Swiss–Turkish Legal Advisory and Attorney Services (Conseil juridique et services d’avocat liés à la Suisse et à la Turquie)
Fatma Karakülah is an experienced legal professional practicing law in Türkiye under Turkish law, specializing in Swiss–Turkish and international legal matters. She provides reliable and professional legal advisory services to Turkish citizens residing abroad, international investors, companies, and individuals in legal processes connected with Türkiye.
Fatma Karakülah obtained her LL.M. degree in international law from the University of Fribourg and resided in Switzerland for five years. Throughout her academic and professional career in Switzerland, she has taken part in numerous legal disputes and advisory matters, particularly in the fields of preventive legal counselling, project advisory services, and contract management.
Swiss Residence and Work Permit Procedures (Procédures de permis de séjour et de travail en Suisse)
For a Turkish citizen, the first step in residence and/or work permit application procedures is the initiation of official correspondence with the competent canton. It is crucial that the submitted documents clearly and precisely reflect the purpose of the application and are supported by relevant and appropriate information. Including excessive details or documents that are not directly related to the application—although often perceived in Türkiye as indicators of strong qualifications—may be considered confusing from a Swiss legal perspective.
In such cases, the foreigners’ office, migration authorities, educational institutions, or employers may reject applications on the grounds that they are deemed irrelevant or unclear. For instance, in a university application process, once an acceptance letter has been obtained from the educational institution, an application for a residence permit must be submitted to the competent foreigners’ authority.
Within the scope of a residence permit application, the applicant is required to submit the letter of acceptance from the educational institution, a commitment letter confirming departure from Switzerland upon completion of the education, a bank statement demonstrating sufficient financial means to cover one year of living expenses in Switzerland, a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, and similar supporting documents.
When submitting these documents, an exaggerated emphasis on professional achievements, highlighting ownership of a family business, holding a senior managerial position, or demonstrating excessive financial capacity—although perceived positively in Türkiye—may be interpreted in Switzerland as a deviation from the declared educational purpose and may lead to the rejection of the residence permit application for educational purposes.
Recruitment and Work Permit Procedures in Switzerland (Procédures de recrutement et de permis de travail en Suisse)
The first step in the recruitment process is the publication of a job advertisement by the employer and ensuring that it reaches an adequate target audience. Subsequently, candidates are assessed in the following order of priority: Swiss citizens, EU citizens, and finally third-country nationals (Türkiye falls within this category).
The competent Canton may present suitable candidate profiles from its own employment platforms, particularly those receiving unemployment benefits, and request that the employer evaluates these candidates as a priority. Any attempt by the employer to modify the job advertisement during this process may be perceived as a lack of genuine recruitment intent and may result in the rejection of the work permit application.
Similarly, unclear job criteria, insufficient dissemination of the job advertisement, or a mismatch between the job requirements and the candidate’s curriculum vitae may also lead to a refusal of the work permit. Turkius Law provides comprehensive legal support in matters including correspondence with Swiss cantonal authorities, residence and work permit applications, and the structuring of job advertisements.
Legal Coordination in Switzerland-Related Proceedings (Coordination juridique dans les procédures liées à la Suisse)
In proceedings connected with Switzerland, legal services are provided directly under Turkish law. In matters governed by Swiss law, services are rendered in coordination with partner attorneys, notaries, and academics based in Switzerland.
Turkey-Centered Legal Expertise in International Matters (Expertise en droit turc dans les dossiers internationaux)
Attorney Fatma Karakülah, a member of the Istanbul Bar Association since 2010, focuses on the effective application of Turkish law in disputes involving international elements. Legal matters concerning inheritance, real estate, company partnerships, contracts, and investment transactions in Türkiye, particularly for Turkish citizens residing in Switzerland, require a high level of expertise and diligence.
Success in such matters depends not only on knowledge of legislation but also on the ability to ensure accurate coordination between the applicable national law and the relevant legal professionals.
Professional Qualifications and Multilingual Legal Support (Qualifications professionnelles et assistance juridique multilingue)
Fatma Karakülah has held the title of certified mediator since 2023 and trademark attorney since 2024. In addition, her authority as a sworn English–Turkish translator enables the secure and accurate handling of multilingual legal processes.
International Coordination Through Turkius Law (Coordination internationale par Turkius Law)
Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services is a law firm based in Istanbul, providing litigation and legal advisory services under Turkish law and international law. In matters subject to foreign law, the firm ensures effective coordination with trusted international legal partners.
Main Areas of Legal Practice (Principaux domaines de services juridiques)
- Contract law and drafting of international contracts
- Company law and commercial law disputes
- International trade and investment transactions
- Real estate and construction law
- Intellectual property law, trademark and design registration
- Recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments
- E-commerce and consumer law
- Personal data protection and compliance processes
- Enforcement and litigation proceedings
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
- Inheritance agreements, drafting of wills, enforcement of wills, renunciation of inheritance
- Residence and work permit applications
Strategic and Transparent Legal Advisory (Conseil juridique stratégique et transparent)
Attorney Fatma Karakülah provides strategic legal support not only during litigation stages but also within the scope of preventive legal advisory services, aiming to minimize potential legal risks before they arise.
The Right Choice for Reliable Legal Support (Le bon choix pour une assistance juridique fiable)
In matters involving Switzerland or international elements that fall under Turkish law, working with an attorney capable of managing the process accurately is of paramount importance. Attorney Fatma Karakülah aims to protect the rights and interests of her individual and corporate clients in an effective and diligent manner.
