Company Formation in Turkey

Company Formation in Turkey

Company Formation in Turkey: A Complete Guide for Investors

Turkey is emerging as a favorable destination for entrepreneurs and international businesses, offering a strategic location between Europe and Asia, a dynamic economy, and a supportive legal framework. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an international investor, forming a company in Turkey has never been more attractive. This guide will walk you through the steps of company formation in Turkey, focusing on the key aspects that make the process straightforward and efficient.

Table of Contents

Why Form a Company in Turkey?

  • Strategic Location: Turkey is a gateway to both European and Middle Eastern markets, making it a hub for international trade.
  • Growing Economy: Turkey has a rapidly developing economy, ranking among the world’s largest economies with diverse sectors like construction, textiles, technology, and tourism.
  • Favorable Investment Climate: Turkey offers attractive incentives, such as tax benefits, free trade zones, and bilateral agreements to avoid double taxation.
  • Ease of Doing Business: According to the World Bank, Turkey ranks highly for its ease of starting a business, with simplified procedures and short timelines.

entrepreneurs and companies in set up company in Istanbul and ensuring that they complete the establishment process quickly, at affordable prices, and in accordance with the Turkish Commercial Code,

Our services for establishing a company in Turkey include; liaison office establishment in Turkey, branch establishment in Turkey, free zone company establishment in Turkey, joint stock company formation in Turkey, limited liability company establishment in Turkey, holding company establishment in Turkey, company management and administration.

Types of Company in Turkey

When forming a company in Turkey, you can choose from different types of business entities based on your goals and the structure of your operations:

  1. Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most common type of company, ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. It requires at least one shareholder and a minimum capital of 50,000 TRY.
  2. Joint Stock Company (JSC): Suitable for larger businesses with higher capital requirements. This entity is often used for publicly traded companies.
  3. Branch Office: Foreign companies can establish a branch office in Turkey to conduct business without forming a new legal entity.
  4. Liaison Office: This is a non-commercial office used for market research or representation. It cannot engage in any revenue-generating activities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Company Formation in Turkey

1. Choose the Type of Company

The first step is to decide on the type of company that fits your business needs. Most foreign investors choose to form an LLC because it offers flexibility and limited liability.

2. Company Name and Registration

  • Reserve a Company Name: Your chosen company name must be unique and not similar to any existing business names in Turkey.
  • Prepare the Articles of Association: This document outlines the company’s structure, operations, and other key details. It must be drafted and notarized in Turkish.

3. Register with the Trade Registry Office

You need to register your company with the Trade Registry Office in the jurisdiction where your business will be located. The required documents include:

  • Articles of Association
  • Proof of identity for shareholders
  • Notarized signatures of company representatives
  • Bank deposit slip showing the minimum capital requirement (for LLC or JSC)

Once the documents are submitted, the Trade Registry Office will issue a certificate of registration, which typically takes around 2-3 business days.

4. Obtain a Tax Number

After registration, the company must obtain a tax identification number from the local tax office. You will also need to register for VAT (Value Added Tax) and Social Security if you plan to hire employees.

5. Open a Corporate Bank Account

A corporate bank account in Turkey is mandatory for all businesses. This account will be used to deposit the company’s share capital, pay taxes, and manage daily financial transactions. Many banks in Turkey offer tailored services for foreign investors.

6. Register for Social Security

If your company plans to hire employees, you must register with the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK). This process ensures that your employees are covered by social security benefits.

7. Apply for Relevant Licenses and Permits

Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain additional licenses or permits. For example, companies in the financial services, healthcare, or food industries must comply with industry-specific regulations.

Key Considerations for Foreign Investors

1. Shareholders and Directors: In Turkey, a company can have 100% foreign ownership. At least one shareholder and one director are required for an LLC. These can be foreign nationals, and there is no requirement for them to reside in Turkey.

2. Minimum Share Capital: The minimum share capital requirement for an LLC is 50,000 TRY, while a JSC requires 250,000 TRY.

3. No Residency Requirement: Directors and shareholders do not need to reside in Turkey. However, appointing a local representative may be helpful for handling legal and administrative matters.

4. Taxation: The corporate income tax rate in Turkey is 25%, but this may vary depending on government incentives or exemptions for certain industries or regions. Additionally, VAT rates range from 1% to 20%, depending on the nature of goods or services.

Costs of Company Formation in Turkey

The cost of forming a company in Turkey depends on the type of company and the complexity of the business. Some of the typical costs include:

  • Company Registration Fee: Varies but generally ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 EUR.
  • Notary Fees: For documents like the Articles of Association.
  • Accountancy Fees: Ongoing costs for bookkeeping and tax filings.
  • Legal Fees: For consultation and drafting contracts.

After Company Formation: What’s Next?

  • Start Operations: Once your company is legally registered, you can start business activities in Turkey. This includes hiring employees, leasing premises, and conducting commercial transactions.
  • File Annual Reports: Turkish companies are required to file annual reports with the Trade Registry and pay taxes. It’s important to stay compliant to avoid penalties.
  • Expand Globally: Turkey’s location makes it an excellent base for expanding into nearby markets like Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.


