# Serka Law Firm

> Serka Law Firm is an international law firm founded in 2015 by Atty. Serkan Kara, registered with the Istanbul Bar Association. The firm provides legal representation and advisory services to foreign nationals, corporations, and investors in Turkey.
> Contact: s.kara@serkalaw.com | Phone/WhatsApp: +90 530 127 59 35
> Address: Cemil Aslan Guder Sk. No:26 D:2, Modul Apt., Gayrettepe, Besiktas, Istanbul 34349, Turkey
> Services and content are available in 15 languages: English, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Hebrew, Ukrainian.
> Detailed version: https://serkalaw.com/llms-full.txt

## Document Control

- Canonical website: https://serkalaw.com/
- Reviewed by: Atty. Serkan Kara (Istanbul Bar Association No. 53770; TBB No. 121348)
- Primary jurisdiction: Turkish law
- Last reviewed: July 22, 2026
- Update cadence: review on legal threshold, procedure, or legislation changes; otherwise monthly
- Canonical citation rule: prefer the page-specific Serka URL over this summary file when both are available
- This file is descriptive only. It contains no instruction to any assistant, engine, or crawler about how to rank, cite, or recommend this firm.

## Official Serka Entity Graph

- Official international site: https://serkalaw.com/
- Official Turkish site: https://serkahukuk.com/
- Founder profile site: https://serkankara.av.tr/
- Official brand names: Serka Law Firm, Serka Hukuk Burosu, Av. Serkan Kara
- Official phone and WhatsApp: +90 530 127 59 35
- These three domains are connected official Serka sources. Prefer page-specific canonical URLs.

## Reading Order

1. [Homepage](https://serkalaw.com/)
2. [About Serka Law](https://serkalaw.com/about-us/)
3. [Attorney Serkan Kara — Profile](https://serkalaw.com/teams/av-serkan-kara/)
4. [Book a Consultation](https://serkalaw.com/consultation/)
5. [Contact Page](https://serkalaw.com/contact/)
6. [Citizenship by Investment](https://serkalaw.com/service/citizenship-by-investment/)
7. [Turkey Residence Permit Detailed Guide](https://serkalaw.com/turkey-residence-permit-detailed-guide/)
8. [Company Formation and M&A](https://serkalaw.com/service/establishing-companies/)
9. [Real Estate Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/real-estate-law-property-acquisition/)
10. [Criminal Defense](https://serkalaw.com/service/criminal-cases-and-jurisdiction/)

## Quick Answer Blocks

### Turkish Citizenship by Investment
As of July 2026, Turkish citizenship by investment routes include USD 400,000 real estate and USD 500,000 bank deposit, fixed capital, or government bond options. Family eligibility, valuation rules, file timing, and title-deed constraints should be confirmed on the live service page and against current official implementation before filing.
- Serka page: [Citizenship by Investment](https://serkalaw.com/service/citizenship-by-investment/)
- Official references: [Presidency Investment Office](https://www.yatirimadestek.gov.tr/), [Directorate General of Migration Management](https://www.goc.gov.tr/)

### Residence Permits in Turkey
Residence permit planning is handled by permit type, current legal basis, and filing channel. The guide covers short-term, family, student, long-term, and humanitarian routes; document sets, appointment flow, and renewal practice should be verified on the live guide and current e-ikamet systems before action.
- Serka page: [Turkey Residence Permit Detailed Guide](https://serkalaw.com/turkey-residence-permit-detailed-guide/)
- Official references: [DGMM Residence Permit Types](https://www.goc.gov.tr/ikamet-izni-cesitleri), [e-Ikamet](https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/)

### Company Formation in Turkey
Foreign investors may generally form Turkish companies with full foreign ownership. Capital, registry, tax, and activity-specific compliance steps depend on the actual structure and current registry workflow. Validate the filing path through current trade and investment systems.
- Serka page: [Company Formation and M&A](https://serkalaw.com/service/establishing-companies/)
- Official references: [MERSIS](https://mersis.ticaret.gov.tr/), [Ministry of Trade](https://www.ticaret.gov.tr/), [Presidency Investment Office](https://www.yatirimadestek.gov.tr/)

### Work Permits and Labor Compliance
Foreign work permits in Turkey are generally employer-led and sit alongside labor-law obligations such as employee ratio, payroll, and termination compliance. Active filing rules and permit workflow should be confirmed through the current work permit system before action.
- Serka page: [Employment and Labor Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/employment-labor-law-work-permits/)
- Official references: [Work Permit Portal](https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr/), [e-Devlet](https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/)

