Under Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 and Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, we carry out company formation for foreign investors together with our specialist partner lawyers. We prepare the articles of association according to your shareholding structure and the risks that may arise in the future, and follow the process in English.
Formation options
- Limited company (Ltd. Şti.): can be formed with a single shareholder; a common choice for small and medium-sized operations.
- Joint stock company (A.Ş.): can be formed with a single shareholder; share transfers are more flexible, suitable for large-scale structures with many shareholders.
- Branch: an extension in Turkey of the foreign company without separate legal personality; the parent company is liable for the branch's debts.
- Liaison office: opened only for research and contact purposes without carrying out commercial activity; it is established with permission from the relevant Ministry.
Documents required from foreign shareholders
The list of documents depends on whether the shareholder is an individual or a legal entity. In general, the following documents are required:
- For foreign individuals, a certified translation of the passport
- For foreign legal entities, a certificate of activity showing the registration in their home country and a certificate of authority
- A power of attorney for representation
- A tax identification number to be obtained in Turkey for foreign shareholders and directors
Certification and translation
Documents issued abroad are made valid with an apostille if the issuing country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention, and otherwise with legalisation by the Turkish consulate in that country. They are then translated into Turkish by a sworn translator in Turkey and notarised. We send the investor a checklist in advance setting out the order in which the documents should be prepared.
After the formation
After registration, tax office registration, opening the bank account, documenting the capital contribution and the notifications specific to foreign-owned companies are carried out. Monthly accounting and reporting in English then begin. If directors or employees are foreign nationals, we also plan the work permit applications within the same timeline. For the general framework, see our services for foreign investors page.
Who is it for?
- Foreign companies that want to set up a subsidiary in Turkey
- Foreign individuals forming a company with a Turkish partner
- Companies considering opening a branch or liaison office in Turkey
- Foreign investors becoming shareholders in an existing Turkish company
How does the process work?
- Step 1
Defining the structure
Together with the investor we clarify the company type, capital, shareholding and management structure.
- Step 2
Preparing the documents
We manage the certification and translation of documents from abroad and prepare the articles of association.
- Step 3
Tax number and registration
Tax identification numbers are obtained for the foreign shareholders and the company is registered with the trade registry.
- Step 4
Opening procedures
Tax registration, bank account, capital contribution and statutory notifications are completed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to form a company with foreign shareholders?
Once the documents are complete in Turkey, the registration procedures are usually completed quickly. What mainly determines the total time is the preparation of the documents abroad, the apostille or consular legalisation and the translation. When these stages are planned, the formation can be completed within a few weeks.
Which documents are needed to form a company as a foreigner?
The basic documents are a certified passport translation for individual shareholders, a certificate of activity and a certificate of authority for corporate shareholders and, if needed, a power of attorney. Documents issued abroad must be translated into Turkish together with the apostille or consular legalisation. Additional documents may be requested depending on your shareholding structure.
Should I open a branch or set up a company?
A branch is part of the parent company, and the parent company is liable for all of the branch's debts. A company formed in Turkey is a separate legal entity and limits the risk. The two structures also have different consequences for tax, profit transfers and reporting; we make the choice together according to the nature of your activities.
What is the minimum capital for a company?
The minimum capital for limited and joint stock companies is set by the Turkish Commercial Code and related regulations and is updated from time to time. In the meeting we share the current amount and the conditions for paying in the capital based on the amount set for the relevant period. For information, you can use the request a quote form.