About Kurucuk & Associates | An English Speaking Law Firm in Istanbul, Turkey
A Turkish Law Firm With an International Perspective
Legal matters often come with important decisions, unanswered questions, and concerns about what happens next. For someone establishing a business in Turkey, investing in property, dealing with an immigration issue, or facing a dispute, understanding the legal position is an essential first step.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we help individuals, families, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses navigate legal matters under Turkish law. Based in Maslak, Sarıyer, on Istanbul's European side, our firm has been serving clients since 2014.
Our work spans corporate and commercial law, technology, immigration, Turkish citizenship through investment, real estate, maritime law, banking and finance, debt collection, and litigation. We also assist international clients whose business activities, investments, or personal circumstances connect Turkey with other countries.
We recognize that every legal matter has its own background. A business entering the Turkish market may need guidance on company formation, commercial agreements, and regulatory obligations. A foreign national may need assistance with residence or citizenship procedures. A family may be dealing with divorce or inheritance, while a company may need to recover an outstanding debt or resolve a contractual disagreement.
Our approach begins with understanding the circumstances, identifying the relevant legal issues, and explaining the options available. We believe clients should have a clear understanding of their legal position and the practical considerations involved before deciding how to proceed.
What working with us actually looks like
A personalized approach — not a one-size-fits-all one
Every client's situation is different. A Chinese manufacturing company setting up a Turkish subsidiary needs different advice than a European family buying property for citizenship, or a shipping company chasing a debt. We tailor our work to the matter in front of us, not to a template.
Experienced attorneys who know their fields
Our lawyers have years of practice across corporate law, immigration, investment, debt collection, and litigation. When you sit across from us, you're talking to someone who has done this before — and can tell you what usually goes wrong and how to avoid it.
Comprehensive services under one roof
Business formation, immigration, investment, real estate, debt collection, dispute resolution — our clients don't have to piece together a team from five different firms. We handle the full picture with our in-house attorneys, financial advisors, industry experts, and technical consultants.
Our History and Approach to Legal Practice
Since 2014, Kurucuk & Associates has worked with clients facing a wide range of legal questions in Turkey. The firm's practice reflects the needs of a city where local businesses, international investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals regularly encounter legal issues involving different industries and jurisdictions.
Our professional identity also reflects a legal legacy associated with our late founder, Mr. Murat Atim. That history remains part of the firm's background as we continue our work with a focus on professional responsibility, legal integrity, and attentive client service.
Led by Managing Partner Mehmet Özgür Kurucuk, our team brings together different professional backgrounds and areas of legal practice. Depending on the matter, our work may involve commercial transactions, financial arrangements, technology-related questions, immigration procedures, property interests, or disputes requiring formal legal proceedings.
We understand that legal advice should be both legally sound and useful in practice. Explaining the applicable rules is important, but so is helping clients understand how those rules affect their circumstances, what obligations they may need to meet, and what issues deserve further attention.
That is why we place importance on listening carefully, reviewing the available information, communicating clearly, and considering each matter on its own merits.
Choosing a law firm involves trust. Clients need to feel that their concerns are understood, their questions are taken seriously, and their legal position will be examined carefully.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our approach is guided by several principles.
Personal attention. We take time to understand the circumstances and objectives of a matter rather than assuming that one approach will work for everyone.
Clear communication.
We aim to explain relevant laws, procedures, and potential difficulties in language that clients can follow.
Careful legal analysis.
We consider the facts, applicable legislation, relevant procedural requirements, and the issues that may affect the client's position.
Professional integrity.
We value honesty, confidentiality, professional responsibility, and realistic communication about the scope of legal assistance.
Continued professional development.
Turkish legislation and regulatory practice evolve. Keeping informed about relevant developments is an important part of providing responsible legal services.
An international outlook.
We recognize that legal questions may involve different countries, business cultures, and legal systems. Where relevant, we consider these wider connections when examining a matter under Turkish law.
These principles inform our work with individuals, families, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses across the firm's practice areas.
Legal Services in Turkey for Individuals, Families and Businesses
Our practice covers several connected areas of Turkish law. This allows us to assist clients with a range of legal requirements, from personal matters to commercial transactions and cross-border business activities.
Corporate and Commercial Law
Establishing or operating a business in Turkey involves decisions that can have lasting legal and financial consequences. Company structure, management responsibilities, commercial agreements, licenses, and regulatory obligations all require appropriate attention.
Kurucuk & Associates assists entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses with company incorporation, corporate structures, branch offices, commercial contracts, business sales and purchases, mergers and acquisitions, and related corporate matters.
Our work also covers commercial licenses and permits, banking arrangements, financing-related questions, and contractual issues arising from business relationships. Where intellectual property is relevant to a client's operations, we can address legal matters involving trademarks, copyright, and related rights within the scope of our practice.