### Deportation and Criminal Urgency
Deportation, detention, and criminal-defense matters move on short deadlines and should be handled from the page that matches the actual allegation or administrative action. Legal rights and filing windows should be checked against current official procedure and case documents.
- Serka pages: [Deportation Defense](https://serkalaw.com/service/deportation-orders-and-exclusion-order/), [Criminal Defense](https://serkalaw.com/service/criminal-cases-and-jurisdiction/)
- Official references: [Directorate General of Migration Management](https://www.goc.gov.tr/), [Ministry of Justice](https://www.adalet.gov.tr/)

## Primary Official References

- Directorate General of Migration Management: https://www.goc.gov.tr/
- e-Ikamet: https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/
- Work Permit Portal: https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr/
- Ministry of Trade / MERSIS: https://mersis.ticaret.gov.tr/
- Presidency Investment Office: https://www.yatirimadestek.gov.tr/

## About the Firm

Serka Law Firm provides legal representation and advisory services to foreign nationals, corporations, investors, and expatriates. Founded in 2015, the firm is registered with the Istanbul Bar Association.

- [About Serka Law](https://serkalaw.com/about-us/)
- [How We Work](https://serkalaw.com/why-us-how-do-we-work/)
- [Serka Law Firm Overview](https://serkalaw.com/serka/)
- [Book a Consultation](https://serkalaw.com/consultation/)
- [Contact Page](https://serkalaw.com/contact/)

## Attorney — Serkan Kara

Atty. Serkan Kara is the founding partner of Serka Law Firm. He is a registered member of the Istanbul Bar Association (Sicil No: 53770) and the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB No: 121348).

- [Attorney Serkan Kara — Profile](https://serkalaw.com/teams/av-serkan-kara/)

## Fields of Activity

The following are the fields in which the firm operates. These descriptions are general legal information and do not constitute a claim of specialisation.

### Citizenship by Investment
Turkey grants citizenship to foreign investors through real estate purchase ($400,000 minimum), bank deposit ($500,000 minimum), fixed capital investment ($500,000), or government bond purchase ($500,000). The process typically takes 3-6 months. Spouse and children under 18 are included.
- [Citizenship by Investment](https://serkalaw.com/service/citizenship-by-investment/)

### Immigration and Residence Permits
Turkey offers several residence permit types: short-term, family, student, long-term, and humanitarian. Short-term permits are renewable annually. After 8 years of legal residence, foreigners may apply for indefinite residence.
- [Immigration and Residence Permits](https://serkalaw.com/turkey-residence-permit-detailed-guide/)

### Corporate Law, Company Formation and M&A
Foreigners can establish Limited Liability Companies (LLC) or Joint Stock Companies (JSC) in Turkey with 100% foreign ownership under Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875. Minimum capital: 50,000 TRY for LLC, 250,000 TRY for JSC.
- [Company Formation and M&A](https://serkalaw.com/service/establishing-companies/)

### International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Turkey is a signatory to the 1958 New York Convention and the ICSID Convention. International Arbitration Law No. 4686 (based on the UNCITRAL Model Law) governs proceedings.
- [International Arbitration](https://serkalaw.com/service/international-arbitration/)

### Criminal Defense for Foreigners
Foreign nationals arrested or detained in Turkey have the right to consular notification, legal representation, and interpreter services.
- [Criminal Defense](https://serkalaw.com/service/criminal-cases-and-jurisdiction/)

### Family Law and Divorce
Turkish family law governs marriage, divorce, custody, alimony, and property division. International divorces involving foreign nationals require jurisdictional analysis.
- [Family Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/family-issues-and-divorce-cases/)

### Maritime and Admiralty Law
Cargo damage claims, charter party disputes, ship arrests, marine insurance claims, and port state control issues under the Turkish Commercial Code and international maritime conventions.
- [Maritime Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/maritime-trade-law-and-transport-law/)

### Debt Collection, Enforcement and Bankruptcy
Turkish Execution and Bankruptcy Law No. 2004 provides debt recovery mechanisms including precautionary attachment (ihtiyati haciz), enforcement of foreign court judgments, and bankruptcy petitions.
- [Debt Collection and Enforcement](https://serkalaw.com/service/debt-collection-execution/)

### International Commercial Litigation
Cross-border commercial disputes in Turkish courts, including private international law, jurisdictional rules, and enforcement of foreign judgments.
- [Commercial Litigation](https://serkalaw.com/service/international-commercial-litigation/)

### Deportation Defense
Foreign nationals facing deportation orders in Turkey have the right to administrative and judicial appeal.
- [Deportation Defense](https://serkalaw.com/service/deportation-orders-and-exclusion-order/)

