Deadline to Object to Enforcement Proceedings: 2026 Guide

The deadline for objecting to enforcement proceedings (icra takibi) is seven days from service of the payment order (ödeme emri), and this period is laid down in Article 62 of the Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law (İİK). If the debtor does not notify the enforcement office (icra dairesi) of an objection, in writing or orally, within that period, the proceedings become final and the creditor becomes able to request attachment (haciz). In this guide we look at how the deadline for objecting to enforcement proceedings is calculated, what the consequences of an objection are and what routes are open to the creditor in the face of an objection, under the legislation in force in 2026.

How Many Days Is the Deadline to Object to Enforcement Proceedings?

In enforcement proceedings without a judgment (ilamsız icra takibi), the objection period is seven days, starting from the day following the date on which the payment order was served on the debtor (İİK m. 62/1). The period is calculated by reference to the date on which service in accordance with the Notification Law (Tebligat Kanunu) was completed, and the day of service is not included in the count.

For example, if the payment order was served on 5 October 2026, the seven-day period begins on 6 October 2026 and ends on 12 October 2026. If the last day of the period falls on an official holiday, the period is extended until the end of the first working day following the holiday (under Notification Law no. 7201 and the general rules of procedure).

How Is the Period Calculated?

For periods fixed in days, the rule that the first day is not counted applies. For that reason the first day of the period is not the day on which the notification actually arrived, but the following day. In files where electronic service (e-Tebligat) is used, the date of service is deemed to be the end of the fifth day from the date on which the message reached the addressee’s electronic address; the objection period starts to run from that date.

Who May Object?

The right to object belongs to the debtor on whom the payment order has been served. In ordinary partnerships, each of the partners may object in respect of its own share. Persons pursued in the capacity of surety (kefil), joint and several debtor or heir are subject to the same seven-day period. An objection on behalf of a debtor whose legal capacity is restricted and for whom a guardian or trustee has been appointed is made by the legal representative, and the document showing the power of representation must be attached to the petition.

How Is an Objection Made?

In proceedings without a judgment, the objection is made to the enforcement office conducting the proceedings by written petition or by oral statement; an oral objection is entered in the minutes by the enforcement director. The objection is directed not to the court but directly to the enforcement office, and in that respect it differs from bringing an action.

The Difference Between Objection to Jurisdiction and Objection to the Debt

If the debtor wishes to object both to the substance of the debt and to the jurisdiction of the enforcement office, this must be stated separately and expressly in the petition. Objecting only to jurisdiction does not mean that the substance of the debt has been objected to; these two types of objection are assessed independently of one another.

What Happens If No Objection Is Made Within the Period?

If no objection is made within the seven-day period, the proceedings become final and the creditor becomes able to request attachment over the debtor’s assets. In proceedings that have become final, the only route left to the debtor is a negative declaratory action (menfi tespit davası) or an action for recovery of what has been paid (istirdat davası), which may be brought subject to certain conditions; these actions do not of themselves stay the proceedings.

At this point you can check the periods applying to your proceedings and your case with our statute of limitations (zamanaşımı) and filing deadline calculation tool. In files that carry the risk of a missed deadline, it is important that the process is managed correctly from the very beginning.

Particular Features of Objections in Consumer Loan and Credit Card Debts

In enforcement proceedings based on a consumer loan or a credit card debt, if the debtor considers that the interest rate or the cost items in the contract are contrary to the legislation, this point may also be raised separately in the objection petition. In files of this kind, comparing the account statement provided by the bank or finance institution with the amounts set out in the request for proceedings clarifies which items the objection is to be directed at.

Additional Grounds of Defence for Those Pursued as Surety

Persons who have stood surety for a loan agreement may object, independently of the principal debtor, to the payment order issued in their own name. The limit of the surety’s liability varies according to the type of suretyship (ordinary suretyship or joint and several suretyship) and the upper limit set in the contract; an allegation that this limit has been exceeded may also be stated separately in the objection petition.

What Can the Creditor Do in the Face of an Objection?

The debtor’s objection stays the proceedings but does not extinguish the claim. Two basic routes are open to the creditor: an action for annulment of the objection, or a request for removal of the objection. Which route is chosen varies according to the nature of the document in hand.

