Legal Aid in Turkey for Foreigners: When You Can Get a Free Lawyer

Foreigners in Turkey (Türkiye) can obtain a lawyer free of charge in four situations: as a suspect or defendant in a criminal case, as the victim of certain serious offences, as an asylum applicant or a person in administrative detention who cannot afford a lawyer, and in civil cases through the bar association's legal aid office or a court legal aid order. In criminal cases a defence lawyer is appointed on request to anyone who says they cannot retain one, whatever their nationality (Criminal Procedure Code No. 5271, Art. 150). In civil cases court-ordered legal aid for foreigners is additionally subject to reciprocity (Civil Procedure Code No. 6100, Art. 334(3)).

"Legal aid" in Turkey is not a single system. Different rules apply depending on whether the matter is criminal, civil, administrative or an immigration matter, and the body you apply to differs each time. This guide sets out each route, who qualifies, what it covers and what it does not.

• Criminal suspect or defendant: lawyer appointed by the bar on request; mandatory in some cases (CMK Art. 150).
• Victims: lawyer on request for sexual offences, stalking, violence against women and offences with a minimum sentence over five years (CMK Art. 234, 239).
• Interpreter: free in criminal proceedings for a suspect, defendant or victim who does not speak sufficient Turkish (CMK Art. 202).
• Civil cases — bar legal aid: a lawyer assigned by the bar's legal aid office (Attorneys Act No. 1136, Art. 176–181).
• Civil cases — court legal aid: exemption from fees and costs; reciprocity required for foreigners (HMK Art. 334–340).
• Asylum applicants and status holders: legal aid for court applications (Law No. 6458, Art. 81).
• Administrative detention and deportation: legal aid on request for those who cannot afford a lawyer.
• Refusal: objection within two weeks to a court refusal (HMK Art. 337); application to the bar president against a bar refusal (Art. 178).

Legal status of this guide. It reflects the Civil Procedure Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Attorneys Act and the Law on Foreigners and International Protection as in force. How bar associations assess means, and how quickly they assign lawyers, differs from city to city. Last updated: October 2026.

In this guide

• The routes compared
• Criminal cases: the appointed defence lawyer
• Victims of crime
• Interpreters
• Civil cases: the bar's legal aid office
• Civil cases: court-ordered legal aid
• The reciprocity condition
• Deportation, detention and asylum
• What legal aid does not cover
• Appointed or privately retained lawyer
• Frequently asked questions

The routes compared

Situation	Where to ask	What you get	Means test
Arrested, questioned or charged	Police, prosecutor or court — they notify the bar	Defence lawyer	No; a declaration that you cannot retain one is enough
Victim of a listed serious offence	Prosecutor or court	Lawyer to represent you	No
Civil, family, labour or administrative case	Bar association legal aid office	A lawyer, without paying the fee	Yes
Court fees and costs in a civil or administrative case	The court hearing the case	Temporary exemption from fees, advances and security	Yes, plus reciprocity for foreigners
Deportation order or administrative detention	Bar association, directly or via the removal centre	Lawyer for the court application	Yes
International protection applicant or status holder	Bar association	Lawyer for court applications	Yes

Criminal cases: the appointed defence lawyer

A suspect or defendant is asked to choose a defence lawyer. If the person states that he or she is not in a position to choose one, a lawyer is appointed on request (CMK Art. 150(1)). The police, prosecutor or court contacts the bar association, which sends a lawyer from its duty list.

Appointment is mandatory, without any request, where the suspect or defendant has no lawyer and is a child, is disabled to a degree that prevents self-defence, or is deaf and unable to speak (Art. 150(2)); and in investigations and prosecutions for offences carrying a minimum sentence of more than five years' imprisonment (Art. 150(3)). A lawyer must also be present when a suspect is brought before a judge on a request for pre-trial detention.