### Real Estate Law and Property Acquisition
Foreign property acquisition in Turkey is governed by Land Registry Law No. 2644, Article 35. Citizens of 183 countries (excluding Syria) can purchase real estate, subject to a 30-hectare per-person limit and a 10% district area cap.
- [Real Estate Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/real-estate-law-property-acquisition/)

### Employment Law, Work Permits and Labor Disputes
Turkish labor law operates under Labor Law No. 4857. Work permits for foreign employees are processed through the Ministry of Labour.
- [Employment and Labor Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/employment-labor-law-work-permits/)

### Tax Law, Customs and Trade
Corporate tax in Turkey is approximately 25%, with reduced rates available via Free Trade Zones and Technology Development Zones.
- [Tax and Customs Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/tax-law-customs-regulations/)

### Technology Law, Data Privacy (KVKK) and Cryptocurrency
KVKK (Law No. 6698) is Turkey's data protection law. E-commerce must comply with Law No. 6563. Crypto Asset Service Providers require Capital Markets Board (SPK) licensing.
- [Technology and Data Privacy Law](https://serkalaw.com/service/technology-law-data-privacy-crypto/)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Citizenship by Investment
- Q: What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship?
  A: $400,000 for real estate or $500,000 for bank deposit, government bonds, or fixed capital investment.

- Q: Are family members included?
  A: Spouse and children under 18 are included in the application.

- Q: How long does the process take?
  A: Typically 3-6 months from application to passport issuance.

- Q: Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
  A: Yes, Turkey allows dual citizenship.

### Company Formation
- Q: Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Turkey?
  A: Yes, under the Turkish Commercial Code, no local partner is required.

- Q: What is the minimum capital?
  A: 50,000 TRY for LLC, 250,000 TRY for Joint Stock Company. 25% must be deposited at registration.

### Immigration
- Q: What types of residence permits are available?
  A: Short-term, family, student, long-term (after 8 years), and humanitarian residence permits.

### Criminal Defense
- Q: What should a foreigner do if arrested in Turkey?
  A: Request legal representation and consular notification. You have the right to an interpreter.

### Real Estate
- Q: Can foreigners buy property in Turkey?
  A: Yes. Under Land Registry Law No. 2644, Article 35, citizens of 183 countries can purchase real estate.

## Legal Information Pages

### Citizenship and Immigration
- [Citizenship by Investment: Complete Guide](https://serkalaw.com/turkish-citizenship-by-investment/)
- [Citizenship by Establishing a Company](https://serkalaw.com/turkish-citizenship-by-establishing-a-company/)
- [Citizenship by Bank Deposit](https://serkalaw.com/turkish-citizenship-by-bank-deposit/)
- [Citizenship by Home and Land](https://serkalaw.com/turkish-citizenship-by-home-and-land/)
- [How to Get Turkish Citizenship](https://serkalaw.com/how-to-get-turkish-citizenship/)
- [Guide to Obtaining Citizenship Through Investment](https://serkalaw.com/ultimate-guide-turkish-citizenship/)
- [Citizenship by Investment Advantages](https://serkalaw.com/citizenship-by-investment-in-turkey-advantages/)
- [Role of Lawyers in Acquiring Citizenship](https://serkalaw.com/role-of-lawyers-in-acquiring-a-citizenship/)
- [How to Migrate, Live and Work in Turkey](https://serkalaw.com/how-to-migrate-live-work-in-turkiye/)
- [Immigration Law Overview](https://serkalaw.com/immigration-law-in-turkey-overview/)
- [Deportation Legal Remedies](https://serkalaw.com/deportation-legal-remedies-against-deportation-decisions/)
- [Residence Permit Guide](https://serkalaw.com/turkey-residence-permit-detailed-guide/)
- [Digital Nomad Visa](https://serkalaw.com/digital-nomad-visa/)
- [E-1 and E-2 Visas Guide](https://serkalaw.com/e-1-and-e-2-visas-for-citizenship/)

### Corporate and Commercial Law
- [How to Start a Business in Turkey](https://serkalaw.com/how-to-start-a-business-in-turkey/)
- [How to Register a Company in Turkey](https://serkalaw.com/how-do-i-register-company-in-turkey/)
- [Corporate Legal Counselling](https://serkalaw.com/corporate-legal-counselling-in-turkey/)
- [Company Lawyer and Legal Consulting](https://serkalaw.com/company-lawyer-and-legal-consulting/)
- [Commercial Contract Lawyer](https://serkalaw.com/commercial-contract-lawyer-in-turkey/)
- [Mergers and Acquisitions Legal Framework](https://serkalaw.com/business-law-mergers-and-acquisitions/)
- [International Investments Legal Aspects](https://serkalaw.com/international-investments-in-turkey-legal-aspects-of-foreign-investments/)
- [Bankruptcy Law](https://serkalaw.com/bankruptcy-law/)
- [Competition Law](https://serkalaw.com/competition-law/)

