Turkey’s strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia has made it a crucial hub for international business operations. As global commerce continues to evolve in 2025, Turkish business lawyers have emerged as indispensable partners for companies seeking to establish, expand, or navigate the complex legal landscape of this dynamic market.
Table of Contents
- Core Services Provided by Turkish Business Lawyers
- The Indispensable Role of Expert Legal Counsel
- Mastering Company Formation in Turkey
- Strategic Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in a Thriving Market
- Ensuring Robust Corporate Governance and Compliance
- Navigating Commercial Contracts and Dispute Resolution
- Key Considerations for Foreign Investors in 2025
- Why Choose Akkas & Associates Law Firm?
- Steps for a Successful Business Setup in Turkey
- The Akkas & Associates Advantage
- Navigating Share Transfers and Business Acquisitions
- Conclusion & Suggestions
- FAQs Section
- Contact our Turkish Business Lawyers
Core Services Provided by Turkish Business Lawyers
Istanbul, a vibrant hub connecting continents, continues to solidify its position as a dynamic destination for international business and investment. As 2025 unfolds, understanding the nuances of Turkish business law is paramount for ensuring seamless operations and safeguarding your commercial interests. For this reason, engaging top-tier Turkish business lawyers is not merely an option, but a strategic imperative.
The Indispensable Role of Expert Legal Counsel
Establishing, acquiring, or even selling a business in Turkey demands a profound grasp of the country’s intricate legal framework. From initial setup to complex dispute resolution, the journey is fraught with legal complexities that necessitate the expertise of seasoned professionals.
Akkas & Associates Law Firm, with a legacy of providing exceptional legal services since 1992, stands as a beacon of trust and efficiency in this landscape. Our dedicated team of Turkish business lawyers offers tailored solutions designed to navigate these challenges effectively.
Mastering Company Formation in Turkey
Turkish business lawyers excel in helping companies establish their presence in Turkey through various corporate structures. They guide clients through the complexities of forming joint stock companies, limited liability companies, and branch offices, ensuring compliance with Turkish Commercial Code requirements.
Our lawyers offer step-by-step guidance, ensuring your company’s establishment aligns perfectly with local regulations. This includes selecting the appropriate legal structure—whether a Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.) or a Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)—and completing all necessary registrations with the relevant authorities.
Strategic Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in a Thriving Market
The Turkish M&A market continues to attract significant interest from global investors in 2025, driven by economic stabilization and sector-specific growth. Executing successful mergers, acquisitions, or other corporate transactions demands meticulous legal analysis and negotiation.
Our M&A experts are adept at handling intricate deal structures, conducting thorough due diligence, drafting comprehensive contracts, and leading negotiations. We ensure your interests are protected throughout the entire process, from term sheet to post-closing integration.
Turkish merger control regulations, specifically under Law No. 4054 on Protection of Competition, stipulate notification requirements for transactions exceeding certain turnover thresholds. Our team is well-versed in these requirements, ensuring full compliance.
Ensuring Robust Corporate Governance and Compliance
Maintaining compliance with Turkey’s evolving corporate laws and regulations is critical for any business’s longevity and reputation. The Turkish Commercial Code places strong emphasis on transparent and accountable management practices. This includes establishing a robust board of directors, holding regular shareholder meetings, and adhering to strict disclosure and reporting obligations.
Our legal team provides comprehensive compliance services, helping you understand and adhere to the ever-evolving legal framework. We assist in drafting company policies, conducting compliance audits, and offering ongoing support to manage potential risks effectively.
Navigating Commercial Contracts and Dispute Resolution
Commercial contracts form the backbone of any business operation. In Turkey, contractual freedom is a core principle, allowing parties to negotiate terms provided they do not contravene mandatory legal provisions.
Our Turkish business lawyers specialize in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, service contracts, and licensing agreements. Our goal is always to protect your interests in every transaction.
In the event of business disputes, our seasoned litigators are well-equipped to handle complex legal proceedings. From contract disagreements to intellectual property conflicts, our team employs a strategic approach to safeguard your business’s reputation and financial interests.
We prioritize efficient and effective resolution, minimizing disruption to your business operations. Mediation, as an alternative dispute resolution method, is also increasingly utilized and encouraged in Turkish commercial disputes.
Key Considerations for Foreign Investors in 2025
Foreign investors looking to capitalize on opportunities in Turkey should be aware of several key legal considerations:
- Foreign Direct Investment Law: Turkey’s Foreign Direct Investment Law (No. 4875) provides a favorable framework, ensuring equal treatment for foreign and domestic investors.
- Data Protection (KVKK): The Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) aligns closely with GDPR principles. Businesses must register data processing activities with VERBIS and maintain compliance. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties. You can find more information on data protection laws and compliance at the official website of the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK): https://www.kvkk.gov.tr/.
- Labor Law Updates: As of 2025, significant updates to Turkish labor laws, including minimum wage adjustments and increased administrative fines, are crucial for employers to understand and implement. For detailed information, consult the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security: https://www.csgb.gov.tr/.
- Internet Law Changes: Turkey’s internet regulatory framework saw significant changes in 2025, centralizing digital content governance under the new Digital Platforms Authority (DPA). This includes new licensing requirements for platforms and proactive moderation duties. Keeping abreast of these changes is vital for online businesses. For further details on internet regulations, resources from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) can be helpful: https://www.btk.gov.tr/.

Why Choose Akkas & Associates Law Firm?
