Company Formation in Turkey: The Complete 2026 Guide
Company types, costs, process and taxes at a glance, coordinated with licensed partners on the ground.
Which legal structure fits you?
The five most common structures for foreign founders and companies, compared.
| Type | Minimum capital | Liability | Best for | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Şirket (LTD) | from 50,000 TRY | limited to capital contribution | SMEs, startups, solo founders, agencies | approx. 3–7 days |
| Anonim Şirket (A.Ş.) | from 250,000 TRY (500,000 TRY under the registered-capital system) | limited to capital contribution | larger structures, investors, future listing plans | approx. 10–15 days |
| Şahıs Şirketi (sole proprietorship) | no minimum capital | unlimited, personal assets are liable | freelancers, small service providers | a few days |
| Şube (branch office) | no separate minimum capital, parent company is liable | unlimited, via the parent company | an existing foreign company expanding operations | approx. 2–4 weeks |
| Liaison office | no capital, no commercial activity permitted | n/a, representation only | market research before the actual decision | approx. 4–6 weeks, valid max. 3 years, renewable |
What a Turkish company pays in tax
The key figures, for details and current incentives see our tax overview.
How your formation works
Eight steps from assessment to operational launch.
Free assessment
Our AI assessment recommends the right company type based on your activity, capital and goals.
Partner matching
We connect you with a licensed lawyer and Mali Müşavir (Turkish tax/financial advisor) on the ground.
Documents & power of attorney
Articles of association, passport copies, apostille/translation of German documents where needed, optional power of attorney (Vekaletname) so much of the process runs without your presence.
MERSİS registration
Notarization and entry into MERSİS, the central 16-digit trade registry system.
Trade registry & gazette
Registration with the Ticaret Sicili (trade registry) and publication in the Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi, your company now officially exists.
Tax ID & bookkeeping
You receive your Vergi Numarası (tax ID), your Mali Müşavir takes over ongoing bookkeeping, mandatory in Turkey.
Bank account & capital
Open a corporate bank account and deposit the share capital. Details on account opening are in our banking guide.
Operational launch
Issue invoices, register employees, and if relevant apply for a residence permit through your shareholder status.
Frequently asked questions about company formation
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Turkish company?
Yes. Under the Foreign Direct Investment Law (No. 4875), foreign investors are treated equally to Turkish investors, 100% foreign ownership is possible in most sectors without a local partner.
What does company formation in Turkey cost?
It depends on company type, capital and complexity. Our transparent Setup, Premium and Executive packages are on the pricing page, including coordination of every step and partner.
Do I need to be physically present in Turkey to form a company?
Many steps can be handled via a notarized power of attorney (Vekaletname). Most banks, however, require your personal presence to open the account, your partner plans this with you.
How long does the whole formation process take?
The registry filing itself via MERSİS often happens within a day. Realistically, until the company is fully operational including a bank account, plan for 3–15 days, or 2–4 weeks if apostille/translation of German documents is needed.
Do I need a local accountant?
Yes. A Mali Müşavir (comparable to, but not identical with, a German Steuerberater) is legally required for ongoing bookkeeping and tax filings. TÜRKİYEOS connects you with a licensed partner.
Which company type is right for me?
It depends on your activity, capital, liability preference and growth plans. The free assessment gives you a first, personalized read, your licensed partner finalizes the decision with you.
Where is the easiest place to get the power of attorney (Vekaletname)?
Usually at the Turkish consulate in Germany: it issues the Vekaletname directly in the required form, skipping the German-notary-plus-translation-plus-apostille route that a power of attorney drawn up before a German notary otherwise needs. Your partner tells you in advance exactly which wording the consulate requires.
Keep reading
Ready to form your company in Turkey?
Start with the free assessment, we'll recommend the right company type and connect you with the right licensed partner.