Can foreigners set up a company in Turkey?

Yes. Turkey grants foreign investors the same rights as Turkish citizens when setting up a company. A foreign individual or foreign company can be the sole shareholder of a Turkish limited liability company (LLC / Ltd. Şti.).

What documents does a foreign shareholder need for Turkish company registration?

A foreign individual shareholder needs a passport with certified Turkish translation and a Turkish tax identification number. A foreign company shareholder additionally needs articles of association, certificate of good standing and signature circular — all with apostille and certified Turkish translation.

How long does company formation take in Turkey?

Once all documents are ready, company registration at the Turkish Trade Registry typically takes 1-3 business days. Preparing the foreign shareholder documents — translation, notarisation and apostille — usually takes 3-5 business days.

📌 Hızlı Özet

Beta Çeviri güvencesiyle Company Formation in Turkey for Foreigners — Document Guide | Beta Çeviri. Documents required to set up a company in Turkey as a foreign investor. Certified Turkish translation, apostille and branch office opening guide. Ankara merkezli ofisimizde yeminli tercüme ve resmi onay süreçleriniz aynı gün tamamlanır.

Company Formation in Turkey for Foreigners — Document Guide

Updated April 2025

Turkey is one of the few countries that grants foreign investors exactly the same company formation rights as domestic investors — no minimum foreign capital requirement, no local partner needed. The document process, however, involves certified Turkish translations and apostilles that catch many first-time investors off guard.

Company types

Structure	Minimum capital	Best for
Limited Liability (Ltd. Şti.)	10,000 TRY	SMEs, single-owner operations
Joint-Stock (A.Ş.)	50,000 TRY	Larger operations, future IPO
Branch Office	—	Extension of existing foreign company
Liaison Office	—	Market research, no commercial activity

Foreign individual shareholder — documents

Document	Translation	Other
Passport	Turkish sworn translation	—
Turkish tax number	—	Obtained from any Turkish tax office
Signature declaration	—	Executed before Turkish notary

Foreign company shareholder — documents

Document	Translation	Apostille
Articles of association	Turkish sworn translation	Yes
Certificate of good standing / Trade Registry	Turkish sworn translation	Yes
Signature circular	Turkish sworn translation	Yes
Power of attorney (for Turkish representative)	Turkish sworn translation	Yes
Representative's passport	Turkish sworn translation	—

For companies from countries outside the Convention, such as the UAE or Iran, confirm the current legalisation chain with the relevant mission. Russia, China and Saudi Arabia are Contracting Parties; for covered public documents, an apostille replaces consular legalisation.

Branch office — additional documents

Opening a branch office (şube) in Turkey requires Ministry of Trade approval. Additional documents beyond the standard shareholder package:

✓ Board resolution authorising Turkey branch — Turkish sworn translation

✓ Branch manager appointment letter — Turkish sworn translation

✓ Branch manager's passport — Turkish sworn translation

✓ Power of attorney for branch manager — apostille + Turkish sworn translation

Prepare your company formation documents

Articles of association, certificate of good standing and power of attorney — certified Turkish translations and apostilles for Trade Registry submission.

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