Istanbul Foreign Lawyer | Keleş Law & Consultancy Office

Foreigners law is a highly technical and constantly evolving field that covers residence, work, citizenship, and deportation procedures of foreign individuals in Turkey. In cosmopolitan cities such as Istanbul, the demand for legal services in the field of foreigners law is considerably high.At Keleş Law & Consultancy Office, we provide professional and multilingual legal services not only from our main office in Ankara, but also throughout Istanbul, Antalya, Eskişehir, and all major cities in Turkey as well as abroad.
Our experienced team offers tailored solutions for foreign clients in Istanbul, with strong language skills and deep expertise in immigration and citizenship law.


What is Foreigners Law / Immigration and Citizenship Law?

The term “foreigners law” does not refer to a separate branch of law by itself, but in practice, it encompasses private international law, immigration law, citizenship law, and international protection (asylum/refugee law).
Disputes involving foreign elements may include both administrative and judicial processes.
In Turkey, the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), related regulations, and court precedents form the legal foundation of this field.

An Istanbul foreign lawyer specializes in protecting the rights of foreign nationals in Turkey, managing their legal processes, and representing them in administrative and judicial procedures.
Knowledge of foreign languages (especially English, Arabic, Russian, etc.), familiarity with international law, and practical experience are crucial in this field.

Some of the main legal procedures handled by foreign lawyers include:

  • Preparation and follow-up of residence permits, work permits, and extensions
  • Citizenship applications, appeals, and court actions against rejections
  • Deportation annulment and entry ban removal lawsuits
  • Removal of restriction codes (ban codes)
  • Recognition and enforcement of foreign court decisions in Turkey
  • Company incorporation, branch establishment, and investment procedures for foreign legal entities
  • Real estate purchases, inheritance, marriage/divorce, and family law matters involving foreign nationals

Areas of Practice in Foreigners Law in Istanbul

Area

Description

Residence Permit Procedures

Short-term, long-term, family, student, and humanitarian residence permits

Work Permit Applications

Preparing and filing work permit applications jointly with employers

Citizenship Applications & Legal Follow-Up

Turkish citizenship acquisition, file tracking, completion of missing documents

Deportation & Entry Ban Annulment

Administrative appeals and judicial proceedings before administrative courts

Removal of Restriction Codes

Legal remedies for foreigners subjected to entry bans (“tahdit codes”)

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Legalization of foreign court decisions in Turkish courts

Real Estate, Investment & Corporate Procedures

Property acquisition, company establishment, or branch setup for foreigners

Family Law, Divorce & Inheritance

Legal support in international marriage and inheritance disputes


Legal Services We Provide

As an Istanbul foreign lawyer, our main services include:

  1. Residence Permit Applications
    • Short-term residence
    • Long-term residence
    • Family residence
    • Student residence
    • Humanitarian residence
  2. Work Permit Applications
    Preparation and tracking of applications on behalf of individuals or employers.
  3. Citizenship Applications & Appeals
    Legal representation in citizenship applications and rejections.
  4. Deportation (Removal) Annulment
    Administrative and judicial proceedings against deportation decisions.
  5. Removal of Restriction Codes (Ban Codes)
    Legal procedures to remove entry bans imposed by the Turkish authorities.
  6. Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments
    Legalization and enforcement of foreign court decisions in Turkey.
  7. Real Estate, Investment & Company Formation
    Legal consultancy on property purchases and company registration in Turkey.
  8. Family Law, Divorce & Inheritance
    Representation in international family and inheritance cases.

Why Choose Keleş Law & Consultancy Office?

  • Expert Team & Experience: Our lawyers specialize in foreigners law and administrative litigation.
  • Multilingual Legal Support: We assist clients in Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, and more.
  • International Partnerships: Collaborations with foreign law firms enhance cross-border efficiency.
  • Transparent Fee Policy: All costs are clearly defined at the beginning — no hidden charges.
  • Accessibility: Our head office is in Ankara, with representation and service availability in Istanbul and other cities.

How to Choose the Right Foreign Lawyer in Istanbul

  1. Expertise & Experience
    Choose a lawyer who has demonstrable experience in foreigners law and successful case history.
  2. Language Skills
    Being able to communicate in your language (especially English) is a major advantage.
  3. International Cooperation
    Partnerships with foreign law firms strengthen cross-border legal efficiency.
  4. References & Achievements
    Check previous client feedback and successful case examples.
  5. Transparent Fee Structure
    Ensure the scope of work, inclusions, and additional fees are clearly stated in writing.
    A written attorney-client agreement must always be signed.

Process Challenges and Important Considerations

  • Application durations may vary depending on workload and changes in legislation.
  • All documentation must be complete — minor errors can lead to rejection.
  • Administrative procedures are handled mainly through Provincial Migration Directorates, Governorates, and the Directorate General of Migration Management.
  • In case of rejection, lawsuits may need to be filed before administrative courts.
  • Staying updated on new regulations and deadlines is essential to avoid legal complications.

Why Istanbul?

  • Istanbul is the most preferred city for foreigners due to its business, education, and investment opportunities.
  • It is home to numerous multinational corporations, foreign investors, and a cosmopolitan population, which creates a constant need for expert legal services in foreigners law.

Fee Policy and Pricing

  • Attorney fees vary depending on the nature, complexity, and duration of the case.
  • Administrative application fees, court expenses, and notary/translation fees are not included in the attorney’s professional fee.
  • A written fee agreement must clearly define the services, inclusions, and payment methods.
    Payments should be made via bank transfer with a clear description, as per professional standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does a foreign lawyer in Istanbul cost?
It varies depending on the type of case and service. Basic residence applications may have fixed fees, while deportation or citizenship cases involve higher costs.

2. How long does it take to get a residence permit?
Depending on the type of application, it usually takes between 1 to 4 months.

3. What are the requirements for Turkish citizenship?
Permanent residence, valid residence duration, clean criminal record, financial stability, and sufficient knowledge of Turkish language.

4. Can foreigners establish a company in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign individuals and legal entities can establish a company, branch, or liaison office in Turkey, provided that official procedures are properly followed.


Conclusion – The Importance of Working with a Foreign Lawyer in Istanbul

Foreigners law is a technical and complex area that requires up-to-date legal knowledge.
A single error in an application may result in rejection, time loss, or even entry bans.

Working with an experienced and trustworthy foreign lawyer in Istanbul ensures that your rights are protected and your process proceeds smoothly and lawfully.


Contact Information

Keleş Law & Consultancy Office

If you are looking for a reliable legal partner in foreigners law, we can determine the best solution together.

“With our team of expert foreign lawyers in Istanbul, we ensure your strong representation both in Turkey and internationally — let’s protect your rights together.”

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