Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
Foreigners residing in Turkey, holding a work permit, or who have lived in Turkey for a certain period in the past can obtain their criminal records (commonly referred to as criminal records) for the period they have been in Turkey both through digital channels and physical applications. This document officially shows whether the person has been involved in any crime within the borders of the Republic of Turkey and whether there is a final criminal conviction against them.
Criminal Record; it is of critical importance for work permit applications, family residence permit, residence permit extensions, the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship, marriage procedures, company establishment, or files to be submitted to official authorities abroad.
Yes. Foreign nationals who have previously resided or who are currently residing in Turkey may obtain a criminal record certificate regarding their records in Turkey. This certificate will indicate whether the individual has committed any crimes in Turkey. However, it is not possible to see from this document whether foreign nationals have committed any crimes in their own countries.
For example, a crime committed by a German citizen in their home country would not appear on a criminal record certificate obtained from Turkey. Foreign nationals may request their criminal records from the judicial authorities of their own country or from the relevant consulates of their country in Turkey (if the consulate provides such a service). They may obtain their national criminal record either from the competent authorities in their home country or through their consulates in Turkey.
Individuals with a valid Turkish ID number or Foreign ID Number (starting with 99) in Turkey can obtain their criminal record online if they have access to the e-government system. (e-Devlet) This is the fastest method. You can apply to PTT to obtain an e-government password. After logging into the e-government system, if you select the “Foreign Country / Apostille” option when obtaining your criminal record certificate, your document will also be internationally valid.
Application platform: e-Devlet
Important Details in the Process:
Foreigners who encounter errors in the digital system or experience discrepancies in their biometric data may apply in person to the Criminal Records Directorates affiliated with the Offices of the Chief Public Prosecutor and obtain their criminal record certificate.
When going to the courthouse to obtain the document, you must bring a notarized Turkish translation of your passport, your residence permit card, and your current address declaration (registered in the UETS or e-Government system).
People who have overstayed their legal period of stay in Turkey or who are in an illegal status cannot obtain a criminal record certificate in person. Due to security protocols, identity checks conducted during personal applications at courthouses are instantly reported to law enforcement authorities. If an irregular foreigners applies in person, this may result in the immediate enforcement of a Deportation (Removal) and Administrative Detention decision.
Individuals who are in an irregular status should not handle the process personally. Instead, they should proceed through a lawyer by granting a Power of Attorney. Your lawyer may obtain the criminal record certificate on your behalf.
Foreigners cannot obtain their home country criminal record certificate directly through Turkish judicial authorities. Courthouses and the Ministry of Justice in Turkey issue criminal record certificates only for records maintained within Turkey.
However, foreigners may request their home country criminal record certificate through the relevant embassy or consulate of their country located in Turkey. Additionally, some countries also issue criminal record certificates through online application systems.
Therefore, it is important for foreigners to correctly identify which country’s criminal record certificate they are requesting.
