Bursa · Türkiye · English-speaking team
Accounting, tax and audit services in Bursa for foreign investors
Setting up or running a business in Turkey means working with Turkish tax, commercial and social security rules that are detailed and change often. İndex Denetim is an accounting, tax advisory and audit firm based in Nilüfer, Bursa, supporting foreign investors, foreign-owned companies and international groups with their operations in Turkey.
We can hold meetings, correspond and prepare reports in English, so you always understand where your company stands. From incorporating your company and registering it for tax to monthly bookkeeping, payroll, work permits for foreign employees and statutory audit, we handle the process with you from start to finish, in person at our office or online.
What we do
Company formation in Turkey
Incorporation of limited liability (Ltd. Şti.) and joint stock (A.Ş.) companies with foreign shareholders under the Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102, including articles of association prepared with our partner lawyers, trade registry filings and tax registration.
Bookkeeping and statutory accounting
Monthly bookkeeping in line with Turkish tax procedure rules, statutory ledgers and e-ledger (e-defter), e-invoice set-up, and month-end closing that gives management a clear picture of results.
Tax compliance and advisory
Preparation and filing of VAT, withholding tax, provisional tax and corporate income tax returns, tax planning within the law, responses to tax office enquiries and support during tax inspections.
VAT refunds for exporters
Review and preparation of VAT refund claims arising from exports and other zero-rated transactions, so that refund files are complete and consistent with the statutory records.
Payroll and social security
Payroll processing, employment registrations and monthly social security (SGK) declarations, severance and notice pay calculations, and employment contracts prepared in the required languages.
Work permits for foreign employees
Preparation and follow-up of work permit applications submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the e-İzin system, together with the related tax and social security obligations of foreign staff.
International tax advisory
Application of double taxation treaties, taxation of dividends, royalties and service fees paid abroad, transfer pricing between related parties and the tax aspects of cross-border investments.
Statutory and voluntary audit
Independent audit of financial statements for companies subject to statutory audit, and voluntary audits for shareholders, lenders or parent companies. Two of our partners hold the independent auditor title.
Reporting in English and investor support
Financial statements and management reports in English for foreign shareholders and parent companies, investment incentive advice, and support for investors visiting Turkey, including accompanying them to official appointments.
Why work with us
- Organised as a joint stock company since 2015; our founding partner has been a certified public accountant (SMMM) since 2003.
- Two of our partners hold the independent auditor title.
- Legal matters are handled together with specialist partner lawyers.
- Meetings, correspondence and reporting can all be conducted in English.
- Clients can access their documents online through our client portal.
How we start
- Step 1
Initial consultation
We discuss your plans, in English, in person or online, and recommend a suitable structure (limited or joint stock company), shareholding, capital and business scope, together with a timeline and a list of required documents.
- Step 2
Document preparation
Passports or corporate documents of the shareholders are notarised, apostilled or legalised as required and translated into Turkish; tax identification numbers are obtained for foreign shareholders, and the articles of association are drafted with our partner lawyers. If you cannot travel, much of this can be done through a power of attorney.
- Step 3
Registration
The company is registered with the trade registry through the central registration system (MERSİS). Where required, the capital is deposited with a bank, and the company is registered with the tax office, which then verifies the business address.
- Step 4
Getting operational
We set up the statutory books, e-ledger and e-invoice systems, register the workplace with social security before the first employee starts, apply for work permits where needed, make the foreign direct investment notifications to the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and take over monthly compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign national own 100% of a company in Turkey?
Yes. Under the Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreign investors are treated equally with domestic investors, and a company can be established with a single foreign shareholder, whether an individual or a legal entity. Some regulated sectors have their own licensing rules, which we check at the planning stage.
How long does company formation in Turkey take?
Once all documents are ready, trade registry procedures are usually completed quickly. The overall timeline mainly depends on how long it takes to obtain, certify and translate documents issued abroad, open a bank account where a capital deposit is required, and complete the tax office's address verification. We give you a realistic timeline for your case after the initial consultation.
Do I need to be in Turkey to set up a company?
Not necessarily. Many steps can be completed through a power of attorney issued abroad, provided it is certified as required (for example with an apostille) and translated into Turkish. Some steps, such as opening a bank account, may be easier in person, so we plan any visit to cover them efficiently.
How do foreign employees get a work permit in Turkey?
Work permit applications are made to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the e-İzin system. The application can be started by the employer in Turkey, or by the employee through a Turkish embassy or consulate abroad, and the Ministry assesses both the employer and the position. We prepare the file and handle the payroll and social security steps once the permit is granted.
What are the main tax filing deadlines in Turkey?
Monthly VAT returns are due by the 28th of the following month, and the combined withholding tax and social security return by the 26th. Provisional corporate tax returns are due on 17 May, 17 August and 17 November, and the annual corporate income tax return by the end of April. If a deadline falls on a public holiday, it moves to the next working day.
Is my company in Turkey required to have a statutory audit?
Companies are subject to independent audit under a Presidential Decree that sets thresholds for total assets, annual net sales and number of employees. A company falls within the scope if it exceeds two of these three thresholds in two consecutive financial years; the thresholds are updated from time to time. Certain companies are subject to audit regardless of size because of their sector.
Talk to us in English
Üçevler Mah. Ritim Sok. Ofismer İş Merkezi K:2 D:4, 16120 Nilüfer / Bursa, Türkiye · info@indexdenetim.com.tr
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