How to Work and Immigrate to Turkey as a Lawyer In 2024?

Different Types of Lawyer Jobs in Turkey?

Lawyers in Turkey can practice in a wide range of legal subjects and contexts. Here you can see some of the various types of lawyer jobs available in Turkey:

• Corporate lawyer. Corporate Lawyers in Turkey work for corporations and enterprises. They give legal counsel and ensure that the firm complies with local and international legislation.
• Criminal lawyer. In Turkey, criminal attorneys represent persons or businesses accused of committing a crime. They represent their clients in court and arrange plea bargains for them.
• Civil lawyer. Civil attorneys focus on non-criminal situations, including personal injury, property disputes, and contract law. In civil court, they represent people, companies, or government agencies.
• Intellectual property lawyer. Intellectual property attorneys specialize in preserving the rights of firms or individuals who have developed original works, including inventions, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Human rights lawyer. Human rights attorneys struggle to protect the rights of oppressed or disadvantaged persons and organizations. They might work for non-profits or government entities.
• Environmental lawyer. Environmental lawyers work to safeguard the environment and natural resources. In environmental litigation, they may represent people, organizations, or government bodies.
• Immigration attorney. They assist individuals and families in navigating the difficult legal process of emigrating to Turkey. They help people apply for visas, employment permits, and citizenship.

Note: These are just a handful of the many different sorts of lawyer employment in Turkey. Whether you are interested in business or human rights law, there is a legal sector for you.

Eligibility Requirements to Immigrate to Turkey as a Lawyer

If you are interested in immigrating to Turkey as a lawyer, you should be aware of certain eligibility conditions. Here are the main requirements for becoming a lawyer in Turkey:

• Work and residence permits. You must first secure work permission and then a residency permit. These permissions can be obtained via your home country’s Turkish consulate or embassy.
• Turkish language proficiency. Because all legal processes in Turkey are handled in Turkish, you must be fluent in the language to practice there. This includes completing a Turkish language competency exam and proving your ability to successfully converse in Turkish.
• Education and credentials. A legal degree from a recognized university or institution is required to practice law in Turkey. You must also be a member of the Turkish Bar Association, which necessitates passing the Turkish bar exam.
• Excellent character and conduct. You must have excellent character and conduct to be qualified to come to Turkey as a lawyer. This includes having a clean criminal record and maintaining strong relationships with past employers.
• Professional experience. While not strictly required, having professional experience as a lawyer can be advantageous when immigrating to Turkey. This might help you exhibit your knowledge and skill in your profession, making it simpler to obtain work in Turkey.

Turkish Language Proficiency to Immigrate to Turkey as a Lawyer

Turkish language fluency is one of the primary qualifying requirements for international lawyers interested in practicing law in Turkey. Because all legal proceedings in Turkey are held in Turkish, you must be able to read, write, and speak the language fluently.

A language exam will be required to verify your Turkish language skills. The YÖS, or Turkish Language Proficiency Exam for Foreigners, is the most widely recognized exam for foreign attorneys. The test measures your language abilities in several areas, including comprehension when reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Several universities and language schools in Turkey administer the YÖS exam, which can be taken at various times during the year. The exam can be registered online or in person, and the registration price varies based on the institution giving the exam.

It is advised that you participate in a Turkish language school or work with a language teacher to prepare for the YS test. There are also several study tools, like textbooks, grammar guides, and practice examinations, available online.

Qualifications and Diplomas to Immigrate to Turkey as a Lawyer

If you want to immigrate to Turkey as a lawyer, you must have particular credentials and degrees to practice law in the nation. Here are some essential requirements:

• Law degree. A legal degree from a recognized university or institution is required to practice law in Turkey. The degree must be equal to a Turkish law degree, and evidence of your educational achievements may be requested. If your degree does not satisfy Turkish criteria, you may be forced to take extra coursework or tests.
• Turkish bar exam. You must first pass the Turkish bar exam. The Union of Turkish Bar Associations administers the test, which covers various legal disciplines such as civil law, criminal law, and commercial law. Because the exam is only available in Turkish, you must be fluent in the language.

Are there any Exams to Take to Immigrate to Turkey as a Lawyer?

Yes, if you want to immigrate to Turkey as a lawyer, you must pass exams to practice law there. The Turkish bar exam, sponsored by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, is one of the most important tests you’ll need to pass.

