How to Set Up a Limited Company in Turkey as a Foreigner

For many foreign entrepreneurs, a Turkish Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a practical corporate structure for establishing a business in Turkey. It can be used for a wide range of activities, including consulting, software development, e-commerce, trading, import and export, manufacturing, marketing, tourism, logistics and many other commercial activities.

The company formation process is generally straightforward, but foreign entrepreneurs need to deal with several matters that do not arise in exactly the same way for Turkish founders. Passport documentation, notarized translations, tax registration, company address, banking procedures, accounting, taxation and, depending on the business model, customs and import-export procedures all need to be considered.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to establish a limited company in Turkey as a foreigner, what documents are generally required, how the registration process works, how much capital is required, and what you should arrange after your company has been incorporated.

Can a Foreigner Establish a Limited Company in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign individuals and foreign companies can establish companies in Turkey. Turkey's foreign direct investment framework is based on the principle of equal treatment. International investors are generally entitled to establish companies under the same basic conditions applicable to local investors. Foreign investors can establish the company types regulated under the Turkish Commercial Code, including limited liability companies and joint stock companies.

This means that you do not necessarily need a Turkish business partner simply because you are a foreign entrepreneur.A foreign individual can establish a Turkish limited liability company as a sole shareholder, or several foreign individuals can establish a company together. A foreign legal entity can also participate as a shareholder, subject to the relevant documentation and registration requirements. For many international entrepreneurs, this makes a Turkish LLC an attractive structure for entering the Turkish market.

Why Do Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose a Limited Company in Turkey?

There are several reasons why international entrepreneurs choose a Turkish LLC when entering the Turkish market.

1. Full foreign ownership is possible

A foreign entrepreneur does not generally need to find a Turkish partner merely to establish an LLC. This allows international founders to retain control of their Turkish business, subject to the rules applicable to specific regulated sectors.

2. A single shareholder is sufficient

You do not necessarily need several business partners. A Turkish LLC can be established with a single shareholder.

3. Suitable for many business activities

An LLC can be used for many types of commercial activities, including:

Software and IT services
Web design and development
Consulting
Digital marketing
E-commerce
Import and export
Trading
Manufacturing
Logistics
Tourism
Construction
Engineering
Professional and business services

Certain regulated activities may require additional permits, licenses or qualifications. Therefore, the proposed business activity should be reviewed before incorporation.

4. Separate legal personality

The company is legally separate from its shareholders. It can own assets, enter into agreements and conduct business independently.

5. Practical structure for international entrepreneurs

For a foreign founder who wants to establish a genuine commercial presence in Turkey, an LLC can provide a straightforward corporate structure without requiring the more complex organization that may be appropriate for larger businesses.

How Much Capital Is Required to Establish an LLC in Turkey?

As of 2026, the statutory minimum capital for a newly established Turkish limited liability company is TRY 50,000. This minimum was increased from TRY 10,000 effective from January 1, 2024. However, the minimum capital requirement should not be confused with the total cost of establishing a company. Your actual company formation cost can include:

Trade registry fees
Chamber registration fees
Notary expenses
Translation expenses
Passport-related documentation costs
Signature declaration expenses
Company address or virtual office costs
Accounting and tax services
Bank-related expenses
Other professional service fees

The total amount will therefore depend on the structure of your company and the services you require.

Does the capital have to be paid before incorporation?

For Turkish LLCs, the subscribed capital does not generally have to be paid into the company before registration. According to the official investment guide, the capital subscribed for a limited company may be paid within 24 months following incorporation.

This is an important distinction between limited companies and some other company structures. Nevertheless, the appropriate capital amount should be determined based on your actual business plan rather than simply choosing the legal minimum.

How to Set Up a Limited Company in Turkey: Step-by-Step

The company formation process for a foreign entrepreneur can be summarized in several stages.

Step 1: Decide What Your Company Will Do

Before starting the registration process, you should clearly define your business activity. This is more important than it may initially appear.

Your business activity affects:

The wording of your company's objects and activities
Relevant activity codes
Potential permits and licenses
Tax considerations
Workplace requirements
Import and export procedures
Regulatory obligations

For example, a software development company and an import-export company may both operate through an LLC, but their operational requirements can be very different. Therefore, your proposed business model should be reviewed before the company documents are prepared.

