Starting a business in Turkey requires more than ambition—it demands detailed legal planning, compliance with Turkish trade and investment laws, and proper entity selection. As a full-service Turkish Law Firm, Istanbul Law Firm offers tailored support through each step: from choosing a business structure to final registration with the Trade Registry and tax authority. Our team of seasoned Turkish Lawyers and English speaking lawyer in Turkey deliver bilingual legal guidance for foreign investors, startups, and joint ventures. We help clients understand options like LLCs (Limited Liability), Joint Stock Companies (AŞ), branch or liaison offices, and representative offices. With strategic counsel, we align your business goals with correct form, capital requirements, shareholder obligations, and liability limits. Istanbul Law Firm’s expertise ensures you avoid common pitfalls in entity selection. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we guide your business from idea to legal foundation. Establishing a company is the first step toward your commercial success—and we make it legally sound.
Choosing the Right Business Structure
Selection of legal entity—LLC, AŞ, branch, or representative office—is critical and depends on capital, shareholders, liability exposure, and intended business activity. Istanbul Law Firm helps evaluate which structure fits your investment scale, management needs, and legal risk appetite. Our Turkish Lawyers provide comparison modeling, financial planning, and governance advice to support decision-making. As a top-tier Turkish Law Firm, we explain liability thresholds, share transfer restrictions, corporate governance rules, and foreign ownership limitations. We also guide clients exploring joint ventures with Turkish partners or representative offices for non-commercial liaison. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares bilingual entity analysis and clarifies implications in English. We assess if the shareholder should appoint a local legal representative or complete a board setup. Istanbul Law Firm ensures you select a structure aligned with growth objectives and shareholder protection. Such strategic entity selection is why clients consider us the best lawyer firm in Turkey for company formation.
We also advise on sector-specific structures—such as branches for financial services, several-partner holding models, or AŞ for public project participation. Our Turkish Lawyers draft tailored incorporation strategies for clients in commerce, technology, real estate, tourism, and manufacturing. Istanbul Law Firm reviews the minimum capital ratios, board composition, and share distribution specifics for each business type. As a competent Turkish Law Firm, we ensure smooth transferability clauses and minority protection through shareholder agreements. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides English-language summaries of corporate legislation and cross-border concerns. When foreign investor quotas apply in strategic sectors, we navigate completion steps like military clearance, investment incentive filings, or permission from the Ministry of Trade. Istanbul Law Firm’s institutional know-how ensures any complex structure is built on firm legal ground.
Legal Requirements & Capital Setup
Minimum capital requirements vary according to structure: for example, LLCs require only 50,000 TRY while Joint-Stock Companies need at least 250,000 TRY. Istanbul Law Firm advises clients on proper capital deposit, bank block rulings, and share value treatment to meet legal thresholds. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare bank documents, capital sheet, board resolution and the bank block certificate for submission to MERSIS. As a full-service Turkish Law Firm, we also register tax office files, fiscal residency declarations, and VAT applications. We explain share payment schedules and currency declaration requirements, particularly for foreign-currency capital. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey liaises with local banks and translation teams to ensure accurate declaration of financial data. Istanbul Law Firm clarifies the capital commitment structures and reimbursement terms to founders. We also forecast future capital increases and support by drafting related shareholder resolutions. With our guidance, clients avoid rejection from underpaid capital or bank documentation errors. Establishing legal capital correctly is integral to becoming the best lawyer firm in Turkey for Turkish company formation.
We also advise on fiscal incentives available through government programs, such as free zone registration, R&D incentives, or regional investment grants. Our Turkish Lawyers will prepare the files for incentive certification and assist with the approval process through the Investor Incentives Directory. Istanbul Law Firm analyzes the suitability of these incentives based on your planned investment size, sector eligibility, and timeline. We then assist with activation of incentives such as tax deductions, custom duty relief, and VAT refunds. As a trusted Turkish Law Firm, we integrate incentives into your legal and financial strategy. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey presents incentive activation steps and benefits in clear English. Istanbul Law Firm structures your entity to be both legal and lean—optimizing your capital and maximizing government support without legal risk.
Finally, we guide clients on capital contribution methods—cash, in-kind, or shareholder debt—and prepare notarized valuation reports for non-cash investments. Our Turkish Lawyers draft related shareholder agreements, asset schedules, and capital commitment reports for MERSIS and trade registry. Istanbul Law Firm advises on issues like asset revaluation, depreciation, and lending terms to optimize future tax position. As a specialized Turkish Law Firm, we ensure your capital structure supports future audits, financing, and corporate reorganization efforts. We explain English-language nuances and translation pitfalls to guarantee clarity. This level of legal structuring marks us as the best lawyer firm in Turkey for corporate establishment strategies.
