Whether you are renting a flat, hiring a builder or signing with a Turkish distributor, a contract lawyer in Antalya can make sure the document says what you think it says and will hold up in a Turkish court. We draft, review and negotiate contracts in English and Turkish, and we explain each clause to you in plain English.
Many disputes we see start with a contract that was signed in a hurry, copied from a template, or written only in Turkish without the foreign party fully understanding it. Reviewing a contract before you sign is far cheaper than litigating it afterwards.
How we can help
- Drafting and reviewing sale, lease, construction, services, distribution, agency, partnership and employment contracts
- Preparing bilingual English and Turkish contracts
- Advising on governing law and jurisdiction clauses for cross-border deals
- Checking formal requirements so the contract is valid
- Negotiating terms with the other side or their lawyer
- Sending formal notices of default and termination, usually through a notary
- Representing you in mediation, litigation and enforcement after a breach
- Preparing standard contract templates for businesses and keeping them up to date
Key points of Turkish contract law for foreigners
The basic rules
Most contracts are governed by the Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098, with commercial contracts also subject to the Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102. As a general rule, contracts do not need any particular form, and an oral agreement can be binding. In practice, a clear written contract is essential evidence.
Formal requirements
Some contracts are only valid in a specific form. The most important example for foreigners is real estate: a sale of land or an apartment must be concluded in official form at the land registry office, and a promise to sell property must be made before a notary. A private "sales contract" signed in an estate agent's office does not transfer ownership. Personal guarantees (suretyship) also have strict written requirements. If you are buying property, read our real estate lawyer in Antalya page as well.
Language
Turkish courts work only in Turkish, so any English contract will be translated by a sworn translator if it ends up in court. Turkish law also requires Turkish to be used in certain contracts made by businesses in Turkey. For these reasons we usually recommend a bilingual contract with a clause stating which version prevails if the two differ. You should never sign a Turkish-only document you have not had translated and explained.
Governing law and jurisdiction
Where a contract has a foreign element, the parties can usually choose the governing law and, within limits, the courts or arbitration that will hear disputes. These choices are restricted for consumer contracts, employment contracts and contracts about real estate in Turkey. A well-drafted clause saves time and money if things go wrong.
Penalty clauses
Turkish law allows penalty clauses for breach or delay. A court can reduce a penalty it considers excessive, but a merchant generally cannot ask for this reduction. Business owners should agree penalty amounts with care.
Breach, termination and disputes
If the other side does not perform, you normally have to put them in default with a formal notice and, in many cases, give them extra time before you can terminate or claim damages. Termination and rescission have different legal effects, so the wording of your notice matters. Many disputes can be settled by negotiation or mediation. Before filing a lawsuit for most commercial money claims, and for many lease disputes, mediation is a mandatory first step in Turkey. Our managing attorney, Şerife Erkaya Alkan, is also a mediator, so our team knows the mediation process well. If no settlement is reached, we take the case to court and, after judgment, to enforcement through our debt collection work.
How the process works
- You send us the draft or the signed contract and tell us your goals and concerns.
- We agree the scope of work and our fee in writing.
- We review or draft the contract and send you a written summary of risks in English.
- We negotiate changes with the other party, if needed.
- We finalise the Turkish and English versions and advise on signing formalities, such as a notary or the land registry.
| Contract | Usual form |
|---|---|
| Sale of real estate | Official deed at the land registry office |
| Promise to sell real estate | Notarised contract |
| Residential or commercial lease | No special form, written contract strongly advised |
| Personal guarantee (suretyship) | Written, with specific mandatory details |
| Services, distribution, construction | No special form, written contract strongly advised |
If you live abroad
We can review contracts entirely by email and video call. If someone must sign for you in Turkey, you can give a power of attorney at a Turkish consulate or before a local notary, with an apostille and a sworn Turkish translation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a contract written only in English valid in Turkey?
Often yes, but not in every case, and a Turkish court will rely on a sworn translation. A bilingual contract with a clause on which language prevails is usually the safer choice.
Can I buy property in Antalya with a private sales contract?
No. Ownership only passes when the sale is registered at the land registry office. A private contract does not make you the owner.
Can I choose the law of my home country?
In many international contracts, yes. There are limits for consumer, employment and Turkish real estate contracts, so the clause should be checked.
What should I do if the other party breaches the contract?
Keep all documents and messages and do not terminate on your own before getting advice. A correct notice of default is usually the first step.
How are fees agreed?
Fees are agreed in writing before we start and cannot be below the Union of Turkish Bar Associations' minimum fee tariff. Contact us to send your contract for review.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different; please consult a lawyer before taking any legal step. This page is published in accordance with the Professional Rules of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and the advertising ban for attorneys.