Business Consulting for Foreign Companies in Turkey
In short
Foreigners can set up a limited company (Ltd. Şti.) or a joint-stock company (A.Ş.) in Turkey. The minimum share capital is TRY 50,000 for a limited company and TRY 250,000 for a joint-stock company, and the general corporate tax rate is 25%. We advise on the company type, the formation steps and running the company afterwards. Company registration and accounting work are carried out by licensed professionals (mali müşavir), with whom we coordinate.
By Burak Ünal, Founder & Managing Partner, Gordion Partners · Updated
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Minimum capital, Ltd. Şti.
- TRY 50,000, since 1 January 2024 (Presidential Decision No. 7887)Source: Resmî Gazete, resmigazete.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Minimum capital, A.Ş.
- TRY 250,000; TRY 500,000 initial capital for a non-public A.Ş. under the registered capital systemSource: Resmî Gazete, resmigazete.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Existing companies
- Must raise their capital to the new minimum by 31 December 2026, or they are deemed dissolvedSource: Resmî Gazete, resmigazete.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Shareholders
- An A.Ş. can be founded with a single shareholder; a Ltd. Şti. has 1 to 50 partners (Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102)Source: mevzuat.gov.tr (Law No. 6102) (opens in a new tab)
- Corporate tax
- 25% general rate; 30% for banks and other financial-sector companies; 12.5% on qualifying manufacturing income from the 2027 tax periodSource: Resmî Gazete, resmigazete.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
Each figure links to its official source. Rules change, so we confirm the current position before you act.
Who it is for
- Foreign entrepreneurs opening a company in Turkey
- Foreign companies setting up a subsidiary in Turkey
- Existing companies that must raise their capital to the new minimum by 31 December 2026
Company formation in Turkey: limited company or joint-stock company
Foreign individuals and companies can set up a limited company (Ltd. Şti.) or a joint-stock company (A.Ş.) in Turkey. As advisors, we help you choose the type and coordinate the formation; the registration filings, the notarial steps, the bookkeeping and the tax returns are done by licensed professionals.
Limited company and joint-stock company compared (as of October 2026)
Founders
- Limited company (Ltd. Şti.)
- 1 to 50 partners, individuals or companies
- Joint-stock company (A.Ş.)
- One or more shareholders; a single shareholder is allowed
Minimum share capital
- Limited company (Ltd. Şti.)
- TRY 50,000
- Joint-stock company (A.Ş.)
- TRY 250,000; TRY 500,000 initial capital for a non-public A.Ş. under the registered capital system
Companies founded before 2024
- Limited company (Ltd. Şti.)
- Must raise their capital to TRY 50,000 by 31 December 2026, or they are deemed dissolved
- Joint-stock company (A.Ş.)
- Must raise their capital to TRY 250,000 by 31 December 2026, or they are deemed dissolved
Often chosen for
- Limited company (Ltd. Şti.)
- Small and medium-sized businesses with one or a few partners
- Joint-stock company (A.Ş.)
- Larger projects, more shareholders or a share structure expected to change
Legal basis
- Limited company (Ltd. Şti.)
- Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102; minimum capital by Presidential Decision No. 7887
- Joint-stock company (A.Ş.)
- Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102; minimum capital by Presidential Decision No. 7887
As general information, the corporate tax rate does not depend on the company type: the general rate is 25%, banks and other financial-sector companies pay 30%, and from the 2027 tax period qualifying manufacturing income is taxed at 12.5%. Your licensed accountant confirms how the rules apply to your company.
Source: mevzuat.gov.tr (Law No. 6102) (opens in a new tab), Resmî Gazete, resmigazete.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
Who does what
What we do: advisory and coordination
- Explain the company types, the capital and the structure options, in your language
- Plan the steps, the timeline and the document list with you
- Coordinate with the licensed accountant, the notary and the translators
- Accompany you to appointments at the notary, the bank and the tax office
- Advise on the work permit, the residence permit and the choice of an office or a property
- Management consulting after the company is set up
What licensed professionals do
- A licensed accountant (mali müşavir) files the registration and the tax registration, keeps the books and files the tax returns
- A notary certifies signatures, translations and powers of attorney
- A sworn translator translates the foreign documents
- An independent lawyer, if you appoint one, drafts or reviews shareholder agreements and contracts
Management Consulting
Gordion Partners provides management consulting, advisory and coordination to foreign companies and individuals doing business in Turkey, including translation, document list preparation and information on company types. The company registration filings, notary work, bookkeeping and tax returns are carried out by licensed professionals (a certified accountant, mali müşavir, and a notary), with whom we coordinate; for legal advice, consult an independent lawyer.
Steps of Registering a Business
1. Company Headquarters
According to the Turkish Law, your company must have an address before establishment.
- The first option is to rent a physical location for your company.
- The second option is to rent a virtual office. With this option you will have a legal address, but not a physical location.
2. Equity and Capital of the Company
According to the Turkish Commercial Law, the minimum capital amount is 50,000TL. In practice, a capital above the legal minimum can make the following procedures easier; your accountant (mali müşavir) can advise on the right amount for your plans:
- Work Permit Application
- Being a part of trade organizations such as TUSIAD; MUSIAD, etc.
- Import and Export Activities
It is not compulsory to deposit the capital in the bank during the establishment process, the amount has to be deposited before applying to the work permit or within 24 months from the date of establishment.
