Setting up a business in Turkey requires not only commercial ambition, but also precise legal compliance with the Turkish Commercial Code, Tax Law, and foreign investment regulations. Whether you are forming a new company, opening a branch, or investing in an existing enterprise, legal structure is everything. At Istanbul Law Firm, our experienced company formation lawyers in Turkey assist global entrepreneurs, startups, and corporate clients with full legal representation from company registration to post-licensing procedures.
As a premier Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey for international business establishment, we provide bilingual legal services for LLC formation in Turkey, joint ventures, holding companies, and sector-specific setups. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey guide you through selecting the right structure, drafting articles of association, securing a legal representative in Turkey, and registering with tax, social security, and trade registry authorities.
Istanbul Law Firm offers fast, compliant, and strategically sound legal services for those asking how to open a company in Turkey. Related: Step-by-Step Guide to Company Formation in Turkey, Legal Essentials for Foreigners Starting a Business in Turkey
Legal Structures for Setting Up a Business in Turkey
Foreigners establishing a business in Turkey may choose from several legal structures, each with different legal, tax, and operational implications. The most common options are Limited Liability Company (LLC), Joint Stock Company (AŞ), branch office, liaison office, and joint venture partnerships. At Istanbul Law Firm, our experienced company formation lawyers in Turkey help clients determine the most strategic entity type based on capital requirements, investor liability, sector-specific licenses, and international tax optimization.
Our expert Turkish Lawyers prepare bilingual company documents, draft articles of association, and coordinate with notaries, trade registries, and tax authorities to complete the formation within days. We also advise on governance models, shareholding rights, board appointment, and capital declarations. For startups and SMEs, we offer streamlined LLC formation in Turkey including business address registration, bank account setup, and VAT activation. For larger groups, we structure joint ventures and international holding companies under Turkish and international law.
As a business-oriented Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey, Istanbul Law Firm ensures your company is not only registered—but legally protected and scalable from day one. Related: LLC vs. Joint Stock Company: Which is Right for You?, Overview of Legal Business Structures in Turkey
Step-by-Step Process for Company Registration in Turkey
The process of setting up a company in Turkey involves a series of legal and administrative steps, from preparing incorporation documents to registering with the Trade Registry and Tax Office. At Istanbul Law Firm, our company formation lawyers in Turkey manage the full company establishment timeline—usually completed in 3 to 7 working days. We assist clients with notarization, online registration through MERSIS, obtaining tax numbers, and coordinating with banks for initial capital deposits.
Our team of Turkish Lawyers ensures legal accuracy at every stage—starting with trade name reservation, office lease drafting, and capital structure determination. We also guide foreign clients on how to obtain a legal representative in Turkey, prepare apostilled powers of attorney, and translate/shareholder documents for seamless filing. Whether you’re registering an LLC in Turkey, a branch of a foreign company, or a new startup, we make the process fully compliant and language-accessible.
As a proactive Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey for commercial formation, Istanbul Law Firm streamlines the question of how to open a company in Turkey into a reliable, lawyer-driven checklist. Related: Company Registration Process in Turkey: Explained, Trade Registry Legal Rules and Procedures
Licensing, Tax, and Sector-Specific Compliance
After company registration, businesses in Turkey must obtain relevant licenses, tax IDs, and sector approvals before commencing operations. Depending on your industry—such as food, e-commerce, consultancy, or construction—additional documentation and ministry approvals may be mandatory. At Istanbul Law Firm, our company formation lawyers in Turkey assist clients in acquiring operating licenses, VAT registrations, municipal permits, and sector-specific clearances.
Our Turkish Lawyers coordinate with tax offices, trade chambers, customs authorities, and municipalities to ensure your business is fully compliant from day one. We also advise on company tax obligations, including corporate tax, income withholding, stamp duty, and digital services tax. For foreign shareholders, we offer customized tax planning and structuring advice aligned with your country’s double taxation treaties. Our legal team also monitors deadlines for commercial registry updates, address notifications, and license renewals.
As a compliance-driven Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey, Istanbul Law Firm ensures that setting up a business in Turkey meets not only legal formality—but real operational readiness. Related: Which Licenses Are Required for Your Business in Turkey?, Tax and VAT Compliance After Company Registration
Foreign Shareholders, Director Appointment, and POA Setup
Foreign nationals can fully own companies in Turkey, including 100% ownership of Limited Liability Companies (LLC) or Joint Stock Companies (AŞ). However, to comply with corporate governance law, foreign shareholders must appoint at least one legal representative based in Turkey to handle operational and tax matters. At Istanbul Law Firm, our company formation lawyers in Turkey prepare powers of attorney (POA), board resolutions, and identity verifications to support foreign ownership and director appointments.
Our Turkish Lawyers handle the preparation and notarization of bilingual POAs for shareholders abroad, enabling remote company setup without travel to Turkey. We also register directors with the Trade Registry, Social Security Institution, and tax authorities, ensuring alignment with the company’s internal structure and commercial scope. For multinational groups and joint venture partners, we draft partnership agreements, share transfer protocols, and capital contribution declarations tailored to international compliance standards.
