Mediation Costs and Lawyer Fees in Turkey: A Comprehensive 2026 Guide

Introduction

Mediation costs and lawyer fees in Turkey are important considerations for individuals, companies, foreign investors, landlords, tenants, employees, employers and commercial creditors considering settlement before litigation.

Mediation is generally less expensive than full court proceedings because the parties do not usually incur court filing fees, expert fees, witness expenses, inspection costs and repeated hearing-related expenses during the mediation phase. Nevertheless, mediation is not always free. The total cost may include the mediator’s fee, the parties’ lawyers’ fees, translation expenses, interpreter fees, expert costs, meeting expenses, electronic signature charges and costs associated with obtaining or enforcing a settlement agreement.

The amount payable depends on several factors, including:

• Whether mediation is mandatory or voluntary;
• Whether the dispute ends with agreement or non-agreement;
• Whether the dispute concerns money;
• The settlement amount;
• The number of parties;
• The number of mediators;
• The duration of the process;
• The type of dispute;
• Whether lawyers participate;
• Whether foreign documents or interpreters are required.

The 2026 Turkish Mediation Minimum Fee Tariff was published in the Official Gazette dated 26 December 2025 and numbered 33119. The tariff establishes minimum mediator fees and prohibits agreements below the prescribed minimum amounts.

Lawyers’ fees are separate from mediator fees. The 2025–2026 Attorney Minimum Fee Tariff published by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations also contains specific rules concerning legal representation in mediation. Under the current tariff, the minimum fee for a party’s lawyer where the mediation process ends without agreement is TRY 8,000. Where the parties reach a monetary settlement, the lawyer’s fee may be determined according to the proportional fee schedule and the attorney-client fee agreement.

This article explains mediation costs and lawyer fees in Turkey, the difference between mandatory and voluntary mediation, payment responsibility, 2026 mediator fee rates, lawyer fee structures, settlement-related fees, tax considerations, foreign-party expenses and practical methods for controlling costs.

Is Mediation Free in Turkey?

Mediation is not necessarily free, but mandatory mediation may initially be funded under a special statutory system.

The Ministry of Justice states that, unlike court proceedings, parties do not generally pay court filing fees, witness expenses, expert expenses, notification costs or inspection costs while the mediation process is continuing. The principal cost is the mediator’s fee calculated under the Mediation Minimum Fee Tariff. Special meeting-place expenses and lawyers’ fees may also arise.

Whether the parties personally pay the mediator from the beginning depends mainly on whether the process is mandatory or voluntary.

Mandatory Mediation

Mandatory mediation is required before filing certain employment, commercial, consumer, rental, co-ownership, condominium and neighbourhood lawsuits.

The claimant generally submits the application to the courthouse mediation office without paying a court application fee.

Where mandatory mediation ends without agreement, the mediator’s fee for the statutorily covered period is generally paid from the Ministry of Justice budget according to the applicable rules. The amount may later be treated as a litigation expense if a lawsuit is filed.

Where the parties reach an agreement, they generally become responsible for the mediator’s fee under the tariff, unless a special statutory rule or agreed allocation applies.

Voluntary Mediation

In voluntary mediation, the parties generally pay the mediator’s fee themselves from the beginning.

The parties and mediator may sign a fee agreement, but the agreed amount cannot be lower than the 2026 Mediation Minimum Fee Tariff. The tariff expressly provides that fee clauses below the statutory minimum are invalid and that the tariff applies instead.

What Does the Mediator’s Fee Cover?

The mediator’s fee is payment for the mediator’s professional time, effort and work in conducting the mediation.

Under the 2026 tariff, documents prepared by the mediator and other ordinary procedural actions performed during mediation do not create separate mediator fees.

The fee normally covers activities such as:

• Reviewing the application;
• Contacting the parties;
• Sending invitations;
• Organising meetings;
• Conducting joint sessions;
• Conducting private meetings;
• Facilitating negotiations;
• Preparing the final report;
• Assisting with the settlement documentation within the mediator’s role.

However, the mediator’s fee does not automatically cover every external expense.

