International Law Firm in Istanbul, Turkey – Kurucuk & Associates
- S. A. Jaffri
- Nov 15
- 6 min read
Few cities in the world shape international business the way Istanbul does. Positioned quite literally as the bridge between Europe and Asia, and commercially connected to MENA and Eurasia, Istanbul has become one of the most dynamic legal and economic centers of the region.
The corporate districts of Levent, Maslak, Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Taksim host:
multinational corporations managing regional operations,
fast-growing startups and venture-backed firms,
private equity funds,
energy and infrastructure developers,
global shipping businesses, and
foreign investors entering Türkiye for the first time.
Operating in this environment requires legal counsel that is globally fluent, commercially aware, and deeply familiar with Turkish regulatory reality.
Kurucuk & Associates meets those needs with a standard of professionalism and cross-border capability that international clients expect.
About Kurucuk & Associates – An International Full-Service Law Firm Rooted in Istanbul
Kurucuk & Associates is an international law firm in Istanbul, Turkey, working with multinational companies, foreign investors, and global institutions across a broad spectrum of industries.
Clients—whether from Europe, the Middle East, MENA, the US, the Gulf, or Asia—rely on us for:
practical guidance,
rigorous analysis,
strategic problem-solving, and
an honest understanding of how business in Türkiye truly operates.
We provide legal services in English, Turkish, German, Arabic, and Russian, enabling seamless communication across jurisdictions and cultures.
Our strength lies in combining:
Legal expertise + Commercial understanding + International perspective
This allows us to serve as a strategic partner—not just a legal advisor.
Core Practice Areas – What We Do for International Clients
Each practice area reflects the needs of global organizations operating in Türkiye.
Below is a human-centered overview of how we support clients.
Corporate & Commercial Law
Global clients rely on predictable, business-oriented corporate advice. Our corporate team supports companies at every stage—from market entry to major transactions.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Cross-border M&A in Türkiye requires careful coordination.
We assist with:
due diligence designed for international standards,
negotiation and drafting of share purchase agreements,
shareholder structures,
regulatory approvals, and
post-closing compliance.
Example: Supporting a European engineering group on its acquisition of a Turkish industrial supplier, including employment restructuring and tax alignment.
Joint Ventures (JVs)
Joint ventures are common where international partners need local expertise. We structure JVs that define clear responsibilities, governance rights, and exit paths.
Corporate Governance
We help companies implement governance models that match global best practices while meeting Turkish Commercial Code requirements.
Commercial Contracts
From distributor agreements to franchise models or supply-chain arrangements, we ensure contracts reflect both Turkish law and international risk standards.
Company Formation in Turkey
Many foreign clients ask:
“How do I set up a company in Turkey as a foreigner?”
We make the process straightforward—from drafting articles to opening bank accounts, tax registration, compliance onboarding, and corporate governance frameworks.
Corporate Compliance
Our compliance team supports companies with:
AML
competition law
regulatory filings
KVKK data privacy
internal audits
We build compliance that fits how your business actually works—not generic templates.
Private Equity & Venture Capital
We work with funds investing in Turkish technology, energy, retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors, assisting with term sheets, equity structures, and exit scenarios.
Dispute Resolution & International Arbitration
When disputes arise, clients want strategic clarity—not legal complexity.
We provide both.
Kurucuk & Associates represents clients before:
ICC, LCIA, ISTAC, ICSID tribunals,
Turkish commercial courts,
international arbitration panels, and
mediation centers.
Our dispute resolution expertise includes:
international arbitration
investment treaty arbitration
commercial litigation
cross-border disputes
enforcement of foreign judgments
white-collar crime defense
mediation and settlement strategy
Example: Representing a GCC-based investor in enforcing an ICC award in Türkiye involving a construction dispute.
Energy & Infrastructure (PPP, Project Finance, Construction Law)
Türkiye’s energy and infrastructure sectors continue to attract global investment.
Our energy team advises on projects involving:
solar, wind, and hydro power,
cross-border natural gas operations,
EPC and FIDIC contracts,
PPP projects and tenders,
project finance models with international lenders.
Clients value our integrated approach—legal, regulatory, and commercial.
Real Estate & Construction
Foreign investors often view Türkiye’s real estate market as both attractive and complex.
We guide clients through:
due diligence on properties,
zoning and planning law,
purchase & sale transactions,
construction contracts,
disputes involving delays, defects, or payments,
structuring investment vehicles.
Example: Advising Middle Eastern investors on a mixed-use residential and commercial project in Istanbul, from land acquisition to construction arbitration.
