Turkish Business Lawyer: Legal Help for Companies in Turkey

Nov 5, 2024

6 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Running a company in Turkey can be exciting, but it brings legal challenges. A Turkish business lawyer helps you follow the rules, avoid problems and protect your company. Whether you are starting a new venture, signing contracts or facing a dispute, a lawyer on your side can save you time and money.

This page explains how a Turkish business lawyer works with local and international businesses. It also shows how legal counsel can support your plans for the long term.

Why do you need a business lawyer in Turkey?

Turkey is an attractive place to do business, but its legal system has its own rules. A Turkish business lawyer can help with many tasks, including the following.

1. Starting a business

If you are opening a new company, a lawyer can:

help you choose the right type of business, such as a limited company or a joint-stock company
register your company in Turkey with the Turkish authorities
prepare the documents you need, such as partnership agreements or articles of association

2. Contracts and agreements

Businesses use contracts every day. A lawyer can:

draft contracts so that they are clear and protect your interests
review contracts before you sign, to avoid problems later
help you enforce a contract if someone does not keep to the agreement

3. Employment law

If you hire staff, you must follow Turkish employment law. A lawyer can:

draft employment contracts
advise on workplace rules and employee rights
handle disputes with employees, such as unfair dismissal claims

If you want to hire foreign staff, a work permit is usually needed. A lawyer can explain the process and help you plan the timing.

4. Solving disputes

Disagreements happen in business. A lawyer can:

negotiate with the other side to resolve the issue
represent you in mediation, arbitration or court if needed
help you collect unpaid debts from customers or clients

5. International business

If your business works across borders, a Turkish business lawyer can:

help with contracts involving foreign companies
make sure you follow international law and trade rules
assist with setting up a company in Turkey as a foreign investor

Why work with a business lawyer in Turkey?

Turkey's legal system is unique, so it helps to have a lawyer who understands Turkish business law. A local lawyer can:

help you avoid costly mistakes
make sure your business follows all Turkish laws and regulations
protect your interests in contracts and disputes

Common mistakes to avoid

Many problems for foreign businesses in Turkey start with small oversights. Watch out for these:

signing a contract written only in Turkish without a reliable translation
choosing a company structure before checking tax and permit needs
leaving the roles of shareholders and directors unwritten
missing registration or filing deadlines

Support for foreign investors

Foreign investors often ask the same questions first. Which structure is best? Which permits are needed? How are profits taken out? A Turkish business lawyer can answer these and map out the steps. You may have to deal with several authorities, so it helps to have one adviser who coordinates the process.

Opening a bank account

Your new company will usually need a local bank account to hold its funds and to trade. Banks carry out their own identity and anti-money laundering checks. Expect to provide company documents, details of the owners and proof of address. Requirements vary between banks, so ask your bank early what it needs. A lawyer can help you gather the documents and arrange certified translations where needed.

Multinational corporations

Multinational corporations usually need more than company registration. They may need group contracts, local employment terms and a plan for how the Turkish company fits into the wider group. A lawyer can help line up domestic and international rules so that the structure works across borders.

Entering the Turkish market

Before you enter the Turkish market, think about how you will sell, who your partners will be and what licences you need. Distribution and agency agreements deserve special care. A lawyer can check that they are clear and that they protect you if the relationship ends.

Joint ventures

Some foreign businesses enter Turkey through joint ventures with a local partner. A partner can bring local knowledge, contacts and sales channels. It also brings risk if the partners later disagree. A lawyer can help you decide whether to form a new joint company or work under a contract alone. The agreement should cover control, funding, profit sharing, confidentiality and how either side can leave.

Corporate law and governance

Corporate law governs how a company is set up and run. A lawyer can advise on the duties of directors, the rights of shareholders and how decisions are made. Good corporate governance reduces the risk of disputes and makes your company more attractive to investors and banks.

Board of directors

Your board of directors makes key decisions. A lawyer can help you set out who sits on the board, how meetings are held and how decisions are recorded. Clear records are valuable if a decision is later questioned.

Shareholder agreements

If you share ownership, a written shareholder agreement is wise. It can cover voting, new shares, selling shares and what happens if the owners fall out.

Commercial law and tax compliance

Commercial law covers buying, selling and trading. A lawyer can help with sales terms, supply contracts and payment terms.

Tax compliance is a separate area. Your company must file returns and pay the right taxes on time. A lawyer works with your accountant or tax adviser so that your legal structure and tax position fit together. Ask for tax advice from a qualified tax professional for your own figures.

The regulatory framework in Turkey

The regulatory framework for companies in Turkey rests mainly on the Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102). It sets out the types of company, how they are formed and the duties of those who manage them. Other rules sit on top, such as competition law, data protection law and sector licences. Banking, energy, telecoms and health are among the sectors with their own regulators. A lawyer can tell you which rules apply to your commercial activities before you start.

Capital markets

If a company plans to offer shares to the public or list on Borsa Istanbul, capital markets rules apply. These are overseen by the Capital Markets Board of Turkey. The rules cover disclosure, investor protection and the conduct of listed companies. Most private businesses never need them, but investors and growing companies should know they exist.

Intellectual property

Your brand, products and ideas are valuable. A lawyer can advise on registering trade marks and protecting designs and copyright. If you plan to sell under your own brand in Turkey, think about protection early.

Real estate for business

Many companies need offices, shops or warehouses. A lawyer can check the title to a property, review a lease or sale contract and explain your rights and risks. Real estate deals can involve large sums, so careful checks are worth the time.

Legal guidance for international businesses

International businesses often work under more than one legal system. Your contract may be governed by English law while the work is done in Turkey. A lawyer who knows both can advise on which law applies, where disputes will be heard and how a judgment can be enforced.

If you are in the UK, the UK government publishes a list of lawyers in Turkey for British nationals. It is general information only and does not recommend a firm. You can also read our guide to finding the perfect Turkish lawyer and our overview of a business lawyer in Turkey.

How Canko Law Firm can help

At Canko Law Firm, we help businesses in Turkey. Our team of business lawyers can assist with:

company registration and formation
drafting and reviewing contracts
resolving disputes quickly and effectively
advising on cross-border business and trade
legal representation in negotiations and in court

Whether you are starting a small business or running a large corporation, we offer clear, practical advice to support your success.

Contact us today

If you run a business in Turkey or plan to start one, a skilled Turkish business lawyer can make all the difference. Contact Canko Law Firm today to learn how we can help protect and grow your business.