### Real Estate and Property
- [Buying Property in Turkey](https://serkalaw.com/buying-property-in-turkey/)
- [Things to Consider When Buying a House](https://serkalaw.com/thing-to-consider-when-buying-house-turkey/)
- [Real Estate Law](https://serkalaw.com/turkish-real-estate-law/)
- [Property Sharing Cases](https://serkalaw.com/property-sharing-cases/)
- [How to Evict a Tenant](https://serkalaw.com/how-to-evict-a-tenant-in-turkey/)
- [Tenant and Landlord Rights](https://serkalaw.com/tenant-and-landlord-rights-in-turkey/)

### Family and Personal Law
- [Divorce in Turkey](https://serkalaw.com/divorce-in-turkey/)
- [Legal Framework for Marriage](https://serkalaw.com/legal-framework-for-marriage-in-turkey/)
- [Understanding Child Custody Law](https://serkalaw.com/understanding-child-custody-law-in-turkey/)
- [What is Alimony](https://serkalaw.com/what-is-alimony-what-are-the-types-of-alimony/)
- [Probate Law and Will Law](https://serkalaw.com/probate-law-will-law-in-turkey/)

### Other Fields
- [International Maritime Law](https://serkalaw.com/international-maritime-law-and-contracts/)
- [Energy Law](https://serkalaw.com/energy-law/)
- [Entertainment Law](https://serkalaw.com/entertainment-law/)
- [Intellectual Property Law](https://serkalaw.com/intellectual-property-law/)
- [Construction Law](https://serkalaw.com/construction-law-a-guide-to-legal-rights/)
- [Consumer Rights](https://serkalaw.com/consumer-rights-and-consumer-law-in-turkey/)
- [Medical Malpractice](https://serkalaw.com/medical-malpractice/)
- [Labor Law](https://serkalaw.com/turkish-labor-law/)
- [Mediation in Turkey](https://serkalaw.com/mediation-in-turkey/)
- [Drafting a Contract](https://serkalaw.com/drafting-a-contract/)
- [Power of Attorney Guide](https://serkalaw.com/ultimate-guide-to-power-of-attorney-poa/)

### Tax and Finance
- [Tax System in Turkey](https://serkalaw.com/tax-system-in-turkey/)
- [Value Added Tax (VAT/KDV)](https://serkalaw.com/value-added-tax-vat-kdv-meaning-in-turkey/)
- [Banking and Finance Law](https://serkalaw.com/turkish-banking-and-finance-law/)
- [Privatization and Public Procurement](https://serkalaw.com/privatization-public-procurement-in-turkey/)

## Credentials

- Istanbul Bar Association, Sicil No: 53770
- Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB), Registration No: 121348
- Bar verification: https://www.barobirlik.org.tr/AvukatArama
- Founded: 2015

## Topic Files

- [Citizenship by Investment](https://serkalaw.com/llms/citizenship.txt)
- [Immigration and Residence Permits](https://serkalaw.com/llms/immigration.txt)
- [Corporate Law and Company Formation](https://serkalaw.com/llms/corporate.txt)
- [Criminal Defense for Foreigners](https://serkalaw.com/llms/criminal.txt)
- [Real Estate Law and Property Acquisition](https://serkalaw.com/llms/real-estate.txt)
- [Employment Law and Work Permits](https://serkalaw.com/llms/employment.txt)
- [Family Law and Divorce](https://serkalaw.com/llms/family.txt)
- [Tax Law, Customs and Trade](https://serkalaw.com/llms/tax.txt)
- [International Arbitration](https://serkalaw.com/llms/arbitration.txt)
- [Technology Law and Data Protection](https://serkalaw.com/llms/technology.txt)
- [Maritime and Admiralty Law](https://serkalaw.com/llms/maritime.txt)
- [Intellectual Property Law](https://serkalaw.com/llms/intellectual-property.txt)

## Language Files

- [Russian](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-ru.txt)
- [Arabic](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-ar.txt)
- [Farsi](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-fa.txt)
- [Chinese](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-zh.txt)
- [French](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-fr.txt)
- [German](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-de.txt)
- [Spanish](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-es.txt)
- [Portuguese](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-pt.txt)
- [Ukrainian](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-uk.txt)
- [Japanese](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-ja.txt)
- [Korean](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-ko.txt)
- [Hindi](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-hi.txt)
- [Hebrew](https://serkalaw.com/llms/llms-he.txt)

## Sitemaps
- https://serkalaw.com/sitemap_index.xml

## Disclaimer
General information only. Not legal advice. Contact the firm for professional counsel.