For foreigners four points matter:

• Nationality and immigration status are irrelevant. The right belongs to every suspect, including a person without a valid visa or residence permit.
• No proof of income is required. A statement that you cannot retain a lawyer is sufficient.
• The right exists from the first moment — before any statement to the police. You are entitled to consult the lawyer in private before questioning and to have the lawyer present during it.
• It is not necessarily free in the end. The appointed lawyer's fee is paid by the State and counts as a cost of the proceedings. If you are convicted, the court orders you to reimburse costs, and this fee, set by an official tariff, is among them (CMK Art. 324). If you are acquitted, you pay nothing.

What to do at a police station, and the other rights of a detained foreigner, are covered in our guide to being arrested in Turkey as a foreigner.

Victims of crime

A victim or complainant who has no lawyer can ask for one to be appointed by the bar, during both the investigation and the trial, where the offence is (CMK Art. 234, 239):

• sexual assault;
• sexual abuse of a child;
• stalking (persistent pursuit);
• intentional injury, torture or torment committed against a woman;
• any offence carrying a minimum sentence of more than five years' imprisonment.

Where the victim is a child, is deaf and unable to speak, or lacks the mental capacity to defend his or her interests, a lawyer is appointed without a request.

For other offences — fraud and theft among them — the Criminal Procedure Code gives no right to an appointed lawyer. A victim without means can apply to the bar's legal aid office under the civil scheme described below. Victims of domestic violence and of human trafficking have additional support routes; see our guides to protection orders in Turkey and to the rights of trafficking victims.

Interpreters

If a defendant or victim does not speak Turkish well enough to explain himself or herself, the essential points of the prosecution and defence at the hearing are translated through an interpreter appointed by the court. The same applies during the investigation to suspects, victims and witnesses, with the interpreter appointed by the judge or prosecutor (CMK Art. 202). This interpretation is provided by the State.

A defendant may in addition make an oral defence in another language in which he or she can express himself or herself better, at certain stages of the trial. In that case the interpreter is chosen from the official list, and the cost of this optional interpretation is not borne by the Treasury.

In civil cases there is no general right to a free interpreter. Interpretation and translation of documents are costs of the proceedings, advanced by the party who needs them, unless a court legal aid order covers them.

Civil cases: the bar's legal aid office

The Attorneys Act defines legal aid as the provision of a lawyer's services to those who cannot afford lawyers' fees and other costs of proceedings (Art. 176). It is run by the legal aid office at each bar association, with representatives in outlying court districts (Art. 177).

How to apply

1. Go to the legal aid office of the bar association in the city where the case will be heard. These are usually located in the courthouse. Large cities have more than one bar association; any of them can receive the application.
2. Explain the dispute and bring the documents that show you have a case: the contract, the decision you want to challenge, the marriage certificate, medical reports.
3. Bring evidence of your means. Bars typically ask for proof of income or its absence, a statement of assets, a rent contract, and for foreigners the passport, residence permit or international protection document.
4. The office decides whether to accept. The applicant must show with evidence that the claim is justified (Art. 178).
5. If accepted, the office assigns one or more lawyers. The lawyer's duty begins on receiving the assignment, and ends if the applicant fails to provide documents or refuses to give a power of attorney (Art. 179).

If the bar refuses

The applicant may apply, in writing or orally, to the president of the bar. The president's decision is final (Art. 178).

What it covers

The lawyer's work. It does not automatically cover court filing fees, expert fees, notification costs or translation. For those, a separate application is made to the court, normally by the assigned lawyer together with the claim.

The law does not exclude foreigners from the bar scheme. In practice bars assist foreigners regularly, particularly in family cases, labour claims and immigration matters. Language is the practical obstacle: bring someone who can interpret to the first appointment.

Civil cases: court-ordered legal aid

Separately from the bar scheme, the Civil Procedure Code allows the court to relieve a party of the costs of the case. Persons who are partly or wholly unable to pay the necessary costs of proceedings without significantly endangering the livelihood of themselves and their family may benefit from legal aid in their claims and defences, in applications for interim protection and in enforcement proceedings, provided their claim is not clearly unfounded (HMK Art. 334(1)).

