Starting a business in Turkey presents tremendous opportunities, but navigating the complex legal landscape requires specialized expertise. Turkish company formation lawyers serve as your essential partners in establishing a successful business presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic markets.
Starting a company in Turkey is a promising venture in 2025, but the process can be complex, especially if you lack local knowledge of Turkish commercial law. Akkas & Associates Law Firm, established in Istanbul since 1992, offers unparalleled legal expertise in Turkish company formation.
We specialize in guiding foreign and domestic investors through every legal step, ensuring your business launch is seamless, compliant, and strategically sound.
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Why Turkish Company Formation Requires Professional Legal Guidance
Turkey’s strategic location between Europe and Asia makes it an attractive destination for international businesses. However, the country’s legal framework for company formation involves intricate procedures that demand professional oversight.
Turkish company formation lawyers possess the specialized knowledge to guide entrepreneurs through regulatory requirements while ensuring compliance with local laws.
The Turkish Commercial Code underwent significant reforms, introducing new business structures and modernizing existing regulations. These changes have created opportunities but also increased complexity. Professional legal assistance ensures your company formation process aligns with current legislation and avoids costly mistakes.
Establishing a company in Turkey presents a gateway to a dynamic market at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. For foreign investors, navigating the intricacies of Turkish corporate law can be a complex endeavor. This is where the expertise of experienced Turkish company formation lawyers becomes invaluable. Akkas & Associates Law Firm, with a legacy of providing top-tier legal services in Istanbul since 1992, guides you through every crucial step.
Turkey’s legal framework, governed by the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC), offers various company structures. Understanding which one best suits your business objectives is paramount. The most common choices for foreign investors include the Limited Liability Company (LLC or “Limited Şirket”) and the Joint Stock Company (JSC or “Anonim Şirket”). Each has distinct requirements for minimum capital, liability, and governance.
The process of company formation in Turkey involves several key stages, from preparing foundational documents to securing necessary permits. A misstep at any point can lead to significant delays or legal complications. Our dedicated team of English-speaking lawyers in Istanbul ensures a seamless and efficient journey, minimizing potential roadblocks for your investment.
The Initial Choices: Company Type and Name
Your first critical decision involves selecting the appropriate legal structure for your company. An LLC is generally preferred for small to medium-sized enterprises due to its simpler structure and lower minimum capital requirement (currently TRY 50,000). JSCs, on the other hand, are suitable for larger enterprises, allowing for public share trading and requiring a higher minimum capital (currently TRY 250,000).
Our lawyers analyze your business model and future aspirations to recommend the most advantageous structure.
Following the selection of your company type, a unique and available company name must be chosen. This name must be checked and reserved through the Central Registry System (MERSIS) to avoid duplication. Akkas & Associates assists with this crucial initial search and reservation, ensuring compliance with Turkish naming conventions.
Drafting and Notarizing Key Documents
The Articles of Association (AoA) are the cornerstone of your Turkish company. This vital document defines the company’s purpose, scope of activities, capital structure, management, and shareholder rights. It must be meticulously prepared in Turkish and subsequently notarized. For foreign investors, this often involves the translation and notarization of identity documents as well.
Our legal team possesses extensive experience in drafting comprehensive and legally sound AoA. We ensure that all clauses comply with the Turkish Commercial Code and effectively protect your interests. This crucial step is then followed by the notarization of the AoA and signature declarations of the company representatives, which are essential for official registration.
Securing Tax Identification Numbers and Registration
Before proceeding with company registration, all shareholders and the company itself must obtain Turkish tax identification numbers. This is a fundamental requirement for opening a company bank account and for all future financial and tax-related transactions in Turkey. Akkas & Associates facilitates this process, guiding you through the application at the local tax office.
Once the foundational documents are prepared and notarized, and tax identification numbers are secured, the company is registered with the relevant Trade Registry Office. This involves submitting the notarized AoA, proof of capital deposit, and other required documentation.
Upon approval, your company’s details will be published in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, officially establishing your legal entity. For more details on this process, you may refer to our comprehensive guide on Turkish Company Formation.
