Turkey continues to be a prime destination for international investors who want to start a business in Turkey, thanks to its strategic location, investor-friendly legislation, and streamlined incorporation procedures. If you’re looking to establish a company in Turkey, understanding the legal and administrative framework is essential.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, the required steps, and the latest updates regarding digital compliance for newly formed businesses.
Equal Rights When You Establish a Company in Turkey
Foreign investors in Turkey are subject to the same rules and rights as local investors, thanks to the Foreign Direct Investment Law. The Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) governs all company formations and aligns with EU principles of transparency, good governance, and investor protection.
Company Types to Consider When You Establish a Company in Turkey
According to the TCC, you can establish a company in Turkey in the following forms:
Corporate Types in Turkey:
- Joint Stock Company (JSC)
- Minimum Capital: 250,000 TL
- Requires a board of directors, general assembly, and is suitable for larger-scale ventures or public offerings.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Minimum Capital: 50,000 TL
- Ideal for SMEs and private businesses; more flexible in management.
Non-Corporate Types in Turkey:
- General Partnership
- Limited Partnership
- Partnership Limited by Shares
Most foreign investors prefer JSCs and LLCs for their reliability, scalability, and investor protections.
Steps to Establish a Company in Turkey
This guide applies whether you plan to set up a company in Turkey as a local subsidiary or as a fully foreign-owned entity.
Notarization of Required Documents
The following must be notarized:
- Signature declarations
- Identity cards (Passports) of company managers
- For foreign shareholders (real persons): notarized and translated passport copies
- For foreign legal entity shareholders: certificate of activity, board resolution, authorized representative appointment
Note: Documents issued abroad must be apostilled or consulate certified, and then translated and notarized in Turkey.
Obtain Potential Tax ID for Foreign Shareholders/Directors
Before registration, non-Turkish shareholders or directors must obtain a potential tax identification number from the tax office. Required documents:
- Petition form
- Rental contract of the registered address
- Power of attorney (if the process is handled by proxy)
- Passport copy for real person shareholder and managers, company documents such as certificate of activity for legal entity shareholders.
Prepare and Submit Articles of Association via MERSIS
Before you open a company in Turkey, you must complete registration through the MERSIS system, which centralizes commercial data.
Deposit 0.04% of Capital to the Competition Authority
Paid at the Trade Registry Office, this fee is mandatory.
Capital Deposit Before Registration
- For Joint Stock Companies: 25% of the capital must be deposited before registration. The rest must be paid within 24 months.
- For Limited Companies: No pre-registration payment is required. Full amount can be paid within 24 months.
When you register a company in Turkey, capital contributions must comply with minimum thresholds depending on the company type.
Submit to Trade Registry for Registration
The company is registered by the Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Registry Directorate after submission of all certified documents.
Issuance of Signature Circular
Company representatives must visit the notary to issue a signature circular authorizing them to act on behalf of the company.
Final Steps to Establish a Company in Turkey
- Trade Registry notifies the Tax Office and SGK (Social Security Institution)
- Tax officer visits the company location to prepare a determination report
- The company is then fully operational from a legal perspective
After you form a company in Turkey, you’ll receive a tax number and be subject to regular tax office inspections.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Tax Number | Obtain potential tax ID for foreign shareholders/directors |
| Articles | Draft and submit Articles of Association via MERSIS |
| Notary | Notarize key documents and shareholder identification |
| Payments | Deposit capital and Competition Authority fee |
| Registration | Submit to Trade Registry for approval |
| Digital Compliance | Certify legal books or switch to e-ledger system |
| Finalization | Obtain signature circular and start tax/social security processes |
E-Ledger Rules After You Establish a Company in Turkey
a. Accounting Books in Turkey (Effective from 2025)
Starting from 2025, all companies that use the balance sheet method are legally required to keep their accounting books electronically. These include:
- Journal (Yevmiye Defteri)
- General Ledger (Defter-i Kebir)
- Inventory Book (Envanter Defteri)
📌 This obligation is regulated by the amendment titled “Communiqué Amending the General Communiqué on Electronic Ledger (No: 1)” (No: 5), published on 8 November 2024.
As a result, these accounting books will no longer be certified or printed by the Trade Registry, and businesses must comply with e-ledger requirements under the Turkish Revenue Administration’s digital infrastructure.
b. Non-Accounting Books in Turkey (Effective from 2026)
As per the new regulation published in the Official Gazette dated 14 February 2025 (issue no. 32813) titled:
“Communiqué on Keeping Non-Accounting Commercial Books in Electronic Format”, jointly issued by the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance,
the following non-accounting books may also be kept electronically starting from 1 July 2025, and will become mandatory for newly incorporated companies as of 1 January 2026:
- Share Ledger (Pay Defteri)
- Board of Directors Resolutions Book (Yönetim Kurulu Karar Defteri)
- Managers’ Resolutions Book (Müdürler Kurulu Karar Defteri)
- General Assembly Minutes Book (Genel Kurul Toplantı ve Müzakere Defteri)
🗓️ As of 1 January 2026, companies established on or after this date will be obliged to maintain these books digitally. Accordingly, the Trade Registry will no longer provide printed and certified copies of these books.
Need Support to Establish a Company in Turkey?
Establishing a company in Turkey is now faster than ever, but compliance and documentation remain critical. At Metropol CPA, we help foreign investors from start to finish — from tax ID to e-ledger setup, from board resolutions to post-incorporation support.
📎 Learn more on our dedicated page:
👉 Starting a Business in Turkey