Separate costs may arise for:

• Private meeting-room hire;
• Interpreter services;
• Translation;
• Technical experts;
• Travel;
• Accommodation;
• Secure online platforms;
• Notarisation;
• Apostille;
• Courier services;
• Electronic signatures.

The parties should clarify these expenses before the process begins.

Who Pays the Mediator’s Fee?

Unless the parties agree otherwise, the mediator’s fee is shared equally among the parties.

This principle is stated both in the Ministry of Justice’s public guidance and in the 2026 Mediation Minimum Fee Tariff.

For example, where there are two parties and the total mediator fee is TRY 20,000, each party would ordinarily pay TRY 10,000.

However, the parties may agree that:

• The claimant pays the full fee;
• The respondent pays the full fee;
• The employer pays the full fee;
• The commercial debtor bears the fee;
• The fee is deducted from the settlement amount;
• Each party pays a different percentage;
• One party pays initially and is reimbursed after performance.

The cost allocation should be written clearly in the settlement agreement.

A clause stating only that “costs will be paid by the parties” may create uncertainty.

Can the Mediator Charge Below the Minimum Tariff?

No.

The 2026 tariff expressly prohibits mediator fees below the tariff minimum. Any agreement providing for a lower amount is invalid as to the fee, and the minimum tariff applies.

This rule protects both professional standards and equality within the mediation system.

The mediator may agree to a fee above the tariff minimum, especially where:

• The dispute is complex;
• Several parties participate;
• Multiple sessions are required;
• The value of the claim is high;
• Foreign-language work is involved;
• Extensive preparation is required;
• The mediation is international;
• More than one mediator is appointed.

The parties should request a written fee agreement before voluntary mediation begins.

Can a Mediator Request an Advance?

In voluntary mediation, the mediator may request a fee or expense advance from the party or parties proposing the mediation before the process formally begins.

The 2026 tariff provides that such an advance is deducted from the final mediator fee if mediation begins. If the mediation process never begins, the fee advance is not returned. Unused expense advances must be returned at the end of the process.

By contrast, the mediator may not request expenses from the parties during mandatory pre-litigation mediation. The 2026 tariff expressly prohibits the mediator from requesting such an expense payment in mandatory mediation.

This distinction is important.

A party receiving a request for payment in mandatory mediation should determine whether the request concerns a lawful post-settlement fee or an impermissible advance.

How Are Mediator Fees Calculated in Non-Monetary Disputes?

Where the dispute does not concern money or cannot be valued in money, the mediator’s fee is generally calculated on an hourly basis.

The 2026 tariff distinguishes between dispute categories and the number of parties.

Family Law Disputes

For two-party family-law disputes, the hourly fee is TRY 1,000 per party.

For disputes involving three to five parties, the hourly fee is TRY 2,200 in total, regardless of the exact number within that range. Higher hourly rates apply for six to ten parties and eleven or more parties.

Commercial Disputes

For a commercial dispute involving two parties, the hourly mediator fee is TRY 1,500 per party.

For three to five parties, the hourly fee is TRY 3,200 in total. The tariff sets TRY 3,300 for six to ten parties and TRY 3,400 for eleven or more parties.

Employment Disputes

For a two-party employee-employer dispute, the hourly fee is TRY 1,130 per party.

The tariff provides TRY 2,460 per hour for disputes involving three to five parties, TRY 2,560 for six to ten parties and TRY 2,660 for eleven or more parties.

Consumer Disputes

For a two-party consumer dispute, the hourly fee is TRY 1,000 per party.

The fee is TRY 2,200 per hour for three to five parties and TRY 2,300 for six to ten parties. The continuation of the tariff provides TRY 2,400 for eleven or more parties.

Rental, Neighbourhood and Condominium Disputes

For two-party rental, neighbourhood-right and condominium disputes, the hourly fee is TRY 1,170 per party.

The hourly fee is TRY 2,540 for three to five parties, TRY 2,640 for six to ten parties and TRY 2,740 for eleven or more parties.