Types of Companies
The Limited Liability Company
This company has to be established by at least one real person or a legal entity, and the liability of shareholders is limited to the capital subscribed and paid by the shareholders. The capital of such company shall be not less than 50,000TL minimum for the establishment of the company.
The Joint Stock Company
At least one shareholders is needed to incorporate this company type (Real persons or legal entities), and the requirements for the minimum share capital is 250,000TL The management of the company is also foreseen by a board of directors, together with a supervisory board.
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WhatsApp SupportTax Incentives
Tax incentives include customs, VAT and corporate income tax exemptions that depend on the sector and region of the company. Non-tax incentives include allocation of free land, assistance for R&D and market research, and up to 80% grant on social security payments of the employees. Other business initiatives are “Organized Industrial Zones” and “Free Trade Zones” that incentivizes export-oriented industries.
Investor Friendly
- Tax and non-tax incentives
- General corporate income tax rate of 25% (30% for banks and financial companies)
- Double taxation treaties with more than 70 countries
- Generally applied 20% VAT rate with some products/services falling under 1% and 10% rates
- Customs Union with the EU and Free Trade Agreements with 16 countries
- Bilateral investment treaties with 82 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main types of companies that foreigners can establish in Turkey?
Foreign investors can establish several types of companies in Turkey, but the most common and straightforward options are the Limited Liability Company (LTD) and the Joint Stock Company (AS). The LTD is often preferred for small to medium-sized businesses due to its simpler structure and lower capital requirements, while the AS is typically chosen for larger-scale operations or ventures requiring public offerings.
2. Can a foreigner fully own a company in Turkey?
Yes, foreign nationals can 100% own a company in Turkey without the need for a local partner. Turkey offers a welcoming environment for foreign investment, and there are no restrictions on foreign ownership in most sectors. Foreigners can also serve as the director or manager of their own company.
3. What are the steps to register a company in Turkey?
The company registration process involves several key steps:
Choosing a company name and structure
Preparing and notarizing the Articles of Association
Obtaining a tax number and registering with the local tax office
Depositing the minimum required capital (partial deposit is allowed during setup)
Submitting the application to the Trade Registry
Publishing the company details in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette
Once completed, the company can legally operate and open a corporate bank account.
4. How long does it take to register a company in Turkey?
The company formation process in Turkey is relatively fast. With all required documents in order, it typically takes 5 to 10 working days to complete the registration. Delays may occur if there are issues with documentation or if translations and notarizations take longer than expected.
5. What documents are required to establish a company in Turkey?
The main documents include valid passports of the shareholders, power of attorney (if using a legal representative), a notarized address proof, and the Articles of Association. Foreign individuals may also need a potential tax number from the Turkish tax office. All documents not in Turkish must be translated and notarized.
6. Is a physical office address required to register a company in Turkey?
Yes, every company in Turkey must have a registered office address. This address must be a physical location and is used for official communication and inspections. Many startups and foreign-owned businesses use virtual office services to fulfill this requirement legally and cost-effectively.
7. Are there any ongoing compliance or reporting requirements after company formation?
Yes, Turkish companies must comply with several ongoing obligations, including monthly tax filings, annual financial statements, social security contributions for employees, and compliance with labor laws. Hiring a qualified accountant or financial advisor is strongly recommended to manage these responsibilities efficiently and avoid penalties.
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Contact our immigration and investment advisors before investing in Turkey!
How the process works
Plan and company type
We discuss your business, your partners and the capital, explain the differences between a Ltd. Şti. and an A.Ş., and check whether you also need a work permit or a residence permit.
Tax numbers and documents
Each foreign founder obtains a Turkish tax number. Foreign documents are translated into Turkish and certified in the form required; we prepare the list with you.
Registered address and articles of association
The company needs a registered office address. The articles of association are prepared by the licensed professionals according to your plan.
Signatures and registration filing
The signatures are certified, and the licensed accountant (mali müşavir) files the registration with the trade registry. We coordinate the steps and accompany you to the appointments.
Capital and bank account
A corporate bank account is opened and the capital is paid in under the rules for your company type; your accountant tells you when and how.
After registration
The company is announced in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette. Your accountant keeps the books and files the tax returns; we stay available for management consulting, permits and next steps.
Documents checklist
- Passport of each foreign founder and manager, translated into Turkish and certified
- Turkish tax number of each foreign founder
- For a company founder: its registry documents and the decision or power of attorney for the formation, legalised and translated
- Registered office address document, such as a rental agreement or a title deed
- Articles of association, prepared by the licensed professionals
- Power of attorney given before a notary, if someone acts for you
Your full list depends on your situation; we prepare it with you.
Updated
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.
Related services
- Turkish Work PermitWork permits for foreigners employed by a company in Turkey.
- Turkish Residence PermitResidence permits for foreigners, including the property-based permit, through e-ikamet.
- Turkish Citizenship by InvestmentA Turkish passport through one of 7 investment routes, from USD 400,000 in real estate.
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“I have been applying through Gordion Partners for the past five years, and they have always been incredibly helpful and professional. They are honest, friendly, and truly care about their clients. The team is always up to date with the latest government regulations, which makes the entire process smooth and stress-free. When it comes to applying for my kimlik, I completely trust them. They are reliable, kind, and genuinely supportive throughout the whole process. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for trustworthy and professional assistance.”
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“Professional A grade services. The team knows their job and very responsive. The communication is not only fast but also very polite. Highly recommended if you are looking to onboard people who care about you.”
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