Action for Annulment of the Objection

An action for annulment of the objection is brought before the general court within one year from service of the objection on the creditor (İİK m. 67). This period is a forfeiture period; once it has expired, only fresh proceedings may be started for the same claim, and an action for annulment can no longer be brought over the same proceedings.

Final or Provisional Removal of the Objection

If the creditor holds a document on which the signature has been acknowledged, or a writing which is not in the nature of a bill of exchange but is capable of proving the debt, the route of removal of the objection may be pursued before the enforcement court. This application must be made within six months from the date on which the objection was learned of (İİK m. 68 and 68/a).

The Effect of an Objection in Proceedings Involving More Than One Creditor

Separate proceedings may have been started against the same debtor by more than one creditor. In that case each file is subject to its own objection period, and an objection made in one file does not affect the others. Where the debtor has more than one file, following the date of service for each file separately is important so that the periods do not become confused.

Common Mistakes in the Objection Process

Submitting the objection petition within the period but to the wrong enforcement office may cause the objection to be treated as invalid. Another common mistake is failing to state expressly that the objection is directed both at the debt and at jurisdiction; in that case the scope of the objection may be interpreted narrowly.

A partial objection is also possible: the debtor may object to part of the debt and accept the remainder. In a partial objection, however, the amounts objected to and those not objected to must be clearly separated in the petition; otherwise there is a risk that the objection will be treated as invalid in its entirety.

For problems encountered at the other stages of the enforcement process, you can look at the rights of a third party served with an attachment notice, the question of the period and the judicial fine in a complaint over a dishonoured cheque and the other topics covered under enforcement and bankruptcy law. For strategy in pursuing commercial receivables, you may look at our article setting out step by step the process of collecting a commercial receivable. The current enforcement fee tariff can be reached through the Ministry of Justice and general information on the rules of the profession through the Union of Turkish Bar Associations; for case-law research, the Yargıtay (the Court of Cassation) decision search system may be used.

What Will the Other Side Do?

In a dispute it is not enough to know only the strength of your own position; the other side also has a defence strategy of its own, and being prepared for that strategy in advance largely determines how the process will unfold. The defences set out below are the typical arguments frequently encountered in files of this kind; which of them will come up in your own file depends on the documents you hold and on the sequence of events.

The claim items and the interest calculation in the request for proceedings are correct, and the objection is made in bad faith.
The creditor may apply for removal of the objection by submitting the underlying contract, invoice or promissory note together with the interest calculation table. A bank receipt or other receipt showing that the debtor made payment rebuts this argument. Whether the starting date and the rate used in the interest calculation comply with the legislation is also examined separately at this stage.

The debt is based on a document of conclusive character, and the objection can easily be overcome.
If there is a promissory note or a notarised contract, the creditor may ask the enforcement court to remove the objection. The debtor must prove by written evidence that the document is forged or that the debt was subsequently paid. Where necessary, referring the matter to an expert for a signature examination is also an option.

The objection period has been missed and the proceedings have become final.
The date and manner of service are examined from the enforcement file. If it is proved that service was carried out contrary to Law no. 7201, the period starts to run afresh. A change of address, or service on the wrong person, are points frequently encountered in this argument.

The debtor is unable to prove that payment was made.
A bank receipt, an EFT or transfer record, and a release, are the strongest evidence against this argument; the debt to which the payment was set off must be clearly stated. In payments made by hand, witness evidence alone may not be regarded as sufficient, which is why a written document matters.

Which of these defences comes to the fore varies according to the specific circumstances of the file, the documents you hold and the order in which events took place. In some files the other side concentrates on a single defence, while in others several objections are raised together. For that reason, gathering the evidence that will neutralise a possible defence in advance, before the litigation or enforcement stage is reached, directly affects the course of the process. To assess in advance which defence your file is likely to meet, you can get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the deadline to object to enforcement proceedings is missed?

If the seven-day period is missed, the proceedings become final and the creditor may move on to the attachment stage. The routes left to the debtor are limited and generally require a separate action to be brought, such as a negative declaratory action or an action for recovery; these actions do not of themselves stay the existing proceedings.

Where is the objection petition submitted?

The objection is made to the enforcement office conducting the proceedings by written petition, or by oral statement to the enforcement director. Submitting an objection petition directly to the court is not sufficient for the objection to be treated as having been made within the period.