Dissolution of Co-Ownership

The same 2026 hourly amounts apply to non-monetary dissolution-of-co-ownership disputes:

• TRY 1,170 per party where there are two parties;
• TRY 2,540 for three to five parties;
• TRY 2,640 for six to ten parties;
• TRY 2,740 for eleven or more parties.

Other Disputes

For other non-monetary disputes, the hourly fee is TRY 1,000 per party where there are two parties. Higher total rates apply where more parties are involved.

How Are Mediator Fees Calculated in Monetary Settlements?

Where the dispute concerns money or can be valued financially and the parties reach an agreement, the mediator’s fee is generally calculated according to the settlement amount.

Under the 2026 tariff, the proportional rates for one mediator are:

• 6% of the first TRY 600,000;
• 5% of the next TRY 960,000;
• 4% of the next TRY 1,560,000;
• 3% of the next TRY 3,120,000;
• 2% of the next TRY 9,360,000;
• 1.5% of the next TRY 12,480,000;
• 1% of the next TRY 24,960,000;
• 0.5% of the amount exceeding TRY 53,040,000.

These rates are progressive. The entire settlement amount is not calculated using only one rate.

For example, if the parties settle a debt for TRY 1,000,000 with one mediator:

• The first TRY 600,000 is calculated at 6%;
• The remaining TRY 400,000 is calculated at 5%.

This produces a mediator fee of TRY 56,000 before any applicable tax treatment or agreed additional expense.

Where more than one mediator serves, higher tariff percentages apply, and the total fee is divided equally among the mediators under the tariff rules.

Minimum Mediator Fees When the Parties Settle

The proportional calculation is subject to minimum amounts.

Under the 2026 tariff, where mediation ends with agreement, the mediator fee cannot be lower than TRY 9,000, regardless of the settlement amount.

For commercial disputes and dissolution-of-co-ownership disputes ending with agreement, the mediator fee cannot be lower than TRY 13,000.

Therefore, a low-value commercial settlement does not necessarily produce a very low proportional fee.

For example, a commercial dispute settled for TRY 100,000 would produce a 6% proportional calculation of TRY 6,000. Because the applicable commercial minimum is TRY 13,000, the mediator’s fee would not fall below TRY 13,000.

Special Fee Calculations in Rental Disputes

The 2026 tariff includes special rules for certain rental disputes.

In rent determination disputes, the mediator’s fee is calculated using the annual amount of the agreed rent difference.

For eviction disputes, the tariff uses a value corresponding to half of the annual rent amount in determining the fee under the monetary schedule.

These rules prevent uncertainty over the “value” of a settlement where the principal result is a new rent amount or voluntary eviction rather than a simple lump-sum payment.

The agreement should therefore record:

• Previous rent;
• New rent;
• Monthly difference;
• Effective date;
• Annualised difference;
• Any additional monetary payment;
• Eviction date, where relevant.

What Happens to the Mediator’s Fee If the Process Ends Early?

A mediator who accepts the assignment may become entitled to the full tariff fee even if the process ends without a lengthy negotiation.

The 2026 tariff states that the mediator is entitled to the full prescribed fee where mediation ends because:

• The parties reach agreement;
• The mediator determines that further effort is unnecessary after consulting the parties;
• One party withdraws;
• A party dies or becomes bankrupt;
• The parties jointly end the process.

The purpose is to compensate the mediator for accepting and conducting the professional assignment rather than calculating payment solely by the number of successful negotiation hours.

Are Lawyer Fees Included in the Mediator’s Fee?

No.

Mediator fees and lawyer fees are separate.

The mediator is neutral and does not represent either party. A lawyer provides independent legal advice and protects the client’s interests.

The Ministry of Justice expressly states that parties participating with lawyers must also pay their own lawyers.

A party may therefore need to pay:

1. Its share of the mediator fee;
2. Its own lawyer’s fee;
3. Additional expenses such as translation or expert costs.

The opposing party is not automatically responsible for a party’s private lawyer fee.

Is It Mandatory to Hire a Lawyer for Mediation?

No. Parties may generally attend mediation personally.

