Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 27 times
25 October 2025
Turkish economy continues to demonstrate steady resilience, maintaining an annual growth rate of around 4–5%. As a strategic hub between Europe and Asia, the country benefits from a highly developed logistics infrastructure — modern seaports, international airports, and extensive high-speed highway networks. Membership in the EU Customs Union gives Turkish goods frictionless access to Europe, while proximity to the Middle East and Central Asia strengthens export capabilities.
Alongside physical infrastructure, Turkey is advancing digital governance. The centralized MERSİS system enables entrepreneurs to register a company entirely online in just one day, reducing bureaucracy and accelerating business activity.
Key industries such as IT and fintech, construction, tourism, and logistics continue to attract capital. In 2025, for example, fintech startups in Turkey secured USD 201.3 million in private investment — a record for the sector. Demand for construction, modern housing, and tourism services remains high throughout the country. These combined factors create a favorable climate for international business expansion.
Turkey’s location at the intersection of three continents — with coastlines along the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas — positions it as a vital trade center. More than a billion Turkish lira has been invested in logistics modernization in recent years, including new airports and ports, and the expansion of divided highway routes from 6,100 km to 28,200 km. These upgrades ensure reliable and fast supply chains for companies operating in Turkey.
In addition to global accessibility, the domestic market offers a significant commercial opportunity with over 80 million residents and consistently growing tourist flows, generating a wide consumer base year-round.
Turkey allows foreign companies to register in Turkey with 100% foreign ownership without the need for a Turkish partner. Foreign investors are permitted to purchase commercial real estate in Turkey — offices, warehouses, retail premises, tourist properties — without restriction. They may open bank accounts, hire employees, and operate under the same investment protections as local entrepreneurs.
Profits can be freely transferred abroad, and foreign-owned businesses benefit from a legal framework aligned with international standards, including solid protection of ownership and intellectual property rights.
Corporate taxation is favorable for investors. The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%, while exporters benefit from a reduced rate of 20% applied to income generated through export activities. Technology companies benefit from additional tax relief: profits derived from qualified projects within technoparks may be fully exempt from tax, while R&D departments receive reductions in social security contributions.
Special Investment Zones and Free Economic Zones offer further advantages through VAT exemptions, customs duty exemptions, and tax holidays for qualifying activities.
Although multiple corporate forms exist in Turkey, most international entrepreneurs choose a Limited Liability Company or a Joint-Stock Company.
This structure requires minimum share capital of ₺50,000 and can be founded by a single shareholder. Liability is limited to the capital invested, management is flexible, and incorporation is typically completed within one week. It is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses seeking straightforward corporate governance.
A Joint-Stock Company requires minimum capital of ₺250,000 and a Board of Directors. It involves stricter reporting rules — shareholder meetings, statutory audits, and financial disclosure — but provides easier share transfer and capital raising, making it ideal for larger investments or sectors requiring additional licensing. Registration normally takes one to two weeks.
Both options allow 100% foreign ownership and can operate across a wide range of industries — from trade and tourism to fintech and construction.
The founder receives a Turkish tax number (İşletme Vergi Numarası) and prepares all constitutional documentation in Turkish, including the Articles of Association. Legal support is strongly recommended.
The business is registered electronically via MERSİS, where information about founders, activities, and the company address is submitted.
Signed originals are filed with the Trade Registry, together with payment receipts and, where applicable, proof of capital deposit.
The company director’s signature is notarized, and final Articles of Association receive legal certification.
The incorporation notice is published in the Trade Registry Gazette. A company Turkish bank account is opened, and capital is deposited — for A.Ş. at least 25% before registration; for Ltd. Şti. capital can be paid within two years after registration.
The Trade Registry issues the Certificate of Incorporation, after which tax registration, SGK setup, and bookkeeping formalities are completed. At this point, the company is legally operational and may sign contracts, issue invoices, and employ personnel.
Foreign entrepreneurs often choose to work with professional service providers who ensure compliance and reduce start-up timelines.
Company formation cost in Turkey 2026 varies depending on corporate structure and required paid-in capital.
Corporate taxation follows national standards, with strong incentives for export-based and innovation-driven companies. A certified CPA (SMMM) must handle statutory bookkeeping, VAT declarations, income tax filings, and payroll obligations. Tax returns must be submitted even during inactive periods.
