Turkish Commercial Lawyer in Istanbul, Turkey

A Turkish commercial lawyer advises businesses on the legal rules that govern trade, companies, and commercial relationships in Turkey. This covers everything from forming a company and drafting contracts to collecting debts, handling disputes, and protecting a business when a deal does not go as planned. For both Turkish companies and foreign businesses, the legal framework is detailed and the procedures are formal, so a small mistake in a contract or a missed deadline can carry serious financial consequences.

Karanfiloglu Law Firm provides commercial law services from Istanbul, the commercial centre of Turkey, to clients across the country and internationally. We act for foreign investors, international companies, business owners, shareholders, entrepreneurs, expats, and foreigners living in Turkey, as well as for companies that trade with Turkey or run a local subsidiary or branch here. Our role as a Turkish business lawyer is to give clear, practical advice that lets you make confident commercial decisions in a market you may not know well.

This page explains what our commercial law services cover, how the legal process works, the documents you are likely to need, and how we support foreign clients who cannot easily travel to Turkey. If you need help with a specific matter, you are welcome to contact our Istanbul office to arrange a consultation.

Why You Need a Turkish Commercial Lawyer

You need a Turkish commercial lawyer because commercial activity in Turkey is governed by formal rules, strict procedures, and short deadlines, and because the cost of getting something wrong is usually far higher than the cost of legal advice. A lawyer helps you prevent disputes before they start and respond effectively when they cannot be avoided.

Commercial life in Turkey is regulated mainly by the Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102) and the Turkish Code of Obligations (Law No. 6098), supported by separate legislation on enforcement and bankruptcy, competition, industrial property, and foreign investment. These rules interact with one another, and they are applied by specialised commercial courts. For a foreign business in particular, the language of the legislation, the documentation requirements, and the procedural steps can be difficult to follow without local guidance.

In practice, businesses run into trouble in a few familiar ways. Contracts are signed quickly without a proper review of payment terms, governing law, or dispute resolution clauses. Companies are set up with a structure that does not match the owners’ real goals. Debts are left uncollected until recovery becomes difficult. Shareholder relationships break down with no clear agreement on how decisions are made or how a partner can exit. Foreign companies assume that practices from their home country will apply in Turkey, and later find that they do not.

A Turkish commercial lawyer reduces these risks. We assess the legal and commercial position before a deal is finalised, draft and negotiate contracts that reflect what you actually agreed, advise on the correct company structure, manage debt collection and enforcement, and represent you in negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Good legal work is preventive as much as it is reactive, and early advice is almost always less expensive than a dispute.

Why Choose Karanfiloglu Law Firm for Commercial Law

Karanfiloglu Law Firm is an Istanbul-based firm that combines knowledge of Turkish law with practical experience of how businesses operate. We handle both routine corporate work and contested disputes, and we are used to working with international clients who need their options explained clearly and honestly.

What clients can expect when they work with us:

An Istanbul-based legal team. Our office is in Sisli, in the centre of Istanbul’s business district, which gives us direct access to the trade registry, the enforcement offices, and the commercial courts where many matters are handled.
Support for international clients. We regularly advise foreign companies and investors, and we are comfortable acting as the local legal contact for businesses that have no permanent presence in Turkey.
Clear communication. We explain the law and your options in plain English, set out the likely steps and timelines, and keep you informed as a matter develops.
Legal strategy. Before recommending a course of action, we assess the strengths, weaknesses, costs, and risks, so you can make a commercial decision and not only a legal one.
Document preparation. We draft and review contracts, corporate resolutions, powers of attorney, demand letters, and court and enforcement filings with close attention to detail.
Representation. We represent clients in negotiations, in mandatory and voluntary mediation, in arbitration, in enforcement proceedings, and before the commercial courts.
End-to-end assistance. We can handle a matter from the first assessment through to resolution and enforcement, so you have a single point of contact throughout.

About our lawyer

The firm is led by attorney Kaan Karanfiloglu, an experienced lawyer based in Istanbul. He advises clients in English, French, and Turkish, and the firm also supports clients in Russian and Chinese through experienced translators in the office. Kaan Karanfiloglu is registered with the Istanbul Bar Association, registration number 58270, and the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, registration number 133074. He graduated from Galatasaray University Law School.

Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Justia as a Turkish Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish lawyer for foreigners who need legal assistance in Turkey.
Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Lawzana as a Turkish Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish lawyer for foreigners who need legal assistance in Turkey.
Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Lawyers.com as a Turkish Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish lawyer for foreigners who need legal assistance in Turkey.

Attorney Kaan Karanfiloglu, Turkish lawyer in Istanbul

Our Commercial Law Legal Services

Our commercial law services cover the full life cycle of a business, from formation and contracts through to disputes, enforcement, and insolvency. The sections below describe the main areas in which we advise. Most clients need several of these services together, and we can coordinate them under a single instruction.

