Establishing a company in Turkey is not merely a simple administrative procedure. Many believe that paying a “broker” or an “intermediary agency” and receiving a few sheets of paper means the job is done. However, incorporating a company in Turkey means entering a highly precise and sometimes strict tax and legal system. Without complete awareness, a simple company can turn from a source of profit into a source of heavy tax debts, frozen bank accounts, and even travel bans.
Why do you need a lawyer to register a company in Turkey?
Currently, many institutions register companies at low prices, but the difference between “getting the job done” and “getting the job done right” is crucial. In legal and financial matters, small details create significant differences.
The Difference Between a Translator and a Lawyer
A translator only converts words from your native language into Turkish, but a commercial lawyer understands the legal weight of those words. One wrong sentence in the Articles of Association can limit the CEO’s authority or jeopardize the partners’ financial liabilities. A lawyer knows which clause in a contract is in your favor and which one is a legal trap.
Smart Drafting of the Articles of Association (Ana Sözleşme)
The Articles of Association is your company’s constitution. Currently, one of the most common problems is copying ready-made templates. A company registration lawyer drafts the “Subject of Activity” based on your specific goals so that:
- It includes the required NACE Codes accurately.
- You do not face issues in the future when applying for bank loans or specific licenses.
- Your activity is not classified as “high risk” by the Turkish Tax Administration.
Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Due to strict international banking regulations and FATF compliance policies, opening a corporate bank account is one of the most challenging steps for international investors in Turkey. Many Turkish banks do not easily open accounts for foreign nationals. An experienced lawyer, relying on professional relationships with branch managers and legal knowledge, can facilitate and guarantee the account opening process, which may seem impossible for ordinary individuals.
Key Duties of a Company Registration Lawyer in Turkey
The main duties of the legal team during the company registration process include the following:
1. Strategic Selection of Company Type (Limited or Anonim)
The first step is choosing the appropriate legal structure. The lawyer makes a recommendation based on your budget, number of partners, and business type:
Limited Liability Company (Limited Şirketi): Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The minimum capital requirement has increased to 50,000 TRY in 2025, although lawyers recommend depositing higher amounts for banking credibility.
Joint Stock Company (Anonim Şirketi): Suitable for large-scale investments, extensive import/export, and those intending to obtain work permits more easily. The minimum capital is 250,000 TRY.
2. Inquiry and Reservation of Company Name
The company name must not be a duplicate and must not contain prohibited words. The lawyer queries proposed names through the Central Registry System (MERSIS) and reserves the best option.
3. Supervision of Notary and Chamber of Commerce Procedures
The lawyer’s presence at the Notary (Noter) during the signing of powers of attorney and the Articles of Association is essential to prevent any potential misuse. Additionally, following up on the file at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) or other cities requires specialized knowledge.
4. Obtaining Tax Number and Tax Plate (Vergi Levhası)
Obtaining a potential Tax Number (Vergi Numarası) for each member and the company itself, and finally obtaining the Tax Plate (Vergi Levhası), which is the license to officially start operations, is handled by the legal team.
Important Note: If you intend to purchase real estate in the company’s name, the lawyer must add a specific clause to the Articles of Association authorizing the company to acquire immovable property.
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Legal Steps for Company Registration in Turkey (Step-by-Step Guide)
This section is designed as an executive checklist for you. The following steps represent the exact path that must be followed as of 2025:
Step 1: Determining the Legal Address (Office Address)
Every company in Turkey must have a registered address. You can rent a physical office or use “Virtual Offices” (Sanal Ofis), which are legal and more cost-effective. Your lawyer will recommend the most reputable virtual office providers to ensure you do not face issues during Tax Administration inspections.
Step 2: Translation and Notarization of Documents
Original passports of all partners, with at least 6 months of validity, must be translated into Turkish and certified by a Notary (Noter).
Step 3: Obtaining Personal Tax Numbers
A separate potential tax number is obtained from the Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi) for all shareholders and company managers.
Step 4: Drafting Articles of Association and Notary Signature
The company’s Articles of Association are drafted under the lawyer’s supervision. After approval in the MERSIS system, the partners proceed to the Notary for the final signature.
Step 5: Opening a Bank Account (Crucial Step)
In this stage, a bank account is opened in the name of the company or the CEO. For Joint Stock Companies (Anonim), 25% of the capital must be blocked in the account. However, for Limited Liability Companies, this requirement does not currently exist prior to registration (note that these regulations are subject to frequent change).
Step 6: Final Registration at the Chamber of Commerce
The completed file is submitted to the Chamber of Commerce. Upon approval, the company is officially registered, and the registration is published in the Official Gazette.
Step 7: Obtaining the Signature Circular (Imza Sirküleri)
This document proves who has the authority to sign on behalf of the company. Without this document, you cannot conduct any transactions in banks or government offices.
Step 8: Tax Officer Visit and Accountant Activation
After registration, a tax officer will visit the company address to verify your physical presence. Once confirmed, your official accountant will commence the monthly tax procedures.
5. Preventing Common Scams in the Company Registration Process in Turkey
In the vast market of company registration in Turkey, the duty of a corporate lawyer is to make you aware of these risks:
Hidden Broker Costs: Many individuals attract you with very low prices (e.g., $200), but halfway through, they charge several times that amount for translation, notary fees, Chamber of Commerce fees, and accountant fees.
Fake Addresses and Blacklists: Some intermediaries use a single address to register hundreds of companies. These addresses are often on the Tax Administration’s blacklist, which can lead to fines and the closure of your company.
Lack of Knowledge of Labor Laws: To hire any foreign employee (including yourself to obtain a work permit), you are generally required to employ 5 Turkish citizens and pay their social security premiums. Many brokers do not inform you of this “5 to 1” rule and promise immediate work permits, which is false.
Accounting Issues: In Turkey, you are legally required to have a contract with a Certified Public Accountant (Mali Müşavir). If your accountant does not perform their duties correctly, you will face heavy tax penalties.
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Company Registration Costs and Government Fees in Turkey
Company registration costs are divided into two categories: government/administrative fees and attorney fees.
Government and Administrative Fees
These costs are variable and depend on inflation in Turkey, but they approximately include the following:
- Chamber of Commerce fees: Between 8,000 and 15,000 TRY (depending on the company type).
- Notary, translation, and Articles of Association approval fees: Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 TRY.
- Virtual office costs: From 5,000 TRY upwards.
- Capital deposit to the Competition Authority: A few hundred liras.
Company Registration Lawyer Fees
Lawyer fees vary based on the services provided, the number of partners, company type, guarantees for bank account opening, and one-year consultancy packages. At first, legal fees might seem like an extra expense, but compared to potential tax penalties of thousands of dollars resulting from legal errors, this cost acts as insurance for your capital. A good lawyer protects your money.
Monthly Maintenance Costs
Do not forget that a company has ongoing maintenance costs:
- Monthly fee for the Certified Public Accountant (Mali Müşavir).
- Withholding Tax on rent (Stopaj).
- Value Added Tax (VAT/KDV) if the company is active.
- Social Security Premiums (SGK) if employees are hired.
Hiring a Commercial Lawyer in Turkey
Establishing a company in a foreign country is full of legal complexities, and you certainly do not want a lack of knowledge regarding a small legal clause to jeopardize your capital. The Istanbul Lawyer legal team, with years of experience in the Turkish judicial and commercial system, possesses the following characteristics:
- Full mastery of the Turkish Commercial Code (TTK).
- Official office in Istanbul.
- Post-registration support.
Contact us to register your company in the shortest possible time, so we can outline a dedicated roadmap for your business in an initial consultation session.