Frequently Asked Questions – Legal Services in Turkey
As Turkish specialist lawyers, we regularly answer questions from foreign nationals about property purchases, inheritance, divorce, company formation, and Turkish citizenship.
How can I buy a house in Turkey?
Buying a house in Turkey involves signing the official transfer at the Turkish Land Registry (Tapu Office). However, before completing the purchase, it is essential to ensure that the property is free from debts, mortgages, liens, or third-party rights.
A proper legal review should confirm:
The seller’s legal ownership
The absence of financial encumbrances
Zoning compliance
Eligibility for foreign ownership
You can find more detailed guidance in our Conveyancing & Real Estate Law section.
I paid for a property but the seller did not transfer the title deed. What can I do?
Your legal options depend on how the pre-sale agreement was made.
If the preliminary sales contract was executed before a notary, you may apply to court to enforce the transfer of ownership.
If the agreement was informal, you may file a civil claim to recover the funds paid, provided you can prove the payment.
You can read more in our Conveyancing & Real Estate Law section.
I am an heir to property in Turkey. What should I do?
To inherit property in Turkey, you must first obtain a Certificate of Inheritance issued by a Turkish Court or notary. You will then need to complete the required legal procedures and pay applicable inheritance tax.
Foreign heirs often require additional documentation, including legalised and translated documents.
Further information is available in our Inheritance Law section.
Can I make a will in Turkey?
Yes. However, a will must comply with Turkish legal requirements to be valid. There are different types of legally recognised wills in Turkey, and each has formal requirements.
Making a properly structured will can prevent disputes in the future. You can read more in our Inheritance Law section.
Are wills always fully enforceable under Turkish law?
Wills are valid under Turkish law. However, certain heirs are entitled to reserved shares. If a will infringes on those reserved portions, the affected heir may file a legal action to claim their statutory share.
Further details can be found in our article on Inheritance Law in Turkey.
I divorced abroad. Is my divorce valid in Turkey?
A foreign divorce decision must be recognised in Turkey to have legal effect. This can be done through:
Recognition and enforcement proceedings before Turkish Courts, or
Registration through a Turkish Consulate (where applicable)
Our Family Law section explains this process in detail.
How quickly can I divorce in Turkey?
There are two types of divorce proceedings in Turkey:
Uncontested divorce, which may be finalised within weeks if both parties agree
Contested divorce, which may take significantly longer depending on complexity
For more information, please see our Family Law section.
I had a traffic accident in Turkey. Can I claim compensation?
Yes. You may claim compensation for material (financial) and moral damages, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Compensation claims require proper documentation and legal evaluation. Further guidance is available in our Personal Injury Law section.
Can a foreigner form a company in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign nationals can establish a company in Turkey without being physically present. The process involves preparing incorporation documents, registering with the Trade Registry, and fulfilling tax registration requirements.
More details are available in our Commercial Law section.
How can I apply for Turkish citizenship?
There are several pathways to Turkish citizenship:
Investment in real estate meeting the required threshold
Investment through a qualifying bank deposit
Long-term lawful residence in Turkey
Each route has specific legal requirements and holding periods.
What are the criteria for Turkish citizenship by property investment?
To apply for Turkish citizenship through property investment:
The property must meet the minimum legal value requirement
The property must not have been used previously for another citizenship application
The property must be held for the required legal period
Detailed guidance is available in our Turkish Citizenship by Investment section.
What are the criteria for Turkish citizenship by bank deposit?
Applicants must deposit the legally required amount in a Turkish bank and maintain the investment for the required holding period.
Specific documentation and Central Bank procedures apply.
I have lived in Turkey for five years. Can I apply for citizenship?
To apply for citizenship through residence:
You must have legally resided in Turkey for the required uninterrupted period
Absences must not exceed statutory limits
Your residence permits must meet legal eligibility criteria
Each case requires individual review.
As Turkish specialist lawyers, we provide clear and practical guidance across these legal areas.
