Legal Representation for Foreigners in Turkey | Bakırcı & Keskin

Legal representation is different from general information

A general guide can explain how Turkish law approaches a problem; a legal representative can review the documents, identify the competent authority, advise on the specific facts and perform tasks lawfully entrusted to counsel. Representation is not created merely by sending a message. Scope, conflicts, fees and authority to act must be agreed before the engagement starts.

We support international clients with civil and commercial disputes, Turkish real estate and inheritance issues, family proceedings, debt collection and enforcement, selected immigration and citizenship matters, and employment issues involving Turkish law. The correct legal procedure depends on the underlying facts.

Can a foreign client appoint a lawyer without travelling to Turkey?

Many tasks can begin remotely, but not every legal act may be performed without the client. Where representation by power of attorney is permitted, the document must meet Turkish requirements for the intended act. A document executed abroad may require a Turkish consular procedure or an appropriately notarised and authenticated instrument, plus a sworn Turkish translation. The method depends on where it was issued, the relevant international conventions and the action to be performed.

Some land-registry acts, family procedures, citizenship stages and official applications impose extra formalities or personal-attendance requirements. Do not assume that a general power of attorney covers a special-authority transaction. We review the required authority before the document is signed.

Types of matters we can assess

• Litigation and deadlines: pleadings, evidence, service of process, interim measures, appeals and enforcement procedures under applicable procedural rules.
• Foreign-owned property: title records, contracts, purchase disputes, inheritance-related registrations and land-registry documents.
• Cross-border family and inheritance: Turkish estate administration, foreign civil-status documents and proceedings that involve more than one country.
• Work and residence: permit refusal or cancellation notices, employer changes, immigration status and administrative remedies. Read our work permit overview and residence permit guide.
• Nationality: statutory citizenship routes, identity records, administrative correspondence and review of written decisions. Read the citizenship status guide.
• Companies and contracts: Turkish commercial relationships, authorised company acts, receivables and contractual disputes.

Related English-language legal services

Start with our English-speaking lawyer in Turkey overview if you are choosing an adviser. For nationality or investment-related matters, review Turkish citizenship legal services separately from litigation and attorney representation.

Examples of legal issues for overseas clients

The procedural approach changes with the notification and legal issue. Useful starting points include a Turkish residence refusal served abroad, administrative silence on a residence application, missing documents in a work-permit application, and immigration issues following a property sale. Each has distinct deadlines, evidence and authority requirements.

Case intake: the five points we review first

1. Jurisdiction: which authority or court has competence under Turkish law?
2. Time limits: when was the decision served, and what action is still possible?
3. Evidence: which originals, authenticated records and reliable translations are required?
4. Authority: which tasks can counsel undertake and which require a client appearance?
5. Procedure: what is the realistic first step, and what uncertainty remains?

We recommend starting with the nature of the legal problem and any notification date, rather than sending passports or other personal records through an unprotected public message.

Istanbul and Mersin offices: representing clients in Türkiye and abroad

In-person appointments are available at our offices in Maslak/Sarıyer, Istanbul, and Akdeniz, Mersin. We do not claim a separate Ankara or Izmir branch. Nationwide casework is considered according to the competent court or administration, permissible representation arrangements and any required travel.

For a city-specific overview without misleading local-office claims, see the 81-province legal directory.

Selected official legal references

Foreign-client work can intersect with Law No. 6458, Law No. 6735, and Law No. 5901. The applicable law, court procedure and powers of attorney depend on the actual matter.

Frequently asked questions

Can a lawyer attend a Turkish court case on my behalf?

Often yes, with appropriate authority, but the court may require your personal presence for a particular procedural act. This depends on the case and procedural law.

Will my foreign notary power of attorney be accepted?

Acceptance depends on the instrument’s wording and formalities, any applicable treaty, authentication and translation requirements.

Can I appoint counsel for a property transaction?

Potentially, but land-registry procedures and special-authority requirements must be checked before the document is issued.

Can all documents be sent by WhatsApp?

Use an initial summary only. Arrange a suitable secure document channel for sensitive identity and case records.

Does an enquiry stop a legal time limit?

No. A message does not suspend litigation or administrative filing deadlines.

Talk to the office about your case

Bakırcı & Keskin Hukuk Bürosu · İhsaniye Mahallesi, 4903. Sokak, Profit İş Merkezi No:23, Floor 3, Office 14, 33070 Akdeniz/Mersin, Türkiye.

Call for an appointment · WhatsApp enquiry in English · English homepage

Responsible lawyer: Av. Halil Bakırcı, Mersin Bar Association registration 3472.

Mersin office location:

General information only. No guaranteed outcome, speed or remote eligibility. Representation begins only after an agreed professional engagement.