However, legal representation is strongly advisable where:

• The claim is high-value;
• The dispute involves several legal issues;
• A release will be signed;
• Payment is deferred;
• Instalments are proposed;
• Security is required;
• A company is involved;
• Real estate will be transferred;
• Employment rights are settled;
• Foreign parties participate;
• Litigation is already pending;
• The agreement must be enforced.

The mediator cannot advise one party whether a proposed settlement is legally favourable.

A lawyer may:

• Calculate the claim;
• Review limitation periods;
• Assess evidence;
• Identify tax risks;
• Negotiate settlement terms;
• Draft conditional releases;
• Protect existing enforcement proceedings;
• Verify security;
• Prepare an enforceable agreement.

What Is the 2026 Minimum Lawyer Fee for Unsuccessful Mediation?

Under the 2025–2026 Attorney Minimum Fee Tariff, the minimum fee for a party’s lawyer where the mediation process ends without agreement is TRY 8,000.

This is a minimum tariff amount.

The lawyer and client may agree on a higher fee depending on:

• Value of the dispute;
• Complexity;
• Number of meetings;
• Preparation time;
• Documents;
• Negotiation responsibility;
• Foreign-language work;
• Urgency;
• Travel;
• Whether litigation will follow.

The private attorney-client fee agreement should clearly state whether the mediation fee includes later litigation.

A lawyer may agree to represent the client only in mediation, only in litigation or in both stages under a combined fee arrangement.

Lawyer Fees When Mediation Ends With Agreement

Where mediation ends with a monetary agreement, the attorney’s fee may be determined according to the proportional fee rules and the attorney-client contract.

The 2025–2026 Attorney Minimum Fee Tariff uses progressive rates for monetary legal services, beginning with 16% for the first TRY 600,000 and decreasing through later brackets.

However, the final lawyer fee depends on:

• The private fee agreement;
• The tariff minimum;
• Whether the lawyer represented the party throughout the dispute;
• Whether the settlement amount is monetary;
• Whether additional drafting or enforcement work is included;
• Applicable statutory limitations on percentage-based fees.

The parties should distinguish between:

• Lawyer fee payable by the client;
• Mediator fee;
• Opposing-party lawyer fee awarded by a court;
• Settlement costs paid by the other side.

These are legally different categories.

Can the Parties Agree That the Other Side Pays Their Lawyer Fee?

Yes, the parties may include legal costs in the settlement.

For example, a commercial debtor may agree to pay:

• Principal debt;
• Interest;
• Mediator fee;
• Creditor’s lawyer fee;
• Existing enforcement costs.

An employer may agree to pay the employee’s agreed legal costs as part of a global employment settlement.

However, the agreement should state:

• Exact lawyer fee;
• Whether tax is included;
• Payment date;
• Recipient;
• Whether payment is separate from the settlement amount;
• Whether it affects the release.

A vague provision that “the debtor will pay all legal expenses” may be difficult to enforce.

Are Lawyer Fees Refundable If No Settlement Is Reached?

This depends on the attorney-client fee agreement.

A lawyer’s work may include substantial preparation even where mediation ends without agreement.

The lawyer may have:

• Reviewed evidence;
• Calculated claims;
• Prepared legal arguments;
• Attended meetings;
• Drafted proposals;
• Advised on settlement;
• Protected limitation periods.

Therefore, the lawyer’s fee is generally payable for the service performed, not only for obtaining a settlement.

A success-related component may be conditional on settlement, but the base legal fee may remain payable.

The written agreement should clarify:

• Fixed fee;
• Hourly fee;
• Success fee;
• Expenses;
• Tax;
• Payment date;
• Treatment of failed mediation;
• Whether later litigation is included.

Fixed, Hourly and Percentage-Based Lawyer Fees

Lawyers may structure mediation fees in different ways, subject to Turkish legal and professional rules.

Fixed Fee

A fixed fee may cover:

• Review of documents;
• One or more meetings;
• Negotiation;
• Drafting the settlement;
• Final legal review.

This method provides cost certainty.

