Recognition (tanıma) gives a foreign civil judgment conclusive effect in Turkey (for example recording a divorce). Enforcement (tenfiz) allows execution against assets or income in Turkey. Both are court processes under Law No. 5718 (MÖHUK); Turkish courts do not re-try the foreign merits but check statutory conditions.
Key points
- Finality under the law of origin is required.
- Reciprocity is required for tenfiz, not for tanıma.
- Public policy and defence-rights safeguards apply.
- Family judgments are typically filed in family courts.
- Apostille/legalisation and sworn Turkish translations are usually essential.
In-depth articles
- Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Decree in Turkey (Tanıma)
- Enforcement of Foreign Court Judgments in Turkey (Tenfiz)
- Power of Attorney from Abroad
This information is general in nature and does not replace legal advice on a specific case.