Why Hiring the Right Type of Lawyer in Türkiye Matters – Especially for Foreigners
Published by Bayraktar Attorneys | Istanbul, Türkiye
Finding the right lawyer is never easy—especially when you are a foreigner in a country with a different legal system, language, and culture. In Türkiye, this challenge is even more critical. Many legal professionals are locally focused, lack English fluency, and are unfamiliar with the specific laws and procedures that apply to foreign nationals.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we are a law firm based in Istanbul, dedicated exclusively to serving foreigners in Türkiye. Our practice is built on a clear understanding of the unique legal needs and rights of expats, investors, dual citizens, and international businesspeople. In this article, we explain why choosing the correct type of lawyer in Türkiye can make the difference between a smooth, successful legal process—and a frustrating, expensive failure.
The Reality: Not Every Lawyer in Türkiye Is Right for You
While Türkiye has thousands of licensed attorneys, the majority of them focus on local clientele and domestic legal matters. Many:
- Do not speak English (or speak it only at a basic level)
- Lack knowledge of international law or foreign client needs
- Are unfamiliar with residency, investment, citizenship, or immigration law
- Do not stay updated on the rapidly changing regulations affecting foreigners
This creates a serious problem for foreign clients who expect clear communication, cultural understanding, and accurate legal representation tailored to international situations.
Why Foreigners Need Specialized Legal Representation
Foreign nationals face legal circumstances that are very different from Turkish citizens. These include:
- Immigration procedures (residence permits, work permits, visa overstays)
- Real estate acquisition laws for foreigners
- Investment-based Turkish citizenship
- Cross-border inheritance, divorce, or property disputes
- Company formation and banking regulations for non-residents
- International money transfers and compliance scrutiny
A lawyer who serves local clients is typically unfamiliar with these complexities—and worse, may unintentionally misguide the foreign client based on incorrect assumptions or incomplete information.
What Makes a Good Foreign-Focused Lawyer in Türkiye?
When selecting a lawyer as a foreigner in Türkiye, the following qualities are essential:
- Fluent English and Clear Communication
- Your lawyer should fully understand your needs, context, and concerns—without language barriers.
- Proven Experience With Foreign Clients
- A foreign-focused lawyer understands how your nationality, visa status, and international assets may affect your legal situation.
- Knowledge of Foreigners’ Rights Under Turkish Law
- Türkiye has specific laws that apply only to foreigners (e.g., in immigration, real estate, and citizenship). Your lawyer must be well-versed in these.
- Up-to-Date with Legal Reforms
- Turkish regulations—especially in immigration and investment—change frequently. A quality law firm stays current and adapts immediately.
- Efficiency and Clarity
- A professional lawyer provides a clear strategy, accurate timelines, and honest guidance—rather than vague or generalized advice.
Why Clients Choose Bayraktar Attorneys
Bayraktar Attorneys is not a general-purpose law firm. We are uniquely structured to serve only foreign nationals in Türkiye. Here’s what sets us apart:
- All client communication is in fluent English
- We represent clients from over 40 countries
- Our team monitors all legal updates affecting foreigners on a weekly basis
- We deliver legal strategies that are fast, realistic, and result-oriented
- We provide court representation, contract drafting, property transfers, citizenship applications, and residency processes tailored to foreign clients
Real Case Example
One of our clients, a U.S. citizen married to a Turkish national, initially hired a local Turkish attorney to draft a postnuptial agreement. The lawyer used a generic Turkish contract that was invalid for her situation and failed to account for international marital property rules. When the client came to us, we corrected the entire process, drafted a bilingual, legally compliant agreement, and registered it properly—avoiding what could have been a costly legal mistake.
Conclusion: Don’t Take Risks With the Wrong Legal Advisor
Hiring the wrong type of lawyer in Türkiye can result in:
- Delays in legal procedures
- Financial losses
- Missed opportunities for residence or citizenship
- Legal actions that are invalid or unenforceable
As a foreigner, you need a lawyer who understands your background, speaks your language, and practices law with your unique needs in mind.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we don’t just know Turkish law—we specialize in the parts of Turkish law that matter to you.
Contact Us
If you are a foreign national living in or doing business in Türkiye and need legal assistance, contact Bayraktar Attorneys for a personalized consultation.
We speak your language. We understand your concerns. And we get results.
