How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Turkey?

The cost of legal services in Turkey is a relevant issue for both foreigners and local residents. The Republic of Turkey has a unique system of legal fees that ensures transparency and quality of service. Minimum fee rates are established by law, protecting both clients and lawyers, guaranteeing fair compensation and qualified legal assistance.

In our new guide, you will learn how much a lawyer’s services cost in Turkey, how fees are structured across different areas of law, and how to choose the right lawyer and negotiate the price.

Pricing of Legal Services in Turkey

Legal Framework

The pricing of legal services in Turkey is governed by the Attorneys' Act No. 1136. Article 164 regulates attorney fees and introduces the concept of a "base tariff." Each year, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations publishes an official fee schedule setting minimum compensation rates for various categories of legal support. Lawyers are not allowed to accept payments below these minimums — any such agreements are invalid and treated as disciplinary violations.

In Turkey, the cost of legal services is not tied to the outcome of the case — clients must pay for the work regardless of the result. However, the law allows a “success fee” (a bonus for a favorable outcome), which is paid only if the case is won. This fee is added to the base tariff but may not exceed 25% of the claim amount. Such terms must be set out in writing.

Minimum Rates and Restrictions

The minimum tariff sets the lower boundary, while actual fees may be higher depending on the case. Rates are regularly adjusted to reflect economic conditions. The 2024–2025 fee schedule shows an average increase of about 55% due to significant inflation.

The official minimum tariff details fees by service type. These minimum rates serve as a barrier to unfair competition, ensure lawyers earn a sustainable income, and standardize prices across the market. Junior lawyers often charge fees close to the minimum, while experienced specialists set higher fees — based on their reputation and the complexity of the case (type of legal matter, time required, location and language of service, number of parties, payment schedule, etc.).

Tax Obligations and Example Calculation

When budgeting for legal services, keep in mind that prices on some Turkish lawyers’ websites are shown excluding VAT at 20%. The tax is applied directly on the final invoice. Other law firms operate without VAT.

For corporate clients, an additional income tax withholding of 20% applies. Contracts often specify that all taxes are payable on top of the base fee. As a result, companies may end up paying about 40% more than the base service price.

Example:

If a lawyer quotes 10,000 TL:

• An individual client pays 12,000 TL (including 20% VAT).
• A company pays 14,000 TL: 10,000 TL to the lawyer, 2,000 TL VAT, and 2,000 TL income tax.

It is essential to clarify with your legal advisor whether taxes are included in the quoted fee. Some law firms provide an all-inclusive price with the full tax package.

Cost of Legal Services by Practice Area

The following section provides a detailed breakdown of minimum legal service costs across various fields of law. Note that these are the lowest permissible rates according to the official tariff. Actual fees may be higher depending on the lawyer’s experience, case complexity, and other factors.

Family Law Attorney Fees

The cost of hiring a lawyer in Turkey largely depends on the legal area. Family law is one of the most in-demand fields, particularly among foreigners. Approximate rates are as follows:

Divorce:

• Uncontested divorce: minimum 81,500 TL
• Contested divorce: from 127,250 TL
• Additional claims (compensation, asset division): 16% of the value of such claims

Child Custody:minimum 81,500 TL (same rate applies to adoption or annulment of adoption cases).

Alimony Cases: minimum 52,250 TL, plus 16% of the court-awarded amount.

Division of Marital Property:minimum 127,250 TL + 16% of the client’s share.

Family disputes are legally and emotionally complex, which explains the relatively high fees. However, Turkey provides free legal aid for individuals with insufficient financial means.

Legal Support for Inheritance Matters

Inheritance cases are another common area where foreigners often need help, particularly when inheriting property or assets in Turkey. Fees depend on whether the process is administrative or involves litigation.

Non-Disputed Inheritance:

• Via notary: minimum 22,500 TL
• Via court: minimum 36,000 TL

Disputed Inheritance:

• Minimum 58,500 TL plus 16% of the claim amount

Some lawyers may agree on a percentage of the estate's value as their fee — typically 1–3% for non-disputed cases.

Drafting a will is billed separately, starting from 114,250 TL for full legal support.

We covered the process of arranging and receiving inheritance in Turkey in detail in the article “Inheritance in Turkey.”

Civil Litigation Costs

Civil cases include a broad range of disputes: property, contracts, debt recovery, and special proceedings. For foreigners, this category may also involve migration matters such as obtaining citizenship or appealing deportation.

Real Estate Cases:

• Eviction lawsuits: minimum 52,000 TL + 16% of annual rent value
• Correction of property rights in land registry: minimum 130,750 TL + 16% of property value

Migration Cases:

• Assistance with citizenship applications: 45,000 TL
• Deportation appeals (administrative court): 36,000 TL

Other Civil Matters:

• Name change or civil registry correction: about 61,500 TL
• Debt recovery: minimum 65,750 TL + 16% of debt amount
• Challenging company meeting decisions: minimum 101,750 TL

Court costs are generally borne by the losing party, but initially advanced by the client.

