How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Turkey?

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Turkey? – A Complete 2026 Legal Guide. When you need legal help in Turkey—whether for a dispute, a real estate transaction, or a family matter—one of the first questions that comes to mind is how much does a lawyer cost in Turkey?

Legal fees can vary widely depending on the type of case, the lawyer’s experience, and the city where services are provided. Understanding how lawyer fees work will help you plan your legal process more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

1. What Determines Lawyer Fees in Turkey?

Lawyer costs in Turkey depend on several key factors:

a. Type and Complexity of the Case

Simple legal tasks such as document preparation, notarized power of attorney, or short consultations are usually more affordable. On the other hand, complex cases like divorce, inheritance disputes, or corporate litigation require more time and expertise, thus increasing the fee.

b. The Scope of Work

If a case involves multiple hearings, expert reports, or appeals, the total cost rises proportionally. A single contract review may be completed quickly, while a long civil trial could take months or even years.

c. The Lawyer’s Experience and Expertise

Senior lawyers and attorneys specialized in certain areas—such as real estate, criminal defense, or foreign investment—tend to charge higher fees due to their experience, reputation, and success rates.

d. Location of the Law Firm

In major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, or Izmir, prices are generally higher compared to smaller towns. Large law firms in central districts often have higher operational costs, which may reflect in their service fees.

e. The Value or Amount in Dispute

In civil or commercial cases, the fee may also depend on the financial value of the claim. For example, a dispute involving property worth millions of Turkish lira will have a higher legal fee than a small-claims matter.

f. Minimum Tariff by the Turkish Bar Association

Every year, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (Türkiye Barolar Birliği – TBB) publishes a Minimum Attorney Fee Schedule. This schedule sets the lowest amount a lawyer can legally charge for each type of service. Lawyers cannot charge below these official minimums.

2. Typical Lawyer Fees in Turkey

While every case is unique, we can summarize general fee ranges based on 2025 standards:

Consultation Fee: Typically starts from 3,000–5,000 TRY for a one-hour session, depending on the city and lawyer’s experience.

Contract Drafting and Review: Usually between 6,000–15,000 TRY depending on the complexity of the document.

Civil Court Representation: Minimum fees often begin around 45,000–60,000 TRY per case, increasing for higher-value or complex disputes.

Criminal Defense Cases: Depending on the seriousness of the offense, fees can range between 50,000 and 150,000 TRY.

Divorce Cases: For uncontested divorces, fees generally start from 45,000 TRY; contested divorces can reach or exceed 75,000 TRY.

Corporate or Commercial Cases: For companies, retainer agreements or hourly rates are common, often starting around 5,000 TRY per hour for senior lawyers.

Keep in mind these figures are averages. Some law firms—particularly those serving international clients—may charge in euros or U.S. dollars, especially for cross-border work.

3. Common Fee Structures Used by Lawyers

Fixed Fee: A flat amount is agreed upon for a specific service (for example, preparing a contract or filing a lawsuit).

Hourly Fee: The lawyer charges for each hour worked. This is common in business and consultancy services.

Percentage-Based Fee: In some cases, particularly debt collection or compensation claims, lawyers may charge a percentage of the amount recovered—within the legal limits allowed by Turkish law.

Retainer (Monthly Agreement): Corporate clients often sign a monthly retainer contract with law firms to receive continuous legal support.

4. Additional Legal Costs

Apart from lawyer fees, you should also consider court and administrative expenses, such as:

Court filing and application fees

Official expert or witness costs

Translation and notary expenses

Travel and postal charges

VAT (Value Added Tax), which is typically 20% for legal services

Your lawyer should clearly explain which of these costs are included in the service fee and which are paid separately.

5. How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Budget

Request a Written Agreement

Always ask your lawyer for a written engagement contract that outlines:

The total fee and payment terms

Which services are covered

The estimated timeline of your case

Any additional costs you may be responsible for

Evaluate Experience Over Price

Selecting the cheapest lawyer may not always lead to the best outcome. A more experienced lawyer may charge higher fees but can save you time, stress, and future costs through strategic advice and effective case handling.

Ask About Payment Options

Many law offices in Turkey offer installment plans or staged payments. This can make legal services more accessible without compromising quality.

Check Transparency and Communication

Choose a lawyer who explains every step in clear language and keeps you informed about your case progress. Clear communication builds trust and prevents misunderstandings about costs.

6. Average Cost for Foreign Clients

Foreign clients often pay slightly higher fees because their cases may involve:

Dual-language documentation

International correspondence

Translation and legalization of foreign documents

Complex cross-border regulations

However, reputable law offices in Turkey provide transparent quotations in advance, ensuring clients understand all financial obligations before work begins.

7. Important Legal Note

Lawyer fees are not standardized across all law firms. The official minimum tariff ensures fairness, but lawyers may charge above this based on their expertise and workload. It’s illegal, however, for a lawyer to charge below the minimum tariff published by the Turkish Bar Association.

Lawyers and Consulting: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Turkey?

So, how much does a lawyer cost in Türkiye? The answer varies depending on the nature of your case, the lawyer’s area of ​​expertise, and the city where the service is provided. While basic consulting can start at a few thousand Turkish lira, complex cases or corporate representation can be significantly more expensive.

Transparency is the key to a successful legal partnership. Always request a written fee agreement, understand all potential costs, and choose a lawyer based not only on price but also on experience, reliability, and communication.

Whether you need a real estate lawyer in Ankara, a divorce lawyer in Istanbul, or corporate legal support in Izmir, Turkey offers experienced professionals who can provide effective and reliable legal representation tailored to your needs.How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Turkey?