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Decisions by ministries, governorships, municipalities and other public bodies can affect your right to stay in Turkey, your business or your property. An administrative lawyer in Turkey challenges unlawful decisions before the administration and the administrative courts, and claims compensation for damage caused by the state.
Administrative Lawyer
Administrative lawyer Istanbul: we challenge residence permit refusals, deportation decisions, administrative fines and licence cancellations before the administrative courts and request stays of execution, with strict deadlines in mind.
Decisions We Challenge
- residence permit refusals and cancellations,
- deportation decisions and entry bans,
- work permit refusals,
- administrative fines (traffic, municipal, environmental and others),
- licence and permit decisions for businesses and construction,
- civil service and disciplinary decisions,
- zoning and expropriation decisions.
Annulment and Full Remedy Actions
- Annulment action (iptal davası): to cancel an unlawful administrative decision.
- Full remedy action (tam yargı davası): to claim compensation for damage caused by an administrative act or service, for example in public hospital malpractice.
The general deadline to file an administrative lawsuit is 60 days from notification, but special laws set shorter periods. For example, a deportation decision must be challenged within a much shorter period, and objections to many administrative fines go to the criminal judgeship of peace within 15 days. See our guide on deportation and entry bans.
Suspension of Execution
Filing a case does not automatically stop the decision. We request a stay of execution where the decision would cause irreparable harm and is clearly unlawful, for example a residence permit cancellation that would force you to leave Turkey.
Administrative Law for Foreigners
Most of our administrative law work concerns foreigners: residence and work permits, deportation, entry bans and citizenship applications. We combine administrative litigation with practical immigration solutions. Related area: Immigration Law. We offer a free short preliminary consultation.
How long do I have to challenge an administrative decision in Turkey?
Generally 60 days from notification, but special laws set shorter periods, for example for deportation decisions and administrative fines.
Can I challenge a residence permit refusal?
Yes, through an administrative lawsuit, together with a request for a stay of execution where appropriate.
Does filing a lawsuit stop the decision?
Not automatically. A stay of execution must be requested and granted by the court.
How do I object to an administrative fine?
Many administrative fines are challenged before the criminal judgeship of peace within 15 days of notification.
Can I claim compensation from the state?
Yes, through a full remedy action for damage caused by an administrative act or service.
Can I challenge a deportation decision?
Yes, before the administrative court within the short period set by law. Act immediately.
Can you handle my case while I am outside Turkey?
Yes, under a power of attorney.
How long does an administrative court case take?
Usually several months to over a year at first instance, depending on the court and the case.
In the office or by video, we listen to your situation and review your documents.
We set out in writing which action to file, the estimated timeline and cost items.
Filings, hearings and evidence are followed by a single lawyer.
You hear from us on every development by WhatsApp or e-mail.

