What to Know About Service and Deadlines
In short: for periods set in days the day of service is not counted and the period starts the next day. If the last day is a weekend or public holiday the period ends on the next working day, and civil periods expiring in the judicial recess gain one week.
Key Rules
- Start (HMK art. 92, İYUK art. 8): the day of service is not counted; the period starts the next day.
- Electronic service (Law 7201 art. 7/a): deemed made at the end of the fifth day after the document reaches the electronic address.
- Holidays (HMK art. 93): if the last day is a weekend or public holiday, the period ends on the next working day.
- Judicial recess (HMK arts. 102-104): 20 July–31 August; civil periods are extended by one week from the end of the recess.
Common Deadlines
| Step | Period | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of defence | 2 weeks | HMK art. 127 |
| Civil appeal / cassation | 2 weeks | HMK arts. 345, 361 |
| Objection to payment order | 7 days | İİK art. 62 |
| Criminal appeal / cassation | 2 weeks | CMK arts. 273, 291 |
| Administrative suit (tax suit) | 60 days (30 days) | İYUK art. 7 |
| Administrative appeal | 30 days | İYUK art. 45 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a deadline start to run after service, and how is it counted?
For periods set in days, the day of service is not counted; the period starts the next day and ends at the closing time of the last day (HMK art. 92/1, İYUK art. 8/1). For periods set in weeks, months or years, the period ends on the corresponding day of the last week, month or year (HMK art. 92/2). For example, a two-week appeal period for a judgment served on a Monday ends on the Monday two weeks later.
When does the deadline start after electronic service (e-tebligat)?
Under Notification Law No. 7201 art. 7/a, electronic service is deemed made at the end of the fifth day after the document reaches the addressee's electronic address. The deadline starts the day after that deemed service date. Electronic service is mandatory for lawyers registered with a bar and for private-law legal entities.
Which date counts when the notice is posted on the door (art. 21)?
If the addressee and other eligible persons are not at the address, the document is handed to the neighbourhood headman (muhtar) or police and a notice is posted on the building door; the date it is posted counts as the date of service (Law 7201 art. 21). Where a change of address was not reported, art. 35 likewise treats the posting date as the service date.
Is the deadline extended if it ends on a holiday or in the judicial recess?
Public holidays count within the period, but if the last day is a weekend or public holiday, the period ends on the next working day (HMK art. 93, İYUK art. 8/2). The judicial recess runs from 20 July to 31 August (HMK art. 102). For civil matters subject to the recess, a period that expires during the recess is extended by one week from the day the recess ends (HMK art. 104). Matters listed in HMK art. 103, such as maintenance, employment claims and interim relief, are not extended.
What can I do if I miss a deadline?
A person who could not act within a statutory or judge-set period for reasons beyond their control may apply for restitution of the prior state (HMK art. 95 et seq.; CMK art. 40 in criminal procedure). The application is subject to strict conditions and a short time limit, so consult a lawyer immediately after a deadline is missed.
For deadlines, objections and enforcement proceedings see our Enforcement & Bankruptcy Law page or contact us to book a consultation.
Related guide: Objecting to a Debt in Enforcement Proceedings.