Debt collection in Turkey is governed by a codified and procedural system that offers creditors both judicial and administrative tools to pursue unpaid debts, whether arising from commercial contracts, promissory notes, or unpaid invoices. The core framework is established by the Turkish Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law (Law No. 2004), which defines how creditors can initiate collection proceedings through enforcement offices and, where necessary, through the civil courts. Whether the debtor is a Turkish entity or a foreign-controlled company operating in Turkey, creditors have legal options to demand payment, secure collateral, and seize assets under clearly defined timelines and evidentiary rules.
At our Turkish Law Firm, we represent domestic and international clients throughout the full debt recovery process—from pre-enforcement settlement efforts and official demand notices to asset investigations, seizure applications, and litigation. Our team of English speaking Turkish lawyers is experienced in managing both simple enforcement procedures and complex cross-border debt collection matters. As a leading best lawyer firm in Turkey in commercial litigation and enforcement law, we provide precise legal strategy, transparent cost planning, and diligent case monitoring across all stages of collection.
What Legal Grounds Allow Creditors to Start Debt Collection?
Creditors can initiate debt collection in Turkey based on either a judgment or a non-judicial instrument. Judicial enforcement follows a court decision or arbitral award that has been finalized, while non-judicial enforcement may be based on documents such as notarized loan agreements, invoices, or bills of exchange. In both cases, the process begins with an application to the relevant Enforcement Office (İcra Dairesi), which is typically located where the debtor resides or where the contract was executed.
Our Istanbul Law Firm prepares all required documentation, ensures statutory preconditions are met, and follows up with official notifications to avoid procedural dismissal. With the support of a Turkish Law Firm experienced in execution proceedings, creditors can improve their chances of collecting the debt efficiently and lawfully, even when the debtor actively resists payment or attempts to obscure assets.
See also: enforcing Turkish court judgments abroad and vice versa
Types of Enforcement Procedures in Turkey
The Turkish enforcement system recognizes several types of procedures depending on the nature of the debt and whether supporting documents are available. The main categories include:
- General enforcement without judgment (ilamsız takip)
- Enforcement based on court decision (ilamlı takip)
- Enforcement for bills of exchange (kambiyo senetlerine mahsus takip)
- Enforcement through pledge or mortgage (rehinle takip)
Each procedure involves different deadlines, defense rights for the debtor, and execution tools. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers select the optimal path based on the available documents, debtor profile, and urgency of the case. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey handling hundreds of enforcement cases annually, we provide clients with tailored enforcement timelines and regularly track collection success metrics for ongoing accountability.
Debtor’s Objection and Legal Remedies for Creditors
After a creditor initiates enforcement proceedings, the debtor has the legal right to file an objection (itiraz) within seven days from the notification of the payment order. This objection can be general or limited to specific claims (such as debt amount or signature validity). Once the objection is lodged, the collection procedure is automatically suspended until the issue is resolved through court action.
To overcome the objection, the creditor must initiate one of two legal actions: Objection Cancellation (İtirazın İptali Davası) in civil courts, or Objection Removal (İtirazın Kaldırılması) before the Enforcement Court—depending on whether the underlying claim is based on a court judgment or a private document. At our Istanbul Law Firm, we assess the most time- and cost-efficient route for our clients and file necessary claims without delay. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers are trained to structure arguments, manage deadlines, and compile evidence in a way that maximizes the chance of lifting the debtor’s objection swiftly.
Also read: contract enforcement litigation options in Turkish commercial law
Precautionary Attachment: Freezing Debtor Assets Before Judgment
When there is a risk that the debtor may dispose of assets to avoid enforcement, Turkish law allows creditors to apply for precautionary attachment (ihtiyati haciz). This is a powerful interim measure that enables creditors to freeze bank accounts, block property transfers, or seize movable assets—even before a final court ruling is obtained. However, the creditor must show that the debt is due and that collection would be endangered without immediate action.
Our Turkish Law Firm handles all aspects of precautionary attachment requests, from preparing detailed affidavits and evidence bundles to posting mandatory guarantees as required by the court. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey with significant enforcement litigation experience, we have successfully frozen assets in commercial, banking, and cross-border cases—including in high-risk debtor evasion scenarios. Our lawyers work rapidly to ensure the application is filed in the appropriate jurisdiction and enforced before assets are moved or concealed.
Can Foreign Creditors Collect Debt in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign creditors enjoy full legal standing before Turkish enforcement offices and courts. Whether you are a private individual, foreign company, or international financial institution, you may collect debt in Turkey under the same legal framework as Turkish citizens. However, practical success depends on correct procedural execution, proper translation and apostille of documents, and local enforcement knowledge.
Our English speaking Turkish lawyers routinely represent foreign banks, construction firms, import/export businesses, and private creditors in recovering debts from Turkish counterparties. From validating the enforceability of foreign invoices to obtaining recognition of international arbitral awards, our Istanbul Law Firm ensures that foreign claims are processed with both legal and strategic precision. Working with a Turkish Law Firm that understands cross-border documentation, asset discovery, and bank cooperation is essential for a smooth and enforceable outcome.
Also see: currency-related obligations in Turkish commercial contracts
Yargıtay Precedents in Turkish Debt Collection Cases
The Turkish Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) has repeatedly confirmed that enforcement proceedings must be strictly aligned with statutory procedure, and that failure to follow formality can result in dismissal—even when the underlying debt is valid. In particular, Yargıtay emphasizes that payment orders must be served properly, time limits must be strictly followed, and debtor objections must be addressed through the correct legal mechanism.
Our Turkish Law Firm leverages Yargıtay’s precedent in preparing airtight filings, anticipating debtor defenses, and defending against counterclaims. As a highly experienced best lawyer firm in Turkey for debt litigation, we also counsel clients on risk prevention strategies, such as including jurisdiction clauses, securing collateral, and registering enforceable promissory notes at the outset of commercial relations. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers ensure both procedural discipline and practical enforcement know-how.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I collect debt from a Turkish company? Yes. Both domestic and foreign creditors can file enforcement proceedings in Turkey.
- What is the deadline to collect a debt? Usually 10 years from the due date unless interrupted by enforcement or acknowledgment.
- Is a court decision required? No. You may initiate enforcement without judgment using invoices or notarized agreements.
- Can I freeze a debtor’s assets? Yes. Through precautionary attachment if urgency and risk are demonstrated.
- Can foreign court judgments be enforced in Turkey? Yes. Through recognition and enforcement (tanıma ve tenfiz) procedures.
- How long does debt collection take? Simple cases may conclude in 3–6 months. Contested cases may take longer.
- Do I need a lawyer to file for enforcement? It is highly recommended. A Turkish Law Firm ensures legal accuracy and faster resolution.
Recover What You're Owed with a Leading Turkish Law Firm
Debt collection is not just a legal process—it’s a strategic endeavor that requires precise execution, deep procedural knowledge, and persistent follow-up. Whether your debtor is cooperative or evasive, Turkish enforcement law offers effective remedies—but only if used correctly.
At our Istanbul Law Firm, we manage every stage of debt recovery, from issuing demand letters to obtaining court decisions and enforcing asset seizures. Our English speaking Turkish lawyers act swiftly, communicate transparently, and deliver results. As a trusted best lawyer firm in Turkey for enforcement law, we help you recover what is lawfully yours—legally, ethically, and efficiently.