Consumer Law

Consumer Law in Turkey

Foreign nationals in Turkey — whether as tourists, residents, or property buyers — regularly enter into consumer transactions governed by Turkish law. From hotel bookings and retail purchases to construction contracts and real estate agency agreements, Turkish consumer law provides a framework of rights and remedies that many foreign nationals are unaware of. Knowing these rights, and knowing how to enforce them, can make a significant difference when a transaction goes wrong.

At Soylu Law, we assist foreign nationals in asserting their consumer rights under Turkish law, whether through negotiation, administrative complaint, or litigation before the consumer courts.

We Provide Legal Assistance In:

• Disputes with real estate developers and construction companies
• Fraudulent or misleading sales practices
• Defective goods and services claims
• Hotel, holiday, and travel package disputes
• Unfair contract terms and consumer agreements
• Online shopping and e-commerce disputes
• Refund and warranty claims
• Complaints before Consumer Arbitration Committees
• Consumer court representation

Consumer Rights Under Turkish Law

Consumer protection in Turkey is governed primarily by the Law on the Protection of Consumers (Law No. 6502), which establishes a broad set of rights applicable to any individual purchasing goods or services for personal use. These rights apply equally to foreign nationals and Turkish citizens. The law covers defective goods, misleading advertising, unfair contract terms, distance selling, and the right of withdrawal, among other areas.

One of the most practically useful mechanisms available to consumers in Turkey is the Consumer Arbitration Committee (Tüketici Hakem Heyeti), which handles lower-value disputes without the need for formal court proceedings. For higher-value claims, or where the other party fails to comply with a committee decision, the matter is referred to the consumer courts.

Common Disputes Involving Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals in Turkey most commonly encounter consumer law issues in a number of specific contexts. Property-related disputes are among the most serious — particularly where a developer has failed to deliver a unit on time, delivered a property with significant defects, or made representations during the sales process that were not reflected in the final product. In these cases, Turkish consumer law and contract law provide overlapping remedies, and the appropriate legal strategy depends on the nature and value of the claim.

Tourism and hospitality disputes — including overbooking, misrepresented accommodation standards, and cancelled package tours — are also frequent. Foreign nationals who have purchased goods or services online from Turkish vendors are protected by the distance selling provisions of Law No. 6502, which include a fourteen-day right of withdrawal in most circumstances.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Consumer proceedings in Turkey involve strict procedural deadlines and are conducted entirely in Turkish. Administrative complaint mechanisms, while accessible in principle, can be difficult to navigate without an understanding of the local system.

At Soylu Law, we communicate with our foreign clients in English, ensuring that you understand every step of your case. We handle consumer disputes efficiently — from the initial complaint stage through to court representation where necessary.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are available online for clients located outside Turkey.