Can a foreigner open a company in Turkey? Yes. Foreign individuals and foreign companies can set up a company in Turkey under the same rules as Turkish citizens, and all shareholders and directors may be foreign nationals. This guide explains how to register a company in Turkey as a foreigner in 2026: company types, minimum capital, the step-by-step Turkey company registration process, documents, timeline, costs and the obligations that follow, from the perspective of a company formation lawyer in Istanbul.
Can a Foreigner Open a Company in Turkey?
Under Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreign investors enjoy equal treatment with local investors. There is no requirement for a Turkish partner, a Turkish director or a minimum foreign investment amount beyond the general capital rules. A foreign individual or legal entity can be the sole shareholder of a Turkish company. The few sector-specific restrictions (for example in broadcasting, aviation or certain real estate near military zones) rarely affect ordinary trading, service or technology companies.
Company Types in Turkey
For company establishment in Turkey, foreign investors almost always choose one of two capital companies:
| Limited liability company (Ltd. Şti.) | Joint stock company (A.Ş.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | 50,000 TL | 250,000 TL (500,000 TL under the registered capital system) |
| Number of shareholders | 1 to 50 | 1 or more, no upper limit |
| Management | One or more managers | Board of directors (one or more members) |
| Share transfer | Notarised transfer and general assembly approval | Easier; suitable for investors and public offering |
| Typical use | Small and medium businesses, single-founder companies | Larger projects, investor-backed companies |
The minimum capital amounts were raised by Presidential Decree No. 7887 with effect from 1 January 2024. Existing companies below these amounts must adjust their capital by 31 December 2026. A branch or liaison office of a foreign company is also possible, but it is not a separate legal entity.
How to Register a Company in Turkey as a Foreigner: Step by Step
The Turkey company formation process follows these steps:
- Choose the company type, name and activity. Check that the trade name is available.
- Obtain a Turkish tax number for each foreign shareholder and manager from the tax office (needed for all later steps).
- Prepare the articles of association on the Central Registry System (MERSİS) and have them signed before the trade registry officer or a notary.
- Deposit the capital contribution where required (for joint stock companies, 0.04% to the Competition Authority account).
- Apply to the trade registry of the chamber of commerce where the company’s headquarters will be. Once approved, the company is registered and announced in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.
- Open the tax registration: the tax office inspects the company address and activates the company’s tax record.
- Open a corporate bank account, get an e-signature and a registered e-mail (KEP) address, and appoint an accountant.
Turkey Company Registration Number and Certificate
After registration, the company receives a Turkey company registration number (trade registry number) and a 16-digit MERSİS number, as well as a tax identification number. The registration is published in the Trade Registry Gazette, and the chamber of commerce issues an activity certificate (faaliyet belgesi). Together, these documents serve as the Turkey company registration certificate that banks, authorities and foreign counterparties ask for.
Company Registration in Istanbul
Most foreign investors choose Istanbul. Company registration in Istanbul is carried out at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) trade registry directorates. To open a company in Istanbul, you need a registered company address in Istanbul, Turkey: this can be an office lease, a property you own or, for many service businesses, a virtual office. The tax office visits the address to verify it, so it must be real and accessible. Whether you need to register a company in Turkey in Istanbul or elsewhere, the address also determines which trade registry and tax office handle your company.
Required Documents
Typical documents for a foreign shareholder are:
- passport copy with a notarised Turkish translation (or apostilled documents for a foreign corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation, board resolution, signatory authority),
- Turkish tax number,
- articles of association,
- signature declaration of the managers,
- lease agreement or title deed for the company address,
- bank letter showing that the capital (or the required portion) has been deposited, where applicable,
- power of attorney, if a lawyer acts on your behalf.
Documents issued abroad must be apostilled (or legalised) and translated by a sworn translator in Turkey.
Opening a Bank Account
Opening the corporate bank account is often the slowest step for foreign-owned companies, because banks apply enhanced due diligence on foreign shareholders and directors. Banks typically ask for the company documents, the shareholders’ passports and tax numbers, proof of address and information on the source of funds and the planned business. Preparing this file in advance saves weeks.
Registering Remotely with a Power of Attorney
You do not need to be in Turkey to register a company. With a power of attorney issued at a Turkish consulate, or before a notary abroad with an apostille, your lawyer can obtain tax numbers, sign the registration documents, file the application and follow the process. Some banks still require the shareholder or manager to be present when opening the account.
Work Permit and Residence Permit for Company Owners
Being a shareholder does not in itself give the right to work in Turkey. Under International Labour Law No. 6735, foreign shareholders who do not work for the company and board members who do not reside in Turkey do not need a work permit. A foreign shareholder who will actively manage or work in the company needs a work permit; the company must generally meet certain criteria regarding capital, turnover and Turkish employees. Company ownership can also support a residence permit application. See our guide on work permits for foreigners.
How Long Does Company Registration Take?
If documents are ready, registration at the trade registry usually takes a few working days. Including tax numbers, the tax inspection and the bank account, the whole process typically takes one to three weeks. Obtaining apostilled documents from abroad or bank due diligence can extend this.
Costs of Company Formation in Turkey (2026)
The main costs are:
- trade registry and chamber of commerce registration fees,
- notary fees for signatures and translations,
- Competition Authority contribution (0.04% of capital, for joint stock companies),
- the capital itself, which belongs to the company and can be used for its expenses,
- accountant and virtual office or rent, if applicable,
- legal fees for the formation.
The total depends on the company type, capital and whether documents come from abroad. We provide a written quote after a free short preliminary consultation.
Obligations After Registration
- keeping accounting books and filing monthly and annual tax returns through a licensed accountant,
- registering employees with social security,
- holding annual general assemblies,
- maintaining an active KEP address and e-notification account,
- reporting changes (address, managers, capital) to the trade registry.
Company Formation Lawyer in Turkey
A company formation lawyer ensures that the articles of association protect your interests, that the structure fits your plans for work and residence permits, and that registration and banking go smoothly. We handle the full Turkey company register process for foreign investors, in person or remotely, in English and Turkish. After registration, see our company lawyer in Istanbul page for ongoing corporate support. If you plan to invest further, read our guide on Turkish citizenship by investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Turkey?
Yes. A foreign individual or company can own all the shares of a Turkish limited or joint stock company. No Turkish partner or director is required.
2. What is the minimum capital to open a company in Turkey?
50,000 TL for a limited liability company and 250,000 TL for a joint stock company (500,000 TL under the registered capital system).
3. How long does it take to register a company in Turkey?
Registration itself takes a few working days. With tax numbers, tax inspection and the bank account, the process usually takes one to three weeks.
4. Do I need to be in Turkey to register a company?
No. A lawyer can handle the registration under a power of attorney. Some banks may still ask you to be present to open the corporate account.
5. Does owning a company give me a residence permit?
Company ownership can support a residence permit application, but it does not give an automatic right. Working in the company requires a work permit.
6. Can I use a virtual office as my company address in Istanbul?
Yes, for many service businesses a virtual office is accepted, provided the address is real and the tax office can verify it.
7. What is the Turkey company registration number?
It is the trade registry number given by the chamber of commerce. The company also receives a 16-digit MERSİS number and a tax identification number.
8. Which is better for a foreigner: Ltd. or A.Ş.?
A limited company is usually enough for small and medium businesses and has a lower capital requirement. A joint stock company is preferable for larger projects, multiple investors or planned share transfers.