At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, our commitment to excellence and our client-centric approach set us apart. We understand that every business is unique, and our solutions are meticulously customized to address your specific needs and challenges. Our team comprises highly skilled Turkish business lawyers with an in-depth understanding of Turkey’s legal landscape, ensuring result-driven outcomes.
Our firm’s nationally recognized litigation group and sophisticated business law practice have made us one of the globally recognized Turkish law firms in Istanbul. We pride ourselves on clear, responsive communication and a dedication to achieving optimal outcomes for our clients.

Steps for a Successful Business Setup in Turkey
A successful business setup in Turkey involves several crucial steps, all of which our Turkish business lawyers can guide you through:
- Choosing the Appropriate Business Structure: Deciding between a Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.), Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.), or other forms based on your business objectives and liability preferences.
- Registering the Company: Completing all necessary registrations with the Trade Registry Office and other relevant authorities.
- Obtaining Necessary Permits and Licenses: Securing sector-specific permits and operational licenses.
- Complying with Tax Regulations: Understanding and adhering to Turkish tax laws, including corporate tax, VAT, and withholding taxes. Professional tax advisory services, often integrated with legal counsel, are invaluable here. The Turkish Revenue Administration (Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı – GİB) website provides comprehensive tax information: https://www.gib.gov.tr/.
- Drafting Comprehensive Agreements: Preparing shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, and other foundational documents.
- Establishing Employment Contracts: Ensuring all employment contracts comply with Turkish labor laws.
You can learn more about our comprehensive company formation services on our dedicated page: Company Formation in Turkey.
The Akkas & Associates Advantage
When you partner with Akkas & Associates Law Firm, you gain not just legal experts, but a dedicated team invested in your business’s growth and success. Our English-speaking lawyers in Istanbul provide essential guidance on a range of business matters, including company incorporation, joint venture agreements, and corporate governance compliance. We facilitate seamless communication and offer a global perspective combined with deep local expertise.
For detailed information on our firm’s capabilities and how we serve international clients, please visit: Expert English-Speaking Lawyers in Istanbul.
Navigating Share Transfers and Business Acquisitions
Efficient share transfer requires meticulous legal execution to safeguard the interests of all involved parties. Our business lawyers in Turkey possess a wealth of experience in facilitating seamless share transfers, ensuring transparency and mitigating legal complexities.
Whether you are looking to expand your business through acquisitions or considering selling your enterprise, our legal experts can guide you through the entire process, from due diligence to negotiations and drafting agreements.
Further insights into our services for buying and selling businesses can be found here: Your Trusted Business Lawyers in Turkey.
Conclusion & Suggestions
In 2025, Turkey presents immense opportunities for businesses, but navigating its dynamic legal landscape requires expert guidance. The complexities of corporate law, M&A regulations, and ongoing compliance underscore the necessity of strong legal partnership. Akkas & Associates Law Firm is ideally positioned to be that partner, offering professional, informative, and result-oriented legal services.
For unparalleled legal support in company formation, M&A, compliance, share transfer, and all aspects of buying and selling businesses in Turkey, trust Akkas & Associates Law Firm. Our experienced Turkish business lawyers are ready to provide the strategic counsel you need to thrive.
FAQs Section
Q1: What are the primary types of business entities in Turkey for foreign investors? A1: The most common business entities for foreign investors in Turkey are Joint Stock Companies (Anonim Şirket, A.Ş.) and Limited Liability Companies (Limited Şirket, Ltd. Şti.). Each has distinct requirements regarding capital, management structure, and liability.
Q2: Is it mandatory to have a Turkish partner to establish a company in Turkey? A2: No, it is not mandatory. Under Turkey’s Foreign Direct Investment Law, foreign investors can establish companies with 100% foreign ownership, enjoying the same rights and obligations as domestic investors.
Q3: What are the key legal documents required for company registration in Turkey? A3: Key documents typically include the Articles of Association, founders’ declarations, a bank receipt proving deposited capital, and a signature circular for authorized signatories. All documents generally need to be notarized and officially translated.
Q4: How do Turkish business lawyers assist with mergers and acquisitions? A4: Turkish business lawyers play a crucial role in M&A by conducting due diligence, drafting and negotiating transaction documents (e.g., share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements), ensuring compliance with competition law, managing regulatory approvals, and facilitating the closing and post-merger integration.
Q5: What are the latest developments in Turkish labor law for 2025 that businesses should be aware of? A5: For 2025, key developments include adjustments to the minimum wage, updated severance pay calculations, and increased administrative fines for various labor law violations. Employers must stay informed about these changes to ensure full compliance with employment regulations.
Q6: What is the importance of the KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law) for businesses operating in Turkey? A6: The KVKK is critical for businesses as it regulates the processing of personal data, similar to GDPR. Companies must comply with data processing principles, obtain explicit consent where required, register with the VERBIS system, and implement appropriate security measures to avoid significant penalties and legal liabilities.
Contact our Turkish Business Lawyers
Navigating Turkey’s dynamic business environment requires experienced legal professionals who understand both local regulations and international business practices. Turkish business lawyers provide the expertise and guidance necessary for successful business operations in this strategic market.
Whether you’re establishing a new business presence, expanding existing operations, or navigating complex legal challenges, professional legal support is essential for achieving your business objectives in Turkey. The right legal partnership can make the difference between success and costly setbacks in this competitive marketplace.
For comprehensive legal services and expert guidance on Turkish business law matters, contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today. Our experienced team of Turkish business lawyers has been providing exceptional legal services since 1992, helping businesses navigate the complexities of Turkish commercial law and achieve their strategic objectives in this dynamic market.
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