Tercan Legal is an independent law firm in Istanbul providing legal advice in Turkey to companies, investors and individuals based abroad. Our Turkish lawyers advise in English and in several other languages, online or at our office in Esentepe, Istanbul, so that you can obtain reliable Turkish legal advice without travelling to Turkey.

Whether you need a short consultation on a specific question, a written legal opinion on Turkish law or a Turkish lawyer to represent you before courts and authorities, the first step is the same: tell us about your matter, and a lawyer will review it and explain the options available under Turkish law.

• Tell us about your matter. Use the form on this page, WhatsApp or email, and share the key documents if you have them.
• Review and proposal. A lawyer reviews your question and sends a written proposal setting out the scope of work and the fee before any work begins.
• Consultation or written opinion. We advise you by Zoom or WhatsApp call, or prepare a written legal opinion on the Turkish law points involved.
• Representation if needed. Where your matter requires action in Turkey, we can act for you on the basis of a power of attorney signed in your country and apostilled, without you having to travel.

In Turkey, only lawyers admitted to a Turkish bar may represent clients before courts and give legal advice as a profession. Mithat Tercan, the firm's founding partner, is registered with the Istanbul Bar (No. 45421), and every matter is led by a lawyer rather than an intermediary or agent.

Communications with a Turkish lawyer are protected by professional secrecy under the Attorneys' Act No. 1136. Our founding partner, Mithat Tercan, previously worked as bank counsel within the SNB and KFH banking groups, and our team works with clients from more than 40 countries in their own languages.

About the firm · Our people

Foreign courts, banks, investors and counterparties often need an independent view on a question of Turkish law. We prepare written legal opinions in English on Turkish law, including questions of private international law, the enforcement of judgments and the status of Turkish companies and assets, for use in proceedings and transactions abroad.

See our Turkish Private International Law Portal for our article-by-article commentary on MÖHUK.

Most people call a lawyer once something has already gone wrong: a permit is refused, a bank blocks a transfer, a business partner stops answering. By then you are defending a position instead of choosing one. Legal advisory is about the moment before that, when you are still deciding whether to sign, which structure to use or how to bring your money into Türkiye.

A consultation answers the question you bring today. Legal advisory in Turkey is the ongoing version of the same conversation: a Turkish legal advisory lawyer who knows your file, keeps an eye on the rule changes that affect you and is there when the next question comes up. Many of our clients start with a single online consultancy call and stay with us as advisory clients for years.

If you have been searching for free legal advisory in Turkey, here is a simple offer: your first 20-minute introductory consultation with us is free. Tell us what you are planning or what has happened, and a lawyer will listen, point out the legal issues and explain your realistic options. There is no obligation to instruct us afterwards.

If you then need more, such as a written opinion, a structure for your investment or ongoing legal advisory and consultancy, we send you a clear written proposal before any paid work begins.

Tercan Legal is a law firm specialised in legal advisory. Our founder spent years as counsel to banks before founding the firm, and that is still how we work: look at the risk early, get the documents right and keep clients out of disputes wherever possible.

Today we provide legal advisory and consultancy to banks, companies, investors and families from more than 40 countries, on foreign investment and free zones, company formation, banking and international payments, real estate and citizenship by investment, residence and work permits, and disputes and enforcement when they cannot be avoided. Because of our banking background, we pay close attention to the point where many foreign investors in Türkiye get stuck: the bank.

Can I get legal advice in Turkey without travelling?

Yes. We advise clients online by video or phone call and in writing. If representation in Turkey is needed, a power of attorney signed and apostilled in your country is usually sufficient.

Is an online consultation with a Turkish lawyer confidential?

Yes. Everything you share with us is covered by the professional secrecy obligations of Turkish lawyers under the Attorneys’ Act No. 1136.

In which languages can I receive Turkish legal advice?

We advise in English, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Persian, French and Turkish.

How are fees determined?

The first 20-minute introductory call is free. For further work, we send a written proposal with the scope of work and the fee after reviewing your matter. No paid work is started before you accept it.

Can a foreign lawyer represent me in Turkey?

No. Representation before Turkish courts and authorities requires a lawyer admitted to a Turkish bar.

What should I prepare before the consultation?

A short summary of your situation, your questions and copies of the relevant documents, such as contracts, title deeds, company documents or correspondence.