Step 2: Determine the Shareholder Structure

The next step is to determine who will own the company.

A Turkish LLC can have:

One foreign individual shareholder
Several foreign individual shareholders
A Turkish and foreign shareholder structure
A foreign legal entity as shareholder
A combination of individual and corporate shareholders

The percentage owned by each shareholder should be clearly established.

For example:

Shareholder A – 100%

or:

Shareholder A – 70%
Shareholder B – 30%

The ownership structure should be designed carefully because changing the shareholding structure after incorporation can require additional legal and registration procedures.

Step 3: Choose the Company Name

You will need to determine the proposed trade name of your Turkish company. The name should comply with Turkish commercial registration requirements and should not create confusion with an existing registered company.

For international entrepreneurs, it is useful to distinguish between:

Company name: the legal trade name registered with the Trade Registry.

Brand name: the name under which the business is marketed to customers.

These do not necessarily have to be identical. If you intend to develop a long-term brand in Turkey, trademark considerations should also be evaluated separately from company incorporation.

Step 4: Determine the Registered Office Address

A Turkish company must have a registered address. This is an important issue for foreign entrepreneurs because many international founders do not initially have a physical office in Turkey.

Depending on the nature of the business, a virtual office may be a practical solution. A virtual office can provide a registered business address without requiring the entrepreneur to rent a conventional office with desks, meeting rooms and other physical infrastructure.

However, whether a virtual office is appropriate depends on the company's actual activity and regulatory requirements. For businesses that require physical premises, storage, manufacturing facilities or customer-facing operations, a conventional workplace may be necessary.

Need a Virtual Office in Turkey?

We can assist foreign entrepreneurs with virtual office rental in Turkey as part of our company formation services. This can be particularly useful for an entrepreneur who wants to establish the company before committing to a permanent physical office.

Step 5: Prepare the Foreign Shareholder's Documents

Foreign shareholders generally need to provide identification and other documentation required for company registration. For a foreign individual, the passport is one of the primary documents used during the incorporation process.

Depending on the circumstances, the passport may need to be translated into Turkish and notarized. The official Invest in Türkiye guide also identifies passport documentation and notarized Turkish translations among the documents relevant to foreign individual shareholders.

Additional documentation may be required depending on whether the shareholder:

Is resident in Turkey
Is establishing the company remotely
Is using a power of attorney
Is a legal entity
Is contributing assets as capital

For documents issued abroad, apostille or consular procedures may also become relevant depending on the document and country of issuance. This is why foreign company formation should be planned on a case-by-case basis rather than relying on a generic document list.

Step 6: Obtain a Turkish Tax Identification Number if Required

Foreign individuals may need a Turkish tax identification number for various procedures. The tax number can be used in administrative, financial and commercial processes.

The exact documentation and procedure can depend on the foreigner's circumstances and whether the person is physically present in Turkey. A professional company formation provider can coordinate this process together with the other incorporation procedures.

Step 7: Prepare the Articles of Association

The company's Articles of Association are prepared based on the information agreed by the founders. The documents generally contain key information such as:

Company name
Registered office
Business activities
Capital
Shareholders
Shareholding percentages
Management structure
Representation authority

For a foreign-owned company, the Articles of Association should be prepared carefully so that the registered company structure accurately reflects the entrepreneur's intended business model. A poorly planned company structure can create unnecessary complications later when changing managers, transferring shares, adding shareholders or expanding the company's activities.

Step 8: Register the Company Through MERSİS

Company registration procedures in Turkey are handled electronically through MERSİS, the Central Registry Record System. MERSİS is the Turkish Ministry of Trade's central system for conducting company and commercial enterprise registration, amendment and deregistration procedures electronically.

The company's formation information is entered into the system and the incorporation documents are prepared accordingly. This stage requires accurate information regarding the company, shareholders, capital, managers and business activities. An error at this stage may result in the need for corrections before registration can be completed.

Step 9: Sign the Company Documents

The founders must execute the company incorporation documents in accordance with the applicable procedure. Company documents can be signed before the relevant Trade Registry Directorate or, where applicable, before a notary.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade's MERSİS information confirms that company agreements can be prepared through MERSİS and that signatures for company establishment can be handled at Trade Registry Directorates, including through representatives or powers of attorney in applicable cases.

