Do I need to be physically present in Turkey for court hearings?

No. In most civil and commercial lawsuits, you do not need to attend hearings personally. By granting our firm a Power of Attorney (Vekaletname) through a Turkish Consulate or a Notary in your country, we can represent you in all court sessions, mediation meetings, and bureaucratic procedures without you ever stepping foot in Turkey.

How long does a commercial lawsuit take in Turkey?

The duration varies depending on the court's workload and the complexity of the evidence. On average, a commercial lawsuit in the First Instance Court takes between 12 to 18 months. However, if the decision is appealed, the process may extend further. To mitigate this delay, we often apply for Preliminary Injunctions (İhtiyati Tedbir) to protect your rights and assets while the case is ongoing.

Can I enforce a court decision from my country in Turkey?

Yes. However, foreign court judgments are not automatically effective in Turkey. To execute them, we must file a 'Recognition and Enforcement Lawsuit' (Tanıma ve Tenfiz). If there is a reciprocity agreement (de jure or de facto) between Turkey and your country, the Turkish court will validate your foreign judgment, allowing us to seize assets just like a local verdict.

What are the costs involved in filing a lawsuit in Turkey?

Litigation costs in Turkey primarily consist of the 'Court Filing Fee' (Harç), which is generally calculated as a percentage of the total dispute amount, and expert witness fees. Important Note: Under Turkish law, if you win the case, the court usually orders the losing party to reimburse your official court costs and a portion of the statutory attorney fees.

Can I claim my debt in foreign currency (USD/EUR) to avoid exchange rate losses?

Yes. If your contract or invoice was issued in a foreign currency (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP), Turkish law generally allows you to file the lawsuit in that currency. This is a crucial protection against currency fluctuation and inflation. Additionally, we claim the highest possible interest rates applicable to foreign currency deposits to maximize your recovery value.

Are Turkish courts biased against foreign investors?

No. Turkish Commercial Courts are professional and bound by the 'Equal Treatment Principle' under the Foreign Direct Investment Law and the Constitution. Foreign entities have the same legal standing and rights as domestic companies. Our firm ensures that your case is presented strictly on legal merits, neutralizing any potential prejudice.

My contracts and evidence are in English. Is this a problem?

The official language of Turkish courts is Turkish. Therefore, all foreign documents (contracts, emails, invoices) must be translated by a Sworn Translator (Yeminli Tercüman) and often notarized before submission. We manage this entire translation and legalization process for you, ensuring that the court fully understands the nuances of your evidence.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution in Turkey | Commercial & Civil Lawsuits

Assertive, strategic, and results-oriented legal representation for international clients in Turkish courts.

Navigating the complex Turkish judicial system requires more than just legal knowledge; it demands local strategic expertise. As Istanbul Attorneys, we specialize in representing foreign businesses and investors in high-stakes commercial litigation, debt recovery, and dispute resolution. Whether you are facing a breach of contract, a shareholder conflict, or need to enforce a foreign court judgment, our English-speaking litigation team eliminates the language barrier and builds a robust case to secure your rights and assets.

Case Evaluation

Exterior of the Palace of Justice in Istanbul, representing the Turkish judicial system an

Strategic legal move symbolized by a chess piece being played in a law library, indicating

Wooden judge's gavel resting on an old law book, symbolizing court verdicts and justice in

Digital asset tracing network and global connectivity for enforcement of foreign judgments

Litigation lawyer meticulously reviewing legal documents and evidence for a commercial law

Litigation Services: Protecting Your Commercial Interests

When commercial negotiations fail, litigation becomes necessary. We represent foreign investors and businesses in Turkish Commercial Courts with an aggressive and results-oriented strategy. We do not just "manage" disputes; we fight to win them.

Commercial Contract Lawsuits (B2B)

Breach of Contract Litigation: Filing lawsuits against local partners or suppliers who fail to deliver goods, perform services, or honor payment obligations.
Compensation & Penalty Claims: Litigating to enforce "penal clauses" (Cezai Şart) and claiming compensation for financial losses caused by the breach.
Unfair Competition Cases: Legal action against competitors engaging in misleading advertising, poaching clients, or misappropriating your trade secrets.
Distribution & Agency Disputes: Representing foreign brands in termination lawsuits against local distributors, focusing on goodwill compensation (Portföy Tazminatı) claims.

Shareholder & Corporate Litigation

Minority Shareholder Protection: Filing lawsuits to protect the rights of foreign minority shareholders against oppression or unfair practices by the local majority.
Director Liability Lawsuits: Suing board members or managers for mismanagement, fraud, or breach of fiduciary duty to recover company losses.
General Assembly Cancellation: Litigation to annul unlawful decisions taken at General Assembly meetings that harm your interests.
Company Dissolution Lawsuits: Filing for the "Just Cause" (Haklı Neden) dissolution of the company or demanding a share buyout when the partnership is no longer viable.

Debt Recovery & Execution Proceedings

Execution Proceedings (İcra Takibi): Initiating immediate enforcement procedures to freeze and seize the debtor’s assets (bank accounts, real estate, vehicles).
Objection to Debt Lawsuits (İtirazın İptali): If a debtor wrongly objects to your payment order, we file lawsuits to lift the objection and force payment with 20% penalty interest.
Provisional Attachment (İhtiyati Haciz): Obtaining emergency court orders to freeze assets before the lawsuit concludes, preventing the debtor from hiding property.
Bankruptcy & Insolvency Litigation: Representing creditors in bankruptcy court to register claims and maximize recovery from insolvent debtors.

