Register Company in Turkey (2025 Guide for Foreign Investors)

Introduction

Registering a company in Turkey is one of the most attractive options for international entrepreneurs and investors seeking access to both the Turkish domestic market and the European Union through the Customs Union. The process is governed by the Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102, Resmî Gazete 14.02.2011 / No. 27846) and overseen by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade.

Thanks to the digital MERSİS (Central Registration System), the registration process can often be completed in a short time — in some cases, within a single day. Both local and foreign investors are subject to the same rules, and the system is designed to encourage investment.

This comprehensive guide, prepared by MFY Legal | Law Firm, explains the types of companies, required documents, step-by-step registration, costs, and key legal considerations for foreigners who want to establish a company in Turkey.

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Can Foreigners Establish Companies in Turkey?

Short Answer Yes, foreigners can establish companies in Turkey and 100% ownership is possible.

Detailed description:

There are no restrictions for foreign investors to establish companies in Turkey. Local and foreign investors are subject to the same legislation. In this context, foreigners:

• He can start a new company,
• It can open branches in Turkey,
• It may establish a liaison office.

Official source: Ministry of Trade and Invest in Turkey.

➡️ See also: Foreign Work Permit

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Types of Companies in Turkey

There are 5 main types of capital companies under Turkish law:

1. Joint Stock Company (A.S.)
2. Limited Company (Ltd. Şti.)
3. Collective Company
4. Limited Company
5. Cooperative

But in practice they are the most preferred:

• Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) – approx. 82
• Joint Stock Company (JSC) – approximately 13

Foreign companies may also open branches or liaison offices.

Company Type	Minimum Capital	Highlights	Most Suitable Area
Limited Company (Ltd. Şti.)	50.000 TL	The most common type of company is limited liability.	SME, entrepreneur.
Joint Stock Company (A.S.)	TL 250.000 (TL 500.000 in registered capital system)	IPO opportunity, flexible share transfer.	Large-scale investments.
Branch	Dependent on parent company capital	Not a separate legal entity.	International companies.
Liaison Office	No capital requirement	No commercial activity, only representation and research.	Market research.

Company Formation Process in Turkey (Step by Step)

he process of establishing a company in Turkey involves several legal and administrative steps.

HowTo Steps:

1. Choose company type (Ltd., A.Ş., branch, liaison).
2. Reserve trade name in the MERSİS system.
3. Draft the Articles of Association digitally.
4. Deposit capital in a Turkish bank (25% upfront for A.Ş.; full TRY 50,000 for Ltd. Şti.).
5. Notarise and translate documents (passport, AoA, signatures).
6. Apply to the Trade Registry Directorate with the required documents.
7. Register with the tax office and Social Security Institution (SGK).

⏱ Timeline: In most cases, the process takes 1–2 weeks.

💰 Competition Authority Fee: 0.04% of the share capital.

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Required Documents

The documentation required depends on the type of company, but generally includes:

• Articles of Association,
• Signature declaration of the founder and directors,
• Competition Authority payment receipt,
• Bank receipt of capital investment,
• Notarized and translated passport for foreign partners,
• Tax number,
• Proof of company address.

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Cost of Company Formation in Turkey

• Government fees and Trade Registry fees
• Notary and translation costs
• Competition Authority share (0.04%)
• Minimum capital:
  • Ltd. Şti: 50.000 TL
  • A.Ş: TL 250,000 (TL 500,000 in the registered capital system)
• Legal and consultancy fees (varies depending on services).

💡 Average start-up cost: 60.000 – 600.000 TL (excluding consultancy).

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Advantages of Establishing a Company in Turkey

Registering a company in Turkey offers multiple advantages:

• Market access: 85+ million consumers and EU Customs Union.
• Right to a residence permit: Company owners can obtain a work permit/residence permit.
• Investment incentives: Tax exemptions in free zones, R&D support.
• Fast incorporation: Fast registration with MERSIS.
• Strategic location: Crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

➡️ See: Turkish Citizenship by Investment

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Additional Considerations

• Audit Independent audit is mandatory for companies exceeding certain criteria.
• Share Transfer: Ltd. Şti. requires notarization; A.Ş. is more flexible. See also Share Transfer of Turkish Companies
• Liquidation: It can be voluntary or through bankruptcy.
• Company Relocation: Turkish company can move abroad; foreign company can move to Turkey.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Why Work with MFY Legal?

Company incorporation procedures in Turkey are fast, but shareholding, tax planning, labor law and compliance processes require expertise.

MFY Legal | Law Office (www.mfylegal.av.tr) provides you with the following advantages

• Experienced staff of lawyers (not just consultants).
• Multilingual service: Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, Chinese.
• End-to-end service: Company incorporation, tax number, work/residence permits.
• Transparency and compliance with legislation: All processes are carried out in accordance with Turkish law.

📌 Contact MFY Legal today to get customized legal support for you.