The Turkish bar exam includes a wide range of legal subjects, such as civil law, criminal law, and commercial law. Because the exam is only available in Turkish, you must be fluent in the language. In addition, you must demonstrate your understanding of Turkish legislation and your ability to apply it in real-world circumstances.

Preparing for this test might be difficult, but there are several tools available to assist you in studying and succeeding. You might also consider purchasing study resources and taking practice examinations to assist you in preparing for the bar exam.

How to Apply for the Turkish Bar Exam?

One of the important tasks for a foreign lawyer interested in practicing law in Turkey is to pass the Turkish bar test. Here’s everything you must know about applying for the exam and meeting the requirements:

Eligibility Requirements

To sit the Turkish bar exam, you must hold a legal degree from a recognized institution, be at least 25 years old, and be fluent in Turkish. You must also present proof of your educational achievements and pass a Turkish language proficiency exam.

Application Procedure

The Turkish bar exam application procedure normally begins in January and lasts through March of each year. You must submit your application, together with the relevant paperwork and fees, on the Union of Turkish Bar Associations website. Additional documentation, including proof of Turkish language proficiency or a police clearance certificate, may be required.

Exam Format

The Turkish bar exam is usually given in August and contains multiple-choice and essay questions on various legal topics. Because the exam is only available in Turkish, you must be fluent. In addition, you must demonstrate your understanding of Turkish legislation and your ability to apply it in real-world circumstances.

Certification and Results

After passing the Turkish bar exam, you must apply for certification with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. This entails submitting extra paperwork and paying the applicable costs. You can practice law in Turkey once you have been certified.

How to Immigrate to Turkey as a Lawyer?

If you’re a lawyer considering moving to Turkey, you might be asking what procedures you must take. Here’s a guide to assist you in understanding the process of becoming a lawyer in Turkey:

Step 1. Determine Your Eligibility

Before you start the immigration process, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. This involves possessing a legal degree from a recognized university, being at least 25 years old, and being fluent in Turkish.

Step 2. Obtain the Necessary Documents

To immigrate to Turkey as a lawyer, you must submit proof of your education, employment experience, and language skills. Transcripts, degrees, language test results, and a résumé or CV may be included.

Step 3. Find a Job

You must have a work offer from a Turkish legal firm or corporation to come to Turkey as a lawyer. Job vacancies might be found online or through professional networks. Once you’ve accepted a job offer, your employer will usually assist you in obtaining a work and residency permit.

Step 4. Apply for a Work Permit

Once you have a job offer, you must apply for a work permit from the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. This entails submitting an application form and the necessary paperwork and expenses. The time it takes to process a work permit varies, but it usually takes several weeks to a few months.

Step 5. Apply for a Residency Permit

After you’ve obtained a work permit, you’ll need to apply to the Turkish Ministry of Interior for a residency permit. This entails submitting an application form, as well as the necessary paperwork and expenses. A residence permit’s processing period might also vary. However, it usually takes several weeks to a few months.

Step 6. Take the Turkish Bar Exam

To practice law as a foreign lawyer in Turkey, you must first pass the Turkish bar exam. This entails showing your grasp of Turkish legislation and your language competence. Enrolling in a bar test prep course or working with a tutor can help you prepare for the exam.

How to Get a License to Practice Law in Turkey as a Foreign Lawyer?

Foreign attorneys wishing to practice in Turkey must first get a license from the Turkish Bar Association. The followings are the prerequisites and procedures for acquiring a license to practice law in Turkey as a foreign lawyer:

Requirements

• A legal degree from a reputable university
• Turkish fluency
• A finished one-year internship with a Turkish legal company
• Having passed the Turkish bar exam

Steps

1. You must first get a work permit and residence permission.
2. Look for a Turkish legal firm that will support you for an internship. This company will submit your internship application to the Turkish Bar Association.
3. Finish your one-year internship under the supervision of a Turkish lawyer.
4. Apply to the Turkish Bar Association to take the Turkish bar test.
5. Prepare for and pass the Turkish bar exam, which examines your understanding of Turkish law and language skills.
6. After passing the bar test, apply to the Turkish Bar Association for a license to practice law in Turkey.

Job Prospects for Foreign Lawyers in Turkey

Foreign attorneys, particularly those with specific talents and experience, might find potential career opportunities in Turkey’s legal industry. In addition, Turkey is an appealing location for foreign investors and firms due to its rising economy and importance as an international commercial hub. As a result, there is a greater need for legal services and knowledge, notably from international attorneys with unique viewpoints and experience.