What the order provides (Art. 335)

• temporary exemption from all costs of the proceedings and enforcement;
• exemption from providing security for costs;
• advance payment by the State of all expenses that must be incurred during the case;
• where the case requires a lawyer, provision of a lawyer whose fee is paid later.

The court may grant all of these or only some.

How to apply (Art. 336)

The request is made to the court that will decide the main claim; in enforcement proceedings, to the enforcement court of the place of enforcement; on appeal, to the regional court of appeal or the Court of Cassation. The applicant must submit a summary of the claim, the evidence on which it rests and documents on financial status showing inability to bear the costs. Papers relating to the request are exempt from all fees and taxes.

The decision (Art. 337)

The court may decide without a hearing, but holds one if requested. A refusal must state clearly why the information and documents submitted were not accepted. A refusal can be challenged by objection within two weeks of notification, filed with the court that made it; the objection is examined by a different chamber or the nearest equivalent court, whose decision is final. If the applicant's ability to pay later deteriorates, a fresh request can be made.

It is a deferral, not a gift

The costs deferred and the advances paid by the State are collected at the end of the case from the party who loses (Art. 339). If the legally aided party wins, the opponent pays. If the legally aided party loses, he or she is in principle liable, although the court can allow payment in instalments or waive collection where it would cause hardship. The fee of a lawyer appointed by the bar at the court's request is paid from the Treasury as a cost of the proceedings (Art. 340).

Administrative courts

The Administrative Procedure Law refers to the Civil Procedure Code on legal aid, so the same rules apply to annulment actions against administrative decisions — refusal of a residence permit, refusal of citizenship, a deportation order.

The reciprocity condition

The Civil Procedure Code adds one condition for foreigners: their benefiting from legal aid is also subject to reciprocity (Art. 334(3)). In other words, a Turkish citizen in the same position must be able to obtain legal aid in the applicant's country.

Reciprocity can be established by treaty, by legislation of the other state or by actual practice. Turkey is party to the Hague Convention on Civil Procedure of 1954 and to bilateral judicial assistance agreements with many states, which provide for equal treatment in legal aid. Where the court is unsure, it asks the Ministry of Justice.

Two groups are in a stronger position:

• Refugees and stateless persons. The 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1954 Convention on Stateless Persons give them the same treatment as nationals as regards access to courts, including legal assistance and exemption from security for costs, in the country of habitual residence.
• International protection applicants and status holders, for whom Law No. 6458 provides legal aid directly (below).

Reciprocity also governs a related burden. A foreign claimant in a Turkish court can be required to deposit security for the defendant's costs unless exempt on the basis of reciprocity (Law No. 5718, Art. 48). A party who has been granted legal aid cannot be asked for security (HMK Art. 85).

The reciprocity condition applies to court-ordered aid under the Civil Procedure Code. The Attorneys Act contains no such condition for the bar's own scheme, and it has no place in criminal cases.

Deportation, detention and asylum

The Law on Foreigners and International Protection contains its own legal aid provisions, because the deadlines are short and the people concerned are often detained.

• Deportation orders. The foreigner, or his or her legal representative or lawyer, is notified of the decision; a foreigner not represented by a lawyer is informed of the result of the decision, the appeal procedure and the time limit. The appeal to the administrative court must be filed within seven days. A person without means can ask the bar for a legal aid lawyer.
• Administrative detention. A detained foreigner who cannot afford a lawyer is provided with one, on request, under the legal aid provisions of the Attorneys Act, for the application to the criminal judgeship of peace against detention.
• International protection. Applicants and status holders may be represented by a lawyer at their own expense, and those who cannot afford the fee are provided with a lawyer under the Attorneys Act's legal aid provisions for their applications before the courts (Art. 81). They may also use counselling services provided by non-governmental organisations.

