Turkey attracts foreign buyers, investors and residents, especially in Istanbul, Antalya and the coast. If you need legal help there, a few local rules make a big difference. This guide covers the essentials.
Who can act as your lawyer
In Turkey, only lawyers registered with a Turkish bar association, a baro such as the Istanbul Bar, can represent you in court. Foreign lawyers can advise on their own law but cannot appear before Turkish courts. Ask any lawyer for their bar registration number.
Many firms in Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya work in English, Russian, Arabic or German. Confirm the language of communication before you sign anything.
Fees and the minimum tariff
The Union of Turkish Bar Associations publishes a minimum fee tariff every year. Lawyers may not charge less than the tariff for the work it covers, but they can agree higher fees. Fees are usually agreed in a written contract as a fixed fee per matter or stage, sometimes with a success fee. Ask whether VAT and court costs are included.
Power of attorney: you do not need to travel
To let a lawyer act for you, you sign a power of attorney (vekaletname) before a Turkish notary. You will need your passport and, for many transactions, a Turkish tax number. If you are abroad, you can usually sign at a Turkish consulate, or before a local notary with an apostille and a sworn translation. A power of attorney can be broad, so read it carefully or ask for one limited to your matter.
Mediation before court
For many disputes, including employment, commercial, consumer and some rental claims, Turkish law requires mandatory mediation (arabuluculuk) before you can go to court. Your lawyer can represent you in mediation, and many cases settle there.
Buying property
Before buying, a lawyer should check the title deed (tapu) at the land registry for mortgages, liens and restrictions, confirm the zoning and building permits, and review the sale contract. Foreign buyers also need a valuation report, and the purchase is completed at the land registry office. Never pay large deposits before these checks.
Residency and citizenship by investment
Many foreigners hold a short-term residence permit based on property ownership or other grounds. Turkey also offers citizenship by investment, for example by buying property above a minimum value and keeping it for at least three years. The thresholds and rules change from time to time, so ask a citizenship by investment lawyer for the current requirements before you commit.
Compare firms
On Lexrova you can browse law firms in Turkey or start with Ankara. For residence and citizenship matters, see immigration lawyers and real estate lawyers.
Questions to ask at the first meeting
- Which bar are you registered with, and will you represent me in court yourself?
- What is the fee, is it above the minimum tariff, and what costs are extra?
- Can I sign the power of attorney from abroad, and can it be limited to my matter?
- For property: what will you check before I pay a deposit?
- Is mediation required in my case, and how long will it take?
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