Moving a Foreign Company to Turkey – Complete Legal Guide

Introduction

Turkey has become an increasingly attractive destination for international investors seeking to expand their businesses into a strategically positioned, dynamic economy. Thanks to its geographical location bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, a customs union agreement with the European Union, and investor-friendly regulations, Turkey offers significant opportunities for companies looking to relocate or establish their headquarters.

For foreign companies considering moving their central administration to Turkey, the process is both legally structured and practical, provided that all requirements under the Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102) and the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade guidelines are carefully followed.

This guide explains the legal framework, step-by-step procedures, required documents, compliance obligations, and advantages and risks of moving a foreign company’s headquarters to Turkey.

1. Legal Framework for Moving a Foreign Company to Turkey

The legal basis for transferring a company’s registered seat into Turkey is regulated under the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) and supervised by the Ministry of Trade.

Key principles include:

• The process is considered a form of company establishment and is therefore subject to the same rules that apply to domestic incorporation.
• The company’s articles of association must be adapted to Turkish law.
• Registration is carried out through the relevant Trade Registry Directorate, which verifies compliance with Turkish corporate law.

The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade clearly outlines this process in its official guide, Establishing Company in Turkey (2023 update).

2. Types of Companies in Turkey

Foreign companies relocating to Turkey typically choose one of the following structures:

• Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)
  • Minimum capital: 50,000 TRY
  • Shareholders liable only up to their committed capital
  • Suitable for large-scale or publicly listed companies
• Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)
  • Minimum capital: 10,000 TRY
  • Up to 50 shareholders
  • More flexible and commonly used by SMEs

According to the Ministry of Trade, approximately 82% of companies in Turkey are limited liability companies, while around 13% are joint stock companies.

For detailed comparisons, see Types of Companies in Turkey.

3. Step-by-Step Process of Moving a Foreign Company to Turkey

The relocation of a company’s headquarters from abroad to Turkey involves several legal steps:

1. Decision by the Competent Body
   • The foreign company must adopt a valid decision (e.g., general assembly resolution) approving the transfer of headquarters.
2. Adaptation of Articles of Association
   • The existing company contract must be revised in compliance with Turkish law and officially translated.
3. Submission to the Trade Registry Directorate
   • The company files all necessary documents with the competent Trade Registry Office.
   • The Registry reviews compliance and completes the incorporation process.
4. Tax and Social Security Registrations
   • Following registration, the company must obtain a Turkish tax number and register with the Social Security Institution (SGK).
5. Commercial Announcements
   • The relocation is publicly announced in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, ensuring creditor notification and legal transparency.

4. Required Documents

According to the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade – Establishing Company in Turkey Guide, the following documents are mandatory when moving a foreign company’s headquarters to Turkey:

• Certificate of Existence issued by the foreign trade registry, confirming that the company is legally established under the foreign country’s legislation.
• Resolution approving the transfer of headquarters, issued by the competent authority of the foreign company.
• Company contract adapted to Turkish law, with a certified Turkish translation.
• Approval letter from the relevant Turkish authority if the company operates in a regulated sector (e.g., banking, insurance).
• Notarised translations of all foreign corporate documents.

These documents must be duly legalised or apostilled, depending on the international treaty relations between Turkey and the company’s country of origin.

5. Tax, Social Security, and Compliance Obligations

After registration, companies moving to Turkey must comply with standard obligations applicable to domestic entities:

• Tax Registration: Companies must obtain a tax ID from the Turkish Revenue Administration.
• Corporate Tax: The standard corporate income tax rate is 25% (2025). Turkish Revenue Administration – Official Tax Information.
• Social Security Registration: Employers must register with the Social Security Institution (SGK) to fulfil employment-related obligations.
• Audit Requirements: Certain companies exceeding thresholds in assets, revenue, or employees are subject to independent audit under Turkish law.

6. Benefits of Moving a Company to Turkey

Relocating a company to Turkey offers several strategic advantages:

• Strategic Market Access: Turkey provides direct access to both the EU and Middle Eastern markets.
• Investor-Friendly Procedures: According to the Ministry of Trade, company establishment can be completed in as little as one working day once documents are in order.
• Customs Union with the EU: Turkish-registered companies benefit from tariff-free trade with the EU for most industrial goods.
• Skilled Workforce and Infrastructure: Access to a young, skilled population and modern logistics hubs.

7. Risks and Considerations

While attractive, relocation also carries challenges:

• Adaptation of Articles of Association may require careful legal drafting.
• Tax compliance needs to be reviewed in light of double taxation treaties.
• Sector-specific approvals may be needed for regulated industries.
• The process is case dependent and timelines vary depending on jurisdiction of origin and document preparation.

MFY Legal provides tailored risk assessments to mitigate these challenges.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can a foreign limited liability company move its headquarters to Turkey?

Yes. An LLC may transfer its seat to Turkey provided its company contract is adapted to Turkish law.

Q2: Which documents must be translated into Turkish?

All core corporate documents, including the articles of association and registry certificates, must be notarised and translated.

Q3: How long does the process take?

If documentation is complete, registration with the Trade Registry can be finalised in a matter of days.

Q4: Is Ministry of Trade approval always required?

Only for companies operating in regulated sectors (e.g., finance, insurance).

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9. Expert Legal Roadmap for Your Move to Turkey

Relocating a foreign company to Turkey offers significant benefits but also requires strict compliance with Turkish commercial law and regulatory requirements. Errors in documentation or delays in adaptation may expose investors to unnecessary risks.

At MFY Legal, our team of corporate lawyers provides end-to-end legal support for companies seeking to move their headquarters to Turkey, including:

• Drafting and adapting company contracts to Turkish law
• Managing trade registry filings and compliance
• Coordinating tax and social security registrations
• Providing representation with full power of attorney

Contact MFY Legal | Law Firm today to receive a tailored roadmap for moving your company to Turkey.