Real Estate & Construction Litigation

Title Deed Cancellation & Registration: Litigation to legally transfer the property title (Tapu) to your name if the developer refuses to do so despite the contract.
Construction Delays & Compensation: Filing claims against developers for late delivery of projects, seeking compensation for lost rental income and delay penalties.
Rental Law & Eviction Lawsuits: Representing landlords in Eviction Lawsuits to remove non-paying tenants and recover unpaid rent.
Pre-Sale Contract Disputes: Litigation regarding the termination of "Promise to Sell" agreements and recovering down payments from construction companies.

Recognition & Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Enforcement Lawsuits (Tanıma ve Tenfiz): If you have won a court case abroad, it is not automatically valid here. We file lawsuits to make that foreign judgment enforceable in Turkish courts.
Arbitration Awards: Enforcing international arbitration awards (ICC, LCIA, etc.) under the New York Convention.
Divorce Decree Recognition: Legal procedures to have foreign divorce decrees recognized by Turkish authorities for asset division or inheritance purposes.

Employment Litigation (Employer Defense)

Re-employment Lawsuits: Defending the employer against "İşe İade" (Re-instatement) claims, proving that the termination was legally justified (Just Cause).
Severance & Overtime Claims: Litigating to refute or minimize claims for severance pay (Kıdem Tazminatı) and unpaid overtime.
Mobbing & Discrimination Defense: Protecting the corporate reputation against allegations of workplace harassment or discrimination.
Workplace Accident Liability: Representing the employer in compensation lawsuits arising from workplace accidents.

Administrative & Tax Litigation

Tax Penalty Cancellation: Filing lawsuits to cancel unlawful tax assessments or excessive fines imposed by the Turkish Revenue Administration.
Administrative Actions: Challenging arbitrary decisions by municipalities or ministries (e.g., license revocations, zoning plan changes) that negatively impact your business.
Customs Disputes: Litigation regarding penalties, confiscations, or classification disputes at Turkish customs.

Building a Best Strategy: How We Manage Your Case

Forensic evidence gathering and reviewing bank records for commercial debt recovery cases.

1. Preliminary Risk & Feasibility Analysis

Before filing a lawsuit, we conduct a thorough Cost-Benefit Analysis. We investigate the debtor’s financial status and the strength of your evidence. If a case is legally weak or financially unviable, we advise you honestly to avoid unnecessary legal fees.

2. Mediation & Amicable Settlement

Litigation takes time. Whenever possible, we prioritize Mediation and aggressive negotiation to settle disputes faster and cheaper. Our goal is to secure your money without stepping into a courtroom, saving you years of procedural delays.

Litigation lawyer conducting detailed evidence review and case analysis for commercial dis

3. Aggressive Evidence Gathering

The Turkish legal system relies heavily on written evidence. We meticulously gather contracts, bank records, commercial books, and correspondence to build an airtight case file that meets the strict burden of proof requirements in Turkish courts.

4. Asset Tracing & Execution

Winning a court verdict is just the first step; collecting the money is the real victory. Our execution team uses advanced legal tools to trace and freeze assets (real estate, bank accounts, vehicles) to ensure that your judgment turns into actual payment.

The Legal Framework: Litigation in Turkey

A Civil Law Jurisdiction Unlike Common Law systems (such as the UK or US), Turkey follows a Civil Law tradition based on Continental European models (Swiss and German codes). There is no jury system, and the judge plays an active role in the proceedings. Cases are primarily decided based on written evidence rather than oral arguments or cross-examinations. Therefore, proper documentation is the single most critical factor for success.

Code of Civil Procedure (HMK No. 6100) Civil litigation is strictly governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (HMK). This law establishes rigid procedural deadlines for submitting petitions and evidence. Missing a deadline by even one day can result in the loss of rights. We ensure full compliance with these procedural rules to prevent any technical dismissal of your case.

Foreigner Rights & Security for Costs (Teminat) Under the International Private Law (MÖHUK), foreign entities have the right to file lawsuits in Turkey. However, foreign plaintiffs may be required to deposit a "Security for Costs" (Teminat) with the court to cover potential damages and court fees. Exemptions may apply based on reciprocity agreements between Turkey and your home country.

Legal Costs & Attorney Fees In the Turkish system, the losing party generally bears the official court fees and a statutory attorney fee determined by the Bar Association tariff. However, this statutory fee is separate from the professional legal fee agreed upon with your lawyer.

Why Choose Istanbul Attorneys for Litigation?

We bridge the gap between complex Turkish legal procedures and international business standards.

English-Speaking Advocacy

Litigation requires precise communication. We explain every stage of the Turkish court process in fluent English, ensuring you are never lost in translation. You will always know the status of your case and the strategy we are pursuing.

Result-Oriented Approach

We are not just procedural lawyers; we are strategists. Our primary goal is not just to file a lawsuit, but to achieve a tangible financial result—whether through a court verdict, settlement negotiation, or asset execution.

Transparent Fee Structure

Litigation costs in a foreign country can be unpredictable. We provide a transparent breakdown of attorney fees and estimated court expenses (Harç) upfront, allowing you to manage your budget without hidden surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trusted by Global Clients in Complex Disputes

Director, Manufacturing Company (Germany) 🇩🇪

We faced a serious breach of contract claim from a local distributor. Istanbul Attorneys built a solid defense strategy based on the Turkish Code of Obligations, and the case was dismissed in our favor. Truly strategic representation

Business Owner (UAE) 🇦🇪

I had given up on collecting a large debt from a Turkish supplier. Their execution team managed to locate and freeze the debtor's assets within weeks. Highly effective and aggressive legal action.

Individual Investor (United States) 🇺🇸

My construction project was delayed for years, and the developer refused to refund my money. They filed a compensation lawsuit and negotiated a settlement that saved my investment.