{"id":32601,"date":"2026-08-04T18:45:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/europedia24.com\/establishing-a-company-in-turkey-2026-types-capital-and-steps\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T17:02:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T16:02:31","slug":"establishing-a-company-in-turkey-2026-types-capital-and-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/europedia24.com\/en\/establishing-a-company-in-turkey-2026-types-capital-and-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Establishing a Company in Turkey 2026: Types, Capital, and Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An foreigner can establish a company in Turkey with 100% foreign ownership without the need for a Turkish partner<\/strong> \u2014 one of the clearest advantages of the Turkish investment environment compared with many countries in the region. The establishment process is carried out electronically through the MERSIS<\/strong> system and then registered with the provincial trade registry. <\/p>\n\n

The Two Most Common Company Types and Required Capital<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\"Establishing<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Type<\/th>Minimum Capital<\/th>Management<\/th>Suitable For<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Limited Company (Limited \u015eirket)<\/strong><\/td>50,000 Turkish lira<\/strong><\/td>One or more managers<\/td>Small and medium-sized enterprises<\/td><\/tr>
Joint Stock Company (Anonim \u015eirket)<\/strong><\/td>250,000 Turkish lira<\/strong><\/td>Board of directors<\/td>Larger businesses and those planning to bring in investors or transfer shares<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Both types can be established with only one shareholder<\/strong>. For a joint stock company using the registered capital system, the minimum capital is 500,000 Turkish lira.<\/p>\n\n

The Step That Comes Before Everything Else: The Tax Identification Number <\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Before taking any action, every foreign shareholder<\/strong> and every foreign manager must obtain a Turkish tax identification number<\/strong> from the local tax office. Without it, it is not even possible to create an account on the MERSIS system, which delays the application from the very first step. <\/p>\n\n

Establishment Steps in Order<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
    \n
  1. Obtain a tax identification number<\/strong> for each foreign shareholder and manager from the tax office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Creating an account on the electronic MERSIS system<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Preparing the articles of association<\/strong> and reserving the company name within the system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Generating the registration application<\/strong> and signing the required declarations before a notary public or directly at the trade registry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Registering the company with the trade registry<\/strong> of the province where its headquarters will be located.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    Why Do Many People Choose a Limited Company?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

    The difference between 50,000 and 250,000 lira in capital is not a minor detail for someone just starting out. A limited company is simpler to manage, as it is managed by one director instead of a board of directors, which reduces the administrative burden. However, for those planning to bring in investors later or transfer shares more flexibly, a joint stock company is more suitable despite its higher cost. <\/p>\n\n

    How Much Does It Cost to Establish a Company in Turkey?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
    \"Cost<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

    The required capital is one thing, while the establishment costs are something entirely different. These are the main estimated expenses: <\/p>\n\n

    Item<\/th>Approximate Cost<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Legal and notary fees (signature certification and document preparation)<\/td>10,000 \u2013 12,500 Turkish lira<\/td><\/tr>
    Trade registry registration fees<\/td>7,500 \u2013 10,000 Turkish lira<\/td><\/tr>
    Standard registration fees including the Competition Authority contribution (0.04% of the capital)<\/td>12,500 \u2013 15,000 Turkish lira<\/td><\/tr>
    Registration with the Chamber of Commerce and publication of the announcement in the Trade Registry Gazette<\/td>2,000 \u2013 3,500 Turkish lira<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

    Estimates vary depending on the province, the size of the capital, and the law or accounting firm you work with.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

    The Cost Everyone Forgets: The Monthly Accountant <\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

    Turkish law requires every operating company to hire a certified public accountant (SMMM), and maintaining monthly accounting records is mandatory, not optional. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    Monthly fees start at around 5,000 Turkish lira<\/strong> for small companies and increase with the size of the business. This is an ongoing obligation that begins in the first month after incorporation and continues as long as the company remains active \u2014 meaning it is not an incorporation cost but a fixed operating expense that must be included in your calculations before making a decision. <\/p>\n\n

    Corporate Taxes<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n