Company Registration & Trade Registry Filing
Company registration in Turkey involves formal documentation with the Trade Registry Office (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü), MERSIS online platform, and Tax Office. Istanbul Law Firm prepares the Articles of Association (AoA), shareholder IDs, board decisions, capital proof documents, and founder signatures for legal submission. Our Turkish Lawyers complete the MERSIS company profile, generate registration numbers, and coordinate with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce or regional registries. As a leading Turkish Law Firm, we prepare signature circulars, notarized powers of attorney, and share capital payment confirmation to complete registry procedures. We ensure timing compliance to submit within the 15-day post-signature limit, as required by Turkish commercial law. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey explains each step in plain language and helps sign documents during notary appointments. Istanbul Law Firm prevents registration rejections due to name duplication, legal form errors, or shareholder documentation issues. With our help, registration is done once—and done right. This precision is why we are known as the best lawyer firm in Turkey for company incorporation.
We also obtain company tax numbers, initiate VAT and withholding tax registrations, and support bookkeeping registration with a certified accountant. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare official letters and lease agreements to prove registered office compliance. Istanbul Law Firm confirms proper signboard declaration, employment opening notices, and company insurance activation via SGK. We also coordinate with the notary for share book certification, decision book registration, and company seal production. As a full-service Turkish Law Firm, we assist companies with optional e-signature and e-invoice registrations. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey reviews final incorporation documents and uploads scanned copies into the MERSIS portal for digital company profiles. With our team, clients receive the tax ID, registry extract, and corporate stamp pack—all within days. Istanbul Law Firm ensures that every legal step aligns with fiscal, operational, and compliance standards.
For investors unable to travel, we prepare full company setup via power of attorney (POA) and sworn translation, executed abroad and couriered to Turkey. Our Turkish Lawyers provide sample POA formats, legalization requirements, and coordinate apostille or consular verification. Istanbul Law Firm confirms legal validity before proceeding with any incorporation act. We act transparently at every step, updating clients with status reports, document previews, and expected delivery dates. Our international experience makes us the go-to Turkish Law Firm for remote incorporation. With our English speaking lawyer in Turkey, distance never delays your business. We deliver registered companies—not excuses or errors.
Tax Office Registration, Bank Account & E-Signature
Once the Trade Registry process is completed, every company must register with the local Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi), a process Istanbul Law Firm handles entirely. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare your company’s official books, tax opening form, and municipal business start declaration. We file these records with the appropriate district office, confirm the tax officer visit, and coordinate registered address confirmation. As a proactive Turkish Law Firm, we also ensure the tax number matches the Trade Registry data and is activated for e-declarations. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey explains tax rates, filing deadlines, withholding rules, and VAT compliance. Istanbul Law Firm introduces each client to a certified public accountant (CPA) who will manage monthly declarations. We also advise on tax planning for initial quarters, deferral of VAT refund, and international transaction recording. With us, your company becomes a compliant, tax-active legal entity without delay.
Our team also coordinates with banks to open corporate accounts, submit signature circulars, and register capital block accounts when needed. Istanbul Law Firm helps clients choose banks that offer English service, online platforms, and trade finance tools. Our Turkish Lawyers assist with KYC form completion, shareholder background verifications, and risk profile assessment. As a reputable Turkish Law Firm, we ensure banks accept your account application without rejection due to documentation gaps. We draft bank introduction letters and coordinate meetings with bank legal teams for specialized setups. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides account summaries and compliance guides to explain Turkish banking expectations. Whether you need TRY, EUR, USD, or multi-currency accounts, Istanbul Law Firm makes setup fast and secure. We are the best lawyer firm in Turkey for legal-bank integration during company establishment.
Finally, we handle the e-signature process for shareholders, directors, and company officers. Our Turkish Lawyers register applicants with e-Government (e-Devlet), submit biometric photo and ID documentation, and activate the e-signature USB token. Istanbul Law Firm provides an onboarding memo explaining how to use e-signature for tax filing, invoice creation, and e-notice responses. As a full-service Turkish Law Firm, we make sure your company is digitally active and legally equipped. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures you never feel lost in Turkish portals or procedures. Istanbul Law Firm combines legal registration with digital readiness—building strong companies for the modern economy.
