English-Speaking Lawyer in Antalya Cennet Kesici Çetinbaş
Legal consultation and representation for foreign nationals, expatriates, investors, families and international clients dealing with Turkish law.
Legal Assistance for Foreign Nationals in Antalya
Clear communication and case-specific guidance under Turkish law
Dealing with a legal matter in another country can be difficult, particularly when the procedure, terminology and official documents are unfamiliar. Foreign nationals living in, visiting or investing in Antalya may require legal assistance in matters involving immigration, criminal proceedings, divorce and family law, employment, tenancy, property or administrative procedures.
Attorney Cennet Kesici Çetinbaş is an Antalya-based lawyer registered with the Antalya Bar Association. She graduated from Akdeniz University Faculty of Law in 2014 and has been practising law since 2015. Her legal practice provides consultation, representation and litigation services for Turkish and international clients according to the facts of each matter and the applicable Turkish legislation.
Legal guidance should begin with the facts, documents, procedural stage and applicable deadlines of the individual matter. No court case or administrative application can be evaluated responsibly through a generic promise of outcome.
For an overview of the matters handled by the practice, visit our Legal Services in Antalya page. For practical information concerning Turkish legal procedures, see the Legal Guide for Turkey .
Selected Legal Matters for International Clients
Criminal proceedings, immigration, divorce, employment and tenancy in Antalya
Criminal Proceedings in Antalya
Legal assistance may include police questioning, prosecutor proceedings, detention and judicial control, criminal trials, Heavy Penal Court proceedings and available legal remedies.
Criminal Defense in Antalya →
Lease & Tenancy Disputes
Legal assistance for landlords and tenants may include lease agreements, rent disputes, rent determination, eviction proceedings, unpaid rent and mandatory mediation.
Landlord & Tenant Law →Practice Areas in Antalya
Legal services for foreign residents, visitors, families, employees, property owners and investors
Antalya Immigration Lawyer
Legal assistance concerning residence permits, work permits, deportation decisions, entry restrictions, administrative detention, restriction codes and Turkish citizenship procedures. The appropriate legal route depends on the specific administrative decision, notification date and legal status of the foreign national.
View Immigration Law Services →Antalya Divorce Lawyer
Legal consultation and representation in uncontested and contested divorce proceedings, child custody, child support and spousal maintenance, matrimonial property matters, compensation claims and the recognition or enforcement of foreign family-law judgments in Turkey.
View Divorce & Family Law Services →Antalya Criminal Defense Lawyer
Legal consultation and representation for suspects, defendants, victims and complainants in criminal investigations and proceedings, including police and prosecutor stages, detention, judicial control, criminal trials and appeals.
View Criminal Defense Services →Antalya Employment Lawyer
Legal guidance regarding employment contracts, severance and notice pay, unpaid wages, overtime, reinstatement claims, workplace disputes, mandatory mediation and employment matters involving foreign employees or employers.
View Employment Law Services →Antalya Landlord & Tenant Lawyer
Legal assistance concerning residential and commercial lease agreements, rent disputes, rent determination, eviction grounds and procedures, unpaid rent, deposits and mandatory mediation in rental disputes.
View Landlord & Tenant Services →Other Legal Services
The practice also provides legal assistance in real estate transactions and disputes, civil litigation and other matters governed by Turkish law, subject to the facts and procedural requirements of each case.
Explore All Legal Services →Approach to Legal Services
Individual assessment, clear communication and procedural accuracy
Individual Case Assessment
Each matter is reviewed according to the relevant facts, available documents, applicable law, procedural stage and legal deadlines.
Clear Communication
International clients receive explanations of the legal procedure, available options and significant developments in clear English.
Representation Before Authorities
Where legally authorised, representation may be provided before Turkish courts, prosecutor offices, administrative authorities and other competent institutions.
International Client Support
Clients living outside Turkey may be able to manage parts of their legal matter remotely, depending on the procedure and power-of-attorney requirements.
Procedural Deadlines
Official notifications and filing dates are reviewed carefully because many judicial and administrative remedies are subject to statutory time limits.
Professional Confidentiality
Client information and communications are handled in accordance with the professional duties and confidentiality obligations applicable to attorneys in Turkey.
How Legal Assistance Can Begin
From initial assessment to representation where required
1. Initial Consultation
The first step is to identify the legal issue, relevant dates, current procedural stage and the documents already available. This allows the matter to be assessed within the correct legal framework.
2. Document and Legal Review
Contracts, court papers, administrative notifications, identity and residence documents, title-deed records, employment documents or other relevant materials may be reviewed depending on the case.
3. Legal Options and Procedure
After the initial assessment, the available legal routes, procedural requirements and important deadlines can be explained. Where representation is required, the necessary power-of-attorney formalities are identified.
