Company Registration in Turkey: Full Guide

When considering starting a business abroad, Turkey should be your first choice. As a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, this country offers strategic investment opportunities. The process of company registration in Turkey is not overly challenging; you just need to follow the right steps.

Attracting entrepreneurs from all over the world, Turkey facilitates access to international trade routes. If you want to start a business in Turkey today, you might seek answers to many different questions, such as whether it’s easy to start a business as a foreigner and what the costs are.

What Types of Companies Can You Open in Turkey?

Company registration in Turkey is an exciting step. However, you must first decide what type of company you want to open. You should check the main types of companies in Turkey. This way, you will have all the necessary information to make a smart choice and the right investment.

• Limited Liability Company: It is the most common company type for small businesses. Those seeking a flexible way to start a serious business prefer a limited liability company.
• Joint Stock Company: This is for larger businesses and those looking to make future investment moves. The joint stock company is ideal for those who want to grow quickly and attract investors.
• Sole Proprietorship: If you want to do company registration in Turkey, sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable option. It’s ideal for freelancers and small business owners.

You don’t need to be knowledgeable about various topics like Turkish company law to choose the right company structure. You need to have accurate information about the business registration process. As a foreign investor, contact us and learn about the steps involved in company registration in Turkey.

What Do You Need Before You Start?

You may not know where to start with the company registration process in Turkey. You can find information on topics such as legal requirements for companies, costs of company formation, online company registration, and documents required to register a company in Turkey.

• You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. You will need your passport to prove your identity in many places during the process of company registration in Turkey.
• In Turkey, every company is required to have a registered address. An address is one of the most essential legal requirements for companies. Renting a virtual office is sufficient.
• You need to obtain a Turkish tax ID by going to a local tax office. This is necessary for processes such as opening a business bank account and setting up a company in Turkey.
• As a foreign investor, there is a minimum capital requirement in the company formation process in Turkey. It differs for limited liability companies and joint stock companies.
• You must prepare Articles of Association, a document that clearly shows what your company does. This document is an important part of the company incorporation process in Turkey.

Once you’ve fulfilled the basic requirements for company registration in Turkey, you’re halfway there. Following the right Turkey company registration steps is quite easy. If you want to start a business in Turkey and need professional assistance, contact us whenever you want.

Can Foreigners Really Open a Company in Turkey?

Yes, foreigners can start a business in Turkey. According to Turkish company law, foreign individuals have the same rights as Turkish citizens. You can take every step, including foreign company registration in Turkey, in accordance with the rules set by the Ministry of Trade.

Tourism agencies, restaurants, and technology startups are among the most frequently chosen businesses by foreigners. Whether you do foreign company registration in Turkey or launch a startup, owning a company makes it easier to access opportunities such as a work permit and residence permit.

How Long Does Company Registration Take in Turkey?

Company registration in Turkey generally takes approximately 7-14 business days. If you already have the documents required to register a company in Turkey, the process will be much faster. This includes the submission to the Trade Registry Office and other company registration steps.

The process may be delayed if you have incorrect documents, encounter problems with the notary public, or have difficulty obtaining a business address. The business registration process generally progresses quickly, but if you need support for setting up a company in Turkey, you can contact us.

How Much Does Company Registration Cost?

The costs of company formation in Turkey are much more affordable compared to other European countries. The cost you will encounter will vary depending on the type of company you choose. You may incur additional costs if you work with a consultant for foreign direct investment.

You will incur expenses for many things, including company name registration, notary fees, translation fees, tax office registration, address registration, and opening a business bank account. The total cost should range from $1500 to $3000, but this can vary depending on your company.

Step-by-Step: Company Registration in Turkey

Turkey is an important country for all options, such as foreign direct investment. Even for foreign shareholders, the company registration process in Turkey is quite simple. If you follow the legal steps outlined in the Turkish Commercial Code, you will not encounter any problems.

• Step 1: Clearly define the foundation of your company before preparing any documents.
  • Choose your company type according to your company’s activities.
  • Determine and verify the name you want to use for your company.
  • Determine the address for your company and prepare the lease agreement if necessary.
  • Determine details such as the company director and shareholders.
• Step 2: Begin the company registration process in Turkey and prepare the essential documents.
  • Prepare the identity information for the founders and shareholders.
  • Set up the national identity information for Turkish founders in your company.
  • If there are foreigners in your company, prepare their passports and local tax numbers.
  • Ensure that all registration documents are certified by a notary public.
• Step 3: Specify which steps for company registration in Turkey can be completed online.
  • If there is a foreign founder, apply for a potential tax identification number online.
  • Access the MERSIS system and complete some of the Trade Registry procedures online.
  • Prepare the draft Articles of Association for your company in the MERSIS system.
  • Don’t forget to add the shareholders’ and company directors’ information completely.
• Step 4: Prepare the signatures of the founders or foreign shareholders and have them notarized.
  • Have the founders sign the articles of incorporation and other documents.
  • Depending on your company type, have all signed documents notarized.
  • Prepare all signature declarations for the company’s authorized signatories.
  • Issue the signature declarations at the Trade Registry Office.
• Step 5: Complete the required payments for company registration in Turkey.
  • Depending on your company type, meet the capital requirement for your company.
  • Completely fulfill any other officially mandated additional expenses and payments.
• Step 6: Submit your registration file to the Chamber of Commerce and follow the process.
  • Complete the company formation process in Turkey by submitting your documents.
  • The chamber completes the registration and creates the Trade Registry publication.

If you have successfully completed the company registration in Turkey, don’t forget to collect your documents. Ensure that the journal, ledger, trade registry records, and other documents are signed. If you require further information or guidance regarding the process, please contact us.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Company Registration

Company registration in Turkey involves a step-by-step process. Online company registration is not available. You can only submit applications online for processes such as tax registration and appointments. Furthermore, you should budget for additional costs during the process.

• Even if you meet all the requirements in the Turkish Commercial Code, you cannot establish a company if you do not have a local address. You can solve this problem by renting a virtual office.
• The company name you choose must comply with the rules set by the Ministry of Trade. If you choose a problematic name, the Trade Registry Office may reject your application.
• If you want the process of company registration in Turkey to proceed smoothly, you must choose the correct company type. You cannot proceed correctly without understanding the differences.
• Don’t forget to register your tax details during the company incorporation in Turkey. This can be completed quickly at the tax office as part of the company formation process.
• It is essential that your documents are complete during the application process. For example, documents that are not notarized will cause problems. Any application will be rejected.

You might make several mistakes during company registration in Turkey. However, learning about the most common mistakes can simplify the process. To save time and money on company formation in Türkiye, you can contact us. We will provide you with the best support throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions