# Company Acquisition in Turkey: Costs, Due Diligence, and Practical Insights for Foreign Investors # Company Acquisition in Turkey: Costs, Due Diligence, and Practical Insights for Foreign Investors ## Introduction Foreign investors increasingly view Turkey as a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia. With its dynamic economy, large consumer base, and well-developed corporate structures, acquiring an existing Turkish company often appears as a faster route to market entry than establishing a new entity from scratch. However, questions frequently arise around **costs, due diligence requirements, official obligations, and practical hurdles such as opening a bank account**. In this article, we provide a **transparent breakdown** of what foreign investors should realistically expect when acquiring a Turkish company, drawing from practical experience and regulatory insights. --- ## 1\. Acquisition Price: Understanding the True Cost The acquisition price is the first element that every buyer wants to clarify. In Turkey, acquisition transactions are relatively cost-efficient compared to many European jurisdictions. * In some cases, a **symbolic discount of around EUR 500** on the purchase price can be negotiated, depending on the parties’ agreement. * A typical **EUR 2,000 service fee** covers the essential steps of transferring ownership, including: * Share transfers * Appointment of authorized signatories * Change of company name * Approximate translation expenses This transparent fee structure provides investors with a clear expectation of the baseline costs before moving forward. --- ## 2\. Due Diligence in Turkey: Limited vs. Full Scope One of the most critical steps in any acquisition is due diligence. In Turkey, this can be approached on two levels: ### Limited Due Diligence A **limited review** usually includes: * Obtaining official certificates from relevant authorities confirming that the company has **no outstanding debts**. * Collecting written statements from shareholders confirming the absence of commercial risks. This is often **sufficient for inactive or dormant companies**, where operations are minimal. ### Full-Scope Due Diligence A **full legal and financial due diligence** would involve a more detailed investigation into the company’s past contracts, tax filings, compliance history, and potential litigation risks. While comprehensive, such a process is **time-consuming and more expensive**. For inactive entities, most investors find that **official “no debt” certificates provide adequate protection** without unnecessary cost. --- ## 3\. Official Fees and Annual Obligations One of the advantages of company acquisitions in Turkey is the **low level of mandatory official fees**. * There are **no additional compulsory payments** directly tied to the acquisition. * However, every company must pay an **annual Chamber of Commerce fee** equal to **0.04% (four per ten thousand) of annual profit**. * After the acquisition, any changes such as **modifying the registered legal address** or **appointing a new director** may generate additional expenses, though these are typically modest. For investors accustomed to high ongoing compliance costs in other jurisdictions, Turkey offers a relatively **light regulatory burden**. --- ## 4\. Bank Account Opening: A Practical Hurdle Perhaps the **most underestimated challenge** in Turkish company acquisitions is **opening a corporate bank account**. * There is **no separate service fee** charged by consultants for preparing the necessary paperwork. * However, Turkish banks **require a wet-ink signature** from the company’s authorized representative. * This means that, in practice, the representative must **travel to Turkey** to complete the account opening. Even with a power of attorney, most banks will **not waive the in-person requirement**. Investors should therefore factor in **travel costs and scheduling considerations** when planning the acquisition timeline. --- ## 5\. Accounting and Employment Considerations Running the acquired company requires attention to **accounting and HR compliance**: * The quoted accounting fee is generally an **average figure**, subject to review if transaction volumes or complexity increase significantly. * Some investors consider using **third-party employment providers** such as Easy Staff. While possible, this approach essentially **circumvents the requirement for direct employment** by the company and must be evaluated carefully for **compliance, invoice accuracy, and sustainability**. * Importantly, there is **no legal obligation** to employ a local staff member. Foreign investors can operate lean corporate structures without the mandatory overhead of hiring local employees. --- ## 6\. Key Takeaways for Foreign Investors Acquiring a company in Turkey can be a **cost-effective and straightforward process**—provided that investors understand the key requirements upfront. * **Costs are transparent**, with EUR 2,000 typically covering the essentials. * **Limited due diligence** through official “no debt” certificates is sufficient for inactive companies. * **Official obligations are minimal**, aside from the annual Chamber of Commerce fee. * **Bank account opening requires physical presence**, a logistical detail that should not be overlooked. * **Accounting services are flexible**, and there is no legal requirement for local hires. --- ## Conclusion For foreign investors, Turkey remains an attractive jurisdiction for business expansion and cross-border structuring. By clarifying the acquisition price, understanding the scope of due diligence, and preparing for practical matters such as banking requirements, investors can **avoid surprises and move confidently through the process**. At OZM Consultancy, we provide **tailored advisory services** for international clients seeking to acquire, incorporate, or expand their business operations in Turkey. From due diligence to regulatory compliance, our team ensures a smooth transition at every stage. **Reach us:** If you are considering acquiring a company in Turkey, **contact us today** to discuss a tailored due diligence and incorporation package designed to match your business needs. info@ozmconsultancy.com ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1759219771269/cd8e6679-df0d-4786-8e3e-fa49672f63d5.png align="center")