Is a partial objection possible?

Yes, the debtor may object to only part of the debt. Stating the amount objected to clearly in the petition is important for the validity of the objection.

Is an objection to jurisdiction treated as an objection to the debt?

No. An objection to jurisdiction and an objection to the debt are assessed separately. If both objections are to be made, this must be stated expressly and separately in the petition.

What is the difference between an action for annulment of the objection and removal of the objection?

An action for annulment of the objection is an independent action brought before the general court within one year. Removal of the objection, on the other hand, is a faster application made before the enforcement court within six months, relying on specific documents.

When does the period begin for a payment order sent by electronic service?

In electronic service, the message is deemed to have been served five days after it reaches the addressee’s electronic address. The seven-day objection period starts to run from that deemed date of service.

Is there a route of objection in proceedings based on a judgment?

No; in proceedings based on a judgment there is no route of objection within the meaning of İİK m. 62. The debtor may only ask the enforcement court to stay the enforcement, on limited grounds.

How much is the fee for opening enforcement proceedings in 2026?

As at 2026, a fixed application fee of 732 TL applies on the opening of enforcement proceedings, and in proceedings without a judgment an advance fee of 5 per thousand of the amount pursued is also applied (tariff under Fees Law no. 492).

The Position of Debtors with a Composition or Bankruptcy Postponement Request

If a moratorium for a composition with creditors (konkordato) has been granted in respect of the debtor, or an interim measure relating to the postponement of bankruptcy is in place, this may directly affect ongoing enforcement proceedings without a judgment; measures of this kind generally cause existing proceedings to be stayed or prevent new proceedings from being opened. The existence of such a situation must be notified separately to the enforcement office, independently of the objection period, because the effect of the court’s decision rests on a different legal basis from the objection mechanism.

The Objection Period in the Event of the Debtor’s Death

If the debtor dies during the proceedings, the steps to be taken against the heirs and the manner of service are assessed separately. If the heirs have accepted the estate unconditionally, they may step into the debtor’s position and exercise the right to object; situations such as a deemed rejection of the estate or limited liability require a separate legal assessment.

It may be necessary to assess the objection process together with the deductions applied to the debtor’s income; we have dealt with how much of a salary can be attached and how an attachment is lifted in a separate article. If the creditor holds a bill of exchange, the process proceeds as summarised in our content explaining the differences between proceedings specific to bills of exchange and proceedings without a judgment by way of general attachment. For current fee and period calculations you can make use of our statute of limitations calculation tool.

How Does the Process Proceed After an Objection?

An objection made within the period stays the proceedings automatically, and the file is put on hold at the enforcement office. After this stage the creditor either brings an action for annulment of the objection before the general court, or, if the document held is suitable, goes to the enforcement court for removal of the objection. If the creditor takes no step at all, the proceedings remain stayed by reason of the objection and the limitation periods continue to run.

Additional Points in Commercial Proceedings

In proceedings where one of the parties is a merchant and the matter is treated as a commercial transaction for both parties, the action for annulment of the objection is heard before the commercial court. Since the claim for interest and the limitation periods in commercial receivables may differ from those in ordinary receivables, classifying the nature of the file correctly from the outset is important.

Minimum Elements to Be Included in the Objection Petition

An effective objection petition must clearly state the file number of the proceedings, the amount objected to or that the whole amount is objected to, whether the objection is directed at the debt, at jurisdiction, or at both, and the date of the application. A record showing that the petition reached the enforcement office within the period (the date of the registry stamp, a record of delivery by hand) is also important in any dispute about the period that may arise later.

Objecting to Errors of Information in the Request for Proceedings

The fact that the debtor’s identity details, address or the basis of the claim have been written incorrectly or incompletely in the request for proceedings is a point that may also be raised separately in the objection petition. Although formal deficiencies of this kind do not in themselves render the proceedings invalid, they contribute to the preparation of a comprehensive objection and reduce the disputes that may arise at the later stages of the file.

Is the Period Different in Proceedings Based on a Bill of Exchange?

Yes. In proceedings by way of attachment specific to bills of exchange (cheque, promissory note, bill), the period for objection and complaint is five days, as opposed to the seven days in general proceedings without a judgment (İİK m. 168). In this type of proceedings the debtor has the right to object both to the signature and to the debt, but the objection is made to the enforcement court, not directly to the enforcement office.

