# 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.**

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## 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.**

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## 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)

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## 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.**

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.**

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## 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.**

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📩 [**Contact us today**](mailto:info@ozmconsultancy.com) to schedule a consultation and start your company formation in Turkey confidently.

info@ozmconsultancy.com