Turkey’s legal system operates under civil law, with codified laws forming its foundation. For foreign businesses, understanding this system is essential to navigate legal processes and ensure compliance while operating in Turkey.
The hierarchy of laws in Turkey starts with the Constitution, followed by codes, statutes, and international treaties ratified by the Grand National Assembly. Courts also rely on higher court decisions for consistent legal interpretation. The judicial system is divided into civil, criminal, and administrative courts, with specialized courts handling areas like commercial disputes, intellectual property, and labor law.
Civil courts address disputes like contracts, property issues, and liabilities. Open hearings are standard, with exceptions for cases requiring confidentiality. Criminal courts oversee offenses against individuals and societal order, ensuring legal compliance for businesses. Administrative courts play a critical role in overseeing permits and licenses, vital for navigating Turkey’s bureaucracy.
Specialized courts, such as commercial courts and consumer courts, offer tailored resolutions for specific legal areas, ensuring efficient outcomes. Debt collection is handled through civil courts, where creditors can pursue legal remedies like asset seizure or wage garnishment.
Turkey’s three-tiered court system allows appeals to be reviewed at regional courts and, if necessary, at the Court of Cassation or Council of State. This ensures fairness and provides a robust mechanism for resolving disputes.
Understanding Turkey’s legal framework helps businesses manage compliance, resolve disputes, and operate effectively. From navigating court structures to handling appeals, a strong grasp of the system enables businesses to confidently establish and grow their presence in Turkey.
