose of use to stamped delivery
- 1
Tell us the purpose
Send the document and tell us who it will be submitted to; we assess whether a certified translation is enough. If the institution has a written requirement, send that too. When it is uncertain, we recommend the safer route.
- 2
Quote approval
A quote and timeline based on page or word count are provided, and we start upon your approval. The quote states whether shipping of a printed copy is included. Mention urgent requests at the start.
- 3
Translation and editing
A specialist translator translates, and a second translator checks numbers, names and terminology. The positions of seals, signatures and handwritten parts in the original are indicated. Unclear points are checked with you first.
- 4
Stamped delivery
The stamped translation is sent as a PDF; a printed copy is couriered if needed. The PDF can be used directly in electronic applications. The printed copy can also be collected from the office.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a certified translation and a sworn translation + notarization?
In a certified translation, the translation agency confirms accuracy with its stamp; in a sworn translation, a translator who has taken an oath before a notary signs it and the notary certifies it. Göç İdaresi, the land registry and courts usually require the latter; companies and some institutions mostly accept the former. The receiving institution sets the exact requirement.
How do I know whether the other party accepts a certified translation?
The most reliable way is to ask the institution directly and, if possible, get a written statement. If you send us the institution's letter, we help you interpret it and, if needed, ask in Turkish on your behalf. If you are not sure, sworn translation is recommended.
Can I take a certified translation to a notary later?
It cannot be notarized directly; however, the same translation can be signed by a sworn translator and taken to a notary, with no need to translate it again. The notary usually requires the original document or a certified copy; fees and timing are quoted separately.
Do Turkish banks accept certified translations?
Requirements can vary between banks, and even between branches of the same bank. A certified translation may be accepted for some supporting documents, but for procedures such as opening an account or a loan, the bank may require a notarized translation. We recommend confirming with the bank in advance; we can accompany you or help with communication.
Can a certified translation be used for a residence application at Göç İdaresi?
It is generally not recommended. For residence applications at Göç İdaresi, foreign official documents usually require sworn translation and notarization, and some documents require an apostille beforehand. Follow Göç İdaresi for current requirements; in this case, choose the sworn translation service.
How long does a certified translation take?
Standard documents of a few pages, such as certificates and CVs, are usually completed from 1 business day. For long content such as product catalogs and technical documents, the timeline depends on the page count. Since no notary visit is needed, it is usually faster than sworn translation and notarization.
Is a PDF copy valid, or is a printed copy required?
Many companies and fair organizers accept a stamped PDF, which can be sent by email or through an online system. Some institutions, however, require a printed copy with a wet signature. Confirm in advance which one the other party wants; we can provide both.
Tell us what you need in Türkiye
Our Chinese-speaking consultant reviews it for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
