Article 54 covered the general framework. This article is different – it is a practical step-by-step guide, with updated 2026 costs, guidance on which company structure to choose, and the most common mistakes foreign founders make.

78a. The legal basis – foreigners have equal rights

Under Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreign nationals have fully equal rights with Turkish citizens when it comes to establishing a company in Turkey. No local partner is required. Profit transfers, dividends, liquidation proceeds, and licence fees can be freely remitted abroad, subject to tax compliance.

78b. Choosing the right structure – llc or jsc?

Around 90% of foreign investors choose a Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) – and in most cases, this is the right choice.

LLC (Limited Şirket / Ltd. Şti.) – for small and medium-sized operations:

• Minimum capital: 50,000 TL (payable within 24 months of registration – not required upfront)
• 1 to 50 shareholders – can be established by a single person
• Director is not required to be resident in Turkey
• Corporate tax rate: 25% (2024/2025/2026)
• Monthly accountancy: from 4,750 TL
• Ideal for: consulting, software, e-commerce, agencies, most SMEs

JSC (Anonim Şirket / A.Ş.) – for larger operations and investment-seeking businesses:

• Minimum capital: 250,000 TL – 25% (62,500 TL) must be deposited in a Turkish bank before registration
• Unlimited shareholders; transferable shares can be issued
• Required for regulated sectors (insurance, banking, finance) and companies planning a public offering

78c. Step-by-step registration process (llc)

• Obtain a tax identification number: Required for each shareholder before incorporation. Obtained at any tax office with a passport – same day, free of charge.
• Reserve the company name: Company name is registered via MERŞİS (Central Registry Record System). The name must be unique and comply with trade name rules.
• Prepare and notarise documents: The articles of association, signature declarations, and incorporation documents must pass through a notary. Foreign shareholders documents must be apostilled and accompanied by certified Turkish translations.
• Submit to the Trade Registry Office: Notarised documents, MERŞİS application number, and all supporting materials are submitted to the relevant Trade Registry Directorate. If the documents are complete, registration is completed within 5-7 business days.
• Publication in the Trade Registry Gazette: Company formation must be announced in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette following registration.
• Tax registration: After registration, the company is enrolled as a taxpayer with the Revenue Administration (GIB) and a tax certificate (vergi levhası) is issued.
• SGK registration: If employees will be hired, the company must be registered as an employer with the Social Security Institution (SGK).
• Open a corporate bank account: A Turkish corporate bank account is opened in the companys name. Some banks require proof of a physical registered office address.

78d. 2026 cost overview

78e. Most common mistakes

• Treating the 50,000 TL minimum as a paper figure: Banks and immigration authorities view well-capitalised companies more favourably. In practice, capitalising at 100,000 TL or above is recommended.
• Documents without apostille or sworn translation: Foreign documents that are not apostilled and accompanied by a certified Turkish translation will be rejected. This is the single most common cause of delays.
• Delaying the accountant appointment: Monthly VAT declarations, withholding tax filings, and SGK payments are mandatory from the first month. A certified public accountant (SMMM) is required from day one.
• No registered address: A physical registered office address in Turkey is mandatory. A virtual office arrangement satisfies this requirement at low cost.

Sources: T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı – https://www.ticaret.gov.tr | MERŞİS – https://www.mersis.gtb.gov.tr | 4875 Sayılı Doğrudan Yabancı Yatırımlar Kanunu – https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr

EXPERT ADVICE: Setting up a company in Turkey in 2026 is a fast and systematic process for those who prepare their documents correctly – 5 to 7 business days is achievable. The most common cause of delays is always incomplete or unapostilled documents. Work with an accountant and, where needed, a legal adviser from day one. The setup cost always pays for itself.

P.S. Setting up a company in Turkey is entirely achievable for foreigners The process is well established. Two non-negotiables: do it legally and use a specialist lawyer from day one. A good accountant is equally important Turkish tax and reporting requirements need someone who knows the system. Get both right at the start and the structure works smoothly for years.