How to Object to a Payment Order in Türkiye: A Simple Guide for Foreigners

What Is a Payment Order in Türkiye?

If you owe someone money in Türkiye and don’t pay on time, the creditor can start a legal process called debt execution. This process allows the government to help collect the debt from you through enforcement actions like freezing your bank account, seizing property, or garnishing wages.

The first step in this process is often a payment order (in Turkish: “ödeme emri”). It is a formal document sent by the Enforcement Office to notify you that someone has filed a debt claim against you.

Can You Object to a Payment Order?

Yes. If you believe the claim is wrong or unfair, you have the legal right to challenge the payment order. But you need to act quickly. If you do not respond on time, the debt becomes legally valid, even if you do not actually owe the money.

How Long Do You Have to Object?

You usually have:

• 7 days to object after receiving a normal payment order.

• 5 days to object if the claim is based on a check, promissory note, or other bill of exchange.

If you don’t object within these time limits, the enforcement process continues automatically and the creditor may proceed to seize your assets.

How Do You File an Objection?

To object to the payment order:

1. Visit the enforcement office where the case is filed.

2. Submit a written or verbal objection. You can challenge:

   • The amount of the debt

   • The fact that you are not the debtor

   • A forged or incorrect signature

3. Explain your reason clearly and sign the objection.

You can also make a partial objection, meaning you accept some part of the debt but dispute the rest.

If the objection is accepted and submitted on time, the enforcement stops temporarily. The creditor may then go to court to cancel your objection and continue the process.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the objection deadline:

• The debt is considered final

• The enforcement office can begin collection actions

• The creditor may request 20% penalty interest and file a lawsuit against you

However, if you missed the deadline due to a serious reason (for example, you were hospitalized or not properly notified), you may still be able to object late by explaining your situation to the court.

Who Can Object?

Only the person named on the payment order can object. If that person is a minor or under legal guardianship, their legal representative must file the objection on their behalf.

For companies, the authorized company official must sign the objection.

Why Legal Help Is Important

An objection to a payment order may seem like a small step, but it has big consequences. If not done properly, it can lead to lawsuits, enforcement actions, and serious financial damage.

That’s why it's strongly recommended to consult an experienced enforcement attorney. A lawyer will help you file the correct documents, meet deadlines, and defend your rights during the legal process.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we represent both local and international clients in Turkish enforcement cases. We help our clients file objections, negotiate settlements, and protect their assets with full transparency and legal security.

Legal Background: The Law Behind It All

Türkiye’s debt enforcement system is regulated under the Turkish Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law, also known as Law No. 2004. Despite its number, this law was actually enacted in 1932 and is still in effect today.

It governs all aspects of debt collection in Türkiye, including payment orders, enforcement proceedings, and bankruptcy.

If you need more legal guidance for Turkish law, you'll check our legal blog or contact us to get expert legal help in Turkiye.