Turkey offers a dynamic and investor-friendly environment for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a company. With strategic access to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, a growing consumer market, and evolving digital infrastructure, company formation in Turkey is increasingly attractive to foreign businesses. Istanbul Law Firm, a leading Turkish Law Firm, provides comprehensive legal advisory for company incorporation, corporate structuring, compliance, and tax registration. Our Turkish Lawyers guide foreign investors through entity selection, notarial procedures, trade registry filings, and bank account setup. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients receive bilingual legal support from pre-setup consultation to post-registration obligations. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, Istanbul Law Firm ensures your company is structured for legal security, tax optimization, and long-term growth.
1. Legal Entity Types for Company Formation in Turkey
Under Turkish Commercial Code, the most common company structures for foreign investors are Limited Liability Company (LTD Şirket), Joint Stock Company (AŞ), and Branch or Liaison Offices. Istanbul Law Firm helps clients evaluate each model based on legal requirements, liability exposure, governance complexity, and tax planning. Our Turkish Lawyers assess shareholder goals, business size, and sector-specific needs to determine the most efficient corporate vehicle. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, foreign founders receive structured memos comparing share capital rules, director obligations, and dividend policies. We also align company type with long-term visa, tax, and employment strategies. Istanbul Law Firm ensures your company form is aligned with both legal feasibility and commercial purpose.
Limited Liability Companies (LTD) require a minimum capital of 50,000 TRY and are preferred for SMEs, freelancers, or small-scale foreign business operations. Joint Stock Companies (AŞ), requiring 250,000 TRY capital (or 500,000 TRY for regulated sectors), are ideal for larger operations or businesses planning to attract investors or go public. Istanbul Law Firm drafts articles of association, capital commitment statements, and board resolutions in both English and Turkish. Our Turkish Lawyers explain corporate governance frameworks, shareholder liabilities, and audit obligations applicable to each model. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, international clients select company types that comply with law while scaling efficiently.
For representative purposes without commercial activity, Liaison Offices are available, while full Branches may be registered by foreign parent companies wishing to operate under existing brands. Istanbul Law Firm assists in securing Ministry approvals, tax exemptions, and special purpose declarations for such structures. Our Turkish Lawyers handle notarization, power of attorney, and documentation certification for foreign-based corporate boards. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, group structures expand into Turkey seamlessly. For deeper comparison of structures, see our Types of Companies in Turkey guide.
2. Step-by-Step Process of Company Registration
The company formation process in Turkey involves several coordinated legal steps, including name reservation, notarization, trade registry submission, tax registration, and social security enrollment. Istanbul Law Firm manages the entire process with a focus on timing, legal precision, and bilingual compliance. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare draft articles of association, shareholder resolutions, and capital declarations customized to the chosen company type. We handle MERSIS registration, coordinate notarized signatures and translations, and reserve company names. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, foreign founders receive full visibility over setup milestones, filing requirements, and documentation standards. Istanbul Law Firm compresses timelines while maintaining full legal rigor.
Following notarization and document assembly, the incorporation package is filed with the local Trade Registry Office (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü), triggering company registration, tax number issuance, and official gazette publication. Istanbul Law Firm coordinates each step, including bank reference letters, chamber of commerce enrollment, and Social Security Institution (SGK) registration. Our Turkish Lawyers also assist in lease agreements and office address validation for registration. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients receive bilingual notifications, timelines, and power-of-attorney options for remote setup. We simplify navigation of Turkish bureaucracy without compromising legal enforceability.
The process generally takes 3–10 business days depending on the city, company type, and documentation quality. Istanbul Law Firm expedites filing by pre-checking documents, preparing templates, and working with preferred notaries and registrars. Our Turkish Lawyers also manage electronic signature issuance and e-notification setup for digital compliance. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, company founders avoid common pitfalls such as incorrect capital registration, signature errors, or foreign board incompatibilities. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we guarantee secure, timely, and compliant company formation.
