Legal Perspective | Archive & Analysis

01

JANUARY 10, 2026/CITIZENSHIP

Turkish Citizenship by Investment Conditions

A guide for investors and families to obtain a Turkish passport through a 400,000 USD real estate investment and all application details.

TURKISH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT CONDITIONS AND LEGAL CONSULTANCY

GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT APPLICATION

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most attractive residency-citizenship programs in the world. Investors and their families can obtain a Turkish passport through qualified investments such as real estate purchase or bank deposits. Türkiye stands out with a relatively low entry threshold ($400,000 USD), a fast application process (3-5 months), and strong advantages such as visa-free travel, business opportunities, and access to health and education services. This guide explains the entire process, investment options, application requirements, costs, and the key benefits of acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment within a professional legal support framework.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment – Overview (2025)

Minimum Investment Amount: $400,000 USD real estate investment → [Investment Options] $500,000 USD bank deposit or government bonds $500,000 USD investment fund or capital contribution Investment Options: Real estate purchase (the most popular method) Bank deposit with a 3-year blockage Government-approved investment funds Job creation (at least 50 employees) Application Period: Average 3–6 months (from investment to passport). Family Inclusion: Covers spouse and children under 18. Adult children with disabilities can also apply. Passport Advantages: Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries Eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa

Turkish Citizenship by Investment – Main Advantages

Visa-Free Travel and Global Mobility With a Turkish passport, visa-free entry is possible to more than 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. It provides a stronger reputation in Schengen or UK visa applications compared to Caribbean citizenship programs. Family Inclusion and Generational Citizenship Spouse and children under 18 are included. Children with disabilities can also apply. Citizenship is permanent and automatically passes to future generations. Access to Health, Education, and Social Security Benefit from the public health system and social security rights. Free/affordable education and universities. Scholarship opportunities for foreign students. Business and Investment Opportunities Türkiye is a member of the EU Customs Union and a strategic hub opening to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Benefit from commercial real estate purchases, company formation, and tax advantages. Turkish citizens can apply for the US E-2 Investor Visa. Dual Citizenship and Flexibility Türkiye allows dual citizenship (depending on your country's legislation). Provides flexibility in tax planning and migration strategies. Lifestyle and Cultural Advantages Rich culture, cuisine, and history combine with modern infrastructure. Attractive real estate markets in Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment – Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply? Foreign investors (real estate, bank deposit, fund, or job creation). At least 18 years old. Included family members: spouse, children under 18, adult children with permanent disabilities. Clean criminal record and no international sanctions. Who Cannot Apply? Persons posing a national security risk or linked to terrorism. Those convicted of serious crimes. Investments financed through illegal means (money laundering, etc.). Residency Requirement Türkiye does not impose a residency requirement before or after citizenship. However, many investors choose to spend time in Türkiye for lifestyle and returns.

Application Process and Timeline

Step 1 – Investment Selection (real estate, bank deposit, fund, or employment) Step 2 – Obtaining a Short-Term Residence Permit (within 2–4 weeks) Step 3 – Citizenship Application (via the Directorate of Population and Citizenship) Step 4 – Security and Review (MIT and Ministry of Interior control) Step 5 – Approval & Passport Delivery (by Presidential decree) Total duration: 3–5 months

Costs and Fees

Government Application Fees: Approximately $500 USD per person Real Estate Purchase: Title deed fee 4%, VAT (1–20%), appraisal, DASK insurance, etc. Document Certifications: Sworn translation, notary certification, apostille/legalization. Legal Fees: Average $5,000–$10,000 USD (full service package). Total Additional Costs: Real estate route: ~$15,000–$20,000 USD Bank deposit/fund route: ~$7,000–$10,000 USD

02

JANUARY 12, 2026/CRIMINAL LAW

What is a Criminal Lawyer? Trial Process

A detailed analysis on the exercise of the right to defense and the monitoring of the legal process within the scope of criminal investigation and trial.

What is a Criminal Lawyer?

A criminal lawyer is a lawyer who exercises the right of defense of individuals and follows the legal process in accordance with the legislation in files carried out within the scope of criminal investigation and criminal prosecution. Although there is no official branch in the legal profession, lawyers who work intensively in the field of criminal law are called criminal lawyers in practice. Criminal cases can have direct effects on individual liberty and fundamental rights, so it is of great importance to conduct the trial process in this field carefully.