FAQs About Company Formation in Turkey

What are the main types of companies in Turkey?

The main company types in Turkey are:

  • Limited Liability Company (Ltd. ?ti.)
  • Joint Stock Company (A.?.)
  • Branch Office or Subsidiary Company
  • Liaison Office?
  • Sole Proprietorship

What is the minimum capital requirement to start a company in Turkey?

  • For a Limited Liability Company (Ltd. ?ti.), the minimum capital is 50,000 TL.
  • For a Joint Stock Company (A.?.), the minimum capital is 250,000 TL.

How long does it take to establish a company in Turkey?

The company registration process usually takes ?1 to 3 days, provided all documents are in order.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Turkey?

Yes, Turkey allows foreigners to own 100% of the shares in both limited liability and joint stock companies.

What documents are required for company formation in Turkey?

Required documents generally include:

  • Articles of Association
  • Picture of founders’
  • Notarized Power Of Attorney for Accountant
  • Tax number for foreign shareholders
  • Turkish Traslate of founders’ ID or passport
  • Company address proof (lease agreement)

What are the costs associated with forming a company in Turkey?

Costs include:

  • Notary fees
  • Translations fees
  • Registration fees at the Turkish Trade Registry
  • Turkish advisory fees (if applicable)
  • Potential consultancy and accounting fees

Do I need a Turkish partner to start a business in Turkey?

No, a foreigner can establish and fully own a company without the need for a Turkish partner.

Is it mandatory to have a physical office in Turkey?

Yes, Turkish law requires a company to have a registered address. Virtual offices are acceptable as long as they comply with legal requirements.

Do I need to open a bank account for my Turkish company?

Yes, a local bank account is necessary for depositing the company’s share capital and for operating business transactions.

How can I obtain a tax identification number in Turkey?

A tax identification number can be obtained by visiting a local tax office with identification documents, such as a passport for foreigners.

What taxes will my company be subject to in Turkey?

  • Corporate income tax rate is 25% (as of 2023, subject to change).
  • Companies may also be subject to VAT (20% standard rate) and other applicable local taxes.
  • Withholding Tax rate is 20% for workplace rent , salary & freelancers payment

Is a Turkish Accountant required to operate a company in Turkey?

Yes, every company in Turkey is required to have a Turkish certified public accountant (CPA) to handle bookkeeping, financial reporting, and tax submissions.?

Can I transfer profits from my Turkish company to another country?

Yes, Turkey allows the repatriation of profits, provided all taxes and financial obligations are met.

Can foreigners establish a branch or liaison office in Turkey?

Yes, foreign companies can establish branch or liaison offices in Turkey, but they must register with the Turkish Trade Registry and meet other local requirements.

Do I need a work permit to manage my company in Turkey?

You can run your company remotely but foreign directors or managers of a Turkish company will need to obtain a work permit to legally work and reside in Turkey.

Can I start a company remotely from outside Turkey?

Yes, with the help of a power of attorney, company formation can be done remotely. However, physical presence may be required at certain steps, such as opening a bank account.

How do I close a company in Turkey?

Closing a company involves multiple steps, including liquidating assets, settling debts, and unregistering the company from tax and trade registries. The process typically takes min. 3 months.

What is the role of the Turkish Trade Registry?

The Turkish Trade Registry handles the registration, amendment, and publication of company-related matters. Every company must be registered here to gain legal status.

Can a company in Turkey have non-Turkish employees?

Yes, companies in Turkey can hire foreign employees, but they must obtain work permits through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Are there incentives for foreign investors in Turkey?

Yes, Turkey offers incentives such as tax exemptions, customs duty exemptions, and land allocation in certain investment zones, especially in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Click the link of tax incentives in Turkey for more detail.

Contact Us For Company Formation in Turkey

Company formation in Turkey is a streamlined process with many advantages for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. Whether you are looking to expand your existing business or start a new venture, Turkey offers a pro-business environment with attractive incentives.

By following the legal steps and ensuring compliance with regulations, you can set up a company in Turkey and benefit from its growing economy and strategic location.

A&M Consulting Co. is a Turkish Accounting and Tax Consultancy company specialized in providing end-to-end company formation services for especially global investor and foreign entrepreneurs which wants to walk into to Turkey’s market

We continue to offer cost-effective solutions to global and individual entrepreneurs who want to enter the Turkish market smoothly and quickly, to ensure their full compliance with local legislation and to facilitate their access to tax exemptions and incentives.

DISCOVER OUR SERVICES:

You can reach out to our experienced consultans via email or by filling out the?Contact Form?on our website’s?contact page.

A&M Consulting Co.

www.a-m.com.tr


Luis Sakch

Business Developer

3 周

Very informative

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Iskender Bilson

Business Development Executive

3 周

Very helpful

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