Establishing a Company in Turkey

Reviewed by Attorney Enes Nergiz, Antalya Bar Association registration no. 6281. Updated: 11 September 2026.

Foreign investors may establish and operate companies in Turkey, but the appropriate structure depends on the activity, ownership, capital, licensing requirements and tax position. Company formation should be planned together with contracts, banking, accounting, employment and immigration issues rather than treated as a registration form alone.

Common Company Structures

Limited liability companies and joint-stock companies are commonly used for commercial activity. The right choice depends on the number and role of shareholders, management structure, financing plans, transfer of shares and regulatory requirements. Branches and liaison offices follow different rules and do not serve the same purpose as a Turkish subsidiary.

Information Required Before Incorporation

• proposed business activity and trade name;
• shareholders, managers or directors and ownership percentages;
• registered address and capital structure;
• articles of association and representation powers;
• foreign corporate or personal documents, with apostille and translation where required;
• sector-specific permits or licences;
• tax, social-security and accounting arrangements.

Typical Formation Process

1. Choose the legal form and define ownership and management.
2. Prepare the articles of association and supporting documents.
3. Complete the relevant electronic and trade-registry procedures.
4. Arrange tax, signature, books, banking and accounting steps.
5. Review employment, data-protection, consumer and sector-specific obligations before trading.

Turkey’s Central Registry Record System (MERSİS) is used in company-registration procedures. The exact documents and sequence should be confirmed for the chosen structure and the relevant trade registry.

Foreign Shareholders and Documents Issued Abroad

Foreign individuals and companies may need notarised, apostilled or consular documents and certified Turkish translations. The beneficial ownership, source of funds and banking documents requested can vary. A foreign shareholder’s residence or work status is a separate subject from the company’s incorporation.

Contracts and Shareholder Protection

Articles of association do not always address every commercial expectation between shareholders. Management rights, reserved decisions, funding duties, profit distribution, transfer restrictions, deadlock and exit arrangements may require additional agreements. Contract language should be consistent with mandatory Turkish law and the company’s registered structure.

After Registration

Incorporation is the beginning of the compliance process. Companies must maintain corporate records, make required filings, observe tax and employment obligations, document related-party transactions and obtain any necessary operational licences. Changes in address, management, capital, activity or ownership may require further registrations.

Disputes and Risk Management

Early legal review can help identify inconsistent signature authority, unclear payment duties, unsuitable jurisdiction clauses or gaps between the commercial agreement and corporate records. When a dispute arises, available routes may include negotiation, mediation, litigation, arbitration or enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does forming a company automatically provide residence or citizenship?

No. Company, immigration, work-permit and citizenship procedures are separate and must be assessed under their own rules.

Can a company be formed through a power of attorney?

Certain steps may be completed by an authorised representative. The wording and formalities of a power of attorney issued abroad should be confirmed before signing.

How long does incorporation take?

Timing depends on document readiness, translations, the chosen structure, registry review and sector-specific requirements. A result should not be promised without reviewing those factors.

For company disputes and continuing corporate work, see the company and commercial law page. Use the contact page to request an initial review.

Legal notice: This page is general information and does not replace legal, tax or accounting advice for a specific business.