Company Registration in Turkey: Guide for Foreign Investors

Q: What is the minimum capital requirement for companies in Turkey?

Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.): ₺10,000 minimum capital Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): ₺50,000 minimum capital Other structures: Vary by type (some have no minimum)

Company registration in Turkey has become incredibly accessible for international entrepreneurs. Foreign investors can now own 100% of their business in most sectors without needing local partners. You can complete your entire company formation process in Turkey in just 5-10 days.

Company registration in Turkey costs start from 13,000-16,500 TL, including all government fees and professional services. Corporate bank accounts are typically opened within 5-7 business days after registration is complete. Turkey offers competitive tax rates, backed by strong government support for foreign investors.

The MERSİS platform provides streamlined digital services for entrepreneurs worldwide. This complete guide teaches you everything about starting your business in Turkey. You’ll understand how company registration in Turkey works professionally, with expert guidance throughout the entire process.

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What Documents are Required for Company Registration in Turkey?

Different companies require different sets of documents at the time of registration. Here’s what you’ll need based on the company type.

Joint Stock Company

Articles of Association with verified founder signatures
Bank proof of 25% capital deposit (cash only)
The Competition Authority shares the payment receipt
Expert valuation reports for non-cash assets (if any)
Letters showing non-cash assets are free of legal restriction
Proof of registry annotation for non-cash capital
Contracts regarding asset takeovers (if applicable)
Ministry approvals for regulated sectors (banks, insurance, etc.)
Signed declarations from board members accepting responsibility
Notarized decision if a legal person appoints a board member
Signature declarations for all legal representatives

Limited Liability Company

Company agreement with verified founder signatures
Statements of board members accepting their duties
Legal person board member appointment decision (if any)
Valuation reports and registry letters for non-cash assets
Signature declarations of all directors
Payment receipt for the Competition Authority share

Cooperative Company

Verified company contract approved by the Trade Registry
Authorization letter from the relevant authority (for establishment)
Signature declarations for all cooperative representatives

Collective and Limited Partnerships

Verified company agreement signed at a notary’s office
Approved signature declarations for legal representatives
Valuation report (if dormant partner adds non-cash capital)
Proof of no legal restriction on non-cash capital
Registry annotation of non-cash assets being contributed

Submitting clear and well-organized documents can speed up your company formation in Turkey. Professional advisors ensure that every document complies with the Turkish Commercial Code and regulatory requirements.

Key Features

Category	Details
Ownership	100% foreign (most sectors)
Business Structures	A.Ş., Ltd. Şti., Collective, Limited Partnership, Cooperative, Branch Office, Liaison Office
Min. Share Capital	₺10,000 (LLC), ₺50,000 (JSC)
Min. Shareholders	1 (LLC), 1 (JSC), 2 (Collective), 7 (Cooperative)
Setup Time	5 – 10 business days
Corporate Tax	Standard rates apply
VAT	1%, 10%, 20% (depending on sector)
Registered Address	Yes (included in package)
Local Director	Not required
Annual Compliance	Yes (license renewal, tax filing)
E-signature	Yes (through MERSİS portal)
Documents Needed	Passport, Tax Number, Company Agreement, Capital Proof

What are the Four Steps of Company Registration in Turkey?

Company registration in Turkey is relatively easy if you follow all the necessary steps. All registration steps are managed in accordance with Turkish law and verified by the relevant authorities. Here’s how the process of company formation in Turkey works for foreign and local investors.

Step 1: Prepare the Company Contract in MERSİS (1-2 Business Days)

Start by creating a free account at the MERSİS platform. Foreigners must first obtain a tax number from the Turkish tax office. This number must be registered at the Trade Registry before using MERSİS.

Required Actions:

Create an MERSİS account with your tax number
Add Turkish citizens by ID and foreigners by passport
Generate a contract based on the legal inputs entered
Review the contract in Turkish with the temporary tax number

Process Overview: MERSİS generates the contract automatically based on your inputs. Founders must sign the contract and verify their signatures at a public office.

Step 2: Prepare Signature Declarations (1 Business Day)

Company directors or representatives must prepare signature declarations. These are approved at any trade registry office in Turkey. This proves who is authorized to sign on behalf of the company.