As a globally connected Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey, Istanbul Law Firm provides secure legal representation for foreign investors establishing or managing companies in Turkey. Related: Rules for Foreign Shareholders and Directors in Turkish Companies, Power of Attorney for Turkish Company Establishment: Legal Guide
Branch Offices, Liaison Offices, and Holding Companies
In addition to forming standalone companies, foreign enterprises may establish branch offices, liaison (representative) offices, or Turkish holding companies for regulatory and tax efficiency. Each legal structure offers different rights—branches may conduct commercial activity, while liaison offices are limited to non-commercial functions like market research or coordination. At Istanbul Law Firm, our company formation lawyers in Turkey guide clients on the best entity type for their operational goals, liability exposure, and regulatory framework.
Our Turkish Lawyers prepare bilingual charter documents, obtain approvals from the Ministry of Trade and Investment Authority (if needed), and file registration with the relevant trade and tax offices. We also advise on converting liaison offices into full commercial entities and creating legal structures for holding ownership across multiple Turkish subsidiaries. For multinational clients, we coordinate parent company approvals, international audits, and capital registration requirements.
As a corporate structuring expert Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey, Istanbul Law Firm enables foreign entities to establish a long-term, compliant, and scalable presence in Turkey. Related: Branch vs. LLC: Choosing the Right Structure, Liaison Office Setup and Function in Turkish Law
Post-Incorporation Legal Services and Corporate Maintenance
Once your company is established in Turkey, it must comply with ongoing corporate obligations including tax filings, regulatory notifications, board resolutions, and annual general meetings. At Istanbul Law Firm, our company formation lawyers in Turkey provide comprehensive post-incorporation services to ensure your business remains legally compliant and fully functional. We support startups, SMEs, and multinational subsidiaries with day-to-day legal needs, corporate housekeeping, and risk management protocols.
Our Turkish Lawyers draft and file company amendments, manage shareholder changes, update capital records, and represent clients in administrative audits or tax inspections. We also prepare intercompany agreements, employment contracts, and cross-border licensing documents. For growth-stage businesses, we guide restructuring, foreign investor onboarding, and compliance with sector-specific authorities such as E-Commerce Directorate, Tourism Board, or Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA).
As a full-lifecycle Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey, Istanbul Law Firm ensures that setting up a business in Turkey is not just an entry point—but a sustainable legal platform for long-term success. Related: What Happens After Your Company Is Registered?, Ongoing Legal Obligations for Turkish Companies
Why Istanbul Law Firm Is the Best Lawyer Firm in Turkey for Company Formation
Establishing a company in a foreign jurisdiction requires more than filling out forms—it demands legal foresight, multilingual coordination, and regulatory compliance from day one. Istanbul Law Firm stands out as the best lawyer firm in Turkey for company formation, offering end-to-end legal services for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate groups. Our bilingual Turkish Lawyers handle formation, licensing, tax setup, shareholder structuring, and sector-specific advisory with speed, transparency, and global standards.
We’ve helped clients from over 30 countries launch companies in Turkey in industries ranging from fintech and logistics to tourism and real estate. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey simplify complex procedures, handle POA-based remote registration, and offer clear communication with embassies, banks, and local authorities. Whether you're asking how to open a company in Turkey or need custom startup legal services in Turkey, we are your single legal contact for everything commercial.
As a leading Turkish Law Firm trusted by global founders and investors, Istanbul Law Firm delivers fast, fully compliant, and legally secure company setup in Turkey. Related: Why Clients Choose Istanbul Law Firm to Start Their Business in Turkey, Who Are the Best Company Formation Lawyers in Turkey?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can foreigners open a company in Turkey? – Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a Turkish company. Our company formation lawyers in Turkey handle every legal step, including POA-based remote setups.
- What is the most common company type in Turkey? – The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most preferred due to its flexibility and low capital threshold. We guide full LLC formation in Turkey.
- How long does it take to register a company? – Typically 3–7 working days. Istanbul Law Firm ensures fast and error-free commercial registration.
- What documents are required for foreign shareholders? – Passport copies, tax ID, power of attorney, and address proof. We prepare all translations and apostilles for you.
- Can I open a company remotely without coming to Turkey? – Yes. With a notarized POA, our English speaking lawyers in Turkey can complete everything on your behalf.
- Do I need a Turkish partner to open a company? – No. 100% foreign ownership is legally allowed in almost all sectors. We also assist in joint ventures where desired.
- What licenses are needed after registration? – This depends on your business activity. We secure sectoral licenses and notify municipal authorities accordingly.
- Can I hire employees immediately after company formation? – Yes, but proper SGK registration and payroll setup are required. We ensure you remain compliant with labor laws.
- What are the tax obligations after opening a company? – Corporate tax, VAT, withholding, and stamp duty may apply. Our legal team coordinates with CPAs for full compliance.
- Do I need a legal representative in Turkey? – Yes, especially if all shareholders are foreign. We help you appoint a trusted legal representative.
- Can I open a branch or liaison office instead of a new company? – Yes. We assist with branch registration in Turkey and Ministry approvals for liaison offices.
- Who is the best lawyer firm in Turkey for company formation? – Istanbul Law Firm—a best lawyer firm in Turkey—trusted by global entrepreneurs and foreign investors for secure business setup.
Contact Our Turkish Company Formation Lawyers Today
Ready to launch your business in Turkey? Istanbul Law Firm offers fast, secure, and fully compliant company formation services for foreign investors, startups, and global enterprises. Our expert Turkish Lawyers manage everything—from POA setup and trade registry filings to licensing, taxation, and legal representation. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for business law, we ensure your new company is legally protected and ready to operate from day one. Contact our English speaking lawyers in Turkey today to begin.