Company Formation and Corporate Law

We advise on the formation of Turkish companies, most commonly the joint stock company (anonim sirket) and the limited liability company (limited sirket), and on the setup of branches and liaison offices. Our corporate work includes drafting articles of association and shareholder agreements, share transfers, capital increases and decreases, general assembly and board meetings, the duties and liability of board members, and ongoing corporate compliance. We also handle mergers, acquisitions, demergers, and company liquidation. Choosing the correct structure at the start, and keeping corporate records in order afterwards, prevents many of the disputes that arise later.

Commercial Contracts

Contracts are where most commercial risk is created or controlled. We draft, review, and negotiate the agreements that businesses rely on, including sales and supply contracts, distribution, dealership and agency agreements, franchise and licensing agreements, service and consultancy contracts, and leasing, construction, and financing agreements. We pay particular attention to payment terms, delivery and performance obligations, liability and penalty clauses, termination rights, and the governing law and dispute resolution clauses, which often decide how a future disagreement will be resolved. For foreign clients we prepare or review bilingual contracts so that both sides understand the same terms.

Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution

When a commercial disagreement cannot be settled, we represent clients before the Commercial Courts of First Instance and through the appeal stages. We handle disputes over contracts and unpaid receivables, shareholder and partnership disputes, claims arising from negotiable instruments such as cheques and promissory notes, board member liability claims, and compensation claims. Where appropriate, we apply for interim measures such as provisional attachment or an injunction to protect your position while the case is decided. We always assess whether a negotiated settlement or mediation is the better commercial outcome before litigation is pursued.

Debt Collection and Enforcement Proceedings

Unpaid invoices and defaulting debtors are among the most common problems businesses face. We pursue receivables through the enforcement offices (icra dairesi) under the Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law (Law No. 2004). This includes enforcement proceedings with or without a prior court judgment, proceedings based on cheques, bills of exchange, and promissory notes, responding to a debtor’s objection through an action to annul or remove the objection, and the attachment and sale of the debtor’s assets. Acting early improves the chance of recovery, because a debtor’s financial position rarely improves while a claim is left unattended.

Bankruptcy, Concordat and Restructuring

We advise both creditors and debtor companies on insolvency. For creditors, we file and manage claims in bankruptcy proceedings and protect their position in the bankruptcy estate. For companies in financial difficulty, the main restructuring tool under Turkish law is the concordat (konkordato), a court-supervised procedure that allows a viable business to reach a binding arrangement with its creditors. We advise on whether a concordat is realistic, prepare the supporting documentation, and represent the company through the process.

Competition and Unfair Competition Law

Turkish competition law is set out in the Law on the Protection of Competition (Law No. 4054) and is enforced by the Competition Authority. We advise on merger and acquisition notifications where the thresholds are met, on compliance with the rules against anti-competitive agreements and the abuse of a dominant position, and on responding to investigations. Separately, the Turkish Commercial Code contains rules on unfair competition that protect businesses from misleading conduct, disparagement, and the misuse of trade secrets. We act both in defending against such claims and in stopping unfair competition that harms your business.

International Trade and Cross-Border Transactions

For companies that buy from or sell to Turkey, we advise on international sales and supply contracts, cross-border distribution and agency arrangements, the choice of delivery terms, customs-related disputes, and the governing law and forum for cross-border deals. We also advise on international arbitration, including arbitration administered by the Istanbul Arbitration Centre and other institutions, and on the recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments and arbitral awards in Turkey. Turkey is a party to the New York Convention on the recognition of foreign arbitral awards, which is often relevant when structuring international contracts.

Commercial Mediation and Arbitration

Mediation has become a central part of commercial dispute resolution in Turkey. For many commercial disputes that involve a claim for a sum of money or compensation, mediation is a mandatory first step that must be completed before a lawsuit can be filed. Whether mandatory mediation applies depends on the subject of the dispute, and we confirm this at the start of each matter. We represent clients in both mandatory and voluntary mediation, and in arbitration where the contract provides for it, and we draft settlement agreements that are clear and enforceable.

Intellectual Property and Commercial Assets

Intellectual property is a commercial asset, and it often sits at the centre of contracts and disputes. We advise on the protection of trademarks, patents, and designs under the Industrial Property Law (Law No. 6769), and on the intellectual property terms in commercial agreements, including licensing, assignment, distribution, and franchising. We also help businesses protect trade secrets and know-how, and we act where a competitor infringes a registered right or copies a product or brand.

The Commercial Law Legal Process in Turkey

The legal process depends heavily on the type of matter. Transactional work, such as forming a company or registering a contract, follows a relatively short administrative path. A contested dispute involves several formal stages. The steps below describe how a typical commercial dispute moves forward in Turkey. The exact route, and the time each stage takes, varies with the facts of the case.

