A Foreign National’s Guide to Company Formation in Turkey

Setting up a company in Turkey as a foreign national follows largely the same rules as for a Turkish citizen — the law on foreign direct investment treats both equally. Which structure to set up depends on the kind of activity you plan to run, how many partners are involved, your preferred management style, and whether you’ll later need a work permit. We help you work out the right fit.

Initial Assessment

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Services We Cover

LLC and Joint Stock Company Formation Most foreign-partnered companies in Turkey are set up as either a limited liability company (LLC) or a joint stock company (JSC). Foreign-Owned Company Formation When a foreign individual or foreign company becomes a partner in a Turkish company, a handful of points sit on top of the standard incorporation steps: obtaining a potential tax number, getting documents issued abroad apostilled and sworn-translated, and providing paperwork that verifies the foreign partner’s identity or corporate status. Branch and Liaison Office A branch and a liaison office are two ways to have a presence in Turkey without incorporating a separate company — neither is an independent legal entity. Work Permit for Company Partners Getting a work permit through a company you’ve founded or hold a share in is a separate process from setting the company up — this page isn’t about incorporation, it’s about obtaining a work permit for a partner or manager of an already-established company.

Who It’s For

Foreign individuals who want to set up a company to conduct commercial activity in Turkey

Can be set up alone or together with Turkish or foreign partners.

Foreign companies already active elsewhere that want to extend their presence into Turkey

A branch or liaison office is assessed separately for this purpose.

Foreign nationals planning to live and work in Turkey as a company partner

The work permit process is handled separately once the company is set up.

Foreign investors planning to enter the Turkish market for investment or trade purposes

The right structure depends on the nature of the investment.

Process Steps

01

Initial Consultation
Within 1 day

We listen to your field of activity, partnership structure, and goals, then work out the right company structure together.
02

Structure and Document Planning
Varies by case

Based on the chosen structure, the required documents, trade name, and draft articles of association are prepared.
03

Registration and Incorporation
Varies by structure

The application is filed with the relevant Trade Registry Office and incorporation is completed.
04

Post-Incorporation Steps
Varies by case

Follow-up steps such as tax office registration, chamber registration, and — if needed — a work permit are planned.

Not sure whether your situation fits this process?

Initial Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the number of partners, your preference on liability, and any future plans to transfer shares; we compare LLCs and joint stock companies on a separate page.

Yes — the law on foreign direct investment grants foreign investors the same treatment as Turkish investors.

Yes — a liaison office works for representation without commercial activity, while a branch can operate as an extension of the parent company.

No — company formation and the work permit are separate processes; the company’s status and your ownership structure are assessed separately.

It depends on the structure chosen, how ready your documents are, and application volume; we can’t promise an exact timeframe.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.