Easy Company Formation In Turkey

Turkey offers one of the fastest and most practical company formation procedures for foreign entrepreneurs, especially for those who are physically in the country during the process. If the founder is in Turkey, all signatures can be completed at a notary on the same day—without apostille, embassy appointments, or legalization. The application is then submitted to the Trade Registry through MERSİS, and most companies are officially registered within 3 to 5 business days. This means that an investor can complete the entire incorporation process in less than a week.

Once the registration is finalized, opening a corporate bank account is typically completed within the same week, allowing the business to start operating immediately. Foreigners enjoy equal rights with Turkish nationals: no local partner is required, 100% foreign ownership is allowed, and foreign directors can manage the company freely. For investors looking for a quick, compliant, and efficient way to enter a growing market, Turkey stands out as one of the easiest jurisdictions to set up a company and become fully operational in a short time. This article explains the advantages of company formation in Turkey and how to form a company in just 1 week.

Company Types in Turkey Explained

Foreign investors who plan to establish a business in Turkey can choose among several company structures, each offering different levels of flexibility, liability, and regulatory requirements. The two most commonly preferred structures are the Limited Liability Company (LLC) and the Joint-Stock Company (JSC), both of which allow 100% foreign ownership and provide strong legal protection under Turkish Commercial Law. For investors who do not need full commercial activity, branch offices and liaison offices also serve as practical alternatives depending on the purpose of the investment.

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most frequently used structure, offering simple management, low capital requirements, and limited liability. A Joint-Stock Company (JSC) is suitable for larger investments, regulated sectors, or businesses that anticipate attracting multiple shareholders. Meanwhile, a branch office allows a foreign company to operate in Turkey without creating a separate legal entity, while a liaison office is ideal for investors who only need market research or representation activities without generating revenue. Each structure serves a different strategic purpose, and choosing the right model is crucial for ensuring smooth and efficient operations in Turkey.

Do Foreigners Have Equal Rights When Setting Up a Company in Turkey?

Foreign investors enjoy the same rights and obligations as Turkish citizens when establishing a company in Turkey. There is no requirement to have a Turkish partner, no mandatory Turkish director, and no limitation on foreign shareholding. This equality principle—guaranteed under Turkish Foreign Direct Investment Law — allows foreign entrepreneurs to fully own and manage a company without restrictions, making the incorporation process both predictable and investor-friendly.

The only exceptions apply to a few regulated industries such as aviation, energy, and certain financial services, where specific licensing rules apply equally to both Turkish and foreign investors. Outside these sectors, foreigners are free to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or form a Joint-Stock Company (JSC), branch, or liaison office under the same conditions as local investors. This transparent and non-discriminatory framework is one of the key reasons Turkey remains an attractive destination for international business owners seeking fast and secure market entry.

Step-by-Step: Easy Company Formation in Turkey (Full Timeline Included)

Company formation in Turkey is a straightforward and fast process, especially when the founder is physically present in the country. In most cases, all incorporation steps—from notarizing documents to receiving the official registration—can be completed within 5 business days, followed by bank account setup in the same week. Below is a clear, practical breakdown of each stage.

Step 1: Preparing the Necessary Documents

The process begins with gathering a few essential documents: a valid passport, proof of address, and the draft Articles of Association. Foreign founders also obtain a Turkish tax ID, which can be issued within minutes at the tax office. If the founder is in Turkey, all documentation is handled quickly and without the need for apostille or legalization.

Step 2: Notarization of Signatures (Same Day Completion)

All required signatures—including the company formation documents and, if needed, a power of attorney—are executed at a Turkish notary. This is one of the key advantages of being physically in Turkey: the entire notarization stage is finished in a single day, dramatically speeding up the incorporation process.

Step 3: MERSİS Registration and Trade Registry Application

After notarization, the application is submitted electronically through the MERSİS system. The Trade Registry typically completes the review and issues the official incorporation documents within 3 business days. Once the registration is finalized, the company is considered fully established and ready to operate.

Step 4: Tax Registration and Company Seal

Immediately after the company is registered, the tax office automatically creates the company's tax records. A short verification visit may follow, after which the company can begin issuing invoices and conducting business activities.

Step 5: Opening a Corporate Bank Account (Same Week)

With the Trade Registry documents and tax registration ready, the founder can visit a Turkish bank to open a corporate bank account in Turkey. Most banks finalize this process within the same week and offer multi-currency options such as USD, EUR, GBP, and TRY.

Can You Really Establish a Company and Open a Bank Account in 1 Week?

