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Two different sworn translator systems
In Türkiye, a sworn translator is a translator who has taken an oath before a notary. In France, a traducteur assermenté (expert traducteur) has expert status and is registered on a Court of Appeal (Cour d'appel) list. The two systems are not automatically interchangeable.
This difference is the most frequent source of problems in French application files: a translation properly prepared in Türkiye may be refused by some authorities in France because its translator is not on their list.
Which type is valid for each procedure?
- French consular procedures in Türkiye, including visas: translations by sworn translators in Türkiye are usually accepted; if the consulate publishes its own translator list, that list takes precedence
- Préfecture, court, and citizenship (naturalisation) procedures in France: a traducteur assermenté registered in France is usually required
- University applications: requirements vary by institution; many universities accept notarised translations prepared in Türkiye
The rule is simple: ask the authority receiving the document about its translation requirements. If it specifies "Traduction par un traducteur assermenté près une Cour d'appel", a translator on a French list is required.
Steps to be completed in Türkiye
France is party to the Hague Convention; apostilles are standard for Turkish documents. An apostille on the original is obtained from a governor's office or district governor's office.
We prepare notarised French translations for consular procedures and applications made from Türkiye; names are matched to the passport.
When a translator on a French list is required
If the authority in France requires a translator on a Cour d'appel list, the translation must be prepared in France; agencies operating in Türkiye cannot register on this list. In that case, our honest answer is that we cannot provide this translation.
Confirm the current document copy and apostille requirements with the relevant authority. You must apply for the apostille to the competent authority. We can provide information about preparing the translation file to be sent to the translator in France; we do not provide apostille application or procedure follow-up services.
Frequently asked questions
Will the French consulate accept your translation for my visa file?
Translations by sworn translators in Türkiye are usually accepted for consular procedures. If your checklist specifies a translator list or another condition, we can assess it together.
Where can I find the translator list in France?
Each Court of Appeal (Cour d'appel) has an expert list, published through the French justice system. The authority receiving your application will also usually provide a link to the list.
This content is for information purposes. The documents and procedures required by institutions may change; we recommend confirming the requirements with the relevant institution before applying.
