Foreigners can establish a company in Türkiye. Foreign investors hold the same rights as domestic investors. Once the required documents are in order, the formation process can be completed in line with Turkish regulations.
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Company EstablishmentSuitable Jestiyon Packages for Establishing a Company in Turkey
Individual
₺2.799
per month
Perfect for individual entrepreneurs
FEATURES
- Jest Package
- Basic Accounting
- Yearly 1000 e-Invoice, e-Archive credits
- Digital Accounting
- Digital Trademark Registration Analysis
Corporate
₺5.999
per month
Complete solution for businesses
FEATURES
- Jest Package
- Basic Accounting
- Yearly 1.000 e-Invoice, e-Archive credits
- Digital Accounting
- e-Ledger Application, Submission, and Storage
Jest Package
₺8.999- * The Jest package is a one-time setup fee.
- * The Jest Package will be provided free of charge for your 12-month commitment.
- * In case of company closure, this fee will not be charged as Termination Fee.
Establishing a Company in Turkey
Establishing a company in Turkey involves selecting the company type, drafting the articles of association and registering with the trade registry. Tax registration is also completed at this stage.
To set up a company in Turkey, the registered address is declared, the scope of activity is selected and the capital is planned. When all documents are submitted in full, the registration process is completed quickly.
Once formation is complete, the company gains legal personality and can officially begin operations.
Who Can Establish a Company in Turkey?
Both natural and legal persons may apply to establish a company by submitting the required documents. Foreigners can establish a company in Turkey, and foreign investors have the same rights as domestic investors.
Residency is not required to establish a company in Turkey; however, the registered address and the authorised representative's details must be declared. The process varies depending on the scope of activity and the company type chosen.
What Are the Advantages of Establishing a Company in Turkey?
Establishing a company in Turkey offers strategic advantages in terms of both local market access and regional trade opportunities. The benefits cover cost, geographic location and legal infrastructure. The main advantages are:
1
Strategic Location
Provides access to European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
2
Competitive Formation Costs
Involves lower start-up costs compared to many other countries.
3
Large Domestic Market
Offers high consumption potential thanks to a dynamic and young population.
4
Legal Certainty
Provides a corporate structure regulated under the Turkish Commercial Code.
5
Incentives and Support
Investment and export incentives are available in selected sectors.
Which Company Type Is Right for You in Turkey?
Company types in Turkey consist of three main structures: sole proprietorship, limited liability company, and joint-stock company. The choice is determined by tax rate, capital requirements, and legal liability. The field of activity, partnership structure, and growth target determine which company type is suitable.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is the fastest and most affordable option for entrepreneurs who want to establish a company in Turkey. It can be set up by a single person and the formation process is usually completed quickly.
A sole proprietorship is subject to income tax and the owner is personally liable for business debts. Accounting and declaration obligations are simpler than other capital companies.
It is preferred for freelance activities, small-scale trade, and new ventures. Transition to other company types is possible as business volume grows.
Limited & Joint-Stock Company
Limited and joint-stock companies are two capital-based models among company types in Turkey. Both structures gain legal personality and partners' liability is limited to their capital contribution.
A limited company can be established with at least one partner and is a common choice for small and medium-sized businesses. A joint-stock company is more suitable for receiving investment and share transfers thanks to its divided capital structure.
Capital requirements, management structure, and growth target determine the preference between these two company types.
What Are the Requirements for Establishing a Company in Turkey?
Establishing a company in Turkey requires meeting certain legal and administrative obligations. The requirements may vary depending on the company type and field of activity.
The formation process includes the following key requirements:
- Choosing the Company Type: A sole-proprietorship, limited liability or joint-stock structure is selected based on the scope of activity.
- Registered Address Declaration: An official address must be provided to the trade registry on behalf of the company.
- Articles of Association: A company agreement covering the partnership structure and scope of activity is drafted.
- Capital Planning: The minimum capital is determined based on the chosen company type.
- Trade Registry Registration: The official registration application is made together with the formation documents.
- Tax Registration: After registration, the tax office record is opened and the taxpayer obligation begins.
What Documents Are Required to Establish a Company in Turkey?
The documents required to establish a company in Turkey are determined according to the chosen company type and partnership structure. Preparing these documents completely ensures that registration procedures proceed quickly and smoothly. The main documents requested during the application stage are:
- Identity Documents: Copies of identity cards or passports of the company founders.
- Residence Information: Up-to-date address declaration of the partners.
- Articles of Association: Company agreement covering the scope of activity and partnership structure.
- Signature Declaration: Notarised signature declaration of the authorised person or persons.
- Capital Declaration: Bank receipt or capital block letter showing the capital amount (if required).
- Address Agreement: Lease agreement or title deed photocopy for the company headquarters.
How to Establish a Company in Turkey: Step-by-Step
Establishing a company in Turkey is a multi-stage official registration process carried out under the Turkish Commercial Code. The formation begins with choosing the company type and drafting the articles of association.
Formation documents are prepared via MERSİS and the registration application is submitted to the trade registry.
Once registration is complete, tax records are opened and the company's tax certificate is issued.