Employment Law, SGK Compliance & HR Setup
Establishing a company in Turkey isn’t complete without proper HR and employment law planning. Istanbul Law Firm, a respected Turkish Law Firm, helps new employers onboard employees legally—registering with SGK (Social Security Institution), drafting compliant labor contracts, and opening payroll declarations. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare workplace opening declarations, assign employer IDs, and draft job offer letters with full compliance. We explain net/gross salary structures, severance pay rules, and working hour limits under Turkish Labor Law No. 4857. Istanbul Law Firm also provides internal HR documentation, such as leave forms, warning notices, and probation period rules. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps foreign managers understand Turkish employment discipline procedures, mandatory insurance coverage, and termination protocol. Whether hiring 1 employee or 100, we align your HR strategy with labor legislation. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for employer compliance, we help avoid labor court disputes before they start.
We also assist companies with foreign employee hiring—structuring the work permit application, preparing job descriptions, and filing through the Ministry of Labor. Istanbul Law Firm explains quota restrictions, sectoral exemptions, and tax liabilities involved in foreign recruitment. Our Turkish Lawyers draft bilingual contracts and explain labor onboarding to ensure no misstep results in audit fines or permit rejection. We also assist with work permits for founders and shareholder-directors. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey explains labor inspections, employee registration audits, and sector-based obligations for occupational health and safety. Istanbul Law Firm acts as the bridge between global HR practices and Turkish labor enforcement. This thorough HR legal setup is a signature of the Turkish Law Firm you want behind your growth plan.
We advise on outsourcing, consultancy contracts, and freelancer structures to ensure legal control and proper classification. Our Turkish Lawyers guide companies through SGK premium calculations, salary withholding taxes, and mandatory holiday compensation. Istanbul Law Firm prepares payroll memo formats, payslip templates, and time-off approval structures to support audit-readiness. For startups or foreign-managed SMEs, our English speaking lawyer in Turkey coordinates directly with accountants and operations teams. We embed legal compliance into your employment lifecycle—reducing dispute risk, administrative mistakes, and cost. With Istanbul Law Firm, you hire people the legal way, from Day One.
Licensing, Sector Regulation & Commercial Permits
Beyond registration, many businesses in Turkey require additional licenses to operate legally. Istanbul Law Firm identifies and obtains sector-specific approvals—whether it's tourism licenses, F&B permits, export declarations, or e-commerce ETBIS registration. Our Turkish Lawyers coordinate with municipal offices, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Health, and other authorities depending on your activity code (NACE). As a leading Turkish Law Firm, we handle food safety reports, fire safety approvals, signage licenses, and public health inspections. We prepare company zoning confirmations and submit applications for special sectors like education, tech parks, or regulated finance. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey communicates all regulatory requirements clearly and helps you avoid surprise shutdowns or fines. Istanbul Law Firm ensures your company not only exists—but operates with full authorization.
For online and cross-border businesses, we file domain registration, ETBIS compliance, and distance sales contract formatting in line with Turkish e-commerce law. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare privacy policies, refund rights, and consumer rights declarations as required by the Ministry of Trade. We support fintech, logistics, and software-as-a-service providers with platform license setup and anti-fraud compliance. As a digitally aware Turkish Law Firm, we help online companies launch lawfully and scale safely. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports cross-jurisdictional businesses in aligning their foreign terms of service with Turkish standards. Istanbul Law Firm makes regulatory approval a launchpad—not a limitation.
We also track renewal deadlines, legal updates, and audit risks for licensed businesses. Our Turkish Lawyers provide yearly regulatory audit support and defense representation in case of administrative investigation. With Istanbul Law Firm managing your license lifecycle, your business remains legally protected at all times. That’s why we’re known as the best lawyer firm in Turkey for ongoing regulatory support.
Branch, Liaison Office & Foreign Company Expansion
Foreign companies expanding into Turkey can open branches, liaison offices, or subsidiaries—each with different legal and tax profiles. Istanbul Law Firm, a globally recognized Turkish Law Firm, helps foreign entities choose and establish the ideal structure for their goals. Our Turkish Lawyers explain whether a branch (şube) with commercial activity or a liaison office (irtibat bürosu) for market research fits your needs. We prepare authorization certificates, parent company board resolutions, and registration paperwork for Ministry of Industry and Technology approval. Liaison offices must renew their activity license periodically and cannot engage in sales—we handle those renewals and compliance declarations. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares bilingual filings and translates corporate documents under apostille for legal use. Istanbul Law Firm advises multinationals in tech, finance, manufacturing, and energy. Our experience streamlines your international entry. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for corporate expansion, we make foreign presence simple and legal.