3. Tax Registration, Bank Accounts, and Financial Setup
Following company incorporation, businesses in Turkey must complete tax office registration, open a corporate bank account, and set up financial reporting systems. Istanbul Law Firm facilitates immediate tax number issuance and liaison with local tax officers to activate corporate obligations. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare notarized signature circulars, lease contracts, and official appointment letters for managing directors. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients receive clear explanations of tax codes, VAT thresholds, and corporate income tax liabilities. Istanbul Law Firm ensures a seamless transition from incorporation to fiscal compliance.
Opening a corporate bank account in Turkey requires company documents, signature circulars, identity verification, and foreign shareholder declarations. Istanbul Law Firm coordinates meetings with preferred Turkish banks and assists with KYB/AML forms, FATCA declarations, and banking compliance. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure that capital contributions are deposited within legal timelines and receipts issued per Turkish Commercial Code. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients can complete banking remotely via power of attorney or visit bank branches with full legal briefings. For more detail, see our guide to opening a company bank account in Turkey.
After bank and tax setup, companies must also implement accounting systems, hire certified public accountants (SMMM), and register with the Social Security Institution (SGK) if hiring employees. Istanbul Law Firm refers clients to qualified financial consultants, ensures payroll compliance, and registers e-ledger (edefter) and e-invoice (efatura) systems as required. Our Turkish Lawyers assist in preparing opening balance sheets, tax office notifications, and accountant contracts. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, founders understand financial setup obligations from day one. Istanbul Law Firm ensures your business is not just legally formed—but financially operational and tax compliant.
4. Foreign Shareholders and Cross-Border Structuring
Turkey allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, enabling foreign investors to hold shares in Turkish companies without a local partner. Istanbul Law Firm advises foreign individuals and corporate entities on how to structure shareholding to optimize legal control, tax liability, and operational efficiency. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare bilingual shareholder agreements, capital payment declarations, and register foreign UBOs (ultimate beneficial owners) per MASAK requirements. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, international investors receive full transparency into regulatory expectations and cross-border implications.
Foreign corporate shareholders must also submit apostilled and translated corporate documents—such as certificates of good standing, articles of incorporation, and board resolutions—to the Turkish authorities. Istanbul Law Firm handles legalization, translation, notarization, and consular certification for such documents. Our Turkish Lawyers liaise with Turkish consulates, foreign ministries, and local notaries to streamline document preparation. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients avoid procedural rejections and unnecessary delays. We ensure corporate ownership is recognized and protected under Turkish company law.
In complex group structures, Istanbul Law Firm supports layered ownership design, holding structures, and dual-jurisdiction governance. Our Turkish Lawyers coordinate with tax advisors in multiple jurisdictions, draft voting trust arrangements, and prepare transfer pricing memos where relevant. We ensure that foreign shareholding is both operationally viable and legally defensible in case of audit or dispute. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients gain strategic structuring advisory from a global perspective, while fully complying with Turkish law and investment regulations.
5. Articles of Association and Corporate Governance
The articles of association (AoA) form the constitutional backbone of any Turkish company and must be carefully drafted to align with investor needs and Turkish Commercial Code. Istanbul Law Firm customizes AoA provisions around share classes, director powers, profit distribution, quorum requirements, dispute resolution, and buyout triggers. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure the articles are compatible with corporate goals, sector regulations, and investor protections. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, founders receive translated and annotated AoA versions for internal and external use.
Proper governance requires clarity in director appointment, decision-making, fiduciary duties, and minority rights. Istanbul Law Firm drafts internal bylaws, board charters, and shareholder meeting procedures aligned with Turkish law. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on board composition, conflict of interest policies, and delegation of authority. We assist startups, family businesses, and multinationals in building governance models that support growth and regulatory compliance. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, governance becomes a business asset—not just a legal obligation.
In the event of disputes, ambiguities, or future exit planning, well-drafted AoA provisions serve as the first line of defense. Istanbul Law Firm includes tag-along, drag-along, share transfer, and deadlock resolution clauses tailored to the ownership structure. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on dispute escalation steps, arbitration, and litigation jurisdiction clauses. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients protect their corporate integrity, reduce operational risk, and maintain investor trust. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for corporate structuring, we deliver AoA frameworks that stand up to time and legal scrutiny.