Capital Deposit and Bank Account Opening
A mandatory step in company formation is the deposit of the required minimum capital into a temporary bank account opened in the company’s name. The bank will issue a receipt, which is a necessary document for completing the company registration. Akkas & Associates assists in liaising with Turkish banks to streamline this process, ensuring all banking requirements are met.
It’s important to note that while the full capital may not need to be deposited upfront for all company types, a significant portion (e.g., 25% for JSCs) is often required before registration. Our lawyers provide clear guidance on capital requirements specific to your chosen company structure.
Ongoing Compliance and Legal Support
Company formation is just the beginning. Post-registration, your company will have ongoing obligations, including registration with the Social Security Institution (SGK), tax office registrations (e.g., VAT), and obtaining any necessary sector-specific licenses and permits. Compliance with Turkish labor law, including minimum wage requirements and social security contributions, is also crucial.
Akkas & Associates provides comprehensive ongoing legal support, ensuring your company remains compliant with all Turkish laws and regulations. From drafting employment contracts to advising on corporate governance and tax matters, we are your trusted legal partner for sustainable growth in Turkey.
Our expertise extends to various aspects of Turkish law, including Turkish Citizenship by Investment, which can be a consideration for foreign investors.
Legal Considerations for Foreign Investors in Turkey
Foreign investors benefit from Turkey’s Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, which promotes a transparent and investor-friendly legal framework. This law ensures equal treatment for both foreign and domestic investors and minimizes bureaucratic hurdles. However, specific sectors may have restrictions or require special permits for foreign ownership.
Navigating these nuances requires in-depth local legal knowledge. Our firm acts as a bridge, helping foreign investors understand the local legal landscape and mitigating potential risks. We also offer expert advice on English Speaking Lawyers in Istanbul to ensure clear communication throughout all legal proceedings.
FAQs About Turkish Company Formation
Q1: What are the most common types of companies foreigners can establish in Turkey? A1: The most common types are Limited Liability Companies (LLC) and Joint Stock Companies (JSC). LLCs are popular for small and medium-sized businesses due to their simpler structure, while JSCs are suited for larger ventures and public offerings.
Q2: What is the minimum capital required for company formation in Turkey? A2: As of 2025, the minimum capital for an LLC is TRY 50,000, and for a JSC, it is TRY 250,000. It’s advisable to verify these figures with current regulations as they can be subject to change.
Q3: Do I need a Turkish partner to establish a company in Turkey? A3: No, it is not mandatory to have a Turkish partner. Foreigners can establish 100% foreign-owned companies in Turkey.
Q4: How long does the company formation process typically take in Turkey? A4: The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the company structure and the responsiveness of the relevant authorities. With proper legal guidance, the core registration process can often be completed within 1-2 weeks once all necessary documents are prepared.
Q5: What are the main documents required for company formation? A5: Key documents include the notarized Articles of Association, identification documents of shareholders (passport copies for individuals), proof of address, and a bank receipt for the deposited capital.
Q6: Can I open a company in Turkey remotely? A6: While certain initial steps can be handled remotely via a notarized power of attorney, some in-person requirements may exist, particularly for signature verification or bank account opening. A local legal representative can significantly streamline the remote process.
Q7: What are the ongoing compliance obligations for a company in Turkey? A7: Ongoing obligations include annual general assembly meetings, preparation of financial statements, regular tax filings (corporate tax, VAT), social security contributions for employees, and updating the Trade Registry for any changes in company details.
Contact our Turkish Company Formation Lawyers
Establishing a successful company in Turkey requires navigating complex legal requirements, regulatory compliance, and strategic business considerations. Turkish company formation lawyers provide the essential expertise needed to transform your business vision into reality while ensuring full legal compliance and optimal structure for long-term success.
Don’t leave your Turkish business formation to chance. Contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today for professional legal guidance tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team of Turkish company formation specialists is ready to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your business establishment proceeds smoothly and successfully in Turkey’s dynamic marketplace.
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