Depending on the scope of activity, SSI, e-invoice and other electronic-system registrations are completed.
Once all steps are complete, the company gains legal personality and can begin trading officially.
Company Formation Process Timeline
Below you can find the average completion times of the formation process and approval stages, based on the company type you choose.
Same Day
Determining the Company Type
Company Opening Application
Day 2 - 3
Tax Office Commencement Notification / Inspection Process
7 Business Days
Tax Certificate / Inspection Approval
How Many Days Does It Take to Establish a Company in Turkey with Jestiyon?
Company formation in Turkey can typically be completed within a few business days when documents are complete and the MERSİS application is filed correctly. With Jestiyon, your application is managed with professional support from start to finish.
Once the registration application is submitted to the trade registry, approval time may vary based on workload and completeness of the documents submitted. Tax-office registration and subsequent operational steps are also completed with Jestiyon's coordination.
How Does the Process Continue After Establishing a Company in Turkey?
After company registration is complete, the tax certificate is issued and the company's taxpayer obligation begins. Following tax-office registration, obligations and the contracting process are managed.
Next, e-signature, e-invoice and e-archive system applications are made. SSI workplace registration and employee notifications are completed if applicable.
Once these steps are complete, the company transitions to regular declaration and operations in full compliance with regulations.
How Much Does It Cost to Establish a Company in Turkey?
The cost of establishing a company in Turkey depends on the company type, capital amount and official fees. Trade-registry fees, notary expenses and tax-registration charges make up the total cost. Sole proprietorships have lower start-up costs, while limited and joint-stock companies require minimum capital.
Monthly Costs After Company Formation in Turkey
The cost of establishing a company in Turkey is not limited to formation expenses. Once the company begins operating, regular accounting service fees and legal declaration obligations arise. VAT, advance tax and SSI premiums are paid monthly or periodically.
After the requirements for setting up a company are fulfilled, rent or a registered address fee also becomes a fixed expense item. When employees are hired, salary and insurance premium costs are added.
The total monthly cost varies according to company type and volume of activity.
Start Establishing Your Company Today with Jestiyon!
Setting up a company in Turkey is a process that can be completed quickly with proper planning and complete document management. Choosing the company type, trade-registry registration and tax registration should be handled professionally.
Setting up a company online in Turkey moves the application process into the digital environment and reduces the physical paperwork burden. Completing the formation stages in compliance with regulations minimises future legal and tax risks.
To move forward safely and completely, you can start your company-formation process in Turkey with Jestiyon.
Get Started Now
Establishing a Company
In Turkey
Can foreigners establish a company in Türkiye?
Is a physical office mandatory in Türkiye?
Among the requirements to set up a company in Türkiye is providing a legal address. Renting a physical office is not mandatory. Virtual or shared office solutions can be used as the legal registered address.
Is it possible to establish a company in Türkiye with a virtual office?
Setting up a company online in Türkiye and declaring a virtual office address is possible. A legal contract and address declaration are required. This approach is a practical solution, especially for new ventures.
How long does it take for a Turkish company to become active?
The Turkish company-formation process is generally completed within a few business days. Preparing the documents in full speeds up the process. The company becomes officially active once it is registered.
When is the tax certificate issued?
The tax certificate (vergi levhası) is issued once the company's tax registration is completed. It is generated by the relevant tax office following the trade-registry entry, and is typically available right after the formation process.
How is establishing a company in Türkiye evaluated in terms of tax burden?
Setting up a company in Türkiye involves obligations such as corporate tax and VAT. Tax rates are set by regulation. With the right structuring, effective tax planning is possible.
Is establishing a company in Türkiye advantageous compared to abroad?
Establishing a company in Türkiye offers low start-up costs and a large domestic market. The geographic location creates strategic export opportunities. The advantages may vary by sector.
What happens if the wrong company type is chosen in Türkiye?
Company types differ in terms of capital structure and liability scope. The wrong choice can create financial and legal risks. A change of company type is possible later, but it may bring additional costs.
Can you change your company-formation service package later?
Packages offered as part of the Turkish company-formation service can be updated according to changing needs. The scope can be expanded while the process is still in progress. Changes are planned according to contract terms.
What is the minimum capital required to establish a company in Türkiye?
The minimum capital required to set up a company in Türkiye depends on the company type:
- Sole proprietorships have no minimum capital requirement.
- Limited companies require a minimum of TRY 50,000.
- Joint-stock companies require a minimum of TRY 250,000.
Is opening a bank account mandatory to establish a company in Türkiye?
Opening a bank account is not always mandatory for company formation in Türkiye. However, for company types that involve a capital commitment (especially joint-stock and some limited companies), a bank account may be required for the capital transaction. Once the company begins operating, opening a bank account becomes a practical necessity for invoicing, collections and payments.
Does establishing a company in Türkiye grant a residence permit?
Setting up a company in Türkiye does not automatically grant a residence permit. However, foreigners who are partners or directors in the company can apply for a residence permit by documenting their company activity. Residence-permit applications are evaluated separately by the Directorate of Migration Management, with the company formation serving only as supporting documentation.