Employers must register all employees with the Social Security Institution (SGK) upon hiring. Social contributions — covering pensions, healthcare, and unemployment — exceed 30% of gross wages. These payments provide state medical insurance for employees and their families.
Labor relations are fully regulated: companies must provide safe working conditions and comply with employment contract requirements. Violations may trigger penalties or legal claims.
Some business activities require specific permits before commencing operations. Municipal authorities issue a İşyeri Açma ve Çalışma Ruhsatı — the license confirming that business premises meet fire safety, sanitation, and technical compliance criteria. Sectors such as tourism, construction, export trade, and food & beverage services may require industry-specific licenses and inspections.
If a foreign owner serves as a director or employee of the company, a Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) must be obtained through the Ministry of Labor after company registration. Requirements may vary between provinces, making professional legal guidance advisable.
Many entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Turkey combine company formation with securing commercial property to support relocation and operations from the first day.
A registered company provides a solid basis for applying for a one-year residence permit. Authorities expect to see proof of operational readiness, including a valid office lease and demonstration of sufficient financial resources — typically capital of around ₺100,000 to show business viability. Residence permits can be renewed annually if the company remains active and compliant with tax, SGK, and office location requirements.
Foreign business owners who also hold work permits as directors may combine employment and residency rights under one document. Continuous renewals open a path to long-term residency after five years and eligibility for permanent status after eight years.
In addition to corporate activity, Turkey offers a faster citizenship route through investments — most commonly via commercial property for business valued at USD 400,000 or more with a three-year hold period — or through a business investment of USD 500,000 or by employing 50+ Turkish nationals.
Operating a real business in Turkey enables legal employment, stable income, and a long-term future in the country for entrepreneurs and their families.
Tourism and hospitality remain essential economic pillars, with millions of visitors arriving every year and growing demand for boutique accommodations, new entertainment concepts, and service platforms for individual travel planning.
IT and fintech continue to expand rapidly. Turkey hosts over 100 technoparks and more than 11,500 innovation-focused companies. State grants and strong access to European and regional markets make the country attractive for technology projects with international ambitions.
Construction and property development stay active due to strong housing demand and ongoing urban transformation programs in Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, and key tourist regions. Foreign developers and investors contribute capital and expertise to commercial and residential projects.
Agriculture offers major export opportunities across hazelnuts, dried fruits, and numerous fresh products. Strong logistics and trade agreements enable growth in food processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and export services.
Healthcare and wellness are among the fastest-growing sectors. Medical tourism exceeds USD 6 billion annually, with more than one million foreign patients visiting Turkey each year for specialized treatments, dental care, post-operative rehabilitation, and wellness services.
To close a business legally, shareholders must adopt a liquidation resolution and appoint a liquidator. Notices must be published three times in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, while known creditors receive written notification.
A minimum three-month waiting period follows the final notice to allow creditors to submit claims. The liquidator prepares a liquidation balance sheet, collects receivables, sells remaining assets, and settles outstanding debts. Active lawsuits generally need to be resolved before completion.
Once liabilities are cleared, shareholders approve the final liquidation balance sheet. If any assets remain, they are distributed proportionally. Deregistration is then submitted to the Trade Registry, and final tax and SGK reports are filed. Only after these steps does the company cease to exist as a legal entity.
Accuracy in reporting is essential; otherwise, the procedure may be delayed and penalties imposed. Working with legal and accounting professionals is recommended.
Licensed real estate agency Luxury Estate Turkey provides comprehensive support to international entrepreneurs establishing companies in Turkey. We assist from the earliest planning stage through full operational setup, ensuring compliance with regulations and reducing administrative workload for the business owner.
Our services include guidance on selecting the appropriate corporate structure, preparation and notarization of all corporate documents and translations, assistance in opening a company bank account, and registration with tax authorities and SGK. We coordinate with certified accountants to ensure accurate bookkeeping and help facilitate work permit and residence permit applications.
A key advantage of partnering with us is our strong expertise in commercial real estate in Turkey. We help you secure the right operational base for your business — whether purchasing an office, acquiring a storefront in a high-traffic area, or leasing a warehouse facility. Our multilingual team makes it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to evaluate market opportunities, negotiate lease terms, and execute property transactions confidently.
By combining business setup with commercial property solutions, Luxury Estate Turkey ensures that your company is properly established and equipped for efficient, lawful, and profitable activity from day one.
Turkish Citizenship 
YouTube
Instagram 
Facebook 
WhatsApp 
Telegram 
