How to Set Up a Company in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Founders

Türkiye allows foreign nationals to own 100% of a Turkish company, with the same rights as local shareholders. The process is straightforward when documents are prepared correctly from the start.

Step 1: Choose the company type

Most foreign founders choose a **Limited Company (Ltd. Şti.)** or a **Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)**. The right choice depends on your capital, the number of shareholders and your future plans. See our separate guide comparing the two.

Step 2: Prepare shareholder documents

• Passport copies (notarised translation into Turkish)
• A Turkish tax number for each foreign shareholder
• For corporate shareholders: company documents, apostilled and translated
• A power of attorney if you will not be in Türkiye in person

Step 3: Draft the articles of association

The articles set out the company name, activities, capital and management. They are registered electronically through the MERSIS system.

Step 4: Capital and bank account

Minimum capital is currently 50,000 TRY for a Limited Company and 250,000 TRY for a Joint Stock Company. A bank account is opened in the company's name.

Step 5: Registration and tax office

The company is registered with the Trade Registry and announced in the Trade Registry Gazette. The tax office then completes its workplace check.

Step 6: Accounting from day one

Every Turkish company needs a licensed accountant (mali müşavir) for bookkeeping, VAT and payroll filings.

How Legit Law helps

We handle the full process — translations, tax numbers, articles of association, registration and accounting — so you can focus on the business. [Book a consultation](/contact) to discuss your plans.

*This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements may change.*