This is particularly relevant to foreign entrepreneurs who cannot travel to Turkey for the incorporation process.

Step 10: Establish the Company Through a Power of Attorney

A foreign entrepreneur does not necessarily have to personally handle every company formation procedure in Turkey. In appropriate circumstances, the founder can authorize a representative through a power of attorney.

This can allow a professional representative in Turkey to handle procedures such as:

Company formation
Trade Registry procedures
Tax office procedures
Notary procedures
Company documentation
Certain banking procedures
Other administrative formalities

If the power of attorney is issued outside Turkey, the appropriate legalization procedure must be considered. Depending on the country, this may involve an apostille or Turkish consular procedures.

The exact wording of the power of attorney is important because the representative can only perform the actions covered by the authorization.

Step 11: Apply to the Trade Registry Directorate

After the incorporation documents have been prepared, the company registration application is submitted to the relevant Trade Registry Directorate.

Turkey has developed a one-stop-shop approach for company registration through Trade Registry Directorates operating within Chambers of Commerce. The official investment guide states that company establishment procedures can be completed through these one-stop offices and may be completed within the same day when the application and documents are in order.

The exact duration of your company formation, however, can depend on the company's structure, documentation and whether additional procedures are required.

Step 12: Company Registration and Legal Existence

Once the Trade Registry registration is completed, the company becomes a legal entity. The company can then operate as a separate Turkish business entity. At this point, further post-incorporation procedures become important.

Company formation should therefore not be viewed as ending immediately after Trade Registry registration. For a foreign entrepreneur, the real objective is usually to have a company that is not only registered but also ready to conduct business in Turkey.

Step 13: Complete Tax Registration

After incorporation, the company's tax registration and related procedures must be completed. Depending on the business model, the company may have obligations relating to:

Corporate income tax
VAT
Withholding taxes
Payroll taxes
Social security obligations
Electronic invoicing
Other tax and reporting requirements

The company's tax obligations depend on its activities and transactions. This is why having an accountant in Turkey is important for foreign-owned companies.

A foreign entrepreneur may understand their own business very well but may not be familiar with Turkish tax filing deadlines, electronic systems, invoice requirements and local accounting practices.

Step 14: Set Up the Accounting System

A Turkish company needs ongoing accounting and tax compliance. This includes keeping the company's accounting records and managing its tax and financial reporting obligations.

Professional accounting services can cover matters such as:

Bookkeeping
VAT returns
Corporate tax
Payroll accounting
Employee registrations
Financial reporting
Invoice management
Tax declarations
Accounting records
Tax compliance

For foreign entrepreneurs, working with an accountant who can communicate in English can make the process considerably easier.

We provide accounting and tax services for foreign-owned companies in Turkey, allowing international business owners to manage their Turkish companies without having to navigate the Turkish accounting system alone.

Step 15: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Another important stage after incorporation is opening a corporate bank account in Turkey. A company bank account is necessary for normal commercial operations, including:

Receiving customer payments
Paying suppliers
Paying salaries
Paying taxes
Making business transfers
Managing operating expenses
Conducting import and export transactions

It is important to understand that company incorporation and bank account opening are separate procedures. The fact that your company has been registered does not mean that every bank will automatically open an account.

Banks may request information about:

Shareholders
Directors
Business activities
Expected transaction volume
Source of funds
Beneficial ownership
Commercial relationships

Foreign-owned companies may therefore benefit from professional assistance during the banking process.

We Help With Corporate Bank Account Opening

As part of our turnkey company formation service in Turkey, we assist foreign entrepreneurs with the corporate banking process. Our objective is to help you establish not only the company itself but also the financial infrastructure required to operate it.

Step 16: Arrange a Virtual Office or Physical Office

If you do not already have an office in Turkey, you may need to arrange a registered business address. For eligible businesses, a virtual office can be a cost-effective starting point.

A virtual office may allow an international entrepreneur to establish a Turkish company without immediately renting a traditional office. However, the correct solution depends on your business.

If your company will:

Employ a large team
Store goods
Import physical products
Manufacture goods
Receive customers
Operate machinery
Conduct regulated activities

a physical workplace may be necessary. We can help determine an appropriate office solution based on the company's planned activities.

