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Unpaid Turkish Invoices: Evidence for Foreign Suppliers

How overseas suppliers prepare an unpaid-invoice claim in Turkey: contract, delivery, due date, currency and the correct debtor.

Build the transaction file

An unpaid invoice describes a demand; the underlying transaction establishes why payment is owed. Link each invoice to the order, contract, shipment or service record and the agreed payment date. Keep acceptance messages, partial payments and any written acknowledgment together. Separate the undisputed balance from disputed quality, returns or deductions so that a recovery instruction starts with a reconciled account.

Identify the debtor and the applicable procedure

Use the company’s exact registered name and available registry details. A director, distributor or group company is not automatically liable for another entity’s invoice. Review governing-law, jurisdiction and arbitration clauses before selecting Turkish enforcement or litigation. General enforcement without a judgment may be available, but an objection can require a separate court route. Commercial mediation requirements depend on the claim brought.

Prepare an instruction from abroad

Provide the invoice currency, maturity, interest clause, delivery evidence and a dated payment ledger. Explain which documents are originals and which are copies. Foreign corporate authority, translation and a suitable power of attorney may be needed for formal representation. The engagement should identify the work for demands, enforcement, an objection and asset recovery separately; a successful claim does not establish that the debtor has collectible assets.

Questions about this procedure

Is an invoice alone enough to recover the money?

It may support a claim, but delivery, acceptance, contractual terms and the debtor’s response can be decisive. The evidential and procedural assessment comes first.

Legal sources

Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law — Law No. 2004Turkish Code of Obligations — Law No. 6098Turkish Commercial Code — Law No. 6102
Debt Enforcement in Turkey: Procedures, Payment Orders and Objections