In practice, a detained person asks the removal centre administration to contact the bar, or a relative applies at the bar's legal aid office with the detainee's details. Because the appeal period against deportation is seven days and legal aid assignment takes time, the application should be made on the day of notification. The substance of these procedures is covered in our guides to appealing a deportation order, administrative detention in removal centres and appealing a rejected asylum application.

A deadline is running and you are not sure whether to wait for legal aid? In deportation cases the period is seven days. Message Yayla Law on WhatsApp or use the contact form; we can tell you quickly which route applies and what must be filed first.

What legal aid does not cover

• Advice without a case. The schemes are built around court proceedings. General advice, contract drafting, company formation, residence permit applications and property purchases are not covered.
• Administrative applications. The asylum provision covers applications before the courts, not the interview stage before the migration authority.
• Translation of your documents into Turkish, unless a court legal aid order covers the expense.
• The opponent's costs. If you lose, you may be ordered to pay the other side's statutory lawyer's fee.
• Choice of lawyer. The bar assigns from its list. You cannot select a particular lawyer or insist on one who speaks your language.

Appointed or privately retained lawyer

Appointed lawyers are fully qualified members of the bar, and many are experienced. The differences are structural. An appointed lawyer is assigned for a particular stage — the police interview, the detention hearing, the trial — and a different lawyer may appear at the next one. The lawyer has not chosen the case, is paid a modest tariff fee and may have no common language with the client. For a short custody period this works; for a contested trial, an appeal or a case with an immigration consequence, continuity matters.

You may replace an appointed lawyer with one of your own choice at any time; the appointment ends when a retained lawyer takes over. A reasonable approach for someone with limited funds is to accept the appointed lawyer for the first hours, when having any lawyer is what counts, and then decide.

Frequently asked questions

Is there free legal aid for foreigners in Turkey?

Yes. In criminal cases a lawyer is appointed on request regardless of nationality. In civil cases the bar's legal aid office can assign a lawyer to those without means, and the court can exempt them from costs, subject to reciprocity.

How do I get a free lawyer if I am arrested?

Tell the police or the prosecutor that you want a lawyer and cannot retain one. They must contact the bar association, which sends a duty lawyer. You do not have to prove your income.

Do I have to pay the appointed criminal lawyer?

Not at the time. The State pays the fee. If you are convicted, the fee is included in the costs you are ordered to reimburse; if acquitted, you pay nothing.

Where do I apply for legal aid in a divorce or labour case?

At the legal aid office of the bar association in the city where the case will be heard, with documents showing your claim and your financial situation.

What does "reciprocity" mean for legal aid?

For court-ordered exemption from costs in civil cases, a foreigner qualifies only if a Turkish citizen could obtain legal aid in the foreigner's country, by treaty, law or practice.

Can asylum seekers get a free lawyer?

Yes. Applicants for and holders of international protection who cannot afford a lawyer are provided with one under the legal aid rules for their court applications.

Can I get legal aid from a removal centre?

Yes. Ask the centre to contact the bar association, or have a relative apply at the bar's legal aid office. Apply immediately: the appeal period against a deportation order is seven days.

What if my legal aid request is refused?

Against a court's refusal you can object within two weeks. Against a bar's refusal you can apply to the bar president, whose decision is final.

Is an interpreter free in Turkish courts?

In criminal proceedings, yes, for a suspect, defendant or victim who does not speak sufficient Turkish. In civil cases interpretation is a cost borne by the party unless covered by a legal aid order.

Legal basis and sources

• Civil Procedure Code No. 6100, Articles 84, 85 and 334–340 — official consolidated text at mevzuat.gov.tr.
• Criminal Procedure Code No. 5271, Articles 150, 202, 234, 239 and 324 — mevzuat.gov.tr.
• Attorneys Act No. 1136, Articles 176–181 — mevzuat.gov.tr.
• Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, Articles 53, 57 and 81 — mevzuat.gov.tr.
• International Private and Procedural Law No. 5718, Article 48.

This article provides general legal information on Turkish law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Yayla Law is a private law firm and is not a legal aid provider; applications for legal aid are made to the bar association or the court.