Company formation in Türkiye
Technically, setting up a company in Türkiye takes a few days. The real question is choosing the right type: that decision shapes your tax burden, your flexibility in admitting shareholders, your personal liability and which incentives you qualify for — for years.
A foreign investor can set up a company in Türkiye without prior permission, without finding a Turkish partner and without a minimum investment requirement. Law No. 4875 on Foreign Direct Investment grants foreign investors equal treatment with domestic investors and guarantees the free transfer of earnings abroad.
The five structures below cover every option investors entering Türkiye use in practice. Which one suits you depends on whether you will carry out commercial activity, your risk appetite, your plans for admitting shareholders, and the incentives you are targeting.
Which structure suits you?
The table shows the general position. If your sector is subject to licensing, the company type may already be fixed by legislation — see the regulated companies section.
Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)
The most common company type in Türkiye. Fast to set up, low capital requirement, suited to SME scale.
- Minimum capital
- TRY 50,000
- Incorporation time
- 2–5 business days
- Foreign ownership
- 100% permitted
- Commercial activity
- Yes
Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)
The right choice for structures planning institutional investment, new shareholders or growth. Mandatory for many licensed activities.
- Minimum capital
- TRY 250,000
- Incorporation time
- 3–7 business days
- Foreign ownership
- 100% permitted
- Commercial activity
- Yes
Branch of a Foreign Company
A way to carry out commercial activity in Türkiye as an extension of the foreign parent, without forming a separate legal entity.
- Minimum capital
- No statutory minimum
- Incorporation time
- 10–20 business days
- Foreign ownership
- 100% permitted
- Commercial activity
- Yes
Liaison Office
For market research, representation and coordination; commercial activity and earning income are prohibited. In return it offers significant tax advantages.
- Minimum capital
- No statutory minimum
- Incorporation time
- 15–30 business days
- Foreign ownership
- 100% permitted
- Commercial activity
- No
Free Zone Company
A company established in areas deemed outside the customs territory, for production and export-focused structures. The option with the strongest tax advantages.
- Minimum capital
- TRY 50,000
- Incorporation time
- 20–45 business days
- Foreign ownership
- 100% permitted
- Commercial activity
- Yes
Sole Proprietorship
The fastest and cheapest way to start. Liability is unlimited; not suitable if you plan to grow.
- Minimum capital
- No statutory minimum
- Incorporation time
- 1–2 business days
- Foreign ownership
- Restricted
- Commercial activity
- Yes
The incorporation process
In foreign-owned incorporations, the timeline is driven not by registration but by the apostille and sworn translation of documents arriving from abroad.
- 01
Pre-structuring
Company type, capital, shareholding ratios, NACE activity code and registered address are determined. Incentive eligibility is planned at this stage.
- 02
Document preparation
Passport translations for foreign individuals, and apostilled registry and authority documents for corporate shareholders, are prepared.
- 03
Potential tax number
A potential tax number is obtained from the tax office for foreign shareholders and directors. It is a prerequisite for banking transactions.
- 04
MERSİS application
The articles of association are drawn up through MERSİS, the trade name is checked, and the application is submitted to the trade registry.
- 05
Notary and Competition Authority share
Founder signatures are notarised and 0.04% of the capital is paid as the Competition Authority share.
- 06
Trade registry registration
Registration takes place and is announced in the Trade Registry Gazette. The company acquires legal personality.
- 07
Tax office registration
An inspection is carried out, tax liability is established, and e-invoice and e-ledger applications are completed.
- 08
Banking and operations
The company account is opened, the signature circular and e-signature are obtained, and the social security workplace notification is filed.
Company formation by province
Registration takes place at the chamber of commerce of the province where the company's registered address is located. The pages below give the registering chamber, the free zones and the leading sectors for each province.
Required documents
For a foreign individual shareholder
- Notarised Turkish translation of the passport
- Potential tax number
- Two biometric photographs
- If not travelling to Türkiye, an apostilled power of attorney issued at the consulate
For a foreign corporate shareholder
- Apostilled and sworn-translated certificate of activity (registry extract)
- Apostilled translation of the competent body's resolution to form the company
- Passport translation and authority document of the authorised signatory
- Apostilled translation of the articles of association
Cost components
Formation cost varies with the amount of capital, the number of shareholders, the volume of documents to be translated and the company type. Our quote itemises fees, notary, translation and advisory costs separately — we do not give a single lump sum.
- Trade registry fee and chamber registration fee
- Notarisation and signature declaration costs
- Competition Authority share (0.04% of capital)
- Sworn translation, apostille and consular legalisation
- Ledger certification, e-signature and accountant's opening costs
- Advisory fee
Let's start with a conversation
In a free 30-minute call, let's clarify which company structure and which incentives fit you. Non-binding, but useful.