Legal Procedures During Ramadan Holiday in Turkey (2025 Guide)

The holy month of Ramadan in Turkey culminates with a nationwide public holiday known as "Ramazan Bayramı" or Eid al-Fitr. In 2025, this holiday will bring a multi-day break to public institutions, including courts and notary offices. However, that doesn’t mean the entire legal system comes to a halt. This guide explains how legal services operate during the holiday period and what to do if you need legal assistance while in Turkey.

Are Courts Closed During Ramadan Holiday in Turkey?

Yes, Turkish courthouses are officially closed during the national Eid holiday. However, essential legal processes continue through designated emergency channels:

  • On-duty ("nöbetçi") courts and prosecutors remain available for urgent cases like arrests, child protection, and emergency protection orders.
  • Injunctions and precautionary measures can still be requested in critical cases, with court approval.
  • Police coordination is maintained, and law enforcement can initiate emergency legal actions if required by the public prosecutor.

If you're facing an urgent legal issue during the holiday, contacting a lawyer immediately is the most reliable course of action.

Can You Reach a Lawyer During the Holiday?

While many law firms in Turkey may close their physical offices during Eid, access to legal counsel remains possible:

  • Remote consultations: Many lawyers, especially those who work with foreign clients, continue offering consultations via email or messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
  • Scheduled appointments: If a consultation was pre-arranged, lawyers may continue as planned.
  • Emergency access: Reputable law firms usually have communication protocols for urgent matters.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your lawyer or find a local attorney online. Most firms provide holiday contact options on their websites.

What About Notary Services During the Holiday?

Notaries in Turkey, like other public institutions, are typically closed during Eid. However, you may still have options:

  • Duty notaries: In some major cities, duty notaries are designated to serve during holidays. The Turkish Notaries Union announces this in advance.
  • e-Notary services: Certain transactions (such as online appointments, document queries, or electronic lien checks) may still be available through e-Government systems.
  • Time-sensitive documents: If a legal deadline falls during the holiday, Turkish procedural laws allow the action to be completed on the first business day after the break (according to Civil Procedure Law Article 93).

Foreigners in Turkey: What to Know

Foreign nationals residing or doing business in Turkey may face added complexity during holidays. Key areas of concern include:

  • Residence permit applications: Submission delays due to closure of migration offices.
  • Property transactions: Notary and land registry delays may affect ongoing purchases.
  • Citizenship procedures: Deadlines may shift if scheduled during the holiday.

Planning in advance and maintaining contact with your legal advisor can prevent delays or miscommunications.

Accessing Legal Information and Support During the Holiday

Although courtrooms and public offices may pause operations, access to legal knowledge does not:

  • Use reliable legal websites for information.
  • Utilize e-Government (e-Devlet) for inquiries and document tracking.
  • Stay in touch with a lawyer who can guide you through urgent decisions.

Conclusion: Legal Protection Doesn’t Pause for Holidays

Ramadan Bayram in Turkey marks a time of rest and celebration, but essential legal channels remain accessible. If you find yourself in need of legal advice or emergency assistance, know that help is available through online platforms, duty offices, and responsive legal professionals.

Legal peace of mind should never be on holiday. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us — our communication lines remain open 24/7, even during national holidays.

Planning Ahead for Future Holidays

It is always wise to anticipate how public holidays in Turkey might affect your legal procedures, especially if you are managing time-sensitive transactions or dealing with cross-border matters. Proactive planning, such as finalizing key documentation before the holiday starts or scheduling consultations well in advance, can help avoid unnecessary delays. Consider creating a checklist of critical legal actions and deadlines for the weeks surrounding major holidays, and stay connected with your legal team for timely updates. With the right strategy, even during national breaks, your legal matters can stay on track and under control.