Corporate law, intellectual property law, and international arbitration are the most popular fields of activity for foreign attorneys in Turkey. Foreign attorneys can find work in global enterprises, government agencies, and non-governmental groups in addition to typical legal firms.

Job Market for Foreign Lawyers in Turkey

While the legal job market in Turkey is competitive, there is an increasing demand for lawyers specializing in intellectual property and international trade. Furthermore, foreign lawyers fluent in Turkish may have an advantage in the job market because they can navigate Turkish legal procedures and interact with clients and colleagues more easily.

How to Find Lawyer Jobs in Turkey?

Here are some strategies for finding lawyer jobs in Turkey:

• Investigate and network with Turkish law companies and legal experts.
• Look for employment vacancies on Internet job boards and career portals.
• Contact international organizations and businesses having a presence in Turkey.
• Meet potential employers and colleagues by attending legal conferences and events in Turkey.
• Consider engaging with a headhunter or recruitment agency specializing in legal assignments in Turkey.

What are the Benefits of Immigrating to Turkey as a Lawyer?

Here are some advantages to moving to Turkey as a lawyer:

• Possibility of working in a booming economy with a thriving legal market
• Opportunity to obtain knowledge about international law and cross-border negotiations
• Access to a wide range of clients and legal concerns
• Possibility of greater pay and reduced living costs as compared to other nations
• Possibility of learning the Turkish language and culture
• Possibility of gaining Turkish citizenship and benefiting from living in a modern, multicultural nation.

Challenges of Working in Turkey as a Foreign Lawyer

Working as a foreign lawyer in Turkey may be a pleasant experience, but there are certain obstacles that international attorneys may face. Here are a few examples of common difficulties:

• Language barrier. Turkish is the country’s official language, and proficiency is essential for successful communication with clients and employees.
• Different legal systems. The Turkish legal system is distinct from that of other nations, and foreign attorneys may be required to acquire new legal ideas and procedures to traverse it efficiently.
• Cultural distinctions. To operate effectively with clients and coworkers in Turkey, it is critical to grasp cultural standards and etiquette.
• Work permit and visa requirements. To operate lawfully in Turkey, foreign attorneys must get a work permit and visa, which may be a time-consuming and complex procedure.
• The job market is competitive. To distinguish themselves in Turkey’s legal market, international attorneys may need to demonstrate particular abilities and expertise.
• The political and economic landscape is changing. Turkey’s political and economic situation may be difficult and unpredictable, which can influence the legal sector and business climate.

How Much is the Salary of Lawyers in Turkey in 2024?

An attorney normally makes roughly 16,000 TRY per month. However, salaries vary from 7,340 TRY to 25,400 TRY.

The essential criterion in deciding remuneration is experience.

• Lawyers with less than two years of experience may expect to earn around 8,330 TRY each month.
• A lawyer with two to five years of experience is estimated to earn 11,100 TRY monthly.
• A lawyer with five to 10 years of experience earns a monthly salary of 16,400 TRY.
• Lawyers with experience ranging from ten to fifteen years earn a monthly salary of 20,100 TRY.
• If the lawyer has between fifteen and twenty years of experience, the estimated monthly salary is 21,900 TRY.
• Lawyers with over twenty years of experience get a monthly pay of 23,700 TRY.

We all know that better education leads to a greater wage, but how much more can a degree add to your earnings? 

• When the education level is Bachelor’s Degree, the average monthly wage is 9,510 TRY.
• A lawyer with a Master’s Degree is paid 14,900 TRY each month.
• Lawyers with a Ph.D. earn an average monthly income of 25,000 TRY.

Immigrate to Turkey as a Lawyer: Let’s Recap

Immigrating to Turkey as a lawyer may be a successful and enjoyable experience, with several professional and personal growth prospects. While obtaining a license to practice law in Turkey as a foreign lawyer can be difficult, it is doable with the right qualifications, language proficiency, and commitment.

Furthermore, Turkey’s thriving legal market provides numerous opportunities for foreign lawyers with specialized skills and experience, particularly in corporate law, intellectual property, and international arbitration.

Turkey’s expanding economy, multicultural society, and strategic location make it a desirable destination for lawyers looking for new challenges and opportunities.

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