4. Representation and Updates
Where legally authorised, the matter may be followed before the relevant court, prosecutor office, administrative authority, mediation bureau or public institution. International clients are kept informed about material procedural developments.
To discuss a specific matter, use the English contact page .
Official Resources for Foreign Nationals in Turkey
Primary public sources for current administrative information
Administrative requirements can change. For current public information, foreign nationals should also consult the competent Turkish authorities. These official resources complement, but do not replace, case-specific legal advice.
Presidency of Migration Management
Official information concerning residence permits, removal procedures and other immigration matters. Visit official website →
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Official information concerning work permits, application procedures and foreign labour regulations. Visit official website →
Land Registry and Cadastre
Official information from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, including property transactions involving foreign nationals. Visit official website →
Frequently Asked Questions
General information for foreign nationals dealing with Turkish legal procedures
Can a foreign national hire a lawyer in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign nationals may obtain legal consultation and, where the legal requirements are met, appoint a lawyer to represent them in court proceedings, administrative matters and other legal procedures in Turkey. The documents and power-of-attorney requirements depend on the type of matter.
Do I need to be physically present in Turkey to start a legal process?
Not in every case. Depending on the procedure, a lawyer may be able to take legal steps on behalf of a client under a valid power of attorney. Some transactions, statements or procedures may still require personal attendance, so the requirements should be checked for the specific matter.
Do you provide legal services in English?
Yes. Attorney Cennet Kesici Çetinbaş provides English-language legal consultation and communication for foreign nationals and international clients dealing with Turkish law. Official court and administrative proceedings remain subject to Turkish procedural and language requirements.
How can I issue a Power of Attorney to a lawyer in Turkey?
If you are in Turkey, a power of attorney is commonly issued before a Turkish notary. If you are abroad, it may be possible to issue the document through a Turkish consulate or through procedures in the country where you are located, subject to applicable authentication, apostille or legalisation and translation requirements. The wording and formalities depend on the legal transaction.
How can I apply for a residence permit in Turkey?
Residence permit requirements depend on the type of permit and the applicant's individual circumstances. Applications are governed by Turkish immigration legislation and administrative rules. Current public information is available from the Presidency of Migration Management .
What should I do if my residence permit application is rejected?
The written decision and its notification date should be reviewed promptly. The available remedy and filing period depend on the nature of the administrative decision and the facts of the case. A refusal should therefore be assessed individually rather than relying on a generic deadline.
Can I challenge a deportation decision in Turkey?
Yes. Under Article 53(3) of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, as amended by Article 36 of Law No. 7533, the foreign national, legal representative or lawyer may challenge a removal decision before the administrative court within 7 days from notification. Statutory exceptions can affect the legal consequences during the court process, so urgent case-specific review is important. See the Official Gazette amendment .
What is the difference between a residence permit and a work permit?
A residence permit authorises lawful residence for the relevant purpose and period. A work permit authorises employment under the applicable foreign-labour rules and, as a general rule, a valid work permit issued within the relevant statutory framework also provides a right of residence during its validity. Certain legal statuses are subject to different rules. Current information is available from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security .
Can foreign nationals buy property in Turkey?
Foreign natural persons may acquire real estate in Turkey subject to statutory eligibility rules, location-based restrictions and other legal limitations applicable to the property and purchaser. A transaction should be reviewed using current title-deed, encumbrance and legal-status information. Official information is available from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre .
Can a foreign national file for divorce in Turkey?
Foreign nationals may be able to file for divorce or participate in divorce proceedings before Turkish courts when the relevant jurisdictional and private-international-law requirements are met. The applicable law, competent court, marital property issues, child-related matters and the effect of any foreign judgment depend on the circumstances of the marriage and the parties. For more information, see the Antalya Divorce Lawyer page.
Can I receive an online legal consultation from outside Turkey?
Yes. An initial consultation and document review may often be conducted remotely. If formal representation or a particular legal transaction is required, additional identity, power-of-attorney or original-document formalities may apply.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Turkey?
Fees depend on the type and complexity of the matter, the legal work required and the applicable professional fee rules. The scope of work and fee arrangement should be clarified after the legal matter has been reviewed.
What documents should I prepare before a legal consultation?
Bring or send the documents directly connected with the matter, such as official notifications, court papers, contracts, passport and residence documents, title deeds, employment records, lease agreements, correspondence and relevant evidence. Dates of service or notification are particularly important where a legal remedy may be subject to a time limit.
Legal review: Attorney Cennet Kesici Çetinbaş, Antalya Bar Association
Last updated: 29 August 2026
This page provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice for a specific case. Turkish legislation, administrative practice and procedural requirements may change; individual matters should be assessed using current law and the relevant documents.