The Foreign Direct Investment Law gives foreign investors the same treatment as domestic investors in Turkey, and there’s more than one structure to choose from — setting up a company, opening a branch, joining an existing company as a partner, or acquiring a business outright. Bringing capital into Turkey and transferring profits back out are both permitted within a defined framework. We cover the actual incorporation steps for whichever structure you choose on a separate page, under company formation.
- Average Assessment Time
- Depends on the structure and the nature of the investment (can vary)
- Relevant Authority
- The Ministry of Industry and Technology and the relevant Trade Registry Office
- Validity
- The equal treatment principle is a standing guarantee for as long as the investment continues
Who It’s For
Foreign nationals investing in Turkey for the first time who want clarity on their legal standing
We clarify from the outset what rights you have.
Those who haven’t yet decided between a company, branch, or partnership structure
We help you choose the right structure based on the nature of your investment.
Foreign investors considering acquiring an existing company in Turkey
We support the legal and financial due diligence before the acquisition.
Those wanting to understand the legal framework for capital transfer and profit repatriation in advance
We plan the banking and notification steps together.
Required Documents
The investor’s nationality and the country/company through which the investment will be made
The process differs depending on whether you’re an individual or a legal entity.
The sector and field of activity for the planned investment
We check whether any sector-specific permit or restriction applies.
The preferred structure (new company, branch, partnership, or acquisition)
If you haven’t decided yet, we work through the options together.
General information on the source and rough scale of the investment capital
Sharing a figure isn’t required, but it helps us plan the process.
Details of any existing company or partnership in Turkey, if applicable
The process differs if you’re adding onto an existing structure.
The number of partners and a general plan for the partnership structure
A mixed structure with Turkish and foreign partners is also possible.
Information on which country the capital transfer will come from and by what method
We plan the banking process around this information.
Whether a representative will handle the process on the investor’s behalf
If so, we plan the paperwork accordingly.
The document list can vary by application reason and personal circumstances; the current requirements of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management apply.
Process Steps
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01
Initial Consultation and Legal Standing Review
Within 1 dayWe clarify the rights that come with the equal treatment principle, based on your nationality and goal.
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02
Choosing the Structure
A few daysWe compare the options — company, branch, partnership, or acquisition.
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03
Planning Notification and Registration Duties
Varies by caseThe notification and registration steps for the investment are identified.
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04
Capital Transfer Planning
A few daysWe settle on which bank and method the transfer will go through.
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05
Handover to Setting Up the Chosen Structure
Depends on the structureWe carry out the incorporation steps for the chosen structure through our dedicated service page.
Not sure whether your situation fits this process?
Initial AssessmentLegal Basis
Law No. 4875 on Foreign Direct Investment
Establishes the principle of equal treatment for foreign investors and the freedom to invest.
Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102
Sets out the incorporation and operating rules for the company and branch structures available for investment.
Common Mistakes
Choosing a structure without considering the investment’s long-term plan
Changing structure later means a separate legal process and added cost.
Transferring capital without knowing the notification duties involved
Missing or incorrect notifications can lead to administrative problems later.
Moving to incorporation before the partnership structure is clear
Disagreements between partners can later turn into difficult-to-resolve disputes.
Skipping legal and financial due diligence when acquiring a company
The acquired company’s debts or obligations can pass on to the new owner.
Leaving the banking and tax steps for profit repatriation until the last minute
Transfers planned at the last minute can cause delays and extra procedural burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, foreign direct investment law adopts the equal treatment principle; any exceptions are assessed separately.
It depends on the scale of the investment, your number of partners, and your goal; we assess it together.
No, but planning the banking and notification sides of the transfer correctly matters.
Yes, within a defined framework; we’ll share the current process during a consultation.
No, we cover the incorporation steps in detail on a separate service page.
Yes, many steps can be handled remotely through a power of attorney.
Some sectors may involve extra permits or specific conditions; we check your situation together.
Related Services
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.