Foreign individuals and companies wishing to set up a company in Türkiye are subject to the same incorporation rules as Turkish shareholders. However, additional steps arise for foreign shareholders, such as obtaining a tax number, legalising foreign documents, foreign capital notifications and compliance questions when opening a bank account. Yeşil Outsourcing handles the incorporation process in Turkish, English and Russian, from the choice of company type through tax registration to the transition to ongoing accounting. The responsible professional is Ümit Çelik, SMMM (Certified Public Accountant), registered with İSMMMO (Istanbul Chamber of Certified Public Accountants) under registration no. 26273.

Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Responsible professional: Ümit Çelik, SMMM

Who is this service for?

• Foreign individuals wishing to set up a limited liability or joint stock company in Türkiye
• Foreign companies wishing to open a subsidiary or branch in Türkiye
• Joint ventures with both Turkish and foreign shareholders
• Investors who wish to plan accounting and payroll as part of the same process after incorporation

Scope of service

Before incorporation

• Assessment of the company type (limited liability company, joint stock company, branch) based on the line of business and shareholding structure
• Obtaining Turkish tax numbers for foreign shareholders and managers
• Planning of apostille or consular legalisation, sworn translation and notarial steps for documents issued abroad

Incorporation and registration

• Preparation of the articles of association and incorporation documents
• Coordination of the MERSİS (Central Registry System) application and trade registry registration
• Opening of the tax registration and applications for e-Fatura (e-invoice) and e-Defter (e-ledger)

After incorporation

• Preparation of the documents required to open the company’s bank account and responses to the bank’s compliance questions
• Foreign capital notifications under Law No. 4875
• Transition to monthly accounting and payroll

How does the process work?

• 1. Initial assessment: The planned activity, the nationality and structure of the shareholders, the capital and the management set-up are discussed. The appropriate company type and the main obligations are summarised in writing.
• 2. Document plan: A list is prepared in advance of which documents need apostille, translation and notarisation, depending on the shareholders’ country.
• 3. Tax numbers: Tax numbers are obtained for foreign shareholders and managers.
• 4. Registration: The articles of association are prepared, the MERSİS application is made and the company is registered with the trade registry.
• 5. Tax registration: The tax registration is opened at the tax office and e-Fatura and e-Defter applications are made.
• 6. Bank and notifications: The document file for the bank account is prepared and foreign capital notifications are made.
• 7. Ongoing service: A filing calendar is set up and monthly accounting and payroll processes are started.

Required documents

The document list depends on whether the shareholder is an individual or a legal entity and on the country concerned. In general, the following documents are used:

• For individual shareholders: passport and a sworn Turkish translation of the passport
• For corporate shareholders: a certificate of good standing or registry extract issued by the competent authority, signatory documents and a resolution of the competent body (apostilled or consular-legalised and translated)
• Where incorporation is handled by a representative: a properly executed power of attorney
• Documents relating to the company address (lease agreement or title deed details)
• Contact and address details of the shareholders and managers in Türkiye

The validity period and form of legalisation of documents are checked against the practice of the relevant authorities.

Relevant legislation

• Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102: Company types, incorporation, articles of association, capital and corporate bodies
• Trade Registry Regulation and the MERSİS (Central Registry System)
• Tax Procedure Law No. 213: Tax registration, books and documents, electronic ledgers and documents
• Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875 and its implementing regulation: The principle of equal treatment of foreign investors and notification obligations
• The Hague Apostille Convention and consular legalisation for foreign public documents
• International Labour Force Law No. 6735: Work permits for foreign nationals

Note: Minimum capital amounts and the manner of paying in capital are determined under the Turkish Commercial Code and the relevant Presidential decisions; the amount in force on the date of incorporation applies. Some lines of business may also require a separate licence or permit.

Risks to be aware of

• A company type unsuited to the activity: This may later require a change of type or a restructuring.
• Foreign documents without the required legalisation or with translation errors: Registration and banking processes may be delayed.
• A narrowly or incorrectly worded line of business: This may later require an amendment to the articles of association.
• Incomplete answers to bank compliance questions: Account opening may be delayed or refused.
• Foreign capital notifications not made on time: This may give rise to administrative sanctions.
• Assuming that being a shareholder replaces a work permit: A foreign shareholder or manager who actually works in Türkiye needs a separate work permit.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign individual set up a company in Türkiye as the sole shareholder?

As a general rule, yes. Law No. 4875 provides for equal treatment of foreign and domestic investors, and both limited liability and joint stock companies can be set up with a single shareholder. Some regulated sectors may require additional permits or be subject to restrictions.

How is the choice made between a limited liability company and a joint stock company?

The choice is based on the line of business, the number of shareholders, the need to transfer shares, the capital structure and planned future investments. Some activities can only be carried out in the form of a joint stock company.

Is it necessary to come to Türkiye for incorporation?

In many cases, incorporation can be carried out remotely with a properly executed power of attorney and legalised documents. For opening a bank account, the practices of individual banks may vary.

Why does a foreign shareholder need a tax number?

A Turkish tax number is required for shareholding, notarial procedures and banking transactions. The tax number is obtained before the incorporation application.

Which obligations begin after incorporation?

Once the tax registration is opened, bookkeeping and filing obligations such as VAT, muhtasar (withholding tax) and provisional tax returns begin. In companies with foreign shareholders, foreign capital notifications are also monitored.

Does being a shareholder give the right to reside or work in Türkiye?

No. Shareholding, residence permits and work permits are separate matters. Residence permits are assessed under migration legislation and work permits under Law No. 6735.

Contact

The steps to be followed, from incorporation to ongoing reporting, are determined in Turkish, English or Russian in an initial meeting based on the shareholding structure and business plan.

Phone: +90 506 271 43 48 · WhatsApp: 0506 271 43 48 · Email: info@yesiloutsourcing.com