The Difference Between Objection to the Signature and Objection to the Debt

In proceedings based on a bill of exchange, the debtor may allege that the signature at the foot of the instrument does not belong to them. This allegation is assessed separately from an objection to the debt and generally requires an expert examination. If the objection to the signature is accepted, the proceedings are stayed as regards that debtor; acceptance of an objection to the debt, on the other hand, may bring the proceedings to an end on the merits.

Other Periods Confused with the Objection Period

In practice, the deadline for objecting to enforcement proceedings is from time to time confused with the periods for annulment or removal of the objection. These are, however, independent and consecutive stages: first the seven-day objection period runs, and once the objection has been made, separate periods of one year or six months come into play according to the route the creditor chooses.

Example Timeline

A debtor on whom the payment order was served on 1 October 2026 must ensure that the objection reaches the enforcement office by the close of business on 8 October 2026 at the latest. If the creditor learns of that objection on 15 October 2026, the route of removal of the objection may be taken by 15 April 2027 at the latest, and the action for annulment of the objection may be brought within one year at the latest from service of the objection on the creditor. This example is purely illustrative and may change according to the manner of service in the particular file.

An Example of a Frequently Encountered Dispute

The following example is entirely fictional and illustrative; it is not based on any actual client or file. Suppose that a payment order sent to a debtor was taken in by a member of the family and passed on to the debtor late. If the debtor considers that service was improperly carried out, this allegation must also be stated separately in the objection petition; an allegation that service was improper may directly affect the starting date of the objection period and is examined separately by the enforcement court.

Practical Benefits of Working with a Lawyer During the Objection Period

Procedural questions such as the scope of the objection petition, and to which enforcement office and within what period it is to be submitted, may vary according to the nature of the file. Determining the right strategy at an early stage on points such as whether the objection to the debt and the objection to jurisdiction are to be raised together or separately, and how a partial objection is to be formulated, prevents procedural problems that could otherwise arise at the later stages.

Why Does the Calculation of Interest and Costs by Claim Item Matter?

In order for the amount objected to to be determined correctly, the principal claim, the accrued interest and the enforcement costs in the request for proceedings must be examined separately. The debtor may object not only to the principal claim but also to interest or cost items that have been calculated excessively; for that reason it is advisable to request a full breakdown of the enforcement file from the enforcement office.

What Route Is Followed Instead of Objection in Proceedings Based on a Judgment?

In enforcement proceedings based on a judgment, since there is a court judgment or a document in the nature of a judgment in hand, there is no route of objection within the meaning of İİK m. 62. The debtor may only apply to the enforcement court with a request for a stay of enforcement (icranın geri bırakılması); that application may rest on limited grounds such as the debt having been paid, having become time-barred, or the enforcement of the judgment having become impossible.

The Difference Between Stay of Enforcement and Objection

While the objection in proceedings without a judgment opens the existence of the claim to discussion in general terms, a stay of enforcement in proceedings based on a judgment may only rest on grounds arising after the judgment became final (such as payment of the debt, release or set-off). For that reason it is of great importance that a debtor who receives proceedings based on a judgment establishes at the very first stage whether the file is one based on a judgment or one without a judgment.

How Do Enforcement Fees and Costs in 2026 Affect the Objection?

As at 2026, a fixed application fee of 732 TL applies on the opening of enforcement proceedings, and in proceedings without a judgment an advance fee of 5 per thousand of the amount pursued is also collected (Fees Law no. 492, tariff no. (3)). If, following an objection, the creditor takes the route of annulment or removal of the objection, these fee items are also reflected separately in the file.

Why Do Collection Fee Rates Matter?

For payments made after service of the payment order but before attachment, the collection fee is approximately 4.55%; for payments made after attachment but before sale it is approximately 9.10%; and where collection takes place through a forced sale, a higher rate applies. From the debtor’s point of view, these rates should be taken into account when comparing the financial consequence of paying early without objecting with the time and cost risk of entering the objection process. The current breakdown of fees and costs in the particular file should be confirmed with the enforcement office.

Step by Step: How Is an Objection Petition Prepared?

The steps below show a general order that may be followed when preparing an objection petition against enforcement proceedings without a judgment; additional elements may be required according to the particular features of each file.

