Turkey Business Registration Guide 2026

Overview — Türk Ticaret Kanunu (Turkish Commercial Code)

The Turkish Commercial Code (Türk Ticaret Kanunu No. 6102) governs all commercial entities in Turkey. Businesses must register with the Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicili) in their province and obtain a Tax Identification Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) from the tax office. All registration procedures are centralised through MERSIS (Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi), the central trade registry system. Foreign investors are subject to the same legal framework as local investors, with additional reporting obligations under the Foreign Direct Investment Law (No. 4875) if the foreign shareholding exceeds 10% or TRY 500,000.

Anonim Şirket (A.Ş.) — Joint Stock Company

The Anonim Şirket (A.Ş.) is the most common corporate form for medium to large businesses, similar to a joint stock company. It requires a minimum of one shareholder (individual or corporate, resident or non-resident) and may have up to 500 shareholders. Shares are freely transferable unless restricted by the articles of association. An A.Ş. must have at least one director (board member); a board of directors is required if there are multiple directors.

Minimum capital: TRY 50,000 (subject to annual revaluation). At least 25% must be paid up before registration; the remaining 75% must be paid within 24 months (or 12 months for non-cash capital contributions). For companies with a registered capital system (kayıtlı sermaye sistemi), the minimum initial capital is TRY 100,000 and the registered capital ceiling is at least TRY 500,000.

Registration documents: Articles of association (notarised or prepared via MERSIS), board resolution or founding declaration, proof of capital deposit (bank receipt), signatures of founders, and tax office registration application. All documents are submitted electronically via MERSIS.

Timeline: Registration typically takes 1–3 business days after document submission. The company acquires legal personality upon registration in the Trade Registry.

Limited Şirket (Ltd. Şti.) — Limited Liability Company

The Limited Şirket is the preferred form for small to medium businesses, similar to a limited liability company. It requires at least one shareholder (maximum 50) and is managed by one or more managers (müdür). Shareholders' liability is limited to their capital contribution. Capital shares cannot be freely transferred; share transfers require the approval of at least 75% of the shareholders (and must be notarised).

Minimum capital: TRY 10,000. The entire capital must be paid up within 24 months of registration (12 months for non-cash contributions). At least 25% must be paid before registration. Contributions in kind (ayni sermaye) are permitted if they are valued by a court-appointed expert and are freely transferable.

Registration documents: Similar to A.Ş. — articles of association, founding declaration (notarised signatures), capital deposit receipt, and tax registration application. The process is completed via MERSIS.

Timeline: 1–3 business days. The company is legally established upon Trade Registry registration.

Ticaret Sicili — Trade Registry (MERSIS)

MERSIS (Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi) is the central electronic trade registry system operated by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB). All company registrations, amendments, and dissolutions must be processed through MERSIS. The system connects to the Trade Registry Directorates (Ticaret Sicili Müdürlükleri) in each province. Key features include:

• Online application: Founders submit the articles of association and founding documents electronically through the MERSIS portal
• Centralised database: All registered companies receive a unique MERSIS number used for all official transactions
• e-Signature (e-İmza): Electronic signatures are accepted for most filing steps, including submission of the articles of association
• Publication in Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi: Registration details are published in the official Trade Registry Gazette (Türkiye Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi)
• Fees: Registration fees are set annually and vary by company type and capital amount. Estimate TRY 2,000–5,000 for standard A.Ş. or Ltd. Şti. registration (2026).

e-Trade Registry (e-Ticaret Sicili)

The e-Trade Registry (e-Ticaret Sicili) is the digital extension of MERSIS that enables fully electronic company establishment. Since 2021, all new company registrations must be initiated through the e-Ticaret Sicili portal. Key aspects:

• Fully online process: Founders complete the entire registration process online without visiting the Trade Registry office in person
• e-İmza required: At least one founder must have a qualified electronic certificate (e-İmza) to sign documents electronically
• Digital seal (e-Mühr): Companies receive an electronic seal used for official correspondence
• E-Declaration: Tax declarations and social security reporting are filed through digital platforms (GİB, SGK)
• Document storage: All company documents (articles, board resolutions, shareholder registers) are maintained digitally

Foreign founders without a Turkish e-İmza may appoint a representative with one, or complete the process through a notary public (noter) for physical signature verification.

