Civil and commercial litigation in Turkey
Which route fits your claim?
Choose the type of claim and the evidence you hold. You will see the usual route to enforce it.
The final route is chosen after the documents are reviewed; no outcome is promised.
Civil and commercial litigation in Turkey: claims, enforcement and courts
Civil and commercial litigation in Turkey is conducted, depending on the dispute, before the civil court of first instance, the commercial court or through the enforcement office. Mediation is mandatory before suing on a commercial money claim, and cheques and bills of exchange have a faster enforcement route. Foreign claimants may have to provide security for costs depending on the treaties of their home state, and they can run the case through a lawyer holding a power of attorney issued abroad.
Which court hears civil and commercial cases in Turkey?
- Civil court of first instance (Asliye Hukuk): general civil disputes
- Commercial court of first instance (Asliye Ticaret): disputes between merchants and matters under the Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102
- Civil court of peace (Sulh Hukuk): tenancy, partition of co-owned property and other matters assigned by law
- Consumer court (Tüketici Mahkemesi): disputes between consumers and sellers or developers
- Family court: divorce, custody and maintenance; see family law for foreigners in Turkey
Proceedings follow the Code of Civil Procedure No. 6100 (HMK). The general rule is that the court at the defendant's domicile has jurisdiction; for real estate, the court where the property is located.
Enforcement without a judgment (ilamsız takip)
A creditor can start proceedings at the enforcement office without a prior court judgment. A payment order is served on the debtor. If the debtor does not object within 7 days, the proceedings become final and attachment can begin. If the debtor objects, the proceedings stop; the creditor then needs an action to set aside the objection (itirazın iptali) or an application to remove it.
Mandatory mediation before a lawsuit
For commercial money claims, employment disputes, consumer matters and tenancy disputes, mediation is a precondition for a lawsuit. A case filed without mediation is dismissed on procedural grounds. Mediation ends either with a settlement that can be made enforceable or with a record of failure, which is attached to the statement of claim.
Precautionary attachment and interim measures
To stop a debtor moving assets during the case, a precautionary attachment (ihtiyati haciz) can be requested on bank accounts, vehicles or real estate. For non-monetary claims, such as the transfer of a property, an interim injunction (ihtiyati tedbir) is available, for example a restriction on disposal entered in the land register. The court usually requires security.
Foreign claimants and security for costs
Under Law No. 5718 on International Private and Procedural Law, foreign claimants may have to provide security for court costs unless a treaty or reciprocity with their home state applies. Turkey has relevant treaties with many states; whether an exemption applies is decided by the court. A foreign judgment takes effect in Turkey only after recognition and enforcement.
Stages of a civil case in Turkey
Document review
Contracts, invoices and correspondence are reviewed and the route is chosen.
Notice and mediation
A formal notice through a notary (ihtarname) and, where required, mandatory mediation.
Lawsuit or enforcement
Filing with the court or the enforcement office, with a request for attachment if needed.
Written submissions and evidence
After the claim and defence, there is a preliminary hearing, the taking of evidence and, where needed, a report by a court-appointed assessor (bilirkişi).
Judgment and enforcement
The judgment can be enforced; appeals are available.
Appeal and cassation
First-instance judgments can be appealed to the regional court of appeal (istinaf) within 2 weeks of service, provided the amount in dispute reaches the statutory threshold. In certain cases a further appeal (temyiz) lies to the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay).
Civil and commercial litigation in Turkey: frequently asked questions
Can I collect a debt in Turkey without a lawsuit?
Yes, through the enforcement office. If the debtor does not object within 7 days, the proceedings become final.
Is mediation mandatory?
For commercial money claims and several other disputes, yes.
Can I sue from abroad?
Yes, with a power of attorney and a lawyer in Turkey; see the power of attorney from abroad guide.
How can I stop the debtor moving assets?
By requesting a precautionary attachment or an interim injunction, usually together with the lawsuit or enforcement.
This guide is based on the official legislation of the Republic of Türkiye and was last updated on .
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice on a specific case. No particular outcome of any application or proceeding is promised.
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