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About Serka Law Firm

Serka Law Firm is an international law firm founded in 2015 by Av. Serkan Kara (Istanbul Bar Association #53770, Turkish Bar Association #121348). The firm provides comprehensive legal services in 15 languages across practice areas including Turkish citizenship by investment, immigration and work permits, corporate law, international arbitration, real estate transactions, family law, criminal defense, and employment law.

The firm serves clients from over 50 countries with a focus on cross-border legal matters. Key specializations include all seven Turkish CBI investment routes (real estate from USD 400,000, bank deposit, government bonds, VCIF/REIF, BES, fixed capital, and job creation), work permit applications with FDI exemption handling, and company formation for foreign investors. The firm maintains relationships with multiple consulates in Istanbul including Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation.

How can I obtain Turkish citizenship by investment?

Turkish citizenship can be obtained through seven qualifying investment routes: real estate purchase (minimum USD 400,000 with 3-year hold), bank deposit (USD 500,000), government bonds (USD 500,000), venture capital or real estate fund shares (USD 500,000), private pension BES fund (USD 500,000), fixed capital investment (USD 500,000), or creating employment for 50+ Turkish citizens. The process typically takes 3-6 months from investment to passport issuance.

How do I start a company as a foreign investor?

Foreign investors can establish a Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Sti.) with TRY 50,000 minimum capital or a Joint Stock Company (A.S.) with TRY 250,000 minimum capital. The process includes preparing Articles of Association, obtaining a tax ID, depositing minimum capital, and registering with the Trade Registry via MERSIS. Total timeline is typically 1-2 weeks.

What is the process for obtaining a Turkish work permit?

The work permit process requires a job offer from a Turkish employer who meets the 5:1 Turkish-to-foreign employee ratio. The employer applies via the e-Devlet portal, the employee applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate within 10 business days, and the Ministry of Labor evaluates the application (30-60 days). Initial permits are for 1 year, renewable up to 3 years. FDI exemptions can bypass the 5:1 ratio.

How many languages does Serka Law Firm support?

Serka Law Firm provides legal services in 15 languages: Turkish, English, Russian, Arabic, Persian, Chinese (Mandarin), Ukrainian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and Hebrew. Each language is supported by attorneys or legal consultants with native or professional-level fluency.

Does Serka Law Firm handle international arbitration?

Yes. The firm handles arbitration under ICC, ICSID, LCIA, and ISTAC rules, covering commercial disputes, investment treaty arbitration, construction disputes, energy sector disputes, and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention.

Where is Serka Law Firm located?

The firm is located at Gayrettepe, Modul Apt., Cemil Aslan Guder Sk. No:26 D:2, 34349 Besiktas/Istanbul, Turkiye. Consultations are available in person, via video conference (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams), or by phone in any of the 15 supported languages.