Average Cost of a Lawyer in Turkey
The cost of hiring a Turkish lawyer in Turkey depends on what kind of legal help you need. For example, a consultation or a short meeting to review a contract may cost about €500–€1,000.
If you need full representation in court for a civil or criminal case, fees usually start at €1,500 and can go up to €10,000 or more.
For business clients, especially in corporate or real estate deals, a Turkish lawyer often charges €2,000–€20,000, depending on the size of the transaction.
For foreigners, prices are often quoted in euros or dollars and can vary slightly more than for Turkish citizens because of translation needs and additional explanations.
In Turkey, how much you pay a Turkish lawyer depends on your case, how complicated it is, how long it lasts, and how experienced the lawyer is. More experienced lawyers usually charge higher fees, but they may resolve the case more effectively. If you want to check the official minimum fee schedule published by the Turkish Bar Association, you can see it here.
Factors That Affect Legal Fees
Several things determine what you will pay a Turkish lawyer:
- Case complexity: A simple divorce or a rental dispute is cheaper than a fraud investigation or corporate lawsuit.
- Time required: Cases that last months or years cost more than cases resolved in one hearing.
- Type of service: Advice and document review is less expensive than court representation.
- Experience of the lawyer: A senior lawyer with a strong track record charges more than a less experienced one.
- City and location: Lawyers in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya often have higher rates than those in smaller towns.
Keep in mind that legal fees do not include court filing fees, translation costs, or expert reports, which are extra.
Fee Arrangements Used by Turkish Lawyers
Turkish lawyers use several types of fee agreements. Here are the most common ones:
- Fixed fee: A set amount for a specific service, such as preparing a will or filing a trademark application.
- Hourly rate: Rare in Turkey but sometimes used in business law or consulting, usually between €100–€250 per hour.
- Retainer: A monthly or annual payment for ongoing advice and support, common for businesses.
- Contingency fee: Only allowed in civil damage claims. The lawyer gets a percentage of the money collected if they win.
You should always ask for a written fee agreement before hiring a lawyer. This is required by the Turkish Bar Association and protects both you and the lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many Turkish lawyers are willing to discuss their fees, especially for larger or long-term cases. Always confirm the final amount in a written agreement before starting.
The Turkish Bar Association publishes minimum fee guidelines every year. Lawyers cannot charge less than these amounts, but they can set higher fees depending on the case and their experience.
Not necessarily. Many Turkish lawyers accept an initial payment and allow the rest to be paid during or at the end of the case. Make sure the payment terms are written clearly in the contract.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
Before hiring a lawyer in Turkey, you should ask clear and direct questions to avoid problems later:
- Have you worked on similar cases before?
- How much will it cost, and what exactly is included in this fee?
- Are there any additional costs, like translations or expert reports?
- How long do you expect the process to take?
- How will you keep me informed about updates?
- Will you be the one handling my case personally, or will it be passed to someone else?
A professional lawyer will answer all these questions openly and put the agreement in writing.
Tips for EU and Non-EU Citizens
If you are not from Turkey, you should pay attention to a few things:
- Make sure the lawyer speaks good English or your preferred language so you can understand everything.
- Insist on getting all agreements, invoices, and updates in writing.
- Check that the lawyer is a registered member of a Turkish bar association. You can ask for their registration number.
- Be realistic about the timeline. Legal cases in Turkey can take longer than you expect.
- Clearly explain your goals and deadlines from the beginning.
Working with a Turkish lawyer from a reliable firm is the safest way to handle your case properly.
In conclusion
Barış Erkan Çelebi is an English-speaking Turkish lawyer who exclusively represents foreign nationals and investors in Turkey. His law firm provides personalised legal advice and practical support to EU or Non EU citizens involved in criminal and civil.
To get help from a reliable Turkish lawyer, contact our office today and take the first step toward protecting your rights in Turkey.
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Baris Erkan Celebi is an English-speaking Turkish lawyer who exclusively represents foreign investors in Turkey. His law firm in Turkey specializes in providing international investors in Turkey with reliable legal counsel and personalized business solutions.