6. Post‑Incorporation Compliance and Annual Obligations
After your company is officially registered, a range of post‑incorporation compliance requirements kick in that must be strictly adhered to in order to maintain legal standing and mitigate risk. Istanbul Law Firm supports clients through annual general meetings, trade registry filings, and statutory record‑keeping as mandated by the Turkish Commercial Code and Tax Procedure Law. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare meeting minutes, shareholder resolutions, and financial statements for publication and submission. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, international founders receive bilingual annual package checklists to track due dates, corporate seal requirements, and filing fees. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we help you stay organized, compliant, and audit‑ready.
Companies must submit corporate tax returns, VAT declarations, and bookkeeping records monthly, quarterly, and annually depending on turnover levels. Istanbul Law Firm liaises with certified accountants and tax consultants to assemble financial data, reconcile accounts, and calculate liabilities. Our Turkish Lawyers also assist in reviewing withholding taxes for dividend distributions, payroll, and service fees. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, founders receive legal validation of filings and guidance on compliance deadlines. We ensure your company remains transparent, tax‑efficient, and unexposed to fines.
The company must also physically and electronically maintain its statutory records—share ledger, minutes book, capital increase/decrease records, and board resolutions. Istanbul Law Firm implements secure digital registration solutions (MERSIS, e‑notification) and advises on archiving procedures. Our Turkish Lawyers conduct periodic internal audits, data protection reviews, and commerce chamber updates. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients stay ahead of regulatory reviews and governance expectations. By providing proactive legal monitoring, we protect your company against non‑compliance consequences.
7. Employment Law Essentials for Newly Established Companies
Employing staff in Turkey introduces another set of legal dimensions including contracts, work permits, social security registration, payroll withholding, and termination protocols. Istanbul Law Firm collaborates with labor law specialists to draft compliant employment agreements tailored to Turkish standards, including probation periods, termination clauses, and NDAs. Our Turkish Lawyers assist foreign directors or founders to secure work and residence permits under relevant visa classes. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, HR and executive teams understand Turkish labor law nuances and statutory contributions. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we ensure your workforce is legally secure and contractually protected.
Following recruitment, employees must be registered with SGK; Istanbul Law Firm manages document filing, payroll system integration, and contribution payments. Our Turkish Lawyers also prepare and review monthly withholding tax statements and end‑of‑year reconciliation reports. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, employers receive bilingual payroll templates, contribution guides, and data privacy protocols. We minimize risks related to misclassification, unpaid contributions, or regulatory audits.
Handling termination, suspension, or disciplinary procedures requires careful notice adherence, severance payment calculation, and avoidance of unlawful termination liability. Istanbul Law Firm drafts termination packages, calculates severance entitlements, and represents clients in labor court or arbitration panels. Our Turkish Lawyers guide employers through statutory thresholds, probation disputes, and collective redundancy rules. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, companies manage exits legally and professionally while preserving their reputation.
8. Intellectual Property, Licenses, and Sectoral Permissions
Depending on the nature of business activity, companies in Turkey often require specific licenses or permissions—ranging from IP registration and e-commerce permits to industry‑specific approvals. Istanbul Law Firm navigates the full IP registration process—trademarks, designs, patents, and domain names—through the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO). Our Turkish Lawyers conduct clearance searches, draft license agreements, and enforce rights against infringers. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients receive bilingual IP documentation and strategic counsel aligned with brand protection objectives.
Businesses operating in regulated sectors (food, finance, e‑commerce, healthcare, export) may also require sectoral licenses (e.g., Ministry of Trade, SGK, BDDK, TİB). Istanbul Law Firm consolidates licensing roadmaps, fee schedules, and technical compliance checklists specific to your activity. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare application dossiers, liaise with relevant ministries, and coordinate inspections. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients understand legal thresholds and renewal cycles in their own language—avoiding operational delays and fines.
