Asset freezing orders—known in Turkish law as "ihtiyati tedbir"—are powerful legal tools that allow a creditor, investor, or plaintiff to prevent a debtor from hiding or dissipating assets during a legal dispute. Whether you're involved in commercial litigation, a shareholder conflict, or debt recovery, obtaining a timely asset freeze can be the difference between a symbolic victory and a meaningful one. A skilled Turkish Law Firm can help you secure, enforce, and defend such injunctions in Turkish courts.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers represent both domestic and foreign clients in obtaining injunction orders in Turkey. We provide fast, strategic filings that secure property, bank accounts, company shares, or intellectual property before final judgment is reached. Our team is recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for asset protection and commercial dispute strategy.
What Is an Asset Freezing Order?
An asset freezing order (ihtiyati tedbir kararı) is a provisional court decision that prevents a party from selling, transferring, or disposing of their assets while a lawsuit is pending. This includes:
- Bank accounts
- Real estate property
- Company shares
- Vehicles, securities, or valuable goods
Under Turkish procedural law, asset freezing is considered an urgent remedy designed to protect your rights during litigation. Our Turkish Law Firm assists clients in documenting urgency, proving legal interest, and navigating court objections.
Legal Grounds and Procedure
Asset freezing is regulated under the Turkish Civil Procedure Code (HMK) Articles 389–399. To obtain an injunction order, the applicant must:
- File a petition to the relevant civil or commercial court
- Prove a legal interest and risk of harm or asset loss
- Submit preliminary evidence (contracts, invoices, bank records)
- Provide a guarantee (typically a monetary security or bank letter)
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers handle all filings, represent you in hearings, and liaise with enforcement offices to apply the decision immediately after court approval.
Types of Injunctions We Handle
Our Turkish Law Firm provides injunction relief in a wide variety of legal contexts, including:
- Commercial disputes: Freezing of company accounts or receivables
- Debt collection: Blocking debtor assets before execution
- Shareholder conflicts: Preventing unauthorized asset sales
- Intellectual property cases: Securing rights and preventing infringement
- Family law matters: Asset protection in divorce or inheritance cases
We analyze the case background, evidence availability, and urgency to structure a successful injunction application.
Asset Categories Covered by Freezing Orders
The following assets can be frozen through a court order in Turkey:
- Bank accounts (TL and FX)
- Land and real estate (registered with TAPU)
- Company shares (LTD and A.Ş.)
- Intellectual property rights (trademarks, patents)
- Digital wallets and crypto assets (by court recognition)
- Vehicles and registered equipment
As a leading Turkish Law Firm, we also coordinate with execution offices and banks to enforce the freeze through official correspondence and legal intervention.
Enforcement of the Freeze: Execution Offices and Banks
Once the court grants the asset freezing order, it must be enforced through the relevant execution office (icra müdürlüğü). Our Turkish Law Firm manages this entire process:
- Submitting the order to the enforcement office
- Coordinating with land registry for property freezes
- Notifying banks to block accounts
- Freezing company shares via trade registry filings
- Serving notice to counterparties and third parties
Speed is critical. Delays in enforcement can render the court order ineffective. Our lawyers act within 24 hours of issuance to secure execution across all channels.
Guarantees and Bond Requirements
Turkish courts typically require the applicant to provide a guarantee or security when requesting an asset freeze. This serves two purposes:
- To protect the defendant from unlawful or premature freezing
- To ensure compensation in case the injunction is later lifted
The amount is determined by the court and may be paid via cash deposit, bank guarantee, or asset pledge. We advise clients on how to minimize the guarantee amount while maintaining court confidence.
Objection and Defense by the Opposing Party
Once the asset freeze is imposed, the opposing party has the right to object within 1 week. Common defenses include:
- Improper service or lack of jurisdiction
- Insufficient evidence of urgency
- Claim already resolved or under separate proceedings
- Excessive or unjustified scope of the freeze
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers represent both sides—creditors seeking to preserve rights and debtors defending against disproportionate freezes.
Internal Legal Resources You May Need
- Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law in Turkey
- Debt Collection in Turkey
- International Enforcement of Turkish Judgments
- Legal Defense for Financial Crimes
- Legal Contracts in Turkish Commercial Law
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to get an asset freeze in Turkey? 24–72 hours if urgency is proven and documents are ready. Emergency hearings can be requested.
- Is the asset freezing order permanent? No. It’s temporary and lasts until the court delivers a final decision or until lifted upon objection.
- Can I freeze assets before filing a lawsuit? Yes. Preliminary injunctions can be requested before the main case is filed, but a follow-up lawsuit must be initiated within a deadline.
- What is the role of the execution office? The execution office applies the court order by notifying banks, land registry, or third parties of the freeze.
- Can crypto assets be frozen? Yes, if wallet providers or exchanges are identifiable and under Turkish jurisdiction. Courts increasingly accept such motions.
- Is a lawyer mandatory? Yes, especially for foreign plaintiffs or complex multi-jurisdictional cases. A Turkish Law Firm ensures compliance and speed.
- Can I object to an unjust freeze? Yes. Objection rights are granted by law, and the court will review the evidence and purpose of the freeze.
- What if the frozen asset is sold anyway? Violating a freeze order is a punishable offense. Courts may issue compensation, contempt charges, or cancellation of unlawful transfers.
Secure Your Rights with a Turkish Law Firm
Asset freezing is one of the most effective pre-trial remedies under Turkish law. Whether you are a foreign investor, corporate creditor, or local litigant, time-sensitive legal action can be the difference between recovery and loss. Acting without professional guidance may result in delays, rejections, or unenforceable orders.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our experienced English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide fast, aggressive, and compliant representation in freezing asset proceedings across Turkey. As a leading Turkish Law Firm for injunctions and court enforcement, we deliver results when time and risk are critical.