Company Incorporation in Turkey is often the first legal step for founders, investors, and international groups that need a clear operating or holding structure in Turkey. The right setup affects liability, contracts, tax positioning, banking readiness, reporting duties, and future licensing work. Bergers Legal can help assess the structure before documents are filed.
What is Company Incorporation in Turkey?
Company Incorporation in Turkey is the process of forming a legal entity under the laws of Turkey. The choice of entity, shareholders, directors, registered office, and governance documents affects how the business can contract, open accounts, hold assets, and meet reporting duties. Bergers Legal can guide the setup and document preparation process.
Who this service is for
- Foreign founders planning to start or expand a business in Turkey.
- Holding, trading, consulting, technology, fintech, or investment businesses that need a legal entity.
- Groups comparing jurisdictions for tax, governance, substance, reporting, and banking readiness.
- Entrepreneurs who need company documents prepared consistently for banks, partners, or future licensing.
- Existing businesses restructuring ownership or adding an international entity.
What problem this service helps solve
A company can be incorporated quickly on paper, but problems usually appear later if the entity type, ownership file, registered address, articles, accounting duties, or bank-readiness pack do not match the business plan. A careful incorporation process reduces avoidable friction with banks, counterparties, tax advisers, and local authorities.
How Bergers Legal can assist
- Reviewing the proposed business model, ownership structure, and target markets before documents are prepared.
- Identifying the documents, compliance policies, and corporate records that are usually expected for the case.
- Coordinating local counsel, registered agent, or filing support where local execution is required.
- Preparing or reviewing corporate, compliance, and application materials so they are consistent and regulator-ready.
- Guiding follow-up questions, corrections, and post-setup compliance steps without promising a final approval outcome.
Step-by-step process
- Initial consultation and business model review.
- Selection of the most suitable company structure in Turkey.
- Shareholder, director, UBO, and governance document preparation.
- Name, registered office, and registered agent or local filing coordination where required.
- Incorporation filing and review of issued corporate documents.
- Post-incorporation support for bank readiness, compliance records, and next legal steps.
Documents and information usually required
- Passport copies and proof of address for shareholders, directors, and beneficial owners.
- Proposed company name, activities, ownership percentages, and management structure.
- Source-of-funds or source-of-wealth information where banks or agents request it.
- Registered office, local agent, or local representative information where applicable.
- Corporate documents for any shareholder that is a legal entity.
- Business plan or short activity description for banking and compliance review.
Estimated timeline
The timeline for company Incorporation in Turkey depends on name checks, document collection, local filing speed, notarization or apostille requirements, and whether the structure involves corporate shareholders. Bergers Legal can outline a realistic sequence after reviewing the ownership and activity profile.
Costs and pricing factors
Costs usually depend on the entity type, registered office or agent requirements, document legalization, number of shareholders and directors, local filing fees, tax or accounting support, urgency, and any post-incorporation banking or compliance assistance.
Risks and mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a jurisdiction before confirming the real operating model, client geography, and compliance burden.
- Submitting generic AML/KYC or corporate documents that do not match the actual activities of the business.
- Underestimating substance, governance, reporting, renewal, or ongoing compliance requirements.
- Starting bank, payment provider, or regulator discussions before the ownership and source-of-funds file is complete.
- Treating timelines and costs as fixed when they depend on third-party review, regulator questions, and document quality.
Detailed jurisdiction notes
Turkey is one of the most strategically positioned economies in the world, connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Due to its geographical location and rapidly developing infrastructure, company incorporation in Turkey has become increasingly attractive for international entrepreneurs and investors.
As a G20 country, Turkey provides direct access to large international markets and serves as an important trade hub linking Europe with the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Gulf region. Companies established in Turkey often use the country as a base for regional operations, manufacturing, logistics, and international trade.
For investors planning to incorporate a company in Turkey, the jurisdiction offers a relatively simple registration process, competitive operational costs, and a business environment that welcomes foreign investment.
Advantages of Incorporating a Company in Turkey
Entrepreneurs often choose Turkey company incorporation due to the country’s strong economic potential and favorable business conditions.
