Foreign Law Attorney in Istanbul *2025 – Atty. Ozan Soylu
Legal processes and procedures for foreigners living in Istanbul can sometimes be complex. Getting professional support is especially important in critical matters such as residence permits, citizenship applications, and deportation decisions. Working with an experienced foreign law attorney ensures these processes are managed correctly and quickly.
In this article, we will examine the legal services provided in the field of foreign law in Istanbul, legal processes, and important points to consider.
The Role and Importance of Foreign Law Attorney
What is Foreign Law?
Foreign law is the branch of law that regulates all rights and obligations of foreign nationals living in a country or establishing legal relations with that country. This field lies at the intersection of international law and domestic law and covers topics such as migration, citizenship, residence permits, and similar matters. In Turkey, foreign law is mainly regulated by Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. This law covers many areas in detail, from foreigners’ entry to and exit from Turkey, to their work rights and social security.
Why is a Foreign Law Attorney Needed in Istanbul?
Istanbul stands out as the city with the largest foreign population in Turkey. Foreigners in the city frequently need legal support due to complex legal processes, language barriers, and the intensity of bureaucratic procedures. A foreign law attorney acts as both interpreter and legal consultant in these processes. Especially in urgent situations such as deportation decisions and residence permit rejections, the attorney’s intervention is vital for appeals that must be made within 7 days.
Basic Responsibilities and Services of the Attorney
An attorney specialized in foreign law provides multifaceted services. First, they provide consultancy on administrative applications and judicial processes. They guide their clients on matters such as evaluating the 5-year continuous residence requirement in citizenship applications, obtaining and extending work permits, and family reunification applications. Additionally, they protect foreigners’ rights within the framework of international conventions and bilateral agreements and file lawsuits in administrative courts when necessary.
Areas of Legal Service
a. Residence and Work Permits
Residence and work permits are the most basic legal requirements for foreigners living in Istanbul. Foreign law attorneys provide support to their clients in application processes for different categories such as short-term, long-term, student, and family residence permits. In this process, attorneys manage all stages from preparing the application file to obtaining necessary documents and corresponding with official institutions. Appointments for residence permit applications must be obtained and completed within 15 business days.
The process for work permits is more comprehensive. Work permit applications are subject to conditions such as the employer having a registered company in Turkey and meeting certain economic criteria. Applications are made to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and the evaluation process takes an average of 30 days. Attorneys follow all necessary procedures on behalf of both the employer and foreign employee during this process.
b. Citizenship Applications
The Turkish citizenship application process can proceed through several different paths. Under exceptional citizenship, foreigners who make a certain amount of investment in the country can gain citizenship rights. In this case, the application process takes an average of 3-6 months. For general citizenship applications, continuous residence in Turkey for 5 years is required.
The most important point to consider in citizenship applications is avoiding document deficiency. If there are missing documents in the application file, the process may be prolonged or the application may be rejected. Therefore, attorneys thoroughly examine their clients’ files and ensure all necessary documents are submitted completely.
c. Deportation Decisions and Appeal Processes
The legal process against deportation decisions begins with a 7-day legal appeal period. An application must be made to the Administrative Court within this period. Foreign law attorneys develop a quick and effective defense strategy, especially in such urgent situations. The most important factor increasing the success rate in deportation appeal cases is the acceptance of the stay of execution request.
During the appeal process, attorneys present their clients’ social ties in Turkey, family situation, and other humanitarian grounds in detail to the court. For foreigners under Administrative Detention, necessary applications are first made to lift the detention. While the average hearing time for deportation cases is 6-8 months, this period may extend in some complex cases.
d. Legal Consultancy for Foreign Investors
Legal services provided for foreign investors include:
- Conducting company establishment procedures and obtaining necessary permits
- Managing the process of real estate acquisition in Turkey
- Consultancy on tax legislation
- Support in work permits and personnel employment matters
- Preparation and follow-up of investor visa applications
e. International Family Law Matters
International family law covers issues such as marriage, divorce, and custody. Expert support is critically important for resolving legal issues, especially in mixed marriages. In the recognition and enforcement processes of foreign court decisions, an application must be made within 2 months for the decision to be recognized by Turkish courts.
In custody and alimony cases, a special legal approach is required to protect rights arising from international conventions. Strategy in these cases is determined by considering the provisions of the Hague Convention and secondary legislation. Foreign law attorneys provide both legal and practical guidance to their clients in these complex processes.
Legal Processes and Procedures
a. Application Processes and Required Documents
Application processes in foreign law vary according to the nature of each transaction.
For residence permit applications, pre-registration must first be made through the e-residence system. The applicant must make an appointment in the system and apply to the Provincial Immigration Administration with the required documents on the specified date. If missing documents are submitted in this process, the applicant is given an additional 15 days.