For foreign businesses considering entry into the Turkish market, understanding the local legal framework is particularly important. We help clients identify relevant legal requirements and consider how corporate, contractual, and regulatory obligations may affect their proposed activities.
Technology, Information Technology and Compliance
Technology continues to change how businesses operate, exchange information, and serve customers. These developments also create legal questions concerning contracts, intellectual property, data protection, regulatory responsibilities, and the use of digital systems.
Our work includes legal matters involving information technology, fintech, technology companies, intellectual property, and emerging issues associated with artificial intelligence.
We also assist businesses with compliance-related questions relevant to their activities. Depending on the circumstances, these may involve corporate responsibilities, applicable regulations, contractual obligations, or other requirements imposed by Turkish law.
The appropriate approach depends on the business, the industry, and the specific legal obligations involved. We therefore consider the context of each matter rather than treating compliance as a single, uniform requirement.
Immigration, Residence Permits and Turkish Citizenship
Moving to Turkey for work, business, investment, or family reasons often involves important administrative and legal steps. Residence rights, supporting documents, application procedures, and eligibility requirements can all affect an individual's plans.
Our immigration practice includes business immigration, employment-related immigration, family immigration, residence permits, Turkish citizenship applications, and citizenship by investment matters.
We also assist with legal questions arising from application refusals and related administrative procedures, where appropriate to the matter.
We understand that immigration decisions may affect a person's career, family life, investments, and long-term plans. Our role is to help clients understand the requirements relevant to their circumstances, identify potential documentation or procedural issues, and consider the legal options available.
Eligibility and outcomes depend on the applicable law, the evidence provided, and the assessment of the competent authorities. Each application must therefore be considered individually.
Investment, Banking and Finance
Investment and financing arrangements can involve several interconnected legal issues. The structure of a transaction, the rights and responsibilities of the parties, the terms of financing, and the relevant regulatory requirements may all influence how a matter should be approached.
Kurucuk & Associates assists clients with legal matters involving banking and finance, investment transactions, financing arrangements, capital raising, and international commercial activities.
Our work considers the contractual and legal framework relevant to the transaction, including the obligations agreed between the parties and the requirements applicable under Turkish law.
For international investors and businesses, we also consider questions arising from cross-border commercial relationships and transactions involving Turkey. The scope of advice depends on the nature of the investment and the specific legal issues presented.
Real Estate and Property Law
Property transactions can represent a substantial financial commitment. Whether purchasing a home, acquiring commercial premises, investing in real estate, or resolving a tenancy disagreement, understanding the relevant legal requirements is essential.
Our property-related work includes real estate purchases and sales, property transactions, landlord–tenant matters, and disputes concerning property interests.
Depending on the circumstances, legal review may involve ownership records, contractual provisions, payment arrangements, property-related obligations, and the rights of the parties involved.
Foreign buyers and investors may also need to consider additional questions concerning ownership eligibility, documentation, and other legal requirements applicable to their proposed transaction.
We help clients understand the relevant Turkish legal framework and the issues that should be considered before proceeding with a transaction or responding to a dispute.
Maritime Law, Shipping and Transportation
Turkey's geographical position connects important commercial routes between Europe and Asia. Maritime commerce, vessel transactions, shipping arrangements, and transportation activities can involve complex contractual and commercial relationships.
Kurucuk & Associates' practice includes maritime law and related commercial matters, with leadership in this area provided by Zeynep Atım Kurucuk.
Our broader industry experience includes work involving shipping and transportation businesses. Depending on the engagement, relevant legal questions may concern vessel transactions, commercial agreements, contractual responsibilities, and associated business arrangements.
The issues involved depend on the transaction, the parties, and the applicable legal framework.
Debt Collection, Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Commercial relationships do not always proceed as expected. Unpaid invoices, disputed contractual obligations, disagreements between business partners, and other outstanding claims can affect a company's operations and financial position.
Kurucuk & Associates assists clients with debt collection in Turkey, commercial disputes, and litigation.
The first step is to understand the nature of the claim, the available documentation, the obligations involved, and any procedural requirements or deadlines that may apply. Depending on the circumstances, the matter may be suitable for negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings.
We help clients understand the legal basis of their position, the procedures that may be relevant, and the options available under Turkish law. The appropriate course depends on the facts, the evidence, the parties involved, and the legal remedies available.
Family Law, Divorce and Inheritance
Family-related legal matters can be difficult because they often involve personal relationships alongside questions about finances, property, children, or future arrangements.
Our practice includes civil law, family law, divorce, real estate-related disputes, and inheritance matters.
Where appropriate, we assist clients with understanding the legal procedures relevant to divorce, family-related property questions, wills, and inheritance. Matters involving foreign nationals, overseas assets, or family connections with more than one country may also raise questions about jurisdiction and applicable law.
We approach these matters with an understanding that each family's circumstances are different. The legal position and available options depend on the facts of the case and the relevant provisions of Turkish law.
