Formation
Company formation in İstanbul
For domestic and foreign investors setting up a company in İstanbul: the chamber where registration takes place, the free zones in the province, leading sectors and the end-to-end process.
- Registering chamber
- İstanbul Ticaret Odası (İTO)
- Trade registry directorate
- İstanbul Ticaret Sicili Müdürlüğü
- Free zones in province
- 3
- Incorporation time
- 1–3 business days
İstanbul hosts the great majority of companies formed in Türkiye and of foreign-owned structures. Its concentration of finance, e-commerce, textiles and logistics, three separate free zones and port and airport infrastructure spanning two continents make it the first choice for structures aimed at both the domestic market and export.
Registration is handled by the İstanbul Ticaret Sicili Müdürlüğü within İstanbul Ticaret Odası (İTO). The application is prepared through MERSİS, and with a power of attorney the shareholders need not travel to Türkiye.
Leading sectors in İstanbul
- Finance
- Trade and customs
- Technology and telecoms
- Logistics and transport
- Textiles and apparel
Free zones in İstanbul
- İstanbul Atatürk Havalimanı Serbest Bölgesi
- İstanbul Deri ve Endüstri Serbest Bölgesi
- İstanbul Trakya Serbest Bölgesi
Which company type in İstanbul?
Company type does not change from province to province; it follows your activity, shareholding structure and the incentives you are targeting.
Districts we serve in İstanbul
We serve every district across İstanbul. Because registration is handled centrally for the whole province, the district makes no difference to the process or the cost.
- Kadıköy
- Şişli
- Beşiktaş
- Bakırköy
- Ataşehir
- Ümraniye
- Başakşehir
- Beylikdüzü
- Maltepe
- Pendik
- Kartal
- Sarıyer
- Fatih
- Beyoğlu
- Esenyurt
- Zeytinburnu
- Tuzla
- Kağıthane
Frequently asked questions
Where is a company registered in İstanbul?
Registration is carried out by the İstanbul Ticaret Sicili Müdürlüğü within İstanbul Ticaret Odası (İTO). The application is prepared electronically through MERSİS, followed by notarisation and registry entry. The company acquires legal personality once announced in the Trade Registry Gazette.
Do I need to travel to set up a company in İstanbul?
No. The entire incorporation can be completed remotely with an apostilled power of attorney issued at the Turkish consulate in your country. Only for bank account opening do some banks require a one-off in-person visit; we clarify that requirement at the outset.
Can I set up a company in a free zone in İstanbul?
The free zone section on this page lists the zones in this province. A company established in a free zone benefits from corporate tax exemption on manufacturing income and from customs exemption; in return it must obtain an operating licence and the approval of the zone operator. The advantage narrows for business models aimed at the domestic market.
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.