For work permit applications, the employer applies through the Ministry of Labor’s e-government system. After the application is made in the system, physical documents must be delivered to the ministry within 7 business days. The evaluation process after application takes an average of 30 days.
b. Management of Administrative and Judicial Processes
Process management in administrative proceedings is of great importance. Lawsuits against deportation decisions must be filed within 7 days. This period is prescriptive and cannot be compensated if missed. In the Administrative Judicial process, the court gives its decision between 6 months and 1 year on average.
c. Legal Periods and Points to Consider
The most important point to consider in citizenship applications is the requirement of continuous residence in Turkey for 5 years. This period is not required in exceptional citizenship applications. For extending residence permits, it is recommended to apply 60 days before the expiration date of the current permit.
Authorized Institutions and Authorities in Istanbul
a. Provincial Directorate of Immigration
Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Immigration is the main institution evaluating foreigners’ applications for residence permits, citizenship, and international protection. The institution, serving in its headquarters on Vatan Street, processes an average of 200,000 applications annually. Support is provided 24/7 through the Foreigners Communication Center (YIMER 157).
b. Administrative Courts
Administrative courts in Istanbul accept applications in the following matters:
- Cancellation lawsuits for deportation decisions
- Cancellation of citizenship application rejection decisions
- Cancellation of residence permit rejection decisions
- Lawsuits against work permit cancellation decisions
- Requests for cancellation of visa rejection decisions
c. Consulates and Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic missions in Istanbul provide services to their citizens in matters such as passport, identity, and marriage. Consulates also undertake a coordination role in their citizens’ legal processes in Turkey and provide apostille certification of official documents from their countries when needed.
Costs and Pricing
a. Attorney Fees
Attorney fees in foreign law are determined according to the scope and complexity of the work. According to the 2025-2026 Recommended Attorney Fee Tariff, the minimum fee for recognition and enforcement of foreign court decisions is 100,000 TL (2,625.00 Euro). Attorney fees for residence permit and work permit applications vary according to the type of transaction and required workload.
The general rule in fees calculated based on case value is that the fee should not be less than 15% of the case value. For example, in cases arising from property regimes, the fee cannot be less than 20% of the case value. In determining attorney fees, the fee is agreed upon by the free will of the parties as a result of discussions between the client and attorney.
b. Official Fees and Expenses
Official fees and expenses required in foreign law cases include:
- Application fee: 80.70 TL
- Decision fee: 80.70 TL
- Power of attorney fee: 11.50 TL
- Attorney stamp: 18.15 TL
- Postal expenses: 588.00 TL
In some special cases, such as requests for stay of execution, an additional fee of 133.00 TL is charged. Administrative applications (residence permits, work permits, citizenship applications, etc.) cost between 1,000 TL and 2,000 TL on average.
c. Payment Options and Plans
Attorney fees are paid in advance and VAT is added separately to the specified fees. In some cases, especially in long-term cases or comprehensive legal services, a payment plan can be arranged. In this case, usually a down payment is taken at the beginning of the service and the remaining amount can be installmented.
The client’s economic situation can also be considered in determining fees and expenses. However, since official fees and expenses are determined by law, no reduction or installment is possible for these. Free legal services can be provided for foreigners with insufficient financial means in cases falling under legal aid.
Common Problems and Solutions
a. Visa and Residence Permit Problems
Visa violations and residence permit rejection are among the most common problems foreigners face in Turkey. Especially for foreigners who exceed their visa duration, administrative fines are applied and this can negatively affect their future applications. In case of visa violation, foreigners may have to leave the country within 15 days.
One of the most important problems in residence permit applications is submitting incomplete documents. Applicants need to prepare basic documents such as health insurance, income statement, and lease agreement completely. In case of rejection of the residence permit application, there is a right to file an administrative lawsuit within 30 days against the decision.
b. Difficulties in Administrative Procedures
Bureaucracy and the appointment system are among the main difficulties encountered in administrative procedures. Due to the high volume of Immigration Administration appointments, foreigners sometimes have to wait for months. The lack of documents that employers need to submit in work permit applications is also one of the factors that extend the process.
c. Language and Communication Barriers
Language barrier is one of the most important problems foreigners face in Turkey. Official correspondence and notifications are generally made in Turkish language, which can cause foreigners to lose their rights. Therefore, it is recommended for foreigners to receive translator support or conduct their official procedures through an attorney. Especially in court processes, it is critically important for foreigners to understand notifications timely and correctly so they can exercise their right to object within 7 days.
Soylu Law and Our Services to Foreign Clients
As Soylu Law, we provide comprehensive legal consultancy services to our foreign clients in Istanbul. With our multilingual attorney team and international experience, we provide professional support in residence permits, work permits, citizenship applications, criminal records, and apostille certification. With our up-to-date knowledge of foreign law legislation and solution-oriented approach, we successfully manage our clients’ legal processes.
For more assistance or consultation on this matter, you can contact us.
Foreign Law Attorney in Istanbul
