How A Foreigner Can Register A Company In Turkey: Complete 2025 Guide.  As Turkey continues to rise as a global investment hub, many foreign entrepreneurs and investors are asking: How can a foreigner register a company in Turkey? With its strategic location, dynamic economy, and pro-investment legislation, Turkey is one of the most attractive destinations for international business setup.

This in-depth guide outlines everything you need to know as a foreign national about registering a company in Turkey, including legal procedures, business types, timing, required documents, and professional assistance.

Who Can Register a Company in Turkey?

Foreigners from nearly any country can register a company in Turkey, as the nation’s Foreign Direct Investment Law grants international investors the same rights and obligations as domestic ones.

There are no restrictions on nationality or place of residence for company ownership. Even without a Turkish partner or residency permit, a foreigner can:

• Own 100% of a company in Turkey

• Establish various business types

• Register and manage the business remotely (via Power of Attorney)

However, for active involvement in management or physical presence in Turkey, certain residency and work permit requirements may apply.

Why Choose Turkey for Company Formation?

Turkey offers several compelling reasons to set up a business:

Strategic Location

Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, providing access to over 1.5 billion consumers within a 4-hour flight radius.

Economic Potential

• G20 member and 19th largest global economy

• EU Customs Union access

• Diverse and growing consumer base

Investor-Friendly Environment

• Equal rights for foreign investors

• Simplified registration procedures

• Tax incentives in technology, tourism, and manufacturing sectors

Affordable Setup Costs

Compared to Europe or the U.S., starting and operating a company in Turkey is cost-effective in terms of:

• Labor

• Office rentals

• Administrative fees

What Types of Companies Can Foreigners Register in Turkey?

Understanding the right company type is crucial. Foreigners can choose from several options, each with its benefits and responsibilities:

Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)

• Most popular choice for SMEs

• Requires minimum capital of 10,000 TRY

• Can have one or more shareholders

• Ideal for startups and e-commerce ventures

Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)

• Required for large-scale businesses or stock issuance

• Minimum capital: 50,000 TRY

• Suitable for public listings or external investor participation

Branch Office

• Extension of a foreign company in Turkey

• Does not have legal personality separate from parent company

Liaison Office

• No commercial activity allowed

• Used for market research or representative functions

Sole Proprietorship

• Best for freelancers or small individual businesses

• No capital requirement but no limited liability protection

When Should You Start the Company Registration Process?

The best time to begin is once you’ve conducted preliminary market research and determined:

• Your sector’s legal and tax framework

• Business location (city, region)

• Target customers or industries

• Product localization needs

Depending on the sector, some additional approvals or permits may be required (e.g., tourism, pharmaceuticals, education).

Starting early allows time for:

• Document preparation

• Legal consultation

• Language translation and notarization

• Remote setup planning (if not visiting Turkey)

How to Register a Company in Turkey?

Registering a company in Turkey involves several procedural steps, typically completed in 5 to 10 working days when all documents are prepared correctly.

Let’s walk through each step:

1. Choose Your Business Structure

Before initiating the process, define your business goals and select the appropriate company structure. Consider:

• Ownership and liability preferences

• Tax implications

• Number of partners

• Industry requirements

Most foreign entrepreneurs select a Limited Liability Company (LLC) due to its flexibility and moderate capital needs.

2. Select a Company Name

Your chosen name must be:

• Unique (not already registered)

• In compliance with Turkish naming regulations

• Free from misleading words (e.g., bank, finance, etc., if not authorized)

Check availability and reserve the name through the MERSIS (Central Trade Registry System).

3. Prepare Required Documents

For Individual Shareholders:

• Passport copy (notarized and translated)

• Turkish Tax Identification Number

• Power of Attorney (if registering remotely)

For Legal Entity Shareholders:

• Certificate of Incorporation (apostilled)

• Board resolution authorizing the Turkish entity

• Tax ID for the foreign company

All documents must be:

• Translated into Turkish

• Notarized and, in some cases, apostilled

4. Submit Application to Trade Registry Office

The official registration takes place at the Chamber of Commerce in your selected city (e.g., Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir). Submit:

• Articles of Association

• Tax number

• Notarized identification documents

• Lease agreement for business address

Once approved, your company is published in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette and legally recognized.

5. Obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN)

All shareholders and the company itself must obtain a Turkish Tax Number from the local tax office. This number is necessary for:

• Opening a bank account

• Signing contracts

• Invoice issuance

• Tax filings

6. Open a Bank Account

Choose a local or international bank operating in Turkey. Submit:

• Company registration certificate

• Tax ID

• Signature circular

• Board decision (if applicable)

Once opened, deposit the required capital into the account. Some sectors may require proof of capital before operational licensing.

7. Receive Company Registration Certificate

Once the process is completed, you’ll receive:

• Certificate of Registration

• Tax Certificate

• Trade Registry Gazette Publication

• Company seal (mandatory for document validation)

Your business is now officially registered and ready to operate in Turkey.

Whom to Consult for Assistance?

Company registration in Turkey may seem straightforward, but navigating local regulations, translations, and compliance can be time-consuming for foreign investors.

Consider working with:

• International business law firms

• Turkish investment consultancies

• Certified public accountants (CPAs)

• Immigration and legal service providers

These professionals assist with:

• End-to-end company setup

• Real estate leasing

• Employment contracts

• Regulatory compliance

• Licensing and permits

Whether to Consider Cultural and Regulatory Differences

Yes, cultural and regulatory awareness plays a key role in your business success in Turkey.

Cultural Tips:

• Build trust before doing business

• Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility is common

• Face-to-face meetings are valued

• Hierarchies matter in negotiations

Regulatory Awareness:

• Monthly tax reporting is mandatory

• Financial records must be kept by certified accountants

• Certain business activities require special permits

• Employment law governs minimum wages, social security, and termination conditions

Understanding and respecting these differences fosters long-term success and prevents legal complications.

Ready to Register Your Company in Turkey?

If you’re ready to turn your investment plan into a successful venture, now is the time to take action. Turkey’s evolving economy, global trade links, and investor support programs create the ideal landscape for business growth.

Whether you’re in technology, manufacturing, tourism, or services — you’ll find opportunity in Turkey.

Contact Us to Start Your Business in Turkey

We specialize in assisting foreign investors with every step of the company formation process in Turkey. Our multilingual legal and business consultants ensure smooth, compliant, and efficient registration tailored to your goals.

Our Services Include:

• Legal entity setup (LLC, JSC, Branch, etc.)

• Tax registration and accounting

• Opening business bank accounts

• Address leasing and virtual office solutions

• Work permit and residence application

• Ongoing legal and regulatory advisory

📍 Office Address:

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.turkinvest.com.tr

Final Thoughts

Setting up a company as a foreigner in Turkey is both accessible and rewarding. By understanding the legal framework, preparing the required documents, and working with the right advisors, you can register your company in just a few days and start operating with full legal protection.

With strategic planning, cultural insight, and compliance with Turkish regulations, your business can thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets.

Don’t wait—contact us today to begin your journey into Turkey’s vibrant economy.