Foreign nationals often have legal questions when navigating life, business, or investment opportunities in Turkey. This FAQ page provides clear and practical answers across five key legal areas. Whether you’re buying property, forming a company, or handling family matters, our legal team is here to support you with precision and experience.

⚖️ Real Estate Law

Real estate transactions in Turkey involve legal complexities, especially for foreign buyers. Our lawyers ensure that each step—from property search to title deed registration—is compliant with Turkish laws and safe for international investors.

✅ Can foreigners buy property in Turkey?

Yes. Foreigners from many countries can legally purchase real estate in Turkey, except in certain restricted zones (e.g. military areas). Legal representation helps ensure that the title deed is clean and the process is completed without risk.

✅ Is it safe to buy real estate in Turkey?

Buying real estate is safe as long as you conduct proper due diligence. This includes checking the title deed, confirming zoning compliance, and ensuring the seller has no outstanding debts on the property.

✅ Do I need to be in Turkey to buy a property?

No. You can purchase real estate in Turkey through a Power of Attorney. Many foreigners complete the transaction remotely with the help of a trusted Turkish lawyer and notary coordination.

✅ Can I rent out the property I buy in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign buyers can rent out residential or commercial properties without restrictions. Rental income may be subject to taxation, so it’s advised to consult both legal and financial professionals.

⚖️ Family Law

Family law issues involving international clients in Turkey often require careful handling, especially when it comes to custody, marriage agreements, or divorce. Our legal team assists foreign nationals in navigating the Turkish family court system with clarity, discretion, and precision.

✅ Can a foreigner file for divorce in Turkey?

Yes. A foreign national can file for divorce in Turkey as long as one of the spouses resides in Turkey or if the marriage was registered in Turkey. Turkish courts have jurisdiction under such conditions.

✅ Are foreign prenuptial agreements valid in Turkey?

Yes, foreign prenuptial agreements can be recognized by Turkish courts—but only if they align with Turkish legal standards. Turkish law requires that such agreements respect public order, individual rights, and formal requirements outlined in the Civil Code. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to have the agreement reviewed, translated, and legally adapted by a qualified Turkish family lawyer. This ensures both enforceability and legal clarity in cross-border situations.

✅ How is child custody decided in international divorce cases?

Turkish family courts consider the best interest of the child as the primary factor. In cross-border cases, factors such as the child’s residence, parental involvement, and international treaties (like The Hague Convention) may influence the outcome.

✅ Can I get a custody order from Turkey enforced abroad?

It depends on the country. Many countries recognize Turkish custody decisions if there’s a bilateral agreement or if both countries are signatories to international treaties. A local lawyer in the enforcement country should be consulted alongside your Turkish lawyer.

⚖️ Foreign Investment and Citizenship Law

Turkey offers a range of investment opportunities to foreign nationals, including the ability to gain Turkish citizenship. However, the process requires legal structuring to avoid delays or rejections. Our lawyers provide end-to-end legal guidance tailored to international investors.

✅ Can I obtain Turkish citizenship by buying real estate?

Yes. If you purchase real estate in Turkey worth at least $400,000 and commit to holding it for three years, you may apply for Turkish citizenship through the investment program. Legal support is essential to ensure the property’s compliance with citizenship regulations.

✅ Do I need a Turkish bank account to invest in Turkey?

In most investment types—especially for real estate and capital contributions—a Turkish bank account is required. The account helps document the financial transactions and currency conversion required by law.

✅ Is legal due diligence necessary before investing?

Absolutely. Legal due diligence is critical to verify property ownership, check for debts or encumbrances, and ensure that the investment qualifies for citizenship or residency programs. Skipping this step can result in serious legal and financial risks.

✅ Can my family also get citizenship if I invest?

Yes. Spouses and children under 18 are eligible for Turkish citizenship when included in the main applicant’s file. Each family member must meet biometric and background check requirements during the process.

⚖️ Corporate Law

Turkey’s growing economy offers a dynamic environment for international companies. Whether establishing a local subsidiary or restructuring an existing entity, our corporate law team ensures that all legal requirements are properly handled and compliant with Turkish regulations.

✅ Can a foreigner set up a company in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign nationals can fully own and operate companies in Turkey. The most common forms are Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) and Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.). Legal setup includes articles of association, tax registration, and trade registry procedures.

✅ What are the required documents to establish a company?

Founders need to provide notarized passports, articles of association, address declarations, and tax identification numbers. A Turkish lawyer can assist in preparing these documents and streamlining the process.

✅ Is there a minimum capital requirement?

Yes. For a Limited Liability Company, the minimum capital is 10,000 TRY. However, some sectors or business types may require higher initial capital depending on licensing needs or operational scale.

✅ Do I need a Turkish partner or director?

No. Foreigners can be sole shareholders and directors of Turkish companies. However, having a local representative may be beneficial for communication and practical matters, especially during the setup phase.

⚖️ Commercial Law

Commercial law in Turkey governs all business transactions, contracts, and trade practices. For foreign investors and companies, understanding Turkish commercial regulations is essential to avoid disputes and ensure enforceable agreements.

✅ What makes a commercial contract legally binding in Turkey?

A commercial contract must clearly outline the mutual obligations of both parties, be signed with free will, and not violate any Turkish laws or public order. While written contracts are preferred, certain contracts (like real estate sales) must be notarized or registered.

✅ Can I sue a Turkish company for breach of contract?

Yes. If a Turkish company violates contractual terms, you can initiate legal action in Turkish commercial courts. Depending on the contract, alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration may also be applicable.

✅ Are foreign judgments enforceable in Turkey?

Foreign court decisions can be recognized and enforced in Turkey through an exequatur process, provided that there’s reciprocity between the countries and no public policy violation. The procedure is handled by Turkish civil courts.

✅ How can I protect my business in Turkey legally?

Protecting your business involves drafting strong contracts, registering trademarks, performing due diligence before partnerships, and having legal counsel for ongoing compliance. Preventive legal measures are far more effective than reactive litigation.