1. Establish the date of service: Confirm from the record on the envelope or in the system when the payment order was served, whether physically or by electronic service.
2. Calculate the period: Mark out the seven-day period without counting the day of service, and check whether the last day falls on an official holiday.
3. Determine the scope of the objection: Decide whether the objection is to be made to the whole of the debt, to part of it, or only to jurisdiction.
4. Prepare the petition: Write the petition setting out the file number of the proceedings, the details of the parties, the grounds of the objection and the relief sought.
5. Submit it within the period: Deliver the petition within the period directly to the enforcement office conducting the proceedings, by hand or through an authorised channel, and keep the record of delivery.

Service and Periods in Files Conducted Through a Representative

If the debtor is represented by a lawyer, the payment order is as a rule served on the debtor’s lawyer, and the seven-day objection period starts to run from that date of service. In files conducted through a representative, the fact that service was made directly on the debtor may give rise to a procedural issue that must be assessed separately in calculating the period.

The Position of Debtors Located Abroad

The fact that the debtor is abroad does not of itself extend the objection period; however, whether service abroad was carried out in accordance with the proper procedure is examined separately. International service procedures may cause the process to take longer than the standard seven days; in that case the period is recalculated by reference to the date on which service was completed.

Particular Features of Files Served by Public Announcement

Where the debtor’s address cannot be established, service may be effected by public announcement. In service by public announcement, the period starts to run when the notification is deemed to have been served a certain time after the text of the announcement is published in a newspaper or on the electronic announcement board. It is advisable for a debtor served by this method, as soon as they become aware of the file, to confirm separately with the enforcement office whether service was carried out in accordance with the proper procedure.

Objection or Payment Plan? What to Look at When Deciding

For a debtor who has no objection to the substance of the debt but is having difficulty in paying, discussing a payment plan directly with the creditor may sometimes be a faster solution than entering the objection process. Where, on the other hand, the amount of the debt, the interest calculation or the claim itself is disputed, the route of objection comes to the fore as the more suitable option for protecting the debtor’s rights.

The Importance of Following the Process Through UYAP

Enforcement files can be followed electronically through the UYAP Citizen Portal. The date of service of the payment order, the documents entered in the file and the steps taken by the enforcement office can be monitored in real time through this system. Particularly in files where electronic service is used, reading the date on which the notification entered the system correctly is decisive for calculating the seven-day period correctly.

A Point Often Overlooked in Following a File: Records of Partial Payment

If the debtor made a partial payment to the creditor before the proceedings were started, whether that payment has been recorded in the file must also be checked. The fact that a partial payment has not been reflected in the amount pursued is an independent ground of objection that must be raised separately in the objection petition.

What Should Be Done in Conclusion?

Because the deadline for objecting to enforcement proceedings is short and strict, establishing the date of service of the payment order correctly is of critical importance. If an objection is to be made, the scope of the petition, the period and the enforcement office to which it is addressed must be correctly determined. Your particular situation needs to be assessed on the basis of your own file; the manner of service, the nature of the documents and the type of claim in each file may lead to different outcomes.

On related matters you can also look at our articles on the limits of salary attachment, the periods in a complaint over a dishonoured cheque and the obligations of a third party served with an attachment notice. For more information about our work in the field of enforcement and bankruptcy law, you can visit our Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law page.

Table of Periods

Sources

• Legislation Information System (mevzuat.gov.tr)
• Ministry of Justice
• Union of Turkish Bar Associations
• Yargıtay Decision Search System

Related Articles

• Attachment Notice (89/1-89/2-89/3): What Should the Third Party Do?
• Complaint Over a Dishonoured Cheque: Period, Judicial Fine and Payment Route
• Collecting a Commercial Receivable: Step by Step from Warning Notice to Enforcement
• Salary Attachment 2026: How Much Can Be Attached, How Is It Lifted?
• The Difference Between Proceedings Specific to Bills of Exchange and Proceedings Without a Judgment

This article is for general information purposes and does not take the place of legal advice. Your particular situation requires a separate assessment of your own file.

This article has been prepared on the basis of the legislation in force as at 17.09.2026.

Av. Yahya Köse
Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law, Real Estate Law, Lease and Eviction Law, Criminal Law, Dispute Resolution, Preventive Law
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