Step 1. Case assessment. We review the contract, correspondence, invoices, and other documents, identify the legal basis of the claim or defence, and advise on the likely outcomes, costs, and risks.
Step 2. Pre-action correspondence and negotiation. Many disputes are resolved with a formal demand letter and negotiation. A documented attempt to settle also strengthens your position if the matter later goes further.
Step 3. Mandatory mediation, where it applies. For many commercial monetary and compensation claims, mediation must be completed before a lawsuit can be filed. If mediation produces a settlement, the agreement can be enforced. If it does not, the mediator issues a record that allows the case to proceed.
Step 4. Filing the lawsuit or enforcement proceeding. Depending on the matter, we either file a claim with the competent commercial court or, for a debt, start an enforcement proceeding through the enforcement office. Where needed, we request interim protection such as provisional attachment.
Step 5. Examination and evidence stage. The court exchanges the parties’ submissions and examines the evidence. Expert reports are common in commercial cases, particularly where accounting or technical questions arise.
Step 6. Judgment. The Commercial Court of First Instance issues its decision on the claim.
Step 7. Appeal. A decision can usually be challenged before the Regional Court of Appeal and, in many cases, before the Court of Cassation. Appeal rights and thresholds depend on the case.
Step 8. Enforcement of the result. A favourable judgment or settlement is enforced through the enforcement offices if the other side does not comply voluntarily.

Because timelines in Turkish commercial matters depend on the court, the complexity of the case, and whether an appeal is filed, we give a realistic estimate for your specific situation rather than a general promise.

Required Documents and Information

The exact documents depend on the matter. The list below shows what clients are most often asked to provide. We give you a precise checklist once we understand your case.

Company documents, such as the trade registry record, articles of association, and an authorised signature circular.
The relevant contracts, order forms, and any annexes.
Correspondence connected to the matter, including emails and formal notices.
Invoices, delivery records, bank statements, and other proof of performance or payment.
Negotiable instruments where relevant, such as cheques or promissory notes.
Board or shareholder resolutions that authorise the transaction or the dispute.
Identification documents for the company representatives or individual clients.
A power of attorney authorising the firm to act, which for foreign clients usually needs to be notarised and apostilled, with a certified Turkish translation.

If documents are in a language other than Turkish, we advise on whether a certified translation is needed and can coordinate it.

Commercial Law Services for Foreign Clients

A large part of our work involves foreign companies and investors, and we structure our service so that distance is not an obstacle. As a Turkish business lawyer for international clients, we can act as your legal representative in Turkey while you manage your business from abroad.

For foreign clients we provide:

Remote consultations. Initial and follow-up meetings can be held by video call, so you can get advice without travelling to Turkey.
Contract and document review. We review Turkish-law contracts and corporate documents and explain, in English, what they mean and where the risks are.
Representation through a power of attorney. With a properly executed power of attorney, we can complete most corporate, enforcement, and litigation steps on your behalf, so you do not need to be present in person.
Translation coordination. We arrange certified translations of contracts, corporate records, and court documents, and coordinate notarisation where required.
Communication in English. We correspond and report in clear English, and can support clients in French, Russian, and Chinese, so you always understand the status of your matter.

This makes Karanfiloglu Law Firm a practical local partner for a foreign company that needs reliable legal support in Turkey without opening its own office here.

Common Legal Risks and Mistakes in Commercial Law

Many commercial disputes can be traced back to a small number of avoidable mistakes. Recognising them early is the simplest way to protect your business.

Signing contracts without a proper legal review. Unclear payment terms, weak termination clauses, or an inconvenient choice of governing law and forum often surface only when a dispute has already begun.
Choosing the wrong company structure. The form of company affects liability, taxation, governance, and how easily an investor can exit. Correcting it later is costly.
Operating without a shareholder agreement. When partners do not agree in advance how decisions are made and how a shareholder can leave, disagreements can paralyse the company.
Delaying debt collection. The longer an unpaid claim is left, the harder recovery becomes, and some rights are subject to time limits.
Relying on informal or undocumented arrangements. Verbal agreements and loose email exchanges are difficult to prove and to enforce.
Ignoring the mandatory mediation requirement. Filing a lawsuit without completing mediation, where mediation is required, can lead the court to reject the case at the outset.
Assuming foreign practice applies in Turkey. Contract formalities, notice requirements, and procedural deadlines in Turkey often differ from those in a client’s home country.

Sound legal advice addresses each of these risks before it becomes a dispute. A reviewed contract, a clear corporate structure, a proper shareholder agreement, and prompt action on unpaid debts cost far less than the litigation that follows when these steps are skipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Turkish commercial lawyer and what do they do?

