Immigration LawGuide
What Is Foreigners Law in Turkey? Property, Citizenship and Companies
Attorney Hüseyin Baran DelilAnkara Bar AssociationForeigners law in Turkey covers the legal position in Turkey of persons who are not Turkish citizens and of companies established abroad, including the acquisition of immovable property, the acquisition of citizenship, company formation and the effects in Turkey of decisions given abroad. This guide summarizes the main transactions concerning foreigners by subject group and links to our detailed articles; articles marked "(in Turkish)" are currently available only in Turkish.
Can Foreigners Buy Immovable Property in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign natural persons who are citizens of the countries determined by the President may buy a dwelling, a workplace or land in Turkey, provided that they comply with the statutory restrictions; the basis is Article 35 of the Land Registry Law (Tapu Kanunu). The main limits are 30 hectares per person throughout the country, 10% of the area of private ownership in the district, and military forbidden zones.
- Can Foreigners Buy Property in Turkey? Rules, Limits and Process
- Acquisition of Immovable Property by Foreigners in Turkey: Conditions and Process (in Turkish)
How Is Turkish Citizenship Acquired by Investment?
A foreigner who makes an investment of a certain amount may acquire Turkish citizenship by a Presidential decision under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, without being subject to the general conditions such as five years of residence. In the immovable property route, the threshold is the acquisition of immovable property worth at least USD 400,000; the decision is at the discretion of the administration.
- Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Thresholds, Investment Routes and Application Process
- Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Thresholds, Investment Routes and Application Process (in Turkish)
How Does a Foreign Company Operate in Turkey?
A company whose head office is abroad may open a branch in Turkey, establish a new joint-stock company or limited liability company, or open a liaison office. A joint-stock company or limited liability company established in Turkey acquires legal personality upon registration in the trade registry.
- Opening a Branch in Turkey by a Foreign Company (in Turkish)
- Company Formation in Turkey: Establishment of Companies According to Turkish Law
Is a Divorce Decision Given Abroad Valid in Turkey?
A divorce decision given abroad does not produce effects in Turkey automatically; for it to be recorded in the population register, an administrative registration application may be made to a foreign representative office or to the provincial population and citizenship directorate, or an action for recognition may be filed before the Family Court. A recognition or enforcement decision is required for the provisions on custody, maintenance, compensation and matrimonial property.
Is There a Separate Title of Foreigners Law Lawyer?
No. Foreigners law lawyer is the name used for an attorney who handles the immovable property, citizenship, residence and company transactions of foreigners in Turkey; it is not a separate title.
Any attorney registered with a bar association is authorized to make administrative applications or to handle cases in Turkey on behalf of a foreigner; Article 35 of the Attorneyship Law No. 1136 does not divide this authority by area of law. The Advertising Ban Regulation of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations also allows attorneys to describe their areas of practice only "without implying specialization".
A person searching for a "foreigners lawyer in Ankara", a "foreigners law lawyer in Ankara" or a "residence permit lawyer" is likewise looking for any attorney who handles these transactions of foreigners in Turkey; a foreigner can also carry out their transactions without an attorney.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.