Services

Legal services for foreigners and companies in Turkey

Bayraktar Attorneys is an Istanbul law firm that works in English with foreign individuals, investors and companies. Our work falls into three areas. Corporate services cover company establishment, contracts, employment, tax, mergers and closing a company. Individual services cover property, family, inheritance, criminal and immigration matters for people who live in or own something in Turkey. Global citizenship services cover Turkish residence permits and citizenship.

Where to start

• Starting, running or closing a business in Turkey: begin with corporate services.
• Buying or renting a home, a family or inheritance matter, a criminal case, or a work permit: begin with individual services.
• A residence permit or Turkish citizenship: begin with global citizenship services.

How we work

The applicable procedure, documents, deadlines and fees depend on the matter. We work in English, with Arabic and Chinese available on request.

Frequently asked questions

Which languages do you work in?

English and Turkish, with Arabic and Chinese available on request.

Do you only handle matters in Istanbul?

No. Our office is in Istanbul, and we act for clients across Türkiye. Many matters can be handled remotely with a power of attorney.

How are consultation fees determined?

Consultation fees depend on the matter and the applicable minimum attorney fee tariff. Contact the office for information about the relevant service and fees.

Turkish residence permits and citizenship for foreign nationals

Most foreign nationals reach Turkish citizenship through one of a few routes, and many begin with a residence permit. Our residence permit service and citizenship service handle the applications, the supporting documents and any appeal if a file is refused.

The main routes

To see all routes side by side, read our comparison of Turkish citizenship routes.

• Citizenship by investment: a qualifying investment, most often real estate valued at no less than USD 400,000 with a three-year resale restriction recorded on the title deed.
• Citizenship by five years of residence: for people who have lived in Turkey for the required period.
• Citizenship by marriage: for spouses of Turkish citizens.

Before you apply for a residence permit, use our residence permit checklist to see which documents you need.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum real estate investment for citizenship?

USD 400,000, supported by an official valuation report. If the property is valued below that figure, the file is rejected regardless of the contract price.

Who can prepare the valuation report?

Since 28 September 2026, any valuation company that holds a Capital Markets Board (SPK) licence, active membership of the Turkish Valuation Experts Association and a registration in the TADEBİS system, no longer only GEDAŞ. See our guide to the change.

Which route fits me?

It depends on your finances, how long you have lived in Turkey and your family situation. Book a first consultation and we will tell you which route is realistic for you.