If you were married in Turkey, you’ve probably been handed the famous “red book” – officially known as the Turkish marriage certificate (Evlenme Cüzdanı). But when it comes to using this document outside Turkey – for visa applications, civil registration, or name changes – you’ll likely need a certified English translation. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to translate your Turkish marriage certificate to English, including how much it costs, how long it takes, and what to watch out for.
Certified Marriage Certificate Translations – Fast, Accurate, Accepted
We are Chartered Linguists with over 25 years of experience translating legal documents, including thousands of Turkish marriage certificates. Our certified translations are accepted by the Home Office, UK courts, and all major institutions. We charge a flat fee of £75 for translating a Turkish marriage certificate to English, with digital and hard copy delivery available within 1–2 business days.
What Is the Turkish Marriage Certificate?
The Turkish marriage certificate (Evlilik Cüzdanı) is an official document issued by the civil registry office (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) following a legally recognised marriage in Türkiye. It serves as proof of a civil marriage, which is the only form of marriage legally valid under Turkish law. This differs from a religious nikah in Turkey, which may be performed for cultural or religious reasons but lacks legal standing unless accompanied by a civil ceremony.
The Turkish marriage certificate contains key details such as the full names of both spouses, the date and place of marriage, official signatures, and registration stamps. If you’re planning to live, work, or apply for visas abroad, you will almost certainly need a certified translation of your Turkish marriage certificate into English or the language of the relevant country.
The certificate also includes designated pages for recording any children born to the couple. The civil authorities make these entries and form part of the official family record, making the document especially important for legal procedures involving children.
Why You Need a Certified Translation
If you plan to use your Turkish marriage certificate outside of Turkey, especially in countries like the UK or the US, you’ll need more than just a word-for-word translation. Most authorities require a certified translation of the marriage certificate, which includes a formal declaration by the translator or translation agency confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.
You’ll typically need to translate your marriage certificate to English for official procedures such as visa and immigration applications, residence permits, passport name changes, and divorce proceedings. In the UK, a certified translation must include the translator’s or company’s name, contact details, a dated certification statement, and a signature. Without proper certification, your translated document may be rejected, causing delays in your application process. That’s why it’s crucial to work with qualified professionals—especially those familiar with both Turkish and UK legal standards—to ensure your marriage certificate translation is accepted without question.
How Much Does It Cost to Translate a Turkish Marriage Certificate?
If you’re wondering how much it costs to translate a marriage certificate, the answer is refreshingly straightforward. At our agency, we charge a flat fee of £75 for marriage cert translation from Turkish to English. This standard rate covers up to the first four pages of the booklet—typically everything up to Field 19, titled “Çeşitli Açıklamalar” (Miscellaneous Notes)—as long as no children are entered in the marriage certificate.
The price includes:
- An electronically signed PDF, accepted by most UK institutions as an official document
- A hard copy with wafer seal, embossed stamp, and wet signature, sent via Royal Mail First Class
The turnaround time for the digital version is just 1–2 business days. If you’re in a rush, we also offer same-day service for an additional fee, which we always quote transparently.
There are no hidden charges—you’ll only pay extra if your certificate includes more pages or handwritten additions that require additional time and care to translate.
Avoid cheap, automated, or uncertified services—these may be rejected outright, delay your application, and undermine the credibility of your entire submission in the eyes of the reviewing authority.
What Should You Check Before Hiring a Translator?
When you need to translate a marriage certificate, it’s crucial to ensure that the translation is legally valid. Start by checking that the translator has experience with legal and civil status documents, such as marriage, birth, or divorce certificates. Ideally, they should be a Chartered Linguist or a member of a recognised professional body, such as the CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) or the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting).
The certified translation of a marriage certificate must include a clear and complete certification statement, along with the translator’s name, signature, date, and contact details. Avoid cheap, automated, or uncertified services—these are not accepted by the Home Office or courts, may cause delays, and can damage the credibility of your application.
FAQs About Turkish Marriage Certificate Translation
Q: Can I use a non-certified translator?
A: No. For legal use in the UK, including visa or residency applications, translations must be certified and signed by a qualified professional. Uncertified translations are not accepted by official bodies.
Q: Can I translate my Turkish marriage certificate myself?
A: Unfortunately, no. Self-translation is not accepted, even if you are fluent in both languages. Authorities require a neutral third-party translator to certify the accuracy of the document.
Q: What if my marriage certificate has handwritten parts?
A: That’s not a problem. We can translate handwritten entries, such as annotations or child information—just make sure your scan is clear and legible.
Q: Do I need to apostille or notarise the Turkish certificate before translation?
A: Not for the translation itself. However, some institutions abroad may ask for an apostille. Always check the specific requirements of the authority requesting the document.
Q: Can you translate other Turkish documents?
A: Absolutely. We regularly translate birth certificates, ID cards, divorce decrees, court documents, and more.
Where to Use Your Translated Turkish Marriage Certificate
Once you have your certified English translation of your Turkish marriage certificate, you can use it for various official purposes in the UK, including visa and immigration applications, name changes, and registering your marriage with UK authorities.
For example, suppose you’re applying for a visa or settlement as a spouse or civil partner. In that case, the UK Home Office requires that any foreign documents, including marriage certificates, be submitted with certified translations. You can find official guidance on document translation requirements on the UK government’s website:
👉 View Home Office requirements for translated documents
Make sure your translation is done by a professional who understands both Turkish civil documents and UK legal standards. Our translations meet all Home Office criteria and are accepted without issue.
