Schmidt & Schmidt offers consular legalization of documents from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Northern Cyprus) is a partially recognized state and maintains official diplomatic relations exclusively with Turkey. In addition, Northern Cyprus maintains informal relations with a number of states through a system of representative offices.
Due to its international status, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus does not participate in the Hague Convention of 05.10.1961, which introduced a simplified procedure for the legalization of public documents through apostille.
Therefore, documents from Northern Cyprus for use within the territory of the Republic can hypothetically only be legalized through consular legalization.
Competent legalization authorities in Northern Cyprus
The main difficulties are related to the recognition of documents issued in Northern Cyprus. Nominally, the Ministry of Interior of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus certifies all documents issued within the territory of the Republic for their further consular legalization; however, in practice, certain problems may arise due to the lack of international recognition of Northern Cyprus as a state.
In practice, there is a risk of refusal by official authorities to recognize documents issued in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in other countries and in Turkey. Although in some cases such documents may be recognized, the possibility of their use cannot be predicted with certainty.
Many people who have obtained documents (e.g., marriage certificates) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are forced to carry out further legalization in Turkey and then obtain a new set of documents certified with an apostille.
Obtaining documents from Northern Cyprus
If important documents are lost, damaged, or up-to-date copies are required, reissuance of the documents is necessary. It is not uncommon for people outside Northern Cyprus to encounter difficulties in obtaining new documents while abroad. Our consultants will assist you in remotely obtaining new documents from Northern Cyprus, and we can arrange courier delivery of your documents worldwide.
Certified translation of documents from Northern Cyprus
Copies and extracts of civil status documents can be translated into any language by a sworn translator in Cyprus, or the translation can be carried out in the destination country. We offer certified translations of civil status documents with further certification. The cost of the service is calculated based on the volume of the respective document.