If your company handles personal data, consumer protection, or financial services, Istanbul Law Firm supports KVKK (Data Protection), e‑commerce law, and AML compliance frameworks. Our Turkish Lawyers draft privacy policies, cookie consent tools, and compliance declarations. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, you gain legal clarity over cross‑border data flow, cybersecurity responsibilities, and sectoral safeguards. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we ensure your business meets regulatory expectations and gains consumer trust.
9. Common Mistakes and Legal Risks in Company Formation
Many foreign investors make avoidable mistakes during company formation in Turkey, such as choosing the wrong entity type, undercapitalizing the company, failing to notarize key documents correctly, or misunderstanding tax implications. Istanbul Law Firm helps prevent such pitfalls by offering full pre-formation legal assessments. Our Turkish Lawyers review commercial goals, shareholder plans, and sector needs before structuring. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, you gain a clear, actionable checklist for formation that reduces delays and rejections. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we believe proactive planning prevents costly corrections later.
Frequent errors include submitting invalid apostilles, using incorrect translations, failing to record capital deposits, or misclassifying shareholders. Istanbul Law Firm audits your incorporation file before submission to ensure compliance with the Trade Registry and Tax Office. Our Turkish Lawyers provide compliance-ready templates for AoA, signature declarations, power of attorney, and lease agreements. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, founders fully understand each document before execution. We ensure your incorporation is legally robust and future-proof.
Ignoring post-setup obligations such as annual meetings, board resolutions, tax filings, or address change notifications can trigger penalties or even company closure. Istanbul Law Firm offers ongoing legal monitoring, annual compliance reviews, and dispute prevention services. Our Turkish Lawyers help you stay ahead of legal and regulatory duties. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, nothing is lost in translation—your company remains protected and prepared for growth.
10. Why Work with Istanbul Law Firm for Company Formation
Istanbul Law Firm offers a complete legal solution for company formation in Turkey—from entity planning and documentation to post-incorporation governance and tax advisory. Our team of Turkish Lawyers handles incorporation efficiently, accurately, and with full legal backing. We work with clients from more than 40 countries, adapting international expectations to local requirements. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, we bridge the cultural and legal gap between global business logic and Turkish commercial law. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we don’t just register companies—we build legal foundations for sustainable success.
We provide tailored advisory for startups, holding companies, technology firms, manufacturers, and real estate investors. Istanbul Law Firm manages cross-border tax structuring, transfer pricing, employment law, GDPR/KVKK compliance, and director/shareholder protection clauses. Our Turkish Lawyers also assist with visa applications, office setup, and commercial contracts after incorporation. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, clients experience responsive, bilingual legal service every step of the way.
Company formation is not just a filing—it’s a strategic move. Istanbul Law Firm ensures your structure matches your ambition, risk profile, and long-term market goals. Whether you’re setting up your first entity in Turkey or expanding an international group, we are your trusted legal partner for every stage of business growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to form a company in Turkey? – On average 3–10 business days, depending on city, entity type, and document readiness.
- Can foreigners fully own Turkish companies? – Yes. Turkey allows 100% foreign ownership in most industries without a local partner.
- Do I need to be in Turkey to incorporate? – No. You can appoint a lawyer with POA to form a company on your behalf remotely.
- What is the minimum capital? – 50,000 TRY for LLCs; 250,000–500,000 TRY for joint stock companies, depending on sector.
- Can I open a bank account remotely? – With assistance from Istanbul Law Firm and power of attorney, yes in many cases.
- Is there a preferred company type? – LLC is common for SMEs; JSC for regulated sectors or venture-backed businesses.
- What are post-incorporation obligations? – Tax registration, accountant appointment, payroll setup, social security registration.
- Are there sector-specific licenses required? – Yes. Food, finance, medical, e-commerce, and education require additional permissions.
- Do I need a Turkish accountant? – Yes. Every company must appoint a certified accountant (SMMM).
- Can I register at a virtual address? – In some cities yes, but must be legally registered and accepted by tax office.
- What documents are required for foreign shareholders? – Passport, apostilled company registration (if entity), board resolution, tax ID.
- Why Istanbul Law Firm? – We combine legal precision, English fluency, and business experience to protect and grow your investment.