🧾 Czechia Erasmus Visa. Guide to Criminal Record, Apostille and Translation Procedures

Çekya Erasmus Vizesi

For long-term Erasmus visa applications for Czechia, one of the most common areas where students make mistakes is the criminal record document, apostille, and translation procedures.Students repeatedly ask the same questions.“Should the criminal record be obtained in Czech, is translation required, what happens if the apostille staple comes off, is a notary necessary, which format is accepted?”

This guide was prepared to eliminate all confusion and provide a clear and straightforward explanation.

1️⃣ The Criminal Record Document Can Be Obtained in Czech. No Translation Required

The Czech Consulate accepts the criminal record certificate directly in Czech.In this case, no translation is required.

✔ The most accurate method.

• e-Devlet → Adli Sicil• Download PDF• Print the document

It is fast, free, and requires no translation cost.

2️⃣ If You Obtain the Document in Turkish. Translation Becomes Mandatory. Sworn Translation Required

If the criminal record document is obtained in Turkish, the following may be required.

• Sworn translation• Notary approval• Apostille

For this reason, obtaining it in Czech is the most practical and fastest option.

3️⃣ Apostille Procedure – The Most Critical Rule. NEVER Remove the Staple

The apostille ensures the international validity of your document.The biggest mistake students make is removing the staple when photocopying the document.

✔ If the staple is removed.

• The document becomes invalid• The consulate may reject the visa if they notice it• You must obtain the document again

✔ Correct procedure.

“NEVER remove the staple. You may photocopy the document while folded, this is not an issue.”This information has been confirmed many times.

4️⃣ Translation of the Apostille Is No Longer Required

This has confused students for years.Previously, the apostille itself also needed translation, but this requirement has now been removed.

✔ New rule.

• Document in Czech → No translation• Document in English → No translation• Document in Turkish → Only the document itself is translated, not the apostille

This saves both time and cost.

5️⃣ How Recent Must the Criminal Record Document Be?

General rule of the Czech Consulate.

📌 Validity period. 90 days(The document must not be older than 3 months.)

6️⃣ Accepted Criminal Record Formats

✔ Accepted.

• e-Devlet PDF printout• Court document with wet signature and stamp• Czech, English, or Turkish (if translated)

❌ Not accepted.

• Phone screenshots• Document with no name• Document with the apostille staple removed• Translation without notary approval (if the document is in Turkish)

7️⃣ Estimated Notary and Translation Fees for 2025

(average prices in Türkiye)

• Sworn translation. 300–500 TL per page• Notary approval. 200–500 TL per page• Apostille. Free

If you obtain the document in Czech, all these costs become zero.

8️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions

✔ “Do I need to take the documents in a cardboard folder?”No. A small paperclip is enough.

✔ “Does it need to be printed in color?”No. Black-and-white is accepted.

✔ “Can I email the PDF?”No. A physical printout is mandatory.

✔ “Where do I get the apostille?”At the governorship, district governor’s office, or courthouse.

🎯 In Short

Criminal record and apostille procedures can be completed in 10 minutes when done correctly.The three essential points are.

• Obtain the document in Czech whenever possible• NEVER remove the apostille staple• Bring the document as a printed PDF

If you follow these three rules, the most commonly problematic part of the Czechia long-term Erasmus visa process becomes fully resolved.