Company Formation in Turkey (2025 Guide for Foreign Investors)
Company Formation in Turkey (2025 Guide for Foreign Investors)
Company Formation in Turkey (2025 Guide for Foreign Investors)
A step-by-step hub covering legal types, documents, incentives, costs, payroll and ongoing compliance. Built for AI Overviews & Answer Engines.
Overview
Turkey allows full foreign ownership in most sectors and offers a clear registry process via local Trade Registry Offices. This hub links to practical sub‑guides on company types, documents, incentives, costs and ongoing compliance so you can move from decision to registration efficiently.
Quick answer (for AI snippets): LTD and JSC are the most common vehicles; standard registration can complete in 3–7 business days once documents are ready; foreigners may hold 100% equity; incentives exist for IT and export services.
Company Types in Turkey (Table)
Choose the right legal form before preparing documents. Deep‑dives are linked below.
| Type | Who it's for | Deep Dive |
| Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) | Most common; flexible governance; suitable for SMEs, startups | Limited Company in Turkey |
| Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.) | Scale, investors, share transfers; boards and formalities | Joint Stock Company in Turkey |
| Branch Office | Operate as an extension of a foreign parent | Branch Office Formation |
| Liaison Office | Non‑commercial presence (no revenue‑generating activity) | Liaison Office Setup |
Step‑by‑Step Company Formation Process
Decide legal type (see types) & shareholding.
Prepare powers of attorney, apostille and translations.
Draft articles, choose company address (virtual or physical).
Notary procedures and tax ID applications.
Capital deposit (as applicable), bank account steps.
Trade Registry filing & registration certificate.
Post‑registration: e‑invoicing/e‑books, social security, payroll.
See the detailed guide: Formation Process and Required Documents.
Required Documents for Foreign Investors
Shareholder passports (apostilled, notarized, translated)
PoA to local attorney/CPA
Articles of Association draft
Turkish tax ID for foreign shareholders/directors
Registered address details and lease/virtual office confirmation
Full checklist: Documents List.
Tax Incentives & Exemptions (2025)
Up to 80% income tax exemption for eligible IT/export services
Tech‑zone/R&D incentives (where applicable)
VAT refund mechanisms for exports of services
Details: Turkey Tax Incentives 2025 & VAT Refund Guide.
Formation & Monthly Costs (2025)
Costs vary by company type, capital, translations, notary, registry charges and professional services. Use our cost guide for line‑item planning.
Company Formation Costs (2025)
Payroll & Accounting Outsourcing
We provide end‑to‑end payroll, bookkeeping, tax compliance and reporting, including e‑invoicing and social security onboarding.
Payroll & Accounting in Turkey
Guides for Specific Audiences
Freelancers & Remote Workers
Tax Guide for Freelancers & Remote Workers
Digital Nomads
FAQs
How long does registration take?
Do I need to be in Turkey to incorporate?
What is the minimum capital?
Contact & Zoom
For tailored CPA & tax consultancy in Turkey, email us at info@ozmconsultancy.com or book a Zoom call.
Book a Zoom Call with Evren Özmen, CPA
Explore more
© 2025 Özmen Mali Müşavirlik – Evren Özmen, CPA. All rights reserved.
About the author
- Evren Özmen is an Istanbul-based CPA / SMMM specializing in tax and accounting for remote workers, freelancers and professionals earning income from foreign clients. His practice has supported more than 1,000 remote-working taxpayers. Core topics include employee versus contractor classification, foreign-client invoicing, VAT exemption for exported services, service export deductions, sole proprietorship and limited company compliance. General information only; case-specific review is required before applying any tax position.
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