Doing Business in Turkey: Guide for Non-Residents
Why Choose Turkey?
Turkey’s commercial companies are formed under the Turkish Commercial Code and registered via the Central Registry System (MERSIS) and the relevant trade registry directorate. Limited liability (Ltd. Şti.) and joint-stock (A.Ş.) companies are the main capital-company forms. Tax figures below follow PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (compiled by Lexbit).
Key Benefits
- Ltd. Şti. and A.Ş. capital company forms
- Online formation steps via MERSIS (Ministry of Trade)
- Strategic location between European and Asian markets
- Customs Union arrangements with the EU for industrial goods (scope as defined in the EU–Turkey Customs Union)
- Corporate income tax generally 25% (30% for certain financial companies) per PwC, reviewed 9 September 2026
- Foreign investors may establish companies subject to sectoral rules
Company Forms in Turkey
Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)
The limited liability company is commonly used for SMEs. Formation involves articles of association, MERSIS filings and trade registry registration. Capital and shareholder rules follow the Turkish Commercial Code.
Joint-Stock Company (A.Ş.)
The anonim şirket is suited to larger capital structures and certain regulated activities. It has distinct governance and capital requirements under the Turkish Commercial Code.
Tax Overview
According to PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (Turkey, last reviewed 9 September 2026), corporate income tax is generally 25%, with 30% for certain financial-sector companies. Domestic dividend withholding tax is generally 15% before treaty relief. Compiled by Lexbit from PwC; confirm current rates with a tax adviser.
Company Registration in Turkey
Turkish companies are formed under the Turkish Commercial Code and entered in the Trade Registry through MERSİS.
- Founders prepare articles of association and complete MERSİS formalities;
- Minimum capital is TRY 50,000 (Ltd. Şti.) or TRY 250,000 (A.Ş.);
- Capital must be deposited as required before registration;
- The company is registered with the competent Trade Registry;
- A Turkish registered office address is required;
- Foreign investors file the required FDI notifications where applicable.
Licensing and Regulation
The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) and the Capital Markets Board (SPK) supervise banking and capital markets in Turkey. Other sector regulators apply to specific activities.
Sector licences may be required before trading in regulated activities. Always confirm the licensing perimeter with a local adviser.
Key Considerations
Before establishing a company in Turkey, it is important to plan for the registered office, local business tax in the chosen municipality, VAT registration, statutory accounting and annual financial statements, and the involvement of an attorney in all company registry filings.
Turkey is particularly well suited for:
Our Services in Turkey
We assist with:
- Company registration (Ltd. Şti. and A.Ş.);
- Registered office address;
- Accounting and tax reporting;
- Employment registration and payroll;
- Corporate bank account opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, subject to the Turkish Commercial Code and any sector-specific licensing or foreign-investment restrictions.
MERSIS is the Central Registry System of the Ministry of Trade used for company formation and trade-registry related processes.
PwC lists a general rate of 25% (30% for certain financial companies), reviewed 9 September 2026. Treat this as indicative.
Start with a Consultation
Lexbit helps non-residents establish and maintain companies in Turkey: registration, registered address, accounting, employment support and bank account opening introductions.