Turkish Investment Lawyer

A practical legal roadmap for foreign investors in Turkey. We help you choose the right entry structure, reduce counterparty risk, align contracts and tax, and protect your investment with enforceable documentation.

Market entry structuring Legal due diligence Contracts and safeguards Tax and compliance alignment Dispute prevention

This page provides general information and is not legal or tax advice. Reading this page does not create a lawyer client relationship. Content is not intended to solicit legal work or clients and is prepared in line with applicable professional rules. For formal terms, see our Disclaimer.

Quick clarity for decision makers

If you are investing in Turkey, the key question is not “Can we do it?”, but “How do we do it safely?”. We focus on structure, enforceability, documentation, and risk containment so your investment remains predictable.

Who this is for

  • Foreign companies entering Turkey through a distributor, agent, or direct sales model
  • Investors planning a JV, acquisition, or asset purchase
  • Foreign founders establishing a Turkish company or operational footprint
  • Real estate investors needing title, zoning, and transaction risk checks

Typical investment routes in Turkey

The correct path depends on control, liability, tax, sector rules, and enforcement strategy. Below are the most common routes we structure.

Market entry without incorporation

  • Distributor or agency model
  • Contract and payment security setup
  • Partner verification and ongoing compliance

Related: Agency Agreement, Confidentiality Agreement

Local presence

  • Company formation and governance setup
  • Liaison office feasibility
  • Operational compliance roadmap

Related: Liaison Office, Limited Şirket, Anonim Şirket

Acquisition or JV

  • Legal due diligence and risk memo
  • SPA or JV documentation
  • Closing and post closing protections

Related: Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Venture, Due Diligence

Real estate driven investment

  • Title deed checks and restrictions
  • Zoning and permit verification
  • Contract and payment risk protection

Related: Property Rights for Foreigners

Common mistake we prevent

Investors often sign “international style” contracts that look good on paper but are weak under local enforcement realities. We design documentation with enforceability in Turkey in mind.

Investment legal checklist (what we actually review)

  • Counterparty verification: trade registry, authority, representation, risk signals
  • Contract package: scope, price, delivery, acceptance, warranties, limitation of liability
  • Payment security: guarantees, advance payments, retention, escrow style mechanisms where feasible
  • Power of attorney and signing authority: preventing invalid signatures or non enforceable mandates
  • Tax alignment: VAT and withholding exposure mapping, treaty considerations, invoicing readiness
  • Dispute prevention: governing law, jurisdiction, arbitration strategy, interim measures

Key references: Power of Attorney, Bank Guarantee, VAT in Turkey, Withholding Tax, Double Tax Treaty, Corporate Tax

How we work (simple process)

  1. Intake: your transaction flow, parties, timeline, and priorities
  2. Risk map: what can go wrong in structure, documents, tax, and enforceability
  3. Action plan: deliverables and a step-by-step roadmap
  4. Implementation: contracts, POA, coordination, and closing support

If your concern is asset preservation before a dispute escalates, see: Strategic Asset Protection in Türkiye

Related resources

Investment management focus

Explore our sector page: Investment Management

Request an Investment Legal Roadmap Call

Share your planned structure (JV, acquisition, distributor, company formation, or real estate), and we will outline the key legal steps, documents, and risk controls for Turkey.

Contact Turkish Trade Lawyers