Documentation Required:

Identity verification for all directors
Authorization forms for legal representatives
Signature specimen cards
Board member acceptance statements

Processing Benefits:

Legal authorization for company representation
Transparent chain of authority establishment
Required for all subsequent banking and licensing steps

Step 3: Pay Capital and Competition Authority Share (1 Business Day)

Pay 0.04% of the company’s capital to the Competition Authority account. This can be paid at the registry office during the registration steps. For joint stock companies, deposit 25% of the cash capital in a bank before submitting the application for company registration.

Payment Requirements:

Competition Authority fee: 0.04% of capital
Capital deposit: 25% for JSC (within 24 months for LLC)
Bank deposit proof for cash capital
Valuation reports for non-cash contributions

Step 4: Apply to the Trade Registry for Registration (1-3 Business Days)

Bring all necessary documents to the Trade Registry office to complete the registration process. The registry will issue a final certificate and approve the company’s books. You can also authorize a representative to handle this process on your behalf.

Final Documentation Package:

All verified contracts and agreements
Payment receipts and bank proofs
Signature declarations and authorizations
Ministry approvals (if required for regulated sectors)

Final Approval Process: The Trade Registry thoroughly reviews all documents and coordinates with relevant authorities for sector-specific approvals. Final approval includes a Commercial Registration Certificate with your unique company registration number.

Timeline Expectations:

Standard applications: 5-7 business days of completion
Complex applications: 8-10 business days maximum

Regulated sector applications: 10-15 business days

Total Time for Company Registration in Turkey

It typically takes 5–10 business days to register a company in Turkey (depending on government processing delays, business complexity, and document readiness). Turkey offers a streamlined and effective process for establishing businesses for both foreign investors and local entrepreneurs.

What are the Types of Companies in Turkey?

Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)

The most popular choice for foreign investors, accounting for over 80% of all companies in Turkey. LLC formation provides limited liability protection and a flexible management structure.

Minimum Capital: ₺10,000 (payable within 24 months)
Shareholders: 1–50 allowed with flexible ownership
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted in most industries
Liability: Limited to capital contribution only
Timeline: Initial setup completion in 5–7 working days

Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)

Capital company with tradeable stocks suitable for larger operations and public trading. Shareholders are only liable for their agreed capital investment.

Minimum Capital: ₺50,000 required
Shareholders: No maximum limit
Board Structure: Board of directors required (minimum one member)
Capital Deposit: A 25% cash deposit is required before registration
Citizenship: No Turkish citizenship is necessary for board members
Processing: 7-10 business days of completion

Collective Company

A private company requires at least two natural persons as partners. All partners are fully and equally responsible for the company's debts.

Minimum Capital: No minimum capital requirement
Partners: Minimum two real persons required
Liability: Full and equal responsibility for debts
Management: Each partner can manage or appoint managers
Audit: Basic compliance requirements
Processing: 5-7 business days of completion

Limited Partnership

Consists of active partners (managing) and passive partners (investing only). Active partners have unlimited liability while passive partners risk only their investment.

Partner Types: Active (managing) and passive (investing)
Active Partner Liability: Unlimited personal liability
Passive Partner Liability: Limited to investment amount
Forms: Ordinary or divided into shares
Eligibility: Only real persons can be active partners
Management: Active partners manage operations

Cooperative Company

Created to serve members' shared economic needs. Requires a minimum of seven partners with a specific governance structure.

Minimum Partners: 7 partners required
Share Limit: Each partner may own up to ₺5,000 shares
Board Requirements: Must include 3 Turkish citizens
Term: Board serves up to 4 years
Liability: Limited or unlimited based on bylaws
Governance: The General Assembly elects the board annually

Branch Office

Ideal for individual entrepreneurs wanting complete control with simplified compliance requirements. A start-up business in Oman becomes the fastest with this structure.

Legal Status: Extension of the parent company
Capital: No minimum capital requirement
Activities: Limited to the parent company’s business scope
Taxation: 15% withholding tax on profit transfers
Documentation: Extensive notarized and translated documents required
Processing: 7-10 business days typically

Liaison Office

Used only for non-commercial, representative purposes. Cannot engage in direct sales or contract signing.

