English-Speaking Lawyer in Turkey

In most cases, no. Once you have granted a power of attorney, your lawyer can file lawsuits, attend hearings, carry out title deed transactions and follow enforcement proceedings on your behalf. Your personal attendance is required only in certain situations – for example, when the court decides to hear you in person, or in some family law hearings – and we will tell you in advance if that applies to your file.

The simplest route is to visit the nearest Turkish consulate, which can issue the power of attorney directly in Turkish. Alternatively, you can sign it before a local notary in your country; the document then needs an apostille (or consular legalisation, if your country is not party to the Apostille Convention), followed by a sworn Turkish translation and notarisation in Turkey. We provide the exact text so the scope of the authority matches your case.

Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can bring claims before Turkish courts in the same way as Turkish citizens. One point to be aware of: a foreign claimant may be asked to deposit security for court costs, unless an international convention or reciprocity with their country provides an exemption. We check this at the outset so it does not delay your case.

Documents submitted to Turkish courts or authorities must be in Turkish, so foreign-language documents are filed with a sworn translation – and, where required, an apostille. For your own understanding, we explain Turkish documents to you in English and, when needed, coordinate certified translations of judgments and official papers you have to use in another country.

Yes. A lawyer registered with any Turkish bar association may represent clients before courts and authorities throughout Turkey. We regularly handle files in Antalya, Izmir, Mugla, Bodrum, Ankara and other cities where foreign nationals commonly own property or live.

Fees depend on the nature and complexity of the matter, the work involved and the value in dispute. The Istanbul Bar Association’s annual minimum fee schedule sets the floor. Fees are agreed in a written engagement agreement before any work begins; court costs, translation and notary fees are shown separately so there are no surprises.

Do not ignore it and do not wait. Note the date you received it and send us a clear photo or scan as soon as possible. Many deadlines under Turkish law are counted in days, not months, and missing one can mean losing the right to object or appeal. We will tell you what the document is, what it requires and exactly how long you have.

Every practising lawyer in Turkey must be registered with a local bar association and can be checked on the Union of Turkish Bar Associations’ lawyer search. Be cautious of “consultants” or agents offering legal services without a bar registration. Our partners’ Istanbul Bar registration numbers are listed below.