Company Formation & Corporate Services in Turkey
Turkey sits between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, with a large domestic market, a deep manufacturing base and free zones built for export. Foreign investors are treated the same as local ones, but capital rules, registration and tax filings are detailed. We get the structure right so the opportunity isn’t lost in the paperwork.
Best For / Think Twice If
Best for
Manufacturing and export businesses, companies selling into Turkey’s domestic market, and regional hubs serving Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
Think twice if
You need a light structure with minimal reporting — Turkish companies carry full bookkeeping, monthly filings and minimum capital requirements from the start.
Ownership & Tax Snapshot
Foreign investors can own 100% of a Turkish company and are treated the same as local investors under the Foreign Direct Investment Law. Minimum capital is TRY 50,000 for a limited company and TRY 250,000 for a joint stock company.
Corporate income tax is generally 25%, with higher rates for banks and financial companies and a reduced rate on qualifying export income. VAT is generally 20%. Companies in free zones and technology development zones can access tax and customs incentives for qualifying activity.
The Setup Process
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Structure decision: limited company or joint stock company, and whether a free zone fits.
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Tax numbers for foreign shareholders and directors.
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Articles of association prepared through the central registration system (MERSIS).
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Registration with the Trade Registry Office and publication in the Trade Registry Gazette.
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Tax office registration and bank account opening with capital deposit.
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Social security registration before hiring, and work permits for foreign staff.
Free Zones & Registrars
| Role | |
|---|---|
| Trade Registry Office (MERSIS) | Company registration, amendments and Trade Registry Gazette publication |
| Revenue Administration (GİB) | Tax registration, VAT and corporate tax returns |
| Ministry of Trade free zones | Operating licences and incentives for companies in free zones |
| Technology development zones | Incentives for qualifying R&D and software companies |
Ongoing Compliance Calendar
Annual
- Corporate income tax return
- Annual general assembly meeting
- Financial statements
As applicable
- Monthly VAT and withholding tax returns
- Quarterly advance corporate tax payments
Ad hoc
- Trade registry filings on any change of shareholders, directors or address
Turkey At A Glance
Main Industries
Why Choose This Market
- Between three regions: A base serving Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
- A large domestic market: A population of over 85 million and a broad industrial base.
- Equal treatment for foreign investors: Foreign investors have the same rights as Turkish investors.
Questions We Are Actually Asked
Your question is not here? Put it to an advisor who works on Turkey every week.
Book a ConsultationCan a foreigner own 100% of a Turkish company?
Yes. Under the Foreign Direct Investment Law, foreign investors are treated the same as Turkish investors and can own the whole company in most sectors.
What is the minimum capital for a company in Turkey?
TRY 50,000 for a limited company and TRY 250,000 for a joint stock company, under the thresholds in force since 1 January 2024.
What is the corporate tax rate in Turkey?
Generally 25%, with higher rates for banks and financial companies and a reduced rate on qualifying export income. Advance tax is paid quarterly.
What are Turkey’s free zones?
Designated areas under the Ministry of Trade where companies can manufacture, store and trade with customs and tax advantages, mainly for export. Selling into the domestic market from a free zone is treated as an import.
Do I need a Turkish resident director?
No. Directors can be foreign and non-resident, though they need Turkish tax numbers. Foreign staff working in Turkey need work permits.
Checked against Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye tax guide, and the Revenue Administration (GİB), 17 Oct 2026.
Primary source Invest in Türkiye (invest.gov.tr)
Regulatory and tax rules change. This page is general information about Turkey, not tax or legal advice — we confirm the current position for your activity before you commit to a structure.
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Explore →Not Sure Which Structure Fits?
Bring us the business you actually plan to run in Turkey, and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right jurisdiction for it — and which structure inside it makes sense.