The Role of a Criminal Lawyer within the Scope of Criminal Law

Criminal law is the branch of law where acts defined as crimes, sanctions to be applied to these acts, and principles regarding the execution of the sentence are regulated. The Turkish Penal Code (TCK) No. 5237 contains basic provisions regarding crimes and punishments; the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) No. 5271 regulates how criminal proceedings will be conducted. In addition, criminal provisions are also included in special laws such as the Capital Markets Law. A criminal lawyer may serve in different capacities during the period from the investigation stage to the finalization of the verdict: Suspect / Defendant Defense: Undertakes the defense of persons who are suspects or defendants within the scope of criminal investigation and prosecution. Complainant (Victim) Proxy: Follows the rights and claims of persons who have been harmed or victimized by a crime during the criminal trial process.

How Does the Litigation Process Proceed in Criminal Cases?

Criminal cases consist of two basic stages: Investigation and Prosecution. Investigation Phase The investigation phase begins with the emergence of a suspicion that a crime has been committed. At this stage, evidence is collected by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to clarify the incident. An investigation can be initiated through: Complaint, Informant, Ex-officio, or Notification from Authorized Institutions. At the end of the investigation; if there is no sufficient suspicion that the crime has been committed, a decision of non-prosecution is made; if sufficient evidence exists, an indictment is prepared. Prosecution Phase The prosecution phase begins with the acceptance of the indictment by the competent criminal court. As a result of the hearings, the court may issue decisions such as acquittal, conviction, postponement of the sentence, or deferral of the announcement of the verdict.

Legal Remedies in Criminal Cases

There are legal remedies that can be applied within the periods specified in the law against the decisions given at the end of the criminal trial: Appeal (Istinaf): Examination of the decision of the first instance criminal court by the Regional Court of Justice in terms of both facts and law. Cassation (Temyiz): Audit of the decision by the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) in terms of compliance with the law after the appeal examination. Renewal of the Trial: An extraordinary legal remedy that allows the retrial of the case due to new evidence emerging after the verdict has become final. If you would like to receive criminal lawyer consultancy and litigation support in Istanbul, please contact us.

03

FEBRUARY 08, 2026/FAMILY LAW

What is Divorce Law? Protecting Your Rights

Important information about managing divorce processes, custody, alimony, compensation, and property division with an Istanbul divorce lawyer.

What is Divorce Law? | Protect Your Legal Rights with an Istanbul Divorce Lawyer

Divorce law is the field of civil law that regulates the termination of the marriage union by court decision. This branch of law, handled within the scope of the Turkish Civil Code, includes not only the end of the marriage but also many important legal consequences such as custody, alimony, liquidation of the property regime, pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages, and surname. Therefore, the correct management of the divorce process is of great importance in terms of preventing potential loss of rights. Especially in a city like Istanbul with a heavy judicial load, acting with an experienced Istanbul divorce lawyer contributes to the healthy progress of the process.

What are the Types of Divorce Cases?

In the Turkish legal system, divorce cases are basically filed in two different ways: Uncontested Divorce Case: The marriage union must have lasted at least 1 year. Spouses must reach a consensus on all matters such as alimony, custody, and property division. Under appropriate conditions, the case is usually concluded in a single hearing. Contested Divorce Case: The parties cannot agree on the terms of the divorce. It may be based on grounds such as adultery, abandonment, attempt on life, maltreatment, or the breakdown of the marriage union from its foundation. Due to witness hearings, submission of evidence, and multiple hearings, there is a longer and more complex trial process.

Practice of Divorce Cases in Istanbul

The number of divorce cases in Istanbul is quite high due to population density. Aile mahkemelerinde ciddi bir dosya yoğunluğu bulunmaktadır. Court and judge practices may vary from district to district. In order for the process to proceed effectively, it is advantageous to work with a divorce lawyer who is familiar with local practices in Istanbul.

Most Common Grounds for Divorce

The main grounds for divorce regulated in the Turkish Civil Code are: Adultery (cheating), Attempt on life, maltreatment or humiliating behavior, Committing a crime and leading a dishonest life, Abandonment (lasting at least 6 months), Mental illness, Breakdown of the marriage union from its foundation.

How Does the Uncontested Divorce Process Work?