Purpose: Market research and representative activities only
License: Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology
Activities: Promotion, market research, support services
Restrictions: No sales, contracts, or commercial activities
Taxation: No tax obligations due to non-commercial nature
Capital: No capital requirements

Comparison Table - Business Structures

Feature / Type	Ltd. Şti.	A.Ş.	Collective	Limited Partnership	Cooperative	Branch Office	Liaison Office
Legal Entity	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Min. Capital (₺)	10,000	50,000	None	Varies	Limited	None	None
Partners/Shareholders	1-50	Unlimited	2+	2+	7+	Parent only	Parent only
Foreign Ownership	✅ 100%	✅ 100%	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Limited	✅ 100%	✅ 100%
Limited Liability	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Partial	✅ Varies	❌ No	✅ Yes
Best For	SMEs, Trading	Large corps	Partnerships	Mixed liability	Member service	Foreign expansion	Representative

Not sure which company type fits your business? Get expert consultation from Company Registration in Turkey.

Tax Registration and Compliance in Turkey

After company registration, you must register your business for tax in Turkey. This process requires registering for various tax types mandated by Turkish authorities.

1. Value Added Tax (VAT)

VAT applies to almost all goods and services in Turkey, including imported goods and specific activities.

VAT Rates in Turkey:

1%: Necessities and essential services
10%: Reduced rate for specific sectors
20%: Standard rate for most goods and services

Application Process:

Register within 30 days of company formation
Obtain a VAT certificate from the tax office
Set up a monthly/quarterly filing schedule
Implement a VAT-compliant invoicing system

2. Banking and Insurance Transaction Tax

Banks and insurance firms pay transaction tax instead of VAT on services.

Tax Rates:

10%: General rate for banking and insurance services
15%: Consumer loans (since July 2023)
1%: Interbank deposit interest

0.2%: Foreign currency sales transactions

3. Stamp Duty

Charged on official and financial documents with varying rates.

Document Types:

Contracts and agreements
Guarantees and letters of credit
Payrolls and employment contracts
Financial instruments

Rates: 0.189% to 0.948% of document value

4. Wealth Taxes in Turkey

Three wealth taxes apply to different asset categories:

Property Tax: 0.1% to 0.6% on buildings, homes, and land
Motor Vehicle Tax: Annual tax based on age and engine size

Inheritance and Gift Tax: 1% to 30% on inherited property or gifts

Company Formation in Turkey Cost (2025)

Before setting up, it’s essential to know the expected cost of company formation in Turkey. Many new founders overlook hidden charges after completing the official registration process. Here’s a clear breakdown of the company formation costs in Turkey.

1. Consultancy and Legal Service Fees

Hiring a consultant saves time and reduces mistakes during the business setup process in Turkey. Legal experts may charge extra for preparing or reviewing documents. These fees vary based on service scope and company type.

2. Capital Requirements

Limited Company (Ltd. Şti.): Minimum capital is 10,000 Turkish Liras.
Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): The minimum capital is 50,000 Turkish Liras.

You do not need to deposit the entire capital amount at once. You only have to pay in (24 months) 25% (JSC) within the first year.

Legal Structure & Management Responsibilities

Your company’s legal structure is vital before starting operations in Turkey. Roles, duties, and rights are all guided by the Turkish Commercial Code.

Directors, Shareholders, and Legal Representatives

Every company in Turkey is required to appoint directors and legal representatives. Directors manage daily business and represent the company to authorities. Shareholders are the owners who fund the company through capital investments. They are not responsible for debts beyond their capital share.

Corporate Governance Under Turkish Law

The Ministry of Trade enforces the aspects that companies must comply with the law to remain legally active in Turkey. For instance, they are required to maintain records of documents and keep them up to date in compliance with corporate law. Company decisions must adhere to the established legal procedures and voting structures.

Board Resolutions and Voting Rights

Board resolutions are required for significant changes, such as the buying and selling of ownership or capital changes. Shareholders will vote at Annual General Meetings (AGMs) or special sessions. Voting rights are based on share ownership unless stated otherwise.