Hourly Fee

An hourly fee may be appropriate where:

• The duration is uncertain;
• The matter is international;
• Many documents require review;
• Several meetings are expected;
• Negotiations are complex.

The agreement should define whether preparation, telephone calls, travel and drafting are billable.

Percentage-Based Fee

A lawyer and client may agree on a fee linked to the settlement amount or financial benefit, within the limits imposed by Turkish law.

A percentage fee should define:

• Relevant settlement base;
• Whether interest is included;
• Whether non-monetary benefits are valued;
• Payment time;
• Tax treatment;
• Effect of instalments;
• Effect of default.

Combined Fee

A common structure includes:

• Fixed preparation fee;
• Meeting fee;
• Success percentage;
• Separate enforcement fee if the agreement is breached.

VAT and Tax Treatment

Mediator and lawyer services may involve tax obligations.

The quoted amount may or may not include:

• Value-added tax;
• Withholding;
• Stamp-related consequences;
• Bank charges;
• Professional receipt obligations.

Parties should ask whether the stated fee is:

• Gross;
• Net;
• VAT-inclusive;
• VAT-exclusive;
• Subject to withholding.

Foreign companies should also examine whether local accounting, withholding or cross-border payment rules apply.

The settlement should not treat a gross amount as a guaranteed net payment without addressing tax deductions.

Additional Costs in International Mediation

Foreign individuals and companies may face additional expenses beyond the mediator and lawyer fees.

These may include:

• Sworn translation;
• Interpreter;
• Apostille;
• Consular legalisation;
• Notary fees;
• Corporate registry documents;
• International courier;
• Travel;
• Accommodation;
• Currency conversion;
• Bank transfer charges;
• Foreign-law advice;
• Cross-border enforcement advice.

Online mediation may reduce travel costs but does not eliminate document and authority requirements.

A foreign company may need to provide:

• Certificate of incorporation;
• Trade registry extract;
• Board resolution;
• Signature authority document;
• Power of attorney;
• Apostille;
• Turkish translation.

The lawyer’s fee agreement should state whether coordinating these documents is included.

Expert and Technical Adviser Costs

Some mediation disputes require expert assistance.

Examples include:

• Construction valuation;
• Property appraisal;
• Accounting review;
• Employment receivable calculation;
• Software assessment;
• Engineering defects;
• Medical damage evaluation;
• Tax analysis.

The mediator is not automatically responsible for providing this expertise.

The parties may jointly appoint an expert and agree on:

• Scope of work;
• Fee;
• Payment shares;
• Deadline;
• Confidentiality;
• Whether the report is binding.

Jointly funding a neutral expert may be less expensive than obtaining separate expert reports and later paying court-appointed experts.

Meeting and Online Platform Costs

Ordinary mediation does not require a courthouse hearing room.

Meetings may occur:

• At the mediator’s office;
• At a lawyer’s office;
• In a private meeting room;
• At a hotel meeting facility;
• Online.

The Ministry of Justice notes that special meeting-place expenses may be payable in addition to the mediator’s fee.

The parties should confirm whether the mediator’s quoted fee includes:

• Meeting room;
• Video platform;
• Printing;
• Document storage;
• Travel;
• Administrative support.

In mandatory mediation, the mediator may not demand an expense advance from the parties, but post-agreement cost allocation may still need to be regulated.

Enforceability Annotation Costs

A mediation settlement may require an enforceability annotation from the competent court.

This may create additional costs such as:

• Court application expense;
• Legal representation;
• Notification;
• Translation;
• Certified copies;
• Land registry-related fees for real estate matters.

An agreement signed by the parties, their lawyers and the mediator may qualify directly as a judgment-equivalent document under the applicable statutory conditions.

However, agreements involving transfer of immovable property or establishment of limited real rights require special court review and registration procedures.

The Ministry of Justice confirms that parties may apply for an enforceability annotation and that an annotated agreement is treated as a judgment-equivalent document.

Costs After Breach of the Settlement

If a party fails to perform the settlement, additional expenses may arise.

