Frequently asked questions

For most matters, no. We receive the authority we need through a power of attorney you sign at the Turkish consulate in the country where you live. In the rare cases where you must appear in person, such as for identity verification, we tell you in the first conversation.

Turkish, German, English and French. If your documents are in a foreign language, we have them translated by a sworn translator.

Every case has one person responsible for it. At every important step, you get a short update by WhatsApp or email. And you can write to us whenever you like.

AREF is a consulting and case follow-up firm. Matters that require filing a lawsuit or representation in court are handled by our partner lawyers. Following up your case and keeping in touch with you is our job.

According to the scope of the work. After the initial consultation, we send you a written quote. Official costs such as fees, notary and translation are shown separately, with receipts. No work begins without your approval.

It depends on the subject and how busy the authority is. An apostille can be done in a few days, while a recognition case that has to go to court can take months. We include an estimated timeline in your roadmap.

Not directly. The same applies whether it’s a German Erbschein or a certificate of inheritance from any other country: depending on the transaction it will be used for, the document may need an apostille and a sworn translation and then be recognised in Turkey, or a separate certificate of inheritance (veraset ilamı) may need to be obtained here. We look at your case and decide which route is faster.

Through foreign service buy-back (yurt dışı hizmet borçlanması), some or all of those years can be added to your insurance record in Turkey. A buy-back fee has to be paid; we calculate how much it will cost and what you stand to gain, and tell you.

Yes. People who were Turkish citizens by birth and gave up their citizenship with official permission keep many rights, such as owning property and inheriting, with the Mavi Kart (Blue Card). It’s important that your records are up to date.

Your divorce decree needs to be recognised in Turkey and entered in the civil registry. Depending on the type of decree, this is done either through an administrative procedure or by court decision. We look at your decree and tell you which applies to you.