Commercial Law in Turkey: English-Speaking Commercial Lawyer in Antalya
Foreign investors and international companies doing business in Turkey enter into commercial relationships governed by the Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 — from company formation and supply agreements to distribution, agency and share transfers. A commercial lawyer in Antalya who works with you in English can explain these rules before a contract is signed, which is the most effective way to avoid a dispute later.
Alkan Law Office, an Antalya law firm founded by Attorney Ahmet Alkan, gives local and foreign clients access to an English-speaking lawyer for commercial matters under the Turkish Commercial Code and the Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098. As your Antalya attorney, the firm also represents you before the commercial courts in Antalya and across Turkey.
How We Help Foreign Investors and Businesses
Commercial legal support at every stage of doing business in Turkey — from setting up a company to recovering an unpaid receivable.
Company Formation & Registration
Setting up a joint stock company (A.Ş.), a limited liability company (Ltd. Şti.) or a branch office — articles of association, trade registry filing, tax registration and post-incorporation compliance.
Corporate LawCommercial Contracts
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating sales, supply, distribution, agency, franchise and service agreements, with clear clauses on payment, liability, governing law and dispute resolution.
Contract LawCross-Border Transactions
Import and export arrangements, international sales, choice of law and jurisdiction clauses, and coordination with advisers abroad when a transaction involves more than one country.
International Tax PlanningShareholder Matters
Shareholder agreements, share transfers, capital increases, general assembly and board resolutions, and disputes between partners in Turkish companies.
Corporate LawCommercial Disputes & Debt Recovery
Mandatory mediation, lawsuits before the commercial courts, precautionary attachment (ihtiyati haciz) and enforcement proceedings to collect unpaid invoices and other receivables.
Enforcement & BankruptcyCommercial Fraud & Loss Recovery
When a business partner acts in bad faith, a commercial dispute may also amount to fraud under the Turkish Criminal Code. In such cases civil and criminal remedies can be pursued together.
Investment Fraud & RecoveryTurkish Commercial Law at a Glance
Turkish commercial law applies to merchants, companies and commercial transactions. Its main source is the Turkish Commercial Code, while general contract rules come from the Turkish Code of Obligations. Foreign investors are treated on equal terms with local investors under the Foreign Direct Investment Law.
In practice, the rules that matter most for foreign businesses are the formal requirements for company resolutions, the obligations of merchants (such as keeping commercial books), the short time limits for objections in enforcement proceedings and the requirement to try mediation before most commercial lawsuits.
An English-speaking lawyer in Antalya can explain how these rules apply to your specific transaction and point out the risks before you commit.
- Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102Merchants, commercial enterprises, companies, negotiable instruments and commercial transactions.
- Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098Formation, performance and breach of contracts, liability and compensation.
- Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law No. 2004Debt collection, precautionary attachment, bankruptcy and composition proceedings.
- Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875Equal treatment of foreign investors and freedom to establish companies in Turkey.
- International Arbitration Law No. 4686Arbitration of disputes with a foreign element seated in Turkey.
Send a short summary of your situation in English. Attorney Ahmet Alkan will review it and explain your options and the next steps — whether you are in Antalya or abroad.
How a Commercial Dispute Proceeds in Turkey
Most commercial claims for payment of money or compensation follow the path below. Each step has its own deadlines, so early legal advice matters.
- 01
Mandatory Mediation
Before filing a lawsuit for a monetary claim, the parties must first apply to a mediator. Many disputes are settled at this stage.
- 02
Commercial Court
If mediation fails, the case is heard by the commercial court of first instance. Interim measures may be requested to secure the claim.
- 03
Appeal
Judgments can be appealed to the regional court of appeal, and in certain cases further to the Court of Cassation.
- 04
Enforcement
A final or enforceable judgment is executed through the enforcement offices, including attachment of the debtor’s assets.
Tip for foreign companies: If your contract contains a valid arbitration clause or a foreign jurisdiction clause, the route above may be different. Have the dispute resolution clause reviewed before a dispute arises.
Commercial Law in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner set up a company in Turkey?
Yes. Under the Foreign Direct Investment Law, foreign individuals and companies may establish companies in Turkey on the same terms as Turkish investors. The most common forms are the joint stock company (A.Ş.) and the limited liability company (Ltd. Şti.).
Is mediation mandatory in commercial disputes in Turkey?
For commercial lawsuits concerning the payment of a sum of money or compensation, applying to a mediator is a precondition for filing the lawsuit. If the claimant goes to court without first trying mediation, the case is dismissed on procedural grounds.
Can a contract with a Turkish company be governed by foreign law?
In contracts with a foreign element, the parties are generally free to choose the governing law and may agree on arbitration or a foreign court. However, certain mandatory Turkish rules still apply, and enforcing a foreign judgment in Turkey requires a separate recognition and enforcement procedure.
How can I collect an unpaid invoice from a Turkish company?
Depending on the documents available, an enforcement proceeding may be started directly, or the claim may first go through mediation and a lawsuit. Where there is a risk that the debtor will dispose of its assets, a precautionary attachment can be requested from the court.
Do I need to travel to Turkey to start legal proceedings?
Usually not. A power of attorney issued at a Turkish consulate, or signed before a notary abroad and certified with an apostille, allows your lawyer to act on your behalf in Turkey.
Your Antalya Attorney
Need commercial legal advice in Turkey?
Attorney Ahmet Alkan is an English-speaking lawyer in Antalya who advises local and foreign clients on commercial, contract and corporate matters and represents them before Turkish courts and authorities.
The information on this page is general in nature, reflects Turkish law at the time of publication and does not constitute legal advice. For an assessment of your particular case, please consult a lawyer.