These may include:

• Enforcement lawyer fee;
• Enforcement office expenses;
• Notification costs;
• Interest;
• Attachment expenses;
• Expert costs;
• Foreign enforcement expenses;
• Court proceedings concerning validity or interpretation.

A properly drafted agreement can reduce these risks.

The agreement should include:

• Exact amount;
• Due dates;
• Bank account;
• Default interest;
• Acceleration;
• Security;
• Enforcement costs;
• Responsibility for legal fees after default.

A cheap mediation process may become expensive if the settlement is unclear or unsecured.

Mediation Costs Versus Litigation Costs

Mediation is often economically attractive because it may avoid:

• Court fees;
• Expert examinations;
• Witness costs;
• Inspections;
• Repeated hearings;
• Appeal expenses;
• Enforcement delay;
• Management time;
• Reputational damage.

The Ministry of Justice highlights that parties do not generally incur court-style filing, witness, expert and inspection expenses during mediation.

However, mediation is not always the least expensive option.

Costs may increase where:

• The dispute requires many sessions;
• Several lawyers attend;
• International documents are involved;
• Technical experts participate;
• No agreement is reached;
• Litigation follows;
• The settlement is breached.

The correct comparison is not simply “mediator fee versus court fee.” The parties should compare the total expected cost of:

1. Mediation and settlement;
2. Mediation followed by litigation;
3. Immediate litigation, where legally possible;
4. Enforcement proceedings;
5. Arbitration.

Cost Allocation in the Settlement Agreement

The settlement should contain a separate cost clause.

It should regulate:

• Mediator fee;
• Each party’s lawyer fee;
• Translation;
• Interpreter;
• Expert;
• Meeting room;
• Notary;
• Apostille;
• Court annotation;
• Land registry costs;
• Enforcement costs;
• Taxes.

An example structure may state that:

• Each party bears its own lawyer fee;
• The mediator fee is paid equally;
• The debtor reimburses the creditor’s enforcement expenses after full payment;
• Translation costs are borne by the foreign party;
• Land registry fees are paid by the purchaser.

The clause should be tailored to the actual transaction.

Common Mistakes Concerning Mediation Costs

Assuming Mandatory Mediation Is Completely Free

The initial non-agreement phase may be publicly funded, but settlement, lawyer and additional costs may still arise.

Failing to Ask Whether VAT Is Included

The final invoice may exceed the quoted amount.

Confusing Mediator and Lawyer Fees

The mediator does not represent either party.

Ignoring the Minimum Tariff

A fee below the tariff minimum is not valid.

Failing to Agree on Cost Sharing

The default equal-sharing rule may apply unexpectedly.

Omitting Lawyer Fees From the Settlement

The parties may later dispute whether legal costs were included.

Ignoring Enforcement Costs

A defaulting party may create a second legal process.

Accepting an Unclear Percentage Fee

The calculation base should be defined.

Failing to Budget for Translation and Apostille

Foreign-party mediation may involve substantial administrative costs.

Using Several Mediators Without Reviewing the Tariff

Multiple mediators may affect fee calculations.

How to Reduce Mediation Costs

Parties may reduce unnecessary expenses by:

• Preparing documents before the first meeting;
• Calculating claims accurately;
• Identifying decision-makers;
• Giving representatives settlement authority;
• Using online meetings where appropriate;
• Agreeing on a focused agenda;
• Exchanging essential documents in advance;
• Avoiding repeated unproductive meetings;
• Using one jointly appointed expert;
• Drafting settlement terms carefully;
• Planning enforcement from the beginning.

A well-prepared lawyer may reduce the overall cost by preventing unclear agreements and unnecessary later proceedings.

The Role of a Turkish Mediation Lawyer

A Turkish mediation lawyer may assist by:

• Explaining the expected mediator fee;
• Reviewing the applicable tariff;
• Negotiating cost allocation;
• Preparing a legal fee agreement;
• Calculating claims;
• Assessing settlement value;
• Coordinating experts and interpreters;
• Drafting tax and cost clauses;
• Protecting against broad releases;
• Preparing an enforceable settlement;
• Initiating enforcement after default.