KDV (VAT) Registration

All businesses in Turkey must register for KDV (Katma Değer Vergisi, Value Added Tax) at the time of company registration. KDV registration is obtained from the tax office (Vergi Dairesi) in the company's jurisdiction. Key points:

• Compulsory registration: Any person or entity engaged in commercial, industrial, agricultural, or professional activities liable for KDV must register before commencing operations
• KDV rates (2026): 1% (basic food, books, certain agricultural products), 8% (food, medical devices, accommodation, transportation), 18% (standard rate for most goods and services)
• KDV return: Monthly KDV returns (KDV Beyannamesi) must be filed by the 24th of the following month. Tax is paid by the 26th
• Invoicing: All sales must be documented with e-Invoice (e-Fatura) or printed invoice. KDV must be shown separately on invoices
• Small business exemption: Businesses with gross annual revenue below the exemption threshold (TRY 700,000 estimated for 2026) may apply for a simplified KDV regime or exemption, subject to conditions

Additional Registration Requirements

SGK (Social Security) registration: Companies must register with the Social Security Institution (SGK) for employer and employee social security premiums. This is typically done within one week of company registration. E-SGK declarations are filed monthly.

Chamber of Commerce membership: All registered companies must become members of the local Chamber of Commerce (Ticaret Odası) or Chamber of Industry (Sanayi Odası). Annual membership dues apply.

Professional licenses: Certain sectors require additional licenses or permits — e.g., tourism (Türsab), food production (Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı), construction (Çevre ve Şehircilik Bakanlığı).

Foreign employee work permits: Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit (Çalışma İzni) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security before commencing employment. The company must also register the foreign employee with SGK.

Withholding tax registration: All employers must register for withholding tax (Stopaj) and KDV withholding (KDV Tevkifatı) if applicable. Withholding tax returns are filed monthly.

Registration Process — Step by Step

1. Prepare documents: Draft articles of association, obtain founders' signatures (notarised or e-İmza), prepare proof of registered office address.
2. Submit via MERSIS: Complete the online company establishment application through the MERSIS/e-Ticaret Sicili portal. Upload all required documents.
3. Capital deposit: Open a temporary company account at a Turkish bank and deposit at least 25% of the capital. Obtain a deposit receipt from the bank.
4. Trade Registry approval: The Trade Registry Directorate reviews the application. If approved, the company is registered and receives the Trade Registry number and publication in the Trade Registry Gazette.
5. Tax office registration: Visit the local tax office (Vergi Dairesi) with the Trade Registry certificate to obtain the Tax Identification Number and KDV registration (if not already obtained through the electronic system).
6. SGK registration: Register with SGK as an employer. Obtain the employer SSK number.
7. Chamber membership: Register with the local Chamber of Commerce or Industry.
8. Open operational bank account: Open a permanent company bank account for operations. Close the temporary account after capital transfer.
9. e-Declaration and e-Invoice: Apply for e-Declaration and e-Invoice/e-Archive systems through GİB (mandatory for most businesses).

Total timeline: 3–10 business days from start to completion, depending on document preparation and bank procedures.

FAQs

Can a foreigner fully own a Turkish company?

Yes, Turkey allows 100% foreign ownership of A.Ş. and Ltd. Şti. companies. No local partner is required. The Foreign Direct Investment Law guarantees equal treatment for foreign and local investors. Certain restricted sectors (media, aviation, maritime) have specific ownership limits.

Is a Turkish bank account required before registration?

Yes, you must open a temporary bank account in Turkey to deposit the minimum capital before registration. This requires the founders to have a Turkish Tax Identification Number (obtainable at the tax office).

What are the ongoing compliance costs?

Annual costs include Chamber of Commerce membership dues (TRY 1,000–5,000 depending on company size), Trade Registry annual fee (nominal), certified public accountant (YMM/SMMM) services for tax compliance (TRY 12,000–48,000 per year), and e-Declaration/e-Invoice software subscription.

Can I register a company online without visiting Turkey?

Partially. If you have a qualified e-İmza (electronic signature), you can complete the MERSIS process remotely. However, opening a bank account and obtaining the physical Tax Identification Number typically requires a representative in Turkey under a notarised power of attorney (vekaletname).

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about business registration in Turkey for the 2026 tax year. Minimum capital thresholds and procedures are based on the most recent published data and may change by regulation. Always consult with a qualified Turkish lawyer or certified public accountant (Yeminli Mali Müşavir) for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide legal advice.