Cansu
Lawyer · Izmir, Turkey
- 209 cases handled
- 13+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Yeditepe University
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4.96(9 reviews)
Building Permits & Planning Permission in Turkey
Building in Turkey runs from the zoning status of the plot (imar durumu) to the building permit (yapı ruhsatı) and the occupancy permit (iskan). English-speaking lawyers check a property's permits before a purchase, deal with the municipality and advise on works built without a permit.
About Building Permits & Planning Permission in Turkey
Building permits and planning permission in Turkey follow a chain of three documents: the zoning status of the plot (imar durumu), the building permit or building licence (yapı ruhsatı), and, once the work is finished, the occupancy permit (yapı kullanma izin belgesi, known as iskan). Works carried out without a permit are called kaçak yapı. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Urban Planning Law”. English-speaking lawyers check these records and deal with the authorities.
Who needs it
- Buyers who want to know whether a home, villa or flat was built legally before signing, see property purchase.
- Owners planning an extension, a pool or a change of use, or who find that an earlier owner built without a permit.
- Sellers asked by a buyer or a bank for the iskan, see property sale.
How it works in Turkey
Permits are issued by the municipality (belediye), or by the provincial authority outside municipal limits. The zoning status shows what may be built on a plot. The building permit is needed before work starts, and the iskan confirms that the finished building matches the approved plans. Flats in buildings without an iskan are often held under a construction servitude (kat irtifakı) rather than full flat ownership (kat mülkiyeti). Coastal and protected areas carry extra rules.
What to look out for
A clean title deed does not prove the building is compliant, so lawyers usually check both the land registry and the municipal file. A building without an iskan can cause trouble with utility contracts, mortgages, resale and programmes that tie residence or citizenship to property; such conditions change, and a lawyer confirms the current ones. Unauthorised works can lead to fines, sealing or a demolition order. Past amnesty schemes have closed. Renting to tourists needs its own licence, see tourist rental licence application. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Questions and answers
How can I check whether a Turkish property has an iskan?
Through the municipality's building file and the land registry entry. A lawyer requests and reads both.
Do I need a permit for renovations?
Interior works often do not, but changes to the structure, the façade or the use usually do. The municipality decides case by case.
Can an extension built without a permit be legalised?
Sometimes the plans can be brought into line, sometimes not. A lawyer and an architect look at what the zoning allows.
What does the zoning status tell me?
What may be built on the plot, how high and how much, and whether the area has special restrictions.
4 lawyers who provide Building Permits & Planning Permission in Turkey
Sorted by experience in this service. Write to any of them — the reply comes from the lawyer, without obligation.
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Yasin
Lawyer · Istanbul, Turkey
- 187 cases handled
- 4+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Yeditepe University Faculty of Law
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5.00(6 reviews)
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Gamze
Lawyer · Bodrum, Turkey
- 123 cases handled
- 14+ years in practice
- Speaks: Turkish, English
- Law, Yeditepe University
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4.94(4 reviews)
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Sadi Berk
Lawyer · Kusadasi, Turkey
- 80 cases handled
- 15+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Marmara University
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5.00(6 reviews)
Contact form · a chat with a lawyer
Talk to a lawyer about Building Permits & Planning Permission
4 registered lawyers provide this service in Turkey. Describe your situation in a short chat — what happened, where, and how to reach you. Your enquiry is reviewed and passed to a lawyer who handles exactly this kind of case, with no obligation.
We are not just a place to list a profile: we work with every lawyer individually. Each one is registered with a bar association, and their experience, languages and client reviews are shown openly on their card.
Enquiries are answered by lawyers of AdvocateAbroad. This site provides legal information, not legal advice.
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What our clients say about our service in Turkey
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His service to me was very professional and prompt, and he went out of his way to keep me informed about what he was doing, all in perfect English.
— Alan16 Oct 2023 -
A fast response and excellent advice.
— Elena03 Jan 2023 -
I experienced nothing but the highest level of professionalism and responsiveness from the lawyer. She was always extremely knowledgeable, calm and very responsive, with excellent communication skills in perfect English, and she got things done quickly. I am very grateful for all the help she gave me and would recommend her very highly.
— Michael08 Sep 2022 -
The lawyer was very responsive throughout the whole process and assisted me even after delays on my side. She provided alternative solutions and advice and always asked for confirmation before making a move. She has a friendly voice and approach, her English is perfect, and I felt very comfortable talking to her. I would definitely recommend her as a trusted professional lawyer.
— Naajiyah30 Jan 2024 -
Very professional and quick!
— Alan09 Oct 2023 -
The service connected me with my attorney in Izmir very promptly, and she contacted me without any delay. Communication was effortless: she called to introduce herself, then emailed and texted to understand my case and what I needed. She coped with a time difference of nine to ten hours and delivered on her services. Overall she was very professional and trustworthy, and I thank her and her team.
— Ozi18 Nov 2022 -
From the first contact right to the end of the service, the lawyer was completely professional. Her work was both quick and accurate, and the whole process left me immensely satisfied. I wish her all the best.
— Stuart19 Oct 2021 -
She was excellent and very easy to talk to, as well as understanding, professional and responsive. I was completely satisfied, and if I need a lawyer again I will certainly choose her. I will also recommend her to friends and family.
— Ersa04 Oct 2021 -
She was friendly and very helpful from the first day and dealt with my matter diligently. She was always clear and honest about everything. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would certainly recommend her to anyone needing a lawyer in Turkey.
— Joao25 Aug 2021 -
Most understanding, caring and professional, with excellent assistance. I hope to get the remaining documents soon.
— Dan15 Sep 2020 -
The lawyer went above and beyond in every possible way. Several steps had to be completed in a specific order, and she replied to everything within minutes, every time. She explained it all in perfect detail and advised us on what would give the best chance of success. She was kind and friendly yet professional. She gave us the legal help we needed and also eased our stress, because it felt like having a friend in the country who wanted to help, and we are very satisfied with the outcome.
— Brandon31 Jan 2023Residency Visa, Turkey -
Excellent service. We needed to set up a company in Turkey and get legal support, and they quickly connected us with a lawyer there, with great results.
— Sergio27 Jun 2022