How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Company in Turkey?
How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Company in Turkey?
How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Company in Turkey?
If you’re looking to expand your operations or start fresh in Turkey, understanding how long it takes to set up a company is essential for your planning. Turkey offers a relatively swift and structured company formation process, but efficient navigation requires clarity and preparation.
Why Turkey?
Strategic hub between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Favorable corporate tax rates and treaty network.
Large, young workforce with competitive operational costs.
These advantages make Turkey a preferred jurisdiction for holding structures, trading companies, tech startups, and manufacturing bases.
How Long Does It Actually Take?
For a Limited Company (Ltd. Şti.), the realistic timeline with a reputable CPA and corporate advisory firm:
| Stage | Estimated Timeline |
| 1️⃣ Company Articles of Association Drafting | 1 day |
| 2️⃣ Determining NACE Activity Codes | Same day |
| 3️⃣ Collecting Shareholder Documents (passport, signatures, IDs) | 1-3 days (can run parallel) |
| 4️⃣ MERSİS (Digital Registry) Pre-Entries | Same day |
| 5️⃣ Appointment at Trade Registry | Typically within 2-5 business days |
| 6️⃣ Notary Procedures (POA, Signature Circular) | Same day as appointment |
| 7️⃣ Company Bank Account Opening | Same or next day after registry |
On average, it takes 5-7 business days to establish a company in Turkey when managed professionally.
Required Documents for Foreign Shareholders
✅ Passport copy (notarized and apostilled if abroad)
✅ Two ID-sized photos
✅ Turkish tax number (obtained online in advance)
✅ Power of Attorney for company setup (if remote)
✅ Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Limited Company in Turkey
1️⃣ Drafting the Articles of Association
We prepare a customized Articles of Association reflecting your desired shareholding, management structure, and operational scope aligned with Turkish Commercial Code.
2️⃣ Determining NACE Codes
Selection of primary and secondary activity codes directly impacts your VAT status, incentives, and operational classification.
3️⃣ Collecting Documents
Passports, photos, signatures, and tax numbers are collected systematically. Our team pre-checks compliance to avoid last-minute registry rejections.
4️⃣ MERSİS Entries
Company data is pre-registered in the MERSİS system, the official Turkish online company establishment platform, streamlining registry appointments.
5️⃣ Trade Registry Appointment
Documents are submitted physically or via authorized representatives. This step finalizes your company’s legal personality.
6️⃣ Notary Procedures
We handle signature circulars and Power of Attorney issuance to secure your authorized signatories in Turkey.
7️⃣ Bank Account Opening
We coordinate with local banks to open your operational account for capital deposit and transaction readiness.
What Are the Costs of Setting Up a Company in Turkey?
A transparent premium pricing structure ensures clarity:
✅ Company Establishment Expenses: 25,000 – 30,000 TL (official fees and notarizations; any excess is refunded transparently).
✅ Establishment Service Fee: 15,000 + VAT (18,000 TL incl. VAT).
✅ Ongoing Financial Consultancy: depends on volume of the company, covering accounting, tax compliance, and reporting.
Why Working with a Reputable CPA Firm Matters
Working with a licensed, English-speaking CPA firm in Turkey ensures:
✅ Compliance with local regulations, reducing the risk of future penalties.
✅ Efficient handling of documentation, reducing wasted time and repeated appointments.
✅ Smooth bank account opening, even with evolving compliance requirements.
✅ A structured financial setup for VAT registration, e-invoice activation, and payroll compliance if hiring locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a company in Turkey remotely?
Yes, with a Power of Attorney, we can complete the process without your physical presence.
Do I need a Turkish partner to open a company?
No, 100% foreign ownership is allowed for Limited Companies in Turkey.
Can I open a company and get a residence permit?
Owning a company does not guarantee a residence permit, but we can guide you through the Director’s Residence Permit application process.
Can I use the company for e-commerce, SaaS, or export business?
Yes, Turkey is a favored jurisdiction for e-commerce, SaaS exports, IT services, and trading companies.
Ready to Set Up Your Company in Turkey?
Setting up your company in Turkey can be swift, compliant, and aligned with your international tax strategy when managed correctly.
We assist founders, expats, and foreign businesses in establishing companies in Turkey while optimizing tax positions and ensuring full compliance.
📩 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your company formation in Turkey confidently.
info@ozmconsultancy.com
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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