A Turkish commercial lawyer advises businesses on the legal side of their commercial activity in Turkey. This includes forming companies, drafting and reviewing contracts, advising shareholders and directors, collecting debts, and handling commercial disputes through mediation, arbitration, or court. The aim is both to prevent legal problems and to resolve them when they arise.

Do foreign companies need a Turkish commercial lawyer?

In most cases, yes. If a foreign company trades with Turkey, invests here, signs contracts under Turkish law, or has a dispute with a Turkish party, the matter is usually governed by Turkish law and handled by Turkish institutions. A local commercial lawyer ensures the company’s contracts and procedures comply with Turkish rules and can represent it without its officers needing to travel to Turkey.

How do I set up a company in Turkey?

A company in Turkey is usually established as a joint stock company or a limited liability company. The process involves preparing the articles of association, registering the company through the trade registry, and completing tax and related registrations. A commercial lawyer advises on the right structure, prepares the documents, and can complete the registration on your behalf through a power of attorney.

Can a foreigner fully own a company in Turkey?

As a general rule, yes. Under the Foreign Direct Investment Law, foreign investors are treated on the same basis as domestic investors, and most companies in Turkey can be wholly foreign-owned. A limited number of regulated sectors have specific restrictions, so the position should be confirmed for your particular industry before incorporation.

Is mediation required before a commercial lawsuit in Turkey?

For many commercial disputes it is. Where the claim is for a sum of money or compensation arising from a commercial relationship, mediation is generally a mandatory step that must be completed before a lawsuit can be filed. Whether mandatory mediation applies depends on the subject of the dispute, so this should be confirmed for your specific case before any claim is filed.

Which courts hear commercial disputes in Turkey?

Most commercial disputes are heard by the Commercial Courts of First Instance (Asliye Ticaret Mahkemesi). Their decisions can generally be challenged before the Regional Courts of Appeal and, in many cases, before the Court of Cassation. The competent court for a particular matter depends on the parties, the value, and the subject of the dispute.

How long does a commercial case take in Turkey?

It varies. A straightforward matter may conclude at first instance within roughly a year, while complex cases, or cases that go through appeal, can take significantly longer. The timeline depends on the court’s workload, the complexity of the evidence, and whether expert reports are needed. We provide a realistic estimate once we have reviewed your case.

How do I collect an unpaid debt from a company in Turkey?

Commercial debts are usually recovered through the enforcement offices under the Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law. A creditor can start an enforcement proceeding with or without an existing court judgment, including proceedings based on cheques and promissory notes. If the debtor objects, a court decision may be needed to continue, after which the debtor’s assets can be attached and sold. Acting quickly improves the chance of recovery.

What law governs commercial activity in Turkey?

The principal law is the Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102), which covers companies, commercial transactions, negotiable instruments, and unfair competition. It works alongside the Turkish Code of Obligations and specific legislation on enforcement and bankruptcy, competition, industrial property, and foreign investment. A commercial lawyer applies these laws together to your situation.

Can a Turkish commercial lawyer represent me if I am abroad?

Yes. With a properly executed power of attorney, which for foreign clients is usually notarised and apostilled, the firm can carry out most corporate, contractual, enforcement, and litigation steps on your behalf. Consultations can be held by video call, and we report to you in English throughout the matter.

Can you draft and review contracts in English?

Yes. We regularly draft and review contracts in English and prepare bilingual agreements for foreign clients. Where a contract will be governed by Turkish law or used before a Turkish authority, we advise on whether a certified Turkish translation is needed and coordinate it.

How much does a Turkish commercial lawyer cost?

Fees depend on the type and complexity of the work. Advisory and contract work is often handled on a fixed fee or hourly basis, while litigation and enforcement fees take into account the value and stage of the matter, with a minimum tariff set by the bar association. We provide a clear fee proposal before starting work, so you know what to expect.

Contact Karanfiloglu Law Firm, Your Turkish Lawyer

If your business needs reliable legal support, Karanfiloglu Law Firm is ready to help. As a Turkish commercial lawyer based in Istanbul, we advise local and foreign companies on company law, contracts, commercial disputes, debt collection, enforcement, and the day-to-day legal questions of doing business in Turkey. Whether you are forming a company, reviewing an important contract, recovering a debt, or facing a dispute, early advice gives you the strongest position.

To discuss your matter, book a consultation with our team. We will review your situation, explain your options under Turkish law, and set out a clear plan of action. We work with clients across Turkey and internationally, and foreign clients can be assisted remotely without travelling to Istanbul.

Karanfiloglu Law Firm
Address: Mecidiyekoy Mah. Buyukdere Cad. No:67-71, Alba Business Center, Floor 8, Sisli, 34387 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 532 659 35 11
To request a consultation, please use the firm’s contact page.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer.

Updated date: 20 May 2026