Company and Commercial Law in Turkey

Kalem Law Office provides legal assistance concerning company formation, commercial contracts, corporate governance and business disputes in Turkey. The physical office is in Alanya. Work connected with companies and transactions elsewhere in Turkey may be assessed according to the registered office, parties and competent authorities.

Company and commercial legal services

• Choice of company structure and incorporation planning
• Articles of association, shareholder arrangements and management rules
• Commercial contracts, distribution, supply and service agreements
• Share transfers, capital changes and corporate resolutions
• Corporate record and compliance reviews
• Shareholder, management and partnership disputes
• Commercial receivables and enforcement proceedings
• Business acquisitions and legal due diligence
• Foreign investment and cross-border documentation

Establishing a company in Turkey

Limited-liability and joint-stock companies are commonly used, but the appropriate form depends on capital, ownership, management, intended activity and regulatory requirements. Incorporation generally involves trade-registry filings, tax registration, corporate books, authorised signatories and sector-specific permits where applicable.

For a focused overview, see establishing a company in Turkey.

Commercial contracts

A commercial contract should identify the parties, scope, price, payment timetable, delivery and acceptance rules, warranties, confidentiality, termination rights, liability and dispute-resolution mechanism. Standard wording should be adapted to the transaction rather than copied without considering the commercial risk.

Shareholders and corporate governance

Articles of association do not always address deadlock, transfer restrictions, financing, dividend policy, exit rights or management accountability in sufficient detail. A separate shareholders' agreement may be appropriate, but its relationship with mandatory company law and registered corporate documents must be examined.

Commercial disputes and receivables

Disputes may concern unpaid invoices, breach of contract, defective performance, unfair competition, partnership rights or management liability. Mandatory mediation may apply before certain commercial claims. Limitation periods, competent courts, evidence and interim measures should be reviewed promptly.

Foreign shareholders and directors

Foreign individuals and companies can participate in Turkish businesses subject to the applicable corporate, tax, employment, banking and sector rules. Documents issued abroad may require notarisation, apostille, consular certification and sworn translation.

Legal review process

1. The business objective and parties are identified.
2. Corporate and contractual documents are reviewed.
3. Regulatory, ownership, liability and dispute risks are mapped.
4. The work scope and implementation steps are agreed in writing.

Businesses connected with Alanya can also review our Alanya company and commercial law page.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign national own a Turkish company?

Foreign ownership is generally possible, subject to company, sector and investment rules applicable to the activity.

Is a shareholders' agreement the same as the articles of association?

No. They serve different purposes and their enforceability and corporate effect should be considered together.

Is mediation required for commercial disputes?

Mandatory mediation applies to certain commercial claims before litigation. The classification of the claim must be checked.

This page is general information and does not replace advice based on a company's documents and activity.