For an uncontested divorce, the marriage must have continued for at least 1 year, the parties must prepare a written divorce protocol, and the spouses must be present in person before the judge at the hearing. In the protocol; issues such as poverty and child support alimony, custody of children, property division, and pecuniary/non-pecuniary damages must be regulated clearly and precisely.

Contested Divorce Case Process

Contested divorce cases usually involve a long and detailed trial process. This process includes, respectively: Filing the case, Submission of evidence (witness statements, correspondence, records, etc.), Temporary injunction decisions (alimony, custody arrangements), Hearings, Verdict, and Appeal/Cassation stages if any.

Custody and Personal Relationship Arrangements

If there is a common child in the divorce case, one of the most sensitive issues is custody. When making a decision, the court: Takes the best interests of the child as a basis, considers the social and economic conditions of the parties, and takes into account the level of interest and care shown to the child. It is decided to establish a personal relationship with the child for the parent who is not granted custody. In addition, child support alimony is also ruled for the expenses of the child.

04

FEBRUARY 09, 2026/LABOR LAW

What is a Reinstatement Lawsuit? Process

A guide on job security, mandatory mediation, and legal consequences of reinstatement lawsuits under Labor Law No. 4857.

What is a Reinstatement Lawsuit?

A reinstatement lawsuit is one of the most important job security mechanisms granted to employees under Labor Law No. 4857. An employee whose employment contract has been terminated must apply to a mediator within one month from the date the termination notice is served if they believe no reason was given or the alleged reason is not legally valid. Pursuant to Article 20 of the Labor Law, if mediation negotiations end in disagreement, a reinstatement lawsuit can be filed in the labor court within two weeks from the date the final minutes are issued. These periods are of a preclusive nature.

The Concept of Reinstatement

A reinstatement lawsuit is a type of case concerning the request of an employee, who has been dismissed by the employer without a valid reason, to return to their former position. However, not every dismissed employee has the right to file this lawsuit. For a reinstatement request to be accepted, certain conditions prescribed by law must be met together.

Requirements for Filing a Reinstatement Lawsuit

The following conditions must be met to file a reinstatement lawsuit: • The employee must be working under the Labor Law or the Press Labor Law, • At least 30 employees must be employed at the workplace, • The employee must have at least 6 months of seniority, • The employment contract must be for an indefinite period, • The termination must have been made by the employer without a valid reason, • The employee must not be in the position of employer representative or assistant representative, • The mandatory mediation process must have been completed. These conditions limit the employer's authority to terminate and clearly state that an employment contract can only be terminated based on valid reasons.

Distinction Between Valid and Invalid Termination

It is mandatory that the termination notice be made in writing, the reason for termination be stated clearly and precisely, and the employee be given the right to defense. In the absence of these elements, the termination is considered invalid, and the employee can request reinstatement. The right to reinstatement is not only a protection based on the employment contract but also a reflection of the right to work guaranteed in Articles 49 and 50 of the Constitution. In this respect, reinstatement lawsuits are an important result of the social state principle.

Mandatory Mediation Process

Pursuant to Article 3 of the Labor Courts Law No. 7036, applying to a mediator is a litigation requirement in reinstatement lawsuits. This regulation aims to resolve labor disputes in a shorter time and at a lower cost. If the employee does not apply to a mediator within one month from the notification of termination, they lose the right to file a reinstatement lawsuit. If no agreement is reached in mediation, an application must be made to the labor court within two weeks.

Filing of Reinstatement Lawsuit and Trial Process

Litigation Phase If the mediation process ends in disagreement, the employee must file a lawsuit in the labor court within the prescribed period. This period is taken into account ex officio by the court, and if missed, the case is dismissed. Court Decision and Consequences If the court decides that the termination is invalid, it rules for: • Reinstatement of the employee, • Payment of compensation in the amount of 4 to 8 months' wages if the employer does not start the employee at work, • Payment of wages for the idle time up to a maximum of 4 months. After the decision becomes final, the employee must apply to the employer within 10 working days and state that they want to start work. If the employer does not start the employee at work within one month despite this application, they become liable to pay the compensation determined by the court. Thanks to this system, both the loss of rights suffered by the employee is compensated and arbitrary termination practices of employers are prevented. As Bayraktar Law & Consultancy Office, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal support in the mediation process, preparation of the lawsuit petition, collection of evidence, trial follow-up, and post-decision application stages in reinstatement lawsuits. Because every action taken in this process directly affects the outcome of the case and the amount of compensation that can be received.