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What are the Rights of Foreigners to Hire a Lawyer in Turkey? (2025 Updated Guide)

the right to hire a foreign lawyer, legal rights of foreigners in Türkiye, representation of foreigners by a lawyer in Türkiye, immigration law Türkiye
✅ Do Foreigners Have Legal Rights in Türkiye?
Yes. The Constitution of the Republic of Turkey clearly recognizes the right of foreigners to a fair trial and to be represented by a lawyer within the framework of fundamental human rights. Turkish law guarantees that foreign nationals have the same legal rights as Turkish citizens.
🧑⚖️ Right to Hire a Lawyer in Türkiye: Legal Basis
  • Article 36 of the Constitution: Everyone can seek their rights through legitimate means.
  • Law on Attorneyship (Article 1136): Every individual residing in Türkiye has the right to be represented by a lawyer.
  • Criminal Procedure Code: Everyone, including foreigners, has the right to benefit from a lawyer.
  • International Agreements: Also valid under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
📌 In Which Cases Can Foreigners Hire a Lawyer?
Foreigners can hire a lawyer for any of the following legal processes:
  • 🏠 Residence and residence permit cases
  • 💔 Marriage/divorce procedures
  • 📜 Citizenship applications and objections
  • ⛔ Deportation cases
  • ⚖️ Criminal trials
  • 🏢 Real estate purchase-sale and investment transactions
  • 🧒 Child custody, alimony, property division
  • 🛃 Refugee and international protection applications
🔑 What Should You Pay Attention to When Hiring a Lawyer?
  1. Must be a lawyer registered with the bar association and licensed.
  2. Experience in foreign law or international law is recommended.
  3. A contract must be made and the fee and scope of service must be clarified.
  4. If necessary, interpreter support may be requested.
📌 In Türkiye, attorney fees are free, but the minimum tariff is determined by the Bar Association.
🤝 Is There a Right to a Free Lawyer?
Yes, in some cases:
  • In criminal cases, foreigners with low income can be assigned a free lawyer through legal aid.
  • Legal aid offices of bar associations and some NGOs provide free legal support to foreigners in need.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: My legal stay in Türkiye has expired, can I still hire a lawyer? Answer: Yes. In Türkiye, every individual has the right to legal representation, regardless of their legal status.
Question: I don't speak Turkish, how do I communicate? Answer: An interpreter can be provided to work with your lawyer. Some lawyers also offer services in languages such as English, Arabic, and Persian.
Question: Can I work with a lawyer from outside Türkiye? Answer: No. In Türkiye, only lawyers registered with the Turkish Bar Association have the authority to represent in courts.
🌍 Why is it important to work with a lawyer?
Working with a professional lawyer is a great advantage, especially in the following situations:
  • Risk of deportation
  • Filing a lawsuit against you
  • The process of becoming a Turkish citizen
  • Obtaining residence permits through investment
📞 Would you like to get legal support?
If you are facing legal processes as a foreigner in Türkiye, working with an experienced lawyer is critical to ensuring that you do not lose your rights.
 
 
 

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