Mandatory QR Codes for Notary Documents and Promissory Notes in Turkey
Turkey Introduces QR Codes for Notarial Documents and Promissory Notes
Turkey is preparing a significant overhaul of its legal documentation system with the finalized 12th Judicial Package from the Ministry of Justice. The reform introduces mandatory QR codes for notarial documents and promissory notes, aiming to modernize transactions and bolster legal security.
QR Codes Become Mandatory for Notarial Documents
Under amendments to the Notary Law, all documents certified by a notary public must now include a QR code. This code will link to a verification system, allowing anyone to confirm the document's authenticity instantly.
Verification can be performed via the official website or mobile application of the Union of Turkish Notaries.
The primary goals are to prevent the forgery of official documents and to simplify the verification process for citizens, businesses, and government institutions.
Promissory Notes Without QR Codes Will Lose Legal Validity
In a major change for commerce, amendments to the Turkish Commercial Code now require all promissory notes (bono) to be issued with a QR code.
Documents issued without a QR code will not be considered valid promissory notes.
This means they:
- Cannot be used as evidence in commercial or legal disputes.
- Will lose all associated legal protections and enforceability.
The authority responsible for generating and managing these QR codes will be designated by the Turkish Ministry of Trade in a forthcoming regulation.
Introduction of the Notary Assistant Role
The judicial package also establishes a new professional position: the notary assistant. This role is designed to support notaries and improve office efficiency.
Eligible candidates include:
- Law school graduates.
- Individuals who hold a formal notary certificate.
Hiring an assistant will be mandatory for first-category notary offices and optional for others.
Courts Will Handle Cases Faster
Amendments to the Civil Procedure Code are targeted at reducing case backlogs and speeding up the judicial process. Key changes include:
- Priority for Retrials: Cases returned by the Supreme Court (Yargıtay) for retrial must be prioritized by lower courts.
- Limiting Formal Objections: First-instance courts will be prohibited from dismissing cases on formal jurisdictional grounds if the matter has already been reviewed and returned by the cassation court.
Impact on Citizens and Businesses
The comprehensive package is expected to create a more transparent and secure legal environment, leading to:
- Less forgery and fraud in critical documents.
- Easier, instant document verification for everyone.
- Higher trust in commercial and real estate transactions.
- Faster notarial and court procedures.
This reform is particularly crucial for the business, investment, and real estate sectors, where the legal clarity and authenticity of documents are paramount for secure transactions.
Source: This material is based on information from the Turkish Ministry of Justice. Current as of January 2026.