Step 17: Customs and Import-Export Support

If your business will import or export goods, company formation is only the beginning. You may also need to deal with:

Customs declarations
Import documentation
Export documentation
Tariff classifications
Customs procedures
Commercial invoices
Transportation documents
Customs duties
Import taxes
Product-specific requirements

For this reason, foreign entrepreneurs involved in international trade often need a professional customs broker (customs consultant) in Turkey.

Customs Broker Assistance

We can help connect and coordinate the necessary customs brokerage services for companies involved in import and export operations. This allows you to build a broader business infrastructure in Turkey instead of dealing separately with company formation, accounting, banking and customs providers.

Step 18: Check Whether Your Business Requires Special Licenses

Not every business can simply begin operating after incorporation. Some activities are regulated and may require specific permits, licenses, approvals or workplace requirements.

For example, additional requirements may apply to certain activities involving:

Financial services
Healthcare
Education
Tourism
Food
Transportation
Construction
Manufacturing
Energy
Telecommunications
Importing regulated products

Therefore, the business activity should be examined before the company is incorporated. A company can be legally established while still needing additional permission before conducting a particular regulated activity.

Can a Foreigner Establish a Turkish LLC Remotely?

In many cases, foreign entrepreneurs can organize the incorporation process without personally managing every procedure in Turkey. A properly prepared power of attorney can allow an authorized representative to handle certain procedures on behalf of the founder.

This is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who:

Live outside Turkey
Have not yet traveled to Turkey
Want to establish the company before relocating
Want to start selling in Turkey remotely
Need a Turkish company for international trade

The precise process depends on the founder's nationality, location, documents and the structure of the proposed company. For this reason, remote company formation should be planned before the founder signs or sends documents.

Do You Need a Work Permit to Establish a Company in Turkey?

Company ownership and working in Turkey are separate issues. A foreign person may be able to establish or own a Turkish company without that fact alone determining their authorization to physically work in Turkey.

However, if the foreign shareholder intends to actively work or manage the business in Turkey, immigration and work permit rules should be assessed separately. This distinction is particularly important for entrepreneurs who plan to move to Turkey after establishing their company.

Company formation, residence status and work authorization are related but separate legal matters.

What Happens After Your Turkish Company Is Established?

The most important point for a foreign entrepreneur is that company formation is not the end of the process. Once the company is incorporated, you need to keep the company compliant and operational.

Depending on the business, this may involve:

Monthly accounting
Tax declarations
Payroll
Social security procedures
Corporate banking
Annual corporate compliance
Financial reporting
Invoicing
Contracts
Import-export procedures
Customs
Employee management
Office arrangements

This is why many foreign entrepreneurs prefer to work with one professional team rather than managing each service separately.

Turnkey Company Formation in Turkey for Foreign Entrepreneurs

If you are looking for a company formation service in Turkey, we can manage the process for you on a turnkey basis. Our goal is not simply to register a company in the Trade Registry. We help foreign entrepreneurs establish the wider infrastructure required to operate a business in Turkey.

Our turnkey services can include:

Company Formation

We manage the incorporation process for your Turkish limited company, including the preparation and coordination of the necessary registration procedures.

Virtual Office

If your business does not initially require a physical office, we can assist with suitable virtual office solutions in Turkey.

Accounting Services

We provide ongoing bookkeeping, accounting and financial reporting services for Turkish companies owned by foreign entrepreneurs.

Tax Services

We manage Turkish tax compliance and help you understand the tax obligations associated with your business activities.

Corporate Bank Account

We assist with the process of opening a corporate bank account in Turkey and help coordinate the required documentation.

Customs Broker

If your company will import or export goods, we can assist with the customs brokerage process and help coordinate the relevant customs professionals.

Payroll Services

If you employ personnel in Turkey, we can provide payroll and related accounting support.

Company Secretary and Corporate Compliance

We can also assist with ongoing corporate documentation and administrative requirements.

The advantage of a turnkey approach is simple: you can focus on your business while we manage the administrative, accounting and financial processes behind your Turkish company.

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Turkey as a Foreigner?

