Introduction
Turkey has been steadily improving its consumer protection system. The goal is to offer better solutions for local citizens and the increasing number of foreigners living, investing, or shopping in the country. In 2025, important updates were made to the Consumer Protection Law. These changes directly impact foreigners who enter into contracts, buy goods, or receive services in Turkey.
The most significant reform involves monetary limits for consumer disputes. There are also procedural improvements to make access to justice simpler and quicker.
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Key Updates in 2025
The Ministry of Trade announced new monetary thresholds for applications to consumer arbitration committees. This change aims to account for inflation, the rising cost of goods and services, and the nature of international transactions involving foreigners.
By increasing these thresholds, more disputes can now be settled at the arbitration committee level instead of going straight to court. This is especially beneficial for foreigners who may want a quicker and cheaper process.
Why These Changes Matter for Foreigners
Foreigners in Turkey often face extra challenges when trying to enforce their consumer rights, including:
- Limited knowledge of Turkish consumer law.
- Language barriers when communicating with businesses or authorities.
- Practical difficulties with contracts signed in foreign currencies.
- Challenges with notifications and service of documents abroad.
The 2025 update allows foreigners to submit smaller claims to consumer arbitration committees, which helps them avoid lengthy court cases. This creates a more accessible system for everyday consumer disputes.
Practical Challenges in Implementation
Despite these reforms, there are still real-world issues that foreigners may encounter:
- Exchange rate fluctuations in contracts made in USD, EUR, or GBP.
- Disputes about service quality in real estate, tourism, or healthcare.
- Delays in communication due to overseas addresses.
- Complexities in online or cross-border purchases.
Even though the legal framework has improved, practical support remains essential to ensure that rights are fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2025, monetary thresholds for consumer arbitration in Turkey increased, allowing foreigners to file smaller claims. Procedural updates also make it easier for non-residents to submit applications using passport or foreign ID numbers.
Yes, any foreign national who purchases goods or services for non-commercial purposes in Turkey is considered a consumer and can file complaints with consumer arbitration committees.
If the dispute involves foreign currency, the value is converted to Turkish Lira using the Central Bank’s exchange rate on the application date.
No. Foreigners without a Turkish residence can still file complaints, but they must provide a valid overseas address for notifications.
Yes. Working with an experienced Turkish law firm helps ensure faster resolution, correct application procedures, and better protection of your rights.
Key Updates in 2025 (Relevant for Foreigners)
| Regulation | Change / New Rule | Key Point for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Increase in monetary limits | As of 1 January 2025, the limit for disputes to be submitted to Consumer Arbitration Committees has been set at 149,000 TL. | Foreigners can also apply to arbitration committees for disputes below this limit; if the transaction was in foreign currency, the value is converted into TL using the exchange rate on the application date. |
| Application procedure and information | In arbitration applications, non-citizens may use details such as “passport number or foreign ID number.” | This means foreigners will not be blocked by the requirement of a Turkish ID number when filling out the forms. |
| Value conversion in foreign currency transactions | If the disputed value is in foreign currency, it is converted into Turkish Lira based on the Central Bank’s effective selling rate on the date of application. | Foreigners should pay attention: the rate at the time of application, not at the time of transaction, will be taken into account. |
| Update of administrative fines | In 2025, administrative fines under the “Law on the Protection of Consumers” were increased in line with the revaluation rate. | These fines also apply to foreign businesses or sellers under foreign control. Compliance is mandatory in the same way. |
| Direct Sales Regulation and provisions | With regulations such as the “Regulation on Direct Sales,” the scope of consumer protection is being expanded. Anadolu Agency | If foreigners purchase products/services through direct sales, they may be affected by these regulations; seller obligations have increased. |
Conclusion
The 2025 reforms to Turkey’s consumer protection law, especially the increase in monetary thresholds for arbitration, make it easier for foreigners to resolve disputes and assert their rights in the country. However, practical difficulties like contract enforcement, notifications, and currency-related disputes still pose challenges.
This is why collaborating with an experienced Turkish law firm is the best way for foreigners to navigate the system, speed up procedures, and avoid potential financial or legal risks.
- Author Av. Baris Erkan Celebi
- Barış Erkan Çelebi Founder of Turkish law firm
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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.