We also prepare fiscal representations, trade registry filings, tax opening declarations, and manage interaction with local CPAs. Our Turkish Lawyers help establish banking relations, payroll infrastructure, and employment contracts for staff in Turkish branches. Istanbul Law Firm ensures that foreign HQs maintain control while complying with Turkish tax and labor law. As a detail-focused Turkish Law Firm, we manage every signature, registration, and deadline. We monitor currency regulations, dividend repatriation, and foreign capital reporting to the Central Bank. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey bridges corporate governance with local law. Whether expanding from the EU, Middle East, Asia or North America, Istanbul Law Firm localizes your vision.
For liaison offices planning to evolve into commercial branches, we advise on legal transformation, Ministry permission, and contract structuring. Our Turkish Lawyers file exit statements, prepare commercial code upgrades, and re-register fiscal data. Istanbul Law Firm builds compliant multi-entity structures with long-term legal planning. That’s why global brands partner with the best lawyer firm in Turkey when entering Turkish markets.
Post-Registration Legal Services & Long-Term Strategy
After your company is established, Istanbul Law Firm remains your long-term legal advisor for everything from HR compliance to expansion planning. Our Turkish Lawyers handle board meeting resolutions, capital increases, address changes, shareholder transfers, and more. We draft internal policies, code of ethics, privacy protocols, and employment standards for legal resilience. As your Turkish Law Firm, we ensure every structural change is legally registered and strategically aligned. Our team prepares filings with the Trade Registry, tax office, and notary. We also monitor deadlines for annual filings, meeting notices, and mandatory e-notice accounts. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey communicates with your HQ, local team, and regulatory contacts—all bilingually. Istanbul Law Firm provides monthly legal support packages to ensure you never fall out of compliance. We don’t disappear after registration—we stay, guide, and protect.
We also help plan business expansion via new branches, subsidiaries, or partnerships. Our Turkish Lawyers draft M&A documents, conduct legal due diligence, and structure acquisition transactions. As a forward-looking Turkish Law Firm, we integrate commercial and immigration law for investor-directors or expat hires. We provide legal forecasts to anticipate market trends, labor shifts, or compliance rule changes. Istanbul Law Firm builds durable legal architecture—flexible enough for growth but strict enough for audits. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps set internal training and contract renewal cycles. Legal continuity is not an extra—it’s our mission.
Our legal support allows you to operate confidently in real estate, import/export, tech, services, or manufacturing. Istanbul Law Firm’s full-cycle legal services protect what you build. We’re not just a firm—we’re your Turkish business’s legal DNA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can foreigners establish a company in Turkey? – Yes. Foreigners can fully own Turkish companies or act as shareholders/directors under Turkish Commercial Code.
- What is the minimum capital required? – 50,000 TRY for an LLC and 250,000 TRY for a Joint Stock Company (AŞ).
- Do I need to be in Turkey for registration? – No. With a notarized POA, our Turkish Lawyers can establish your company remotely.
- How long does it take to open a company? – Generally 3–7 business days with all documents prepared properly. Istanbul Law Firm expedites the process.
- Can I apply for a work permit through my own company? – Yes. We help foreign directors apply for self-sponsor work permits after incorporation.
- Is company formation enough for residence? – Not by itself. But it is a solid ground for work permit or investor residency with legal planning.
- Do I need a Turkish partner? – No. 100% foreign ownership is allowed unless the sector is restricted by regulation.
- What is MERSIS? – It’s the Turkish Central Registration System. All incorporation steps are recorded and processed digitally.
- What documents are required? – Passport, POA, company name, activity scope, office address, capital amount, and shareholder details.
- Can I open a bank account as a foreign shareholder? – Yes. We assist in preparing all KYC, translations, and authorized signature records.
- Do you handle post-registration services? – Absolutely. We manage tax, HR, contracts, SGK, license filing and more.
- Who is the best lawyer for company setup in Turkey? – Istanbul Law Firm—recognized as the best lawyer firm in Turkey for full-cycle company establishment.
Contact Our Turkish Company Formation Lawyers Today
Launching a business in Turkey? Istanbul Law Firm offers end-to-end legal solutions—from choosing your entity to full registration, permits, and ongoing compliance. Our Turkish Lawyers guide you through every step of company formation with transparency, speed, and bilingual service. Work with the best lawyer firm in Turkey to protect your investment from day one. Contact our English speaking lawyer in Turkey to schedule a free consultation and build your business legally.
