Practice areas

Legal representation for foreign clients in Bodrum

Foreign clients considering property acquisition, a tenancy, a contract, an investment or a company matter in Türkiye first need to understand how the proposed arrangement is treated under Turkish law. Our Bodrum office conducts legal assessments and client communications in Turkish and English. A familiar term from another legal system should not be assumed to carry the same consequences in Türkiye.

The initial assessment

The proposed transaction, countries in which the parties are based, documents already signed, payments made and approaching transaction or notice dates are considered together. The client’s objectives are distinguished from what the available documents establish and what still needs verification. The scope of the review is identified, including any matters requiring advice from a lawyer in another jurisdiction, an accountant or a technical specialist.

From the first enquiry to an agreed scope of work

A short account of the matter, the parties involved, the desired outcome and any approaching deadline helps identify the initial work required. Before instructions are accepted, the office needs to consider whether it can act, including any conflict of interest. The scope of the work, fees, expected expenses and arrangements for communication are then set out for agreement.

The initial assessment may reveal that a document review is needed before a transaction, that a notice requires an urgent response, or that proceedings in another country affect the Turkish matter. These situations require different instructions. Advice on Turkish law is distinguished from advice that must be obtained in another jurisdiction.

Choosing the right starting point

For a proposed purchase or sale, start with the property law section and the available title and contract documents. For an estate involving Turkish property, see inheritance law. A lease or notice from a landlord or tenant belongs to the tenancy review. Identifying the subject and stage of the matter allows the necessary records and legal questions to be addressed together.

Preparing while you are outside Türkiye

An initial discussion and review of available documents can take place before a visit to Bodrum. The power of attorney guide explains the preparation for formal representation. Originals, authentication, translation and personal attendance requirements are considered for the particular procedure. Documents should be provided through the method agreed with the office; sensitive identity and financial records need not accompany a first general enquiry.

Acquiring property

Article 35 of the Land Registry Law No. 2644 regulates property acquisition by foreign individuals through country eligibility rules and statutory restrictions. The buyer’s position and the nature and location of the property therefore need to be checked before proceeding. An acquisition by an individual and a proposed acquisition through a company should not be treated as subject to identical conditions. The company’s place of incorporation and structure require separate examination.

Title and planning records are reviewed alongside the contract, payment, handover and representation arrangements. Where residence or citizenship is also an objective, the scope of the separate assessment needed for that objective is identified. The conditions for the property transaction and those for other administrative applications are explained separately.

Powers of attorney and documents issued abroad

Whether the client will be in Türkiye, which steps require representation and the scope of the authority to be granted are established in advance. Formal, authentication and translation requirements for using a foreign-issued document in Türkiye are checked by reference to the issuing country, document type and intended transaction. The same procedure is not assumed to be sufficient for every document; the wording is reviewed for the intended purpose before signing.

English-language explanations and progress

Contract provisions, official correspondence and the legal implications of the available options can be explained in English. Bilingual drafts are reviewed for differences in meaning and the use of legal terminology. The stage of the matter, outstanding documents and decisions needed from the client are identified clearly. A translation prepared to explain a document and a translation required for an official procedure serve different purposes, which are considered separately.

Documents for the initial review

A short chronology, agreements and annexes, payment records, relevant property or company details, any power of attorney and documents formally served provide a starting point. The country and language in which documents were issued, and the location of the originals, should also be identified. Further documents depend on the particular transaction.

Discuss your matter in English

For an initial enquiry, briefly describe the matter and the outcome you are seeking. Please avoid sending sensitive documents until the office confirms what is needed. Email the office in English or call +90 532 292 26 38.