Strategic Location
Turkey provides access to several major economic regions including Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Gulf countries.
Investment-Friendly Environment
Foreign investors are allowed to establish companies in Turkey under transparent regulations that provide legal protection for business activities.
Government Incentives
Turkey offers various investment incentive programs for specific sectors such as manufacturing, technology, research and development, and export-oriented industries.
Simple Company Registration
The procedure for registering a company in Turkey is relatively straightforward and may be completed within a short timeframe. In some cases, the incorporation process can also be conducted remotely.
Competitive Business Costs
Compared with many other jurisdictions used by international entrepreneurs, maintaining and servicing a company in Turkey can be relatively cost-efficient.
Corporate Taxation in Turkey
Companies operating in Turkey are subject to the national taxation system.
The key taxes include:
- Corporate income tax — 23%
- Value Added Tax (VAT) — 18%
- Withholding tax for non-residents dividends — 10%
- interest — 10%
- royalties — 20%
Actual tax obligations depend on the type of activity and applicable tax treaties.
Types of Companies in Turkey
When planning company incorporation in Turkey, foreign investors may choose between several legal structures.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A limited liability company is one of the most commonly used business forms for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Joint Stock Company (AŞ)
This structure is usually used for larger businesses, investment projects, or companies planning to attract external investors.
Branch Office
A branch allows a foreign company to operate in Turkey without establishing a separate legal entity.
Representative Office
Representative offices are generally used for non-commercial activities such as marketing research and liaison operations.
Requirements for Company Incorporation in Turkey
To register a company in Turkey, several formal requirements must be met.
Company type: LLC, Joint Stock Company, branch, or representative office
Business activity: at least one main activity must be declared
Shareholders:
minimum one shareholder (individual or legal entity)
Director:
at least one director must be appointed
Minimum share capital
- 10,000 TL for an LLC
- 50,000 TL for a joint stock company
Part of the capital may be paid after registration, while the remaining amount can be contributed within the period allowed by law.
Every company must also have a registered address in Turkey.
How a Non-Resident Can Open a Company in Turkey
Non-residents may establish a business in Turkey in several ways:
- registering a new company remotely
- registering a company while physically present in Turkey
- purchasing a ready-made company
In practice, personal presence can sometimes speed up the process, especially when opening a bank account. Many banks prefer the company director to be present at the branch during the account opening procedure.
The Procedure for Opening a Company and a Bank Account in Turkey for Non-Residents
| Stage description | Timing |
|---|---|
| If you decide to register a company in Turkey remotely, you must prepare and send to Turkey a legalized power of attorney authorizing lawyers to register the company on your behalf. | Depends on the rules of the Turkish Consulate in your country |
| Collection of documents and introductory information about the type of company, field of activity, shareholders and directors, the size of the authorized capital, address and proposed names for the future company. | From 1 to 5 working days |
| Preparation of the Charter and other company documents based on collected information. A meeting is scheduled at the Turkish Chamber of Commerce to sign these documents. | 2–3 working days |
| Meeting at the Turkish Chamber of Commerce. | 1 working day |
| Meeting with a notary to certify circulars signed by company executives and appoint a local accountant. | 1 working day |
| Opening a bank account. | 1–2 working days |
| Tax registration of the Turkish company. | 1 working day |
Ready-Made Company in Turkey
Entrepreneurs who wish to start operating faster may consider purchasing a ready-made company in Turkey. This option allows investors to bypass the full registration timeline and begin business activities more quickly.
The transfer procedure depends on the legal structure of the company and the status of its documentation.
Cost of Company Incorporation in Turkey
According to the available information, the cost of opening a company in Turkey starts from approximately €2,600.
The final cost depends on several factors:
- the chosen registration method
- number of shareholders and directors
- bank account opening requirements
- accounting and legal services
- region of company registration
If all documents are prepared correctly, company incorporation and bank account opening in Turkey may take approximately 5–10 business days.
Next steps
If you are considering Company Incorporation in Turkey, share the business model, ownership structure, target markets, and current documents with Bergers Legal. The team can review the case, identify missing information, and outline practical next steps by Telegram, WhatsApp, email, or consultation request.