Intellectual Property & Technology
IP protection and technology law are crucial for international companies entering Türkiye.
We assist with:
trademark registration and opposition,
patent filing and protection strategy,
copyright portfolio management,
technology transfer agreements,
software licensing,
IT-law compliance,
KVKK data privacy structuring,
cybersecurity policies.
Our IP team is particularly experienced with fast-scaling startups and VC-backed technology companies.
Banking, Finance & Fintech
We counsel banks, funds, borrowers, and fintech innovators on:
syndicated loans,
banking regulatory approvals,
digital payments licensing,
project finance structures,
cross-border lending compliance.
Financial institutions appreciate our ability to clarify regulatory expectations early and clearly.
Employment & Labor Law
For international companies, Turkish labor law can feel unfamiliar.
We help employers navigate:
employment contract structuring,
termination procedures,
workplace investigations,
SGK and compliance issues,
labor disputes and settlements.
We balance legal risk with practical HR considerations.
International Tax & Transfer Pricing
Tax planning must reflect international obligations and Turkish law.We provide:
cross-border tax planning,
transfer pricing studies,
corporate tax advisory,
tax disputes and litigation.
Maritime & Admiralty Law
With Istanbul at the heart of regional shipping, maritime law remains a core practice area.
We advise on:
ship finance,
maritime contracts,
cargo claims,
vessel arrest,
yacht registration,
P&I disputes.
Supporting Foreign Investors & International Companies
Kurucuk & Associates regularly assists:
foreign direct investors (FDI)
multinational corporations
private equity and venture capital funds
global startups
family offices and HNWIs
financial institutions
energy and construction companies
We counsel on:
market entry strategy
regulatory compliance
corporate structure optimization
tax-efficient structuring
employment setup
licensing and approvals
dispute resolution
Our role is to eliminate uncertainty and provide a clear path forward.
Cross-Border Legal Services Across Europe, MENA & Eurasia
Clients from Germany, the UK, the US, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Kazakhstan, and more rely on us for cross-border coordination.
We understand:
regional business expectations,
transactional culture,
negotiation styles,
multi-jurisdictional legal frameworks.
This global awareness shapes how we advise and how we protect clients’ interests.
Why Clients Choose Kurucuk & Associates
✔ A true international law firm in Istanbul
✔ English-speaking, globally experienced attorneys
✔ Recognized by Chambers, Legal 500, and global directories
✔ A commercial mindset—business goals first, legal steps next
✔ Strong cross-border transaction and arbitration capability
✔ Industry-specific experience in energy, construction, finance, tech, maritime
✔ Transparent communication and realistic expectations
We operate as a strategic partner—not a traditional law firm vendor.
How to Set Up or Expand a Business in Turkey: A Practical Guide
Step | What Happens | What We Do for You |
1 | Choose company type (LLC/JSC) | Assess tax and operational fit |
2 | Draft articles of association | Prepare compliant documentation |
3 | Appoint directors | Advise on legal responsibilities |
4 | Deposit capital | Coordinate with Turkish bank |
5 | Trade registry registration | Complete filings and approvals |
6 | Tax registration | Register corporate tax ID |
7 | KVKK compliance | Implement data privacy framework |
8 | Employment registration | Handle SGK and onboarding |
9 | Open corporate bank account | Liaise with local/international banks |
10 | Begin operations | Contracts, compliance, HR setup |
We simplify every step so clients can focus on running their business.
People Also Ask
Is Turkey investor-friendly?
Yes. Türkiye encourages foreign investment and allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.
Do foreign companies need a local partner?
No. Foreigners can fully own Turkish companies.
How can I hire an international arbitration lawyer in Istanbul?
Kurucuk & Associates handles ICC, LCIA, ISTAC, and ICSID arbitration across sectors.
Is KVKK compliance mandatory?
Yes — every company processing personal data must comply.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Kurucuk & Associates different?
Clients value our combination of global standards, Istanbul-based insight, and practical guidance.
Do you assist with company formation for foreigners?
Yes — we handle the entire process end-to-end.
Do you work with multinational corporations?
Yes. MNCs make up a substantial portion of our client base.
Can you help enforce a foreign court judgment?
Yes — it’s one of our key strengths.
Speak to Our International Law Team in Istanbul Today
Kurucuk & Associates is recognized as one of the leading international law firms in Istanbul, Turkey, advising global businesses with clarity, precision, and commercial insight.
Whether you are entering the Turkish market, handling a cross-border dispute, or executing a major transaction, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Contact Kurucuk & Associates for strategic, results-driven legal counsel.