Legal Support for Real Estate Transactions

Legal support for transactions (as opposed to litigation) is a separate service, especially relevant for foreign investors.

Property Purchase:

• Full legal supervision of a property deal: usually 1–2% of the property price
• Drafting a purchase agreement: from 6,000 TL
• Full-service assistance for high-value deals: 1,000–2,000 EUR

Lease or Commercial Agreements:

• Lease agreement: from 6,000 TL
• Complex commercial contract: 16,000–24,000 TL
• Participation in negotiations: 5,000–10,000 TL per session

Registration and Corrections:

• Court correction of land registry: from 41,400 TL
• Complete transfer of ownership: 50,000–60,000 TL

Legal Services for Businesses

Business clients in Turkey often require continuous legal support — from company registration to court representation.

One-Off Services:

• Full company registration: 50,000–250,000 TL
• Corporate contract drafting: from 16,000 TL
• Charter documents: around 102,000 TL

Ongoing Legal Service:

• Monthly legal consulting (excluding litigation): from 42,000 TL

Specialized Services:

• Tax commission representation: from 18,000 TL
• International arbitration: from 150,000 TL

Pricing by Service Type – Consultations, Documents, Representation

The cost of legal assistance in Turkey depends on the format of services provided. Below are the three main types of services and their corresponding rates:

Legal Consultations.

The simplest form of legal assistance, usually billed by the hour.

• Basic rate for in-office verbal consultation: 3,500 TL for the first hour.
• Online consultations: approximately the same price.
• Written advice or legal opinions: from 6,000 TL per hour.
• On-site consultations: from 6,000 TL for the first hour.

Document Preparation.

• Drafting lawsuits: minimum 22,750 TL
• Appeals: 46,500 TL
• Wills: 114,250 TL
• Contracts: 76,500 TL

A lawyer may include document preparation in the overall case fee or offer reduced rates for regular clients requiring minor documents.

Full Court Representation.

The most comprehensive service, covering all stages from consultation to final judgment.

• First-instance court cases: from 30,000 TL for non-monetary disputes/
• For monetary disputes: 16% of the claim amount, on a sliding scale.
• Appeals: minimum 28,000 TL.
• Enforcement proceedings: debt recovery — 7,000 TL; eviction — 13,500 TL.

Clients should determine the required level of legal assistance in advance. In Turkey, it is customary for lawyers to request a substantial portion of the fee (around 50%) as an advance payment.

Factors Influencing Cost

Even with an official fee schedule, the final cost of legal services may vary significantly. Several key factors affect pricing:

• Complexity and scope of work. The more complex the case, the higher the fee. Complexity depends on the number of issues, legal research required, involvement of experts, and number of hearings. Cases in higher courts (appeals) are more expensive than those in first instance.
• Experience and qualifications of the lawyer.A junior lawyer may charge near-minimum rates, while a well-known specialist will request much more. Niche expertise also increases cost — rare specialties command higher fees.
• Value of the dispute. The claim amount directly affects the fee. High-value cases mean higher risk and responsibility for the lawyer, which is reflected in the price.
• Urgency.Work required on a tight deadline may incur an additional charge, agreed upon individually.
• Additional expenses. Travel, translators, and expert services are often billed separately but may sometimes be included in a flat rate.

We recommend discussing all these points upfront to properly plan your budget. Transparency and trust from the outset ensure smooth cooperation and help avoid unexpected costs.

Tips: How to Choose a Lawyer and Negotiate Fees

Choosing a law firm in a foreign country is a critical decision. While price matters, it should not be the only factor. Here are key recommendations for hiring a lawyer in Turkey:

• Verify credentials.Ensure the lawyer is a licensed “Avukat,” registered with the Turkish Bar Association. Only licensed attorneys can officially represent clients in court and are required to follow the official fee schedule.
• Check specialization. Select a lawyer experienced in your specific area of law. The better they know the nuances, the higher your chances of success. Look for Russian- or English-speaking lawyers to avoid language barriers.
• Discuss fees openly. Clarify the fee structure and whether the 20% VAT is included. When working with foreigners, fees are often quoted in euros or U.S. dollars — confirm the exchange rate.
• Request a written agreement outlining fees, scope of work, payment schedule, and refund policy.
• Clarify the scope of services. Confirm whether the fee covers appeals, enforcement, or additional expenses. Agree on the success fee (if applicable) and document it.
• Be wary of unusually low prices. Offers far below market rates are a red flag. Evaluate what is included in the service, not just the price.
• Ask about installment payments for high-cost cases. Agree on a payment schedule and ensure it is included in the contract.
• Always get receipts for payments— important for reimbursement if costs are later claimed from the losing party.

If disputes arise, you may contact the Bar Association, though with the right lawyer such issues rarely occur.

When choosing legal assistance, consider not only the cost but also the lawyer’s experience and specialization. Professional legal support often prevents major financial losses and helps achieve the desired outcome efficiently.

If you need professional legal assistance in Turkey, turn to the experienced team at Tuncay & Barcin Law Office. Years of practical expertise, deep knowledge of Turkish law, and a tailored approach to each client ensure the highest standards of legal service.