Company Formation in Turkey for Foreigners
Leadyco supports foreign founders, investors and international companies that want to establish and operationalize a business in Türkiye. We coordinate the practical company-formation workstream and connect incorporation with the finance, HR and recruitment capabilities needed after registration.
Request a Consultation See the Formation ProcessCan a Foreigner Open a Company in Turkey?
Yes. Türkiye's foreign-investment framework is based on equal treatment of international and local investors. Foreign investors may establish companies with 100% foreign shareholding or acquire all shares of an existing Turkish company. Sector-specific restrictions and special approvals can apply in certain regulated activities.
Company ownership should be considered separately from immigration and work authorization. Establishing a company does not by itself create an automatic right to work or reside in Türkiye.
LLC or JSC: Which Company Type Fits Your Plan?
The two most common corporate forms for foreign investors are the Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) and the Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.). The right choice depends on ownership, investment plans, governance, financing and future growth.
| Feature | Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Joint Stock Company (JSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | TRY 50,000 | TRY 250,000 |
| Typical use | SMEs, subsidiaries, consulting, services, technology, trading | Larger investments, more complex ownership, outside investors, certain regulated activities |
| Shareholders | One or more; maximum 50 | One or more |
| Capital payment | Subscribed capital may generally be paid within 24 months after registration | For cash capital, at least 25% is generally paid before registration; the balance within 24 months |
| Governance | General Assembly and manager(s) | General Assembly and Board of Directors |
How to Set Up a Company in Turkey
The exact sequence varies by shareholder type, business activity and documentation, but a typical foreign-investor workstream includes:
Documents Commonly Required
Foreign Individual Shareholder
- Passport and required certified/translated copies
- Tax identification information where required
- Address and shareholder information
- Power of attorney if an authorized representative will handle the process
- Management and signature documentation where applicable
Foreign Corporate Shareholder
- Certificate of activity or equivalent current registry evidence
- Corporate resolution approving the Turkish investment
- Documents identifying authorized signatories
- Power of attorney where applicable
- Apostille or consular legalization and Turkish translations where required
Document requirements depend on the investor's country, whether the shareholder is an individual or legal entity, and the proposed company structure. They should be confirmed before the filing process begins.
Can the Process Be Coordinated Without Travelling to Turkey?
Many incorporation steps can be coordinated through an appropriately authorized representative when the necessary powers of attorney and supporting documents are in place. However, company incorporation and corporate banking are separate processes.
Banks apply their own KYC and compliance procedures and may request original documents, interviews or physical attendance depending on the shareholder, director, country and risk profile. Banking therefore needs to be planned separately rather than assumed to be automatically remote.
Registration Is Only the Beginning
A newly registered company still needs to become operational. This is where Leadyco's broader model differs from a formation-only service.
Finance & Reporting
Support for management reporting, budgeting, cash-flow processes, expense workflows, month-end routines and finance-function setup.
Recruitment
Recruitment support across Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology, from specialist hires to leadership roles.
Finance Recruitment
Build the local finance team with recruitment for accounting, FP&A, Finance Manager, Controller, Director and CFO-level roles.
HR & IT Recruitment
Build the people and technology functions required to make the Turkish entity operational.
Why Leadyco?
Leadyco combines company-formation coordination with finance, HR and recruitment capability. Our focus is not simply obtaining a registration. We help international businesses think through the operating questions that come immediately afterwards:
- How will the new entity manage finance and reporting?
- Who will build and manage the local team?
- What recruitment is required first?
- How will payroll and HR processes be coordinated?
- What controls, approvals and reporting routines are needed?
Where legal, tax, audit, accounting or other regulated professional services are required, the relevant conclusions should be provided or reviewed by appropriately licensed professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner establish a company in Turkey?
Yes. International investors may establish companies under Türkiye's foreign-investment and commercial-law framework. 100% foreign shareholding is possible, subject to restrictions that may apply in certain strategic or regulated sectors.
What is the minimum capital for a Limited Liability Company?
The statutory minimum capital for a Turkish Limited Liability Company is TRY 50,000. The subscribed capital may generally be paid within 24 months following registration.
What is the minimum capital for a Joint Stock Company?
The statutory minimum capital for a Turkish Joint Stock Company is TRY 250,000. For cash capital, at least 25% is generally paid before registration and the remaining amount within 24 months.
Is MERSIS part of the company-formation process?
Yes. Trade-registration transactions are carried out through MERSIS, Türkiye's Central Registry Record System.
Can a company be formed through a representative?
Many incorporation steps may be handled through an appropriately authorized representative if the required powers of attorney and supporting documents are properly prepared. Banking and KYC requirements should be assessed separately.
Does forming a company automatically provide a work or residence permit?
No. Company ownership and immigration or work authorization are separate matters.
Planning to Establish a Company in Turkey?
Tell us your country, proposed business activity, shareholder structure and whether you also need finance, HR or recruitment support after incorporation.
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