Bar association legal aid offices
Each of Türkiye’s 81 provinces has a bar association, and each one has a Legal Aid Office (Adli Yardım Bürosu). Refugees and asylum-seekers can ask this office for a free lawyer.
For which cases?
- Challenging administrative decisions (e.g. migration decisions)
- Civil and family cases
- Rent disputes
- Commercial cases
- Labour cases
In criminal cases, the court or prosecutor can appoint a lawyer for you.
Who is eligible?
People who cannot afford a lawyer’s fees. You may be asked for a document showing this.
What should I bring?
- Your temporary protection or international protection ID card
- All documents about your case: decisions, contracts, death or divorce certificates, police reports, messages
- A document showing your financial situation, if requested
Costs
A lawyer appointed through legal aid cannot ask you for a fee. You may need to pay a notary fee for the power of attorney; the amount varies, so ask the office in advance.
Other organisations that can help
- UNHCR and its partners, such as SGDD-ASAM, which has offices in dozens of provinces (sgdd.org.tr).
- UNHCR Counselling Line: 444 48 68.
Important tips
- Never pay “middlemen” who promise a lawyer or a solution.
- Keep copies of all your documents.
- Watch deadlines: some decisions can only be challenged within a short time, so seek legal aid immediately.
Sources
Last reviewed: 04/10/2026
This information is for general awareness and is not individual legal advice.