Introduction
If you’re a European company doing business in Turkey — through suppliers, distributors, agents, or clients — disputes are not a question of if, but when.
When conflict escalates, you need more than just legal knowledge. You need local representation you can trust — fluent in Turkish law and your business culture.
At RT-Union – Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, we represent EU and UK-based companies in commercial litigation and enforcement proceedings across Turkey.
Here’s what you need to know before stepping into a Turkish courtroom in 2025.
When conflict escalates, you need more than just legal knowledge. You need local representation you can trust — fluent in Turkish law and your business culture.
At RT-Union – Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, we represent EU and UK-based companies in commercial litigation and enforcement proceedings across Turkey.
Here’s what you need to know before stepping into a Turkish courtroom in 2025.
When Do European Companies Need Court Representation in Turkey?
The most common cases include:
Even if your contract contains international clauses or arbitration language, local litigation is often unavoidable — especially for enforcement.
- Breach of contract by Turkish supplier or customer
- Non-payment for goods or services
- Termination of distribution or franchise agreements
- IP disputes (e.g., unauthorized use of trademarks)
- Shareholder or partnership conflicts in Turkish subsidiaries
Even if your contract contains international clauses or arbitration language, local litigation is often unavoidable — especially for enforcement.
Can Foreign Companies Appear in Turkish Courts?
Not directly. According to Turkish procedural law:
Failure to comply can result in the court rejecting the case or entering default judgment.
- Foreign legal entities must be represented by a licensed Turkish attorney
- A Power of Attorney (POA) must be issued — legalized and translated if signed outside Turkey
- All court filings and pleadings must be in Turkish language
Failure to comply can result in the court rejecting the case or entering default judgment.
Types of Courts That Handle Business Disputes
- Commercial Courts of First Instance – for contractual and corporate cases
- Civil Courts – for property, inheritance, or personal claims
- Enforcement Courts – for execution of judgments and debt collection
- Administrative Courts – for tax, regulatory, and customs disputes
At RT-Union, we assess jurisdiction, court level, and risk strategy before initiating any litigation.
Step-by-Step: Litigation Process in Turkey
- Pre-litigation notice (optional but recommended)
- Lawsuit filing – including evidence and claims
- Service of summons on Turkish defendant
- Preliminary hearing – judge reviews formal validity
- Main hearings and expert review – based on written and oral submissions
- Judgment – typically 6–18 months depending on complexity
- Appeal (if applicable)
- Enforcement – via Turkish bailiff (İcra)
RT-Union handles each stage in Turkish and English, keeping you fully informed.
How RT-Union Protects European Clients in Turkish Courts
✅ Legal risk analysis before filing
✅ Drafting and filing all documents in Turkish
✅ Representing you in all court hearings
✅ Coordinating translations and evidence
✅ Enforcing judgments across Turkish jurisdictions
Whether you’re filing a claim or defending one, we act decisively and transparently — with commercial sense and international clarity.
✅ Drafting and filing all documents in Turkish
✅ Representing you in all court hearings
✅ Coordinating translations and evidence
✅ Enforcing judgments across Turkish jurisdictions
Whether you’re filing a claim or defending one, we act decisively and transparently — with commercial sense and international clarity.
Case Study: German Manufacturer v. Turkish Distributor
A German client had unpaid invoices totaling €180,000 from a Turkish distributor. RT-Union:
Result: full recovery in 9 months, with no need for client travel.
- Reviewed contract and choice of law clauses
- Issued notice and filed claim in Istanbul Commercial Court
- Represented client through four hearings
- Obtained favorable judgment + legal costs
- Enforced via bailiff by freezing debtor’s accounts
Result: full recovery in 9 months, with no need for client travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend court hearings in Turkey remotely?
Yes. With POA, RT-Union appears on your behalf. You’re not required to be present.
Is English documentation valid in court?
No. All evidence must be submitted in Turkish — we provide certified translations.
How long does a lawsuit take in Turkey?
Commercial cases usually last 6 to 18 months, depending on complexity and appeals.
Can RT-Union enforce judgments after winning?
Yes — we handle full-cycle representation, from filing to execution.
Yes. With POA, RT-Union appears on your behalf. You’re not required to be present.
Is English documentation valid in court?
No. All evidence must be submitted in Turkish — we provide certified translations.
How long does a lawsuit take in Turkey?
Commercial cases usually last 6 to 18 months, depending on complexity and appeals.
Can RT-Union enforce judgments after winning?
Yes — we handle full-cycle representation, from filing to execution.
Why Choose RT-Union – Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm
- 🎯 Experts in EU–Turkey cross-border litigation
- ⚖️ Licensed Turkish attorneys with multilingual legal team
- 🧩 Transparent, business-focused dispute strategy
- 🌐 Full support in English, German, French, and Russian
We don’t just go to court. We protect your business in unfamiliar legal territory.
Contact Our Litigation Team
🕊️ Need to initiate or defend a claim in Turkey?
Let RT-Union represent your company professionally — in court and beyond.
📞 Get a free case review within 24 hours.
Let RT-Union represent your company professionally — in court and beyond.
📞 Get a free case review within 24 hours.
