Company Formation Services in Turkey (2026):
The Foreign Entrepreneur's Guide

Can foreigners form a company in Turkey?

Yes — Turkey has no restrictions on foreign nationals forming and owning companies. A foreign national can own 100% of a Turkish limited company (Ltd. Şti.) or joint-stock company (A.Ş.). The process requires: a Turkish tax number (vergi numarası), a Turkish bank account, a registered company address in Turkey, a Turkish notary for the articles of association, and Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicili) registration. Turkey actively encourages foreign direct investment, and the Foreign Direct Investment Law (4875) provides equal treatment for foreign investors. Turkish company formation is generally faster (2–4 weeks) and cheaper than many EU countries.

What is the difference between a Ltd. Şti. and an A.Ş. in Turkey?

Ltd. Şti. (Limitet Şirketi / Limited Liability Company): minimum share capital ₺10,000; maximum 50 shareholders; shares cannot be traded on public exchanges; simpler governance requirements; most popular structure for small and medium foreign-owned businesses in Turkey. A.Ş. (Anonim Şirketi / Joint-Stock Company): minimum share capital ₺50,000; no maximum shareholder limit; can be publicly listed (if large enough); more complex governance (board of directors, annual general meetings); suitable for larger operations, companies planning to raise investment, or businesses requiring an A.Ş. structure for regulatory reasons (e.g., certain financial services, construction licences). For most expats and entrepreneurs, the Ltd. Şti. is the appropriate structure.

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

Company formation costs in Turkey: (1) Government fees (Trade Registry, notary, state fees): approximately ₺5,000–8,000 (≈€150–250 at current rates). (2) Minimum share capital for Ltd. Şti.: ₺10,000 (≈€300 — must be deposited in company bank account, but can be withdrawn for business use after formation). (3) Company formation service fee (lawyer or specialist): €500–2,500 depending on provider and scope of assistance. (4) Registered office address (virtual address, if not using a physical office): €200–500/year. (5) Accountant setup fee: €200–500. Total first-year cost to set up a basic Ltd. Şti. with professional assistance: approximately €1,500–4,000. Ongoing annual costs (accounting, virtual office, filing fees): €2,000–6,000+.

Do I need to be physically present in Turkey to form a company?

Physical presence is required for key steps: (1) Turkish notary appointment to sign the articles of association — must be in person (or via a notarised power of attorney). (2) Trade Registry appointment for registration. (3) Bank account opening for the company. If you cannot be present in Turkey, a properly drafted power of attorney (vekaletname) — signed at a Turkish Consulate in your country and apostilled — can authorise a local representative (typically your lawyer or company formation specialist) to complete the process on your behalf. This is a common arrangement for foreign entrepreneurs who form Turkish companies before relocating.

How long does company formation in Turkey take?

With a professional company formation service handling the process: (1) Notary preparation and signing: 2–5 days. (2) Trade Registry registration: 3–7 working days. (3) Tax Office registration: 1–3 days. (4) SGK (social security) registration: 1–3 days. (5) Company bank account opening: 1–5 days (varies by bank). Total timeline with efficient professional assistance: 2–4 weeks from initial engagement to fully operational company. Delays typically occur at the bank account opening stage — Turkish banks are cautious with new company accounts and may require in-person management visits and additional documentation.

What taxes does a Turkish company pay?

Corporate Tax (Kurumlar Vergisi): 25% standard rate on net profits (as of 2023; rates have been subject to change). VAT (KDV): charged on sales at applicable rates (1%, 10%, or 20%); monthly filing obligation. Withholding Tax (Stopaj): on certain payments including employment income, rent, and some service payments — typically 15–20%. SGK contributions: 20.5% employer + 14% employee on gross wages. Annual stamp duty on certain documents. Companies above certain thresholds also have income tax pre-payment (geçici vergi) obligations quarterly. A good Turkish accountant manages all corporate tax compliance and ensures quarterly pre-payments are correctly calculated to avoid underpayment penalties.

Can I run a business in Turkey remotely as a non-resident with a Turkish company?

Yes — a Turkish company can be owned and operated by a non-resident, but there are important considerations: (1) The company needs a legal local representative in Turkey (often a trusted local director or accountant who can represent the company with authorities). (2) An accountant manages ongoing monthly compliance (KDV, payroll if staff employed). (3) A registered address is required — a virtual office address is acceptable for many business types. (4) Corporate bank accounts require a signatory who can attend the bank. For truly remote operation, most non-resident business owners use a local company formation and management service that provides accounting, registered address, and local representation.

What are the main reasons foreign entrepreneurs form companies in Turkey?

Main motivations: (1) Hiring Turkish staff legally — requires a company entity. (2) Obtaining a work permit for yourself as a foreign director. (3) Providing services to Turkish clients as a local entity. (4) Holding Turkish property through a corporate structure for tax or asset protection purposes. (5) Opening a Turkish bank account as a company rather than an individual. (6) Accessing Turkish government contracts and public procurement. (7) Operating in regulated sectors that require a Turkish legal entity (retail, hospitality, construction). (8) Residence permit via business — having a company with a minimum level of capital and employees can support certain residence permit applications.

What is a liaison office (irtibat bürosu) and when is it appropriate instead of a full company?

A liaison office (irtibat bürosu) is a representation office of a foreign company in Turkey, authorised to carry out market research, promotion, and liaison activities — but not to conduct commercial activities or generate revenue in Turkey. It is used when a foreign company wants a presence in Turkey (for relationship building, business development, or coordinating imports) without establishing a full Turkish subsidiary. Liaison offices require Ministry of Economy approval (valid for 3 years, renewable) and have simplified tax and accounting obligations compared to a full Turkish company. They cannot issue invoices, sign commercial contracts in Turkey's name, or have Turkish employees (with some exceptions).

How do company formation services in Turkey differ from lawyers and accountants?

Company formation specialists in Turkey are firms or individuals who manage the end-to-end process of setting up your company — handling the practical logistics of notary appointments, Trade Registry filing, tax registration, and initial bank account introduction. They are distinct from: (1) Lawyers — who provide legal advice on the optimal structure, shareholder agreements, and legal implications (you need a lawyer for complex situations). (2) Accountants — who handle ongoing tax compliance after formation (you need an accountant from day one). For a simple straightforward Ltd. Şti. formation, a specialist company formation service is often the most efficient route. For complex multi-shareholder structures, specific regulatory requirements, or international tax implications, a lawyer should also be involved.