Company Registration in Turkey
By Burak Ünal, Founder & Managing Partner, Gordion Partners
· · 6 min read
In short
Company registration in Turkey for foreigners: we advise and coordinate; filings, notary, bookkeeping and tax returns are done by licensed professionals.

Contents
Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs
Our step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs begins with the initial phase of business registration, where we assist you in choosing the most suitable legal structure for your company, whether it's a limited liability company (LLC), joint-stock company, or branch office. We provide detailed insights into each type of entity, helping you understand the benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision. Once the structure is chosen, we coordinate the preparation of the necessary documents, including the articles of association, the registration application and the required forms, with the licensed professionals (mali müşavir) who file them. By ensuring that all paperwork is meticulously completed and submitted, we eliminate potential delays and obstacles, allowing you to move forward with confidence and clarity. After establishing the legal structure, our next step is to facilitate the opening of a corporate bank account for your business. This crucial phase involves liaising with local banks, guiding you through the documentation requirements, and ensuring compliance with Turkey's banking regulations. We provide support in gathering and submitting essential documents such as identification, proof of address, and company registration certificates. By leveraging our relationships with major financial institutions, we expedite the account opening process, making it hassle-free. With a corporate bank account in place, you can seamlessly manage your business transactions, salaries, and operational expenses, giving you a robust financial foundation to support your business activities in Turkey. The final step in our guide is ensuring that your business is fully compliant with Turkish tax and regulatory obligations. We assist you in registering for a tax identification number, which is mandatory for all businesses operating in Turkey. As general information, the main taxes to plan for are corporate tax, VAT and social security contributions; a licensed accountant (mali müşavir) advises on your company's own tax position. Additionally, we support you in understanding and meeting your ongoing reporting and filing requirements, ensuring that you maintain good standing with Turkish authorities. By keeping you updated on any legislative changes and providing continuous compliance support, we help you avoid legal complications and penalties, allowing you to operate smoothly and focus on growing your business in the Turkish market.Legal Requirements and Procedures
Ensuring compliance with the legal requirements and procedures is crucial for a smooth and successful company registration in Turkey. Our services begin with a thorough understanding of the different types of business entities available, such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Joint Stock Companies (JSCs), and branch offices, each with its own set of regulations. We assist you in choosing the most suitable structure based on your business goals and objectives. We coordinate every step, from the Articles of Association and their notarization to the approvals and registrations with local authorities, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Tax Office, which are carried out by licensed professionals (mali müşavir). By planning these steps carefully, we help you avoid complexities and potential pitfalls as your company is established within the legal framework of Turkey. In addition to entity selection and foundational document preparation, we provide comprehensive support for fulfilling Turkey's regulatory requirements, such as securing your company's tax identification number and registering for the mandatory Electronic Notification System (E-Tebligat). Our team stays abreast of the latest legal changes, ensuring that your company remains in full compliance with Turkish laws. Required financial statements and other fiscal obligations are prepared and filed by certified public accountants (mali müşavir), with whom we coordinate. Beyond initial setup, we offer ongoing management consulting on annual reporting and employment law obligations, so you can operate your business smoothly and confidently. By coordinating these critical tasks with experienced, licensed professionals, you can rest assured that your company will navigate the regulatory landscape of Turkey with ease and precision. Recognizing that the bureaucratic maze can often be overwhelming, we advise on and coordinate every administrative step of company registration, with the filings made by licensed professionals (mali müşavir). We provide assistance with obtaining necessary work permits and residence permits for foreign employees and managing the registration of your company's physical address. For businesses that require special operating licenses, such as import-export certificates or sector-specific permissions, we navigate the intricate application processes with expertise. Our aim is to ensure that no detail is overlooked, offering you a worry-free experience as you establish your business in Turkey. Ultimately, our thorough and proactive approach guarantees that your company not only meets all regulatory standards but is also well-positioned for long-term success in the Turkish market.Maximizing Business Opportunities
One of the key components of our company set-up advisory in Turkey is helping you maximize business opportunities from the get-go. Our team conducts thorough market research and feasibility studies to provide you with crucial insights into the local market, identifying potential opportunities and challenges. By leveraging our extensive network of local contacts and industry experts, we help you forge valuable connections that can pave the way for strategic partnerships and collaborations. This proactive approach ensures that your business is not only compliant with local laws but also positioned to thrive in Turkey's dynamic and diverse market landscape. In addition to market research and networking, our services extend to assisting you with financial planning and investment strategies to ensure your business is equipped with the necessary resources from the outset. We provide guidance on sourcing local funding options, grants, and incentives available to new businesses in Turkey, helping you to make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. We stay available for management consulting, while licensed accountants (mali müşavir) handle your company's bookkeeping and tax compliance. With our financial expertise, we empower your business to establish a strong, sustainable foundation and capitalize on growth opportunities in this vibrant market. Beyond financial planning, our services also encompass a comprehensive range of administrative support that is crucial for the smooth operation of your business in Turkey. From obtaining necessary licenses and permits to facilitating the opening of bank accounts and setting up local offices, we coordinate the details that help your business become fully operational. We assist with hiring local talent, offering guidance on labor laws and human resources management to help you build a competent, motivated team. Our ongoing administrative support means you can focus on your core business activities while we manage the logistical aspects, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. By entrusting us with these critical functions, you can seamlessly integrate into the Turkish business environment and swiftly respond to market demands.Related services
The information on this page is general and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Rules, amounts and procedures change; contact us to confirm the current requirements before you act.