For foreign clients, the lawyer may also coordinate:

• Power of attorney;
• Apostille;
• Translation;
• Corporate authority;
• Online participation;
• Cross-border payment;
• Foreign enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mandatory mediation free in Turkey?

The application is generally submitted without a court fee. Where no agreement is reached, the mediator’s fee for the statutory period may be paid under the public system. Settlement and lawyer costs may still arise.

Who pays the mediator?

Unless otherwise agreed, the parties pay equally.

Can one party agree to pay the full mediator fee?

Yes.

Can the mediator charge less than the tariff?

No. Fees below the minimum tariff are prohibited.

What is the minimum mediator fee for a 2026 settlement?

The general minimum is TRY 9,000. For commercial and dissolution-of-co-ownership settlements, the minimum is TRY 13,000.

What is the 2026 lawyer fee where mediation ends without agreement?

The current Attorney Minimum Fee Tariff provides a minimum of TRY 8,000 for the party’s lawyer.

Is the lawyer fee included in the mediator fee?

No.

Must I hire a lawyer?

No, but legal representation is advisable in high-value, complex, employment, real estate and international disputes.

Is the mediator fee based on the claim or settlement amount?

Where a monetary agreement is reached, the fee is generally based on the amount agreed, subject to the tariff and special rules.

Are translation costs included?

Not automatically.

Does each party pay its own lawyer?

Usually yes, unless the settlement provides otherwise.

Can lawyer fees be paid by the other party?

Yes, if the parties agree and state the amount clearly.

Are online mediation costs lower?

They may be lower because travel and meeting-room expenses can be reduced.

Who pays enforcement costs if the settlement is breached?

The agreement should regulate this. Otherwise, enforcement law and the outcome of later proceedings will determine responsibility.

Conclusion

Mediation costs and lawyer fees in Turkey depend on the type of mediation, nature of the dispute, settlement amount, number of parties and professional services required.

Mandatory mediation may initially involve no courthouse application fee, and where the process ends without agreement, the mediator’s fee for the statutory period may be paid under the public system. This does not mean that the entire process is always free.

Parties may still need to pay:

• Lawyer fees;
• Mediator fees after settlement;
• Translation;
• Interpreter;
• Expert;
• Meeting expenses;
• Notary and apostille costs;
• Enforceability and enforcement expenses.

The 2026 Mediation Minimum Fee Tariff establishes both hourly and proportional fees. For monetary agreements, the tariff begins with 6% of the first TRY 600,000 and applies decreasing progressive rates to later portions of the settlement amount.

The minimum fee for any mediation ending with agreement is TRY 9,000. In commercial and dissolution-of-co-ownership disputes, the minimum is TRY 13,000.

For non-monetary disputes, the hourly rate depends on the dispute category and number of parties. Commercial, employment, rental, condominium, neighbourhood and consumer disputes each have separate 2026 rates.

Unless the parties agree otherwise, the mediator’s fee is paid equally. A settlement may allocate the full fee to one party or distribute it in another proportion.

Lawyers’ fees remain separate. Under the 2025–2026 Attorney Minimum Fee Tariff, the minimum fee for a party’s lawyer where mediation ends without agreement is TRY 8,000.

A party should request a clear written explanation of:

• Mediator fee;
• Lawyer fee;
• VAT;
• Expenses;
• Success fee;
• Settlement-related costs;
• Enforcement costs.

The cheapest settlement is not always the safest settlement. An agreement without clear payment terms, security or enforceability may create substantial additional expense after default.

An experienced Turkish mediation lawyer can help the client evaluate both the legal and financial consequences of settlement, negotiate cost allocation and prepare an agreement that minimises the risk of future litigation.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. The fees stated are based on the 2026 Mediation Minimum Fee Tariff and the 2025–2026 Attorney Minimum Fee Tariff in force at the time of writing. Tariffs, taxes and procedural rules may change. The actual cost of a mediation should be confirmed according to the dispute, number of parties, settlement amount and professional fee agreements applicable on the relevant date.