Working With International Clients
Istanbul brings together people and businesses from many countries. For international clients, conducting business or managing personal affairs in Turkey can involve unfamiliar legislation, administrative procedures, documentation requirements, and differences between legal systems.
Kurucuk & Associates works with local and international clients whose legal interests involve Turkey. Our work includes assisting businesses exploring the Turkish market, investors considering transactions, foreign nationals dealing with immigration procedures, and clients involved in commercial or civil disputes.
Our client-facing work spans industries including advertising, technology, medical equipment and supplies, shipping, and transportation. We also have experience working with international business interests connected with Chinese, Korean, European, and US markets.
Cross-border matters sometimes require consideration of foreign documents, corporate structures, contractual arrangements, or legal questions involving more than one jurisdiction. Where relevant, we identify the Turkish legal issues and consider whether coordination with other professional advisers may be appropriate.
We recognise that clients may be unfamiliar with Turkish legal terminology or procedures. Clear explanations of the applicable requirements, the documents involved, and the steps that may follow are therefore important parts of our approach.
China Desk and International Legal Relationships
International business relationships can involve legal requirements that differ significantly between countries. Businesses working between Turkey and China, for example, may need to consider company structures, commercial agreements, investment arrangements, and the legal responsibilities associated with cross-border transactions.
Mehmet Özgür Kurucuk leads the firm's China Desk and its relationship with Beijing Qiankun Law Firm. This relationship forms part of the firm's international focus and supports its engagement with legal matters involving Turkish and Chinese business interests.
The nature of assistance available for a particular matter depends on the jurisdictions involved, the legal questions presented, and the professional arrangements relevant to the engagement.
Our Lawyers and Professional Credentials
The legal team at Kurucuk & Associates brings together different areas of professional experience. Our lawyers work across commercial, financial, technology, maritime, immigration, civil, family, property, and contentious matters, according to their respective practice areas.
We believe clients should be able to understand who may be involved in their legal matter and learn about the professional backgrounds of the people providing assistance.
Mehmet Özgür Kurucuk — Managing Partner
Istanbul Bar Association ID: 31188
Mehmet Özgür Kurucuk leads Kurucuk & Associates. His practice focuses on investment immigration, banking and finance, commercial litigation, and information technology law.
Before founding the firm, he served as legal counsel at Yapı ve Kredi Bankası, one of Turkey's major banks. He holds a master's degree in Law and Information Technology from Stockholm University, bringing together academic study in technology law and professional experience in financial and commercial matters.
Özgür also leads the firm's China Desk and its relationship with Beijing Qiankun Law Firm. His work reflects the firm's engagement with legal matters involving international investment, commercial relationships, financial arrangements, and technology.
Zeynep Atım Kurucuk — Head of Maritime Law and Mergers & Acquisitions
Istanbul Bar Association ID: 35415
Zeynep Atım Kurucuk leads the firm's maritime law and mergers and acquisitions practices. Her work includes vessel transactions and banking-related M&A projects, with experience involving Turkey, South Korea, and China.
She graduated from Bilkent University Faculty of Law and completed the English Legal Methods certificate programme at the University of Cambridge.
Her practice brings together maritime commerce, corporate transactions, and business acquisitions. These matters can involve detailed contractual arrangements, transaction structures, and the legal obligations of the parties involved.
Her international transaction experience is relevant to clients whose commercial activities extend across national borders.
Aysın Atım — Senior Attorney
Istanbul Bar Association ID: 7966
Aysın Atım has more than fifty years of legal practice, focusing on civil law, family law, divorce, and real estate matters.
Her experience includes legal disputes and negotiations involving personal relationships, family circumstances, and property interests. These matters can have lasting consequences for the people involved, making a careful understanding of the facts and applicable law particularly important.
Her long-standing practice provides substantial professional experience in civil and personal legal matters, including the legal procedures and practical considerations that may arise in family and property disputes.
İhsan Bahadır Çeliktaş — Attorney
Istanbul Bar Association ID: 74146
İhsan Bahadır Çeliktaş is a licensed attorney registered with the Istanbul Bar Association. He contributes to the firm's corporate and litigation practices.
His work supports the firm's handling of business-related legal matters and disputes, including the legal questions and procedural considerations that may arise in commercial relationships.
Corporate and contentious matters often require careful examination of agreements, obligations, documentation, and the legal remedies available under Turkish law.
İpek Buse Çeliktaş — Attorney
Istanbul Bar Association ID: 79496
İpek Buse Çeliktaş is a licensed attorney registered with the Istanbul Bar Association. She contributes to the firm's client service and legal research work.
Her role supports the examination and preparation of legal matters, including research into relevant legislation, legal issues, and procedural requirements.
Careful research and clear communication are important parts of legal work, helping ensure that the issues relevant to each client's circumstances receive appropriate consideration.
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