Why Choose Turkey for Starting a Business

Turkey has become one of the most attractive destinations in Europe and Asia for foreign investors and businesses. Turkey offers unique advantages for business operations, making it an ideal choice for regional and global market expansion.

100% Foreign Ownership

Following recent policy updates, Turkey allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. You have complete control and decision-making authority over business operations, eliminating the need for local sponsors or partners.
Foreign ownership is currently permitted in most trading operations, professional services, manufacturing, technology, real estate, and service industries.

Government Support & Investment Incentives

The Turkish government actively attracts foreign investors through:

Investment Office: Dedicated support for international businesses
Ministry of Trade: Streamlined registration and licensing processes
Tax Incentives: Various benefits for qualifying investments

Strategic Geographic Location

Bridging Europe and Asia: Turkey’s unique position provides access to both European and Asian markets.
Transportation Hub: Modern airports, ports, and logistics infrastructure
Time Zone Advantage: Convenient business hours with both Eastern and Western markets
Cultural Bridge: Understanding of both European and Middle Eastern business practices

Growing Market and High Demand

Turkey has a population of over 85 million, with a growing demand for high-quality products and services. Local consumers increasingly seek branded, imported, and innovative goods. You can enter a growing market with less competition than in Western Europe.

Ready to leverage Turkey's business advantages? Contact Us for expert guidance and comprehensive support.

Contact Company Registration in Turkey today!

Popular Business Ideas in Turkey for 2025

Oman offers excellent opportunities in its free zones, especially for international businesses in manufacturing, logistics, and export. The ease of doing business enhances the benefits of setting up an Oman company in a free zone.

E-Commerce and Tech Startups

Online shopping and SaaS services are experiencing rapid growth in Turkey. Digital platforms need low investment and serve a broad customer base.

Tourism and Hospitality

Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia bring millions of visitors each year. Hotels, cafes, and travel apps offer high returns with the right strategy.

Real Estate and Construction

Urban expansion drives constant demand for new housing and offices. Construction materials, smart housing, and property management are thriving.

Retail Franchises and Food Chains

Foreign fast-food and fashion brands are highly successful in Turkish cities. Franchise entry is easier due to brand familiarity and rising consumer demand.

How Long Does It Take to Form a Company in Turkey?

Company registration in Turkey typically takes 5-10 business days for standard applications. Processing time varies depending on the company type, document completeness, and regulatory requirements.

Document Preparation

1-2 days

MERSİS Processing

1-2 days

Registry Applications

2-3 days

Final Approvals

1-2 days

Factors Affecting Timeline:

Company structure consultation
Initial document preparation

Trade name registration
License application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some frequently asked questions:

How much does it cost to register a company in Turkey?

Company registration in Turkey typically costs between 13,000 and 16,500 TL for complete service packages. This includes all government fees, documentation, and professional assistance.

Can foreigners open a company in Turkey?

Yes, foreigners can open and entirely own companies in Turkey. The government supports international investors, and you can start businesses in most sectors by following official registration procedures.

How long does it take to open a company in Turkey?

Registration typically takes 5-10 business days after the documents are prepared and submitted through the proper channels.

Can I open a company online in Turkey?

Yes, the MERSİS platform allows partial online company registration in Turkey with digital verification. However, specific steps require physical presence or authorized representation.

Do I need to be in Turkey to open a company?

No, you can authorize a legal representative through a power of attorney to handle the registration process on your behalf.

How do I search the company register in Turkey?

You can find company information through:

Turkish Trade Registry Gazette (available in Turkish and English)
Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)
Official MERSİS database searches

What is the minimum capital requirement for companies in Turkey?

Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.): ₺10,000 minimum capital
Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): ₺50,000 minimum capital
Other structures: Vary by type (some have no minimum)

What documents do I need as a foreigner to register a company?

Essential documents include a valid passport, a Turkish tax number, a company agreement with verified signatures, proof of capital deposit, and authorized signature declarations.

Let's Launch Your Business in Turkey

Transform your entrepreneurial vision into reality in Turkey with proven expertise. Professional advisory services have successfully guided numerous international entrepreneurs through the seamless company formation process, delivering guaranteed results.