Foreign entrepreneurs, digital nomads, investors, and company founders are increasingly choosing Turkey as a base for business and relocation. However, to live and operate legally, most foreign nationals must apply for a suitable visa or residence permit. While the process may appear simple at first, incomplete applications, inconsistent documentation, and misinterpretation of regulations often lead to rejection or legal consequences. This is why working with a qualified Turkish Law Firm is essential for securing business visas and residence rights in Turkey.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide comprehensive immigration support to foreign businesspeople and investors. We coordinate every legal detail—company documents, tax filings, bank transactions, and residence submissions—to ensure fast, secure, and fully compliant applications.
Who Can Apply for a Business-Based Residence Permit?
According to Turkish immigration law, foreigners engaged in commercial activity are eligible for residence based on their business operations. Eligible profiles include:
- Founders or partners of a Turkish company
- Foreign shareholders in existing businesses
- Freelancers with registered tax status
- Start-up founders and innovators
- Investors in commercial real estate or trade
Our Turkish Law Firm evaluates your case, business structure, and capital to confirm whether you qualify for residence on commercial grounds.
How a Turkish Law Firm Supports the Visa and Residence Process
We offer end-to-end legal support that includes:
- Preparing your company incorporation or investment documentation
- Obtaining your tax ID number and registering with the Chamber of Commerce
- Filing residence permit applications through the e-ikamet system
- Coordinating notary, translation, apostille, and POA issuance
- Scheduling DGMM appointments and attending with power of attorney
- Providing post-approval support such as address registration and renewals
Every step is supervised by our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
Business Visa vs. Residence Permit in Turkey
Foreigners often confuse business visas with business-based residence permits. The key differences include:
- Business Visa: Short-term, multiple entry (90/180 rule), not sufficient for local registration
- Residence Permit: Long-term status allowing address registration, utility setup, health insurance, and contract signature
Our company setup and residence integration service combines both to ensure smooth transitions.
Minimum Requirements for Business-Based Residence
- A registered company with valid trade license
- Commercial office address in Turkey
- Active tax status and financial activity
- Minimum capital deposited and verifiable
- Proof of accommodation and health insurance
We design each application to meet these criteria and present it in a structured, professional format to DGMM authorities.
POA-Based Immigration Services
Our clients often live abroad and cannot attend every appointment. Through a legalized POA, our Turkish Law Firm manages the full process without your physical presence. This includes not only immigration filings, but also bank account opening, company setup, and tax coordination.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
- Incomplete or inconsistent document submission
- Outdated company registration or missing capital proof
- Untranslated or unnotarized supporting papers
- Failing to explain commercial purpose clearly
- Not attending follow-up requests from DGMM
All applications by our Turkish Law Firm go through a triple-check system to minimize rejection risk.
Internal Resources for Business Immigration
- Company Formation in Turkey
- Why Foreigners Work with Turkish Law Firms
- Citizenship Through Business Investment
- Residence Permit Types and Processes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I apply for residence before forming a company? You must register your company first to apply under business grounds.
- Do I need to show active income? Yes. Authorities expect proof of commercial intent through transactions or contracts.
- Can I bring family members? Yes. Family residence permits are available once your main permit is approved.
- Is health insurance required? Yes. You must show valid private or SGK insurance during application.
- Can you manage the entire process remotely? Absolutely. Our Turkish Law Firm handles all steps via POA.
Contact Our Business Immigration Lawyers in Turkey
If you plan to invest, build a startup, or relocate to Turkey for business, work with a reliable Turkish Law Firm that understands both commercial and immigration law. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers offer seamless, strategic, and compliant solutions to secure your residence and grow your business. We speak your language and understand your goals.