There is no single fixed price for every foreign-owned Turkish LLC. The total cost depends on several variables, including:

Number of shareholders
Amount of share capital
Whether shareholders are foreign individuals or companies
Number of documents requiring translation
Notary expenses
Registered office requirements
Virtual office requirements
Professional service fees
Accounting requirements
Banking requirements
Business activity
Special licenses
Import-export requirements

For example, a simple one-person consulting company and an import-export company with several foreign shareholders will have different setup and operating requirements. Therefore, an accurate quotation should be prepared after reviewing your intended business structure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up an LLC in Turkey

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Turkish LLC?

Yes. Foreign investors can generally establish and own Turkish companies without a mandatory Turkish shareholder, subject to sector-specific restrictions. Turkey's foreign investment framework is based on equal treatment of international and domestic investors.

Can one person establish a Turkish LLC?

Yes. A limited liability company can be established with a single shareholder.

What is the minimum capital for a Turkish LLC in 2026?

The minimum capital for a newly established Turkish LLC is TRY 50,000. On the other hand, if you need to apply for a work permit as a company partner in the future, there is a minimum paid-in capital requirement of TRY 500,000. Having a higher paid-in capital increases the chances of a positive evaluation for work permits and other business licenses.

Does the capital need to be paid before company registration?

For a Turkish LLC, the subscribed capital can generally be paid within 24 months after incorporation rather than being fully paid before registration.

Do I need to live in Turkey to establish a company?

Not necessarily. Depending on your circumstances, incorporation procedures can be handled through an authorized representative using a properly prepared power of attorney.

Do I need a Turkish partner?

Generally, no. A foreign entrepreneur can establish a Turkish LLC without a Turkish partner, subject to any restrictions applicable to regulated sectors.

Do I need a physical office?

Not necessarily. Depending on your business activity, a virtual office may be a suitable option. Businesses requiring physical operations may need a conventional workplace.

Can my Turkish company open a bank account?

A Turkish company can apply for a corporate bank account. However, bank account opening is a separate process and the bank may conduct its own compliance and customer assessment.

Can a Turkish LLC import and export?

A Turkish LLC can engage in import and export activities, provided that the relevant customs, tax and product-specific requirements are met.

Can you help with accounting after the company is established?

Yes. We provide ongoing accounting and tax services for foreign-owned Turkish companies.

Can you help with customs procedures?

Yes. For companies involved in international trade, we can assist with customs broker coordination and related procedures.

Start Your Business in Turkey With One Professional Team

Establishing a company in another country can be challenging when you are unfamiliar with the local language, bureaucracy, tax system and banking procedures. For a foreign entrepreneur, the most efficient approach is often to treat company formation as part of a broader business setup process.

You may need a registered company, a business address, an accountant, a tax advisor, a corporate bank account and, if you trade physical goods, a customs broker. Instead of managing each of these separately, you can work with one professional team. We establish your company in Turkey on a turnkey basis.

From company incorporation to virtual office rental, accounting, tax compliance, corporate bank account opening and customs broker coordination, we help foreign entrepreneurs establish and operate their Turkish businesses. Our objective is to make the process clear, structured and manageable so that you can concentrate on your customers, products and growth rather than administrative procedures.

Conclusion: Setting Up a Limited Company in Turkey as a Foreigner

Setting up a limited company in Turkey can be a practical way for an international entrepreneur to establish a formal business presence in the Turkish market. Foreign investors are generally entitled to establish Turkish companies under the same basic conditions as local investors, and a limited liability company is one of the most commonly used corporate structures.

The process involves more than simply registering a company. You need to determine the appropriate business activity, shareholder structure, company name, capital and registered address; prepare the incorporation documents; complete the MERSİS and Trade Registry procedures; and then establish the company's accounting, tax, banking and operational infrastructure.

For foreign entrepreneurs, professional assistance can make the process considerably easier. If you are planning to establish a limited company in Turkey, we can handle the process on a turnkey basis.

We can assist you with:

Turkish limited company formation
Company registration
Virtual office rental
Accounting and bookkeeping
Tax services
Corporate bank account opening
Payroll services
Company secretarial services
Customs broker coordination
Import and export support
Ongoing corporate compliance

In other words, we do not simply establish your company; we help you build the infrastructure you need to operate your business in Turkey.

If you are a foreign entrepreneur looking for a reliable partner for company formation in Turkey, our team can coordinate the entire process from incorporation to ongoing accounting, tax and corporate support.

In first step, you can always contact us to receive a FREE, up-to-date and detailed cost estimate tailored to your business.

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