Yes—if the founder is physically present in Turkey, completing the entire company formation process, including opening a corporate bank account, within just one week is entirely realistic. The efficiency of the Turkish system comes from the combination of same-day notarization, rapid electronic submission through MERSİS, and fast Trade Registry processing times. Most companies receive their official registration within 3 to 5 business days, and banks typically finalize corporate account openings in the same week once the registration documents are issued.

A typical timeline looks like this:

1. Day 1: Notarization of signatures and issuance of tax ID.
2. Days 2–3: Submission to the Trade Registry and approval.
3. Days 4–5: Collection of official incorporation documents, bank account activation and online banking setup.

With correct preparation and professional assistance, investors can establish a company, register for tax, and open a fully functional multi-currency corporate bank account—all within one business week.

Required Documents for Foreign Investors

Forming a company in Turkey requires only a small number of documents, and the process becomes even simpler when the founder is physically present in the country. In most cases, foreign investors can complete all paperwork in a single day with the following items:

• Passport: The shareholder's passport is sufficient for identification at the notary and Trade Registry.
• Proof of Address: Any address in Turkey for the power of attorney, like your hotel address
• Company Details: Proposed company name, business activity, shareholding percentages, and management structure. Related article: How to Check Registered Companies in Turkey
• Articles of Association Draft: Prepared by your legal advisor according to Turkish Commercial Code requirements.
• Tax ID Number: Issued within minutes
• For Corporate Shareholders: Certificate of incorporation, registry extract, and board resolution—translated and notarized.

When the founder is in Turkey, none of these documents need an apostille or consular approval. All signatures can be completed directly at a Turkish notary, making the documentation phase one of the fastest parts of the entire process.

Costs of Company Formation in Turkey

Although the exact cost of incorporation may vary depending on the company structure and the city of registration, forming a company in Turkey is generally more affordable compared to many European jurisdictions. Most expenses arise from notary procedures, Trade Registry fees, and optional service needs such as virtual office arrangements or legal support. Below is a realistic overview of the typical cost items foreign investors should expect.

• Notary Fees: These cover signature circular, passport translation, and power of attorney. Foreign founders present in Turkey usually complete all notarization in one appointment.
• Trade Registry Fees: Registration charges, publication fees, and mandatory payments for company establishment.
• Legal Fees: Professional assistance for preparing documents, drafting articles of association, coordinating registration, and handling communication with authorities.
• Virtual Office or Physical Address: Every company must have a registered address in Turkey. Virtual office solutions are commonly used and offer a cost-effective option.

Overall, investors can establish a company in Turkey at a relatively reasonable cost while benefiting from a fast and efficient incorporation procedure. Clear planning and professional guidance help ensure that every stage is completed correctly and without unexpected expenses.

Post-Incorporation Obligations You Should Know (Company Formation Focused)

Once your company is officially registered in Turkey, a few short but essential post-incorporation steps must be completed to ensure the business becomes fully operational and compliant. These procedures are directly tied to company formation and allow you to start commercial activities without delay.

Tax Registration and Address Verification

Following registration, the tax office automatically issues your company's tax number and schedules a brief address verification visit. After this step, your company becomes fully active for tax purposes and can begin issuing invoices.

Appointment of an Accountant

Every newly established company must work with a licensed accountant who handles statutory bookkeeping and monthly filings. This appointment is an integral part of the incorporation process, as the accountant finalizes tax activation, prepares declarations, and manages the company's financial compliance from day one.

Obtaining Required Licenses or Operational Permits

Depending on your business activity, certain sectors require additional licenses or regulatory approvals before commercial operations can begin. Examples include e-commerce notifications, tourism licenses, import permits, health tourism authorization, pharmacy wholesale licenses, financial service approvals, or regulated industry permissions. These requirements do not slow down the company formation itself, but they must be completed before your company starts operating in a regulated field. A legal advisor guides you through sector-specific compliance to ensure a smooth and timely launch.

Advantages of Company Formation in Turkey

Turkey offers a combination of speed, flexibility, and investor-friendly regulations that make it one of the most attractive jurisdictions for foreign entrepreneurs. The most significant advantage is the fast incorporation process. If the founder is physically present in Turkey, all signatures can be completed at the notary on the same day, and the company can be fully registered within 3 to 5 business days. This accelerated timeline allows businesses to start operating almost immediately.

Another major advantage is the ability to open a corporate bank account within the same week, giving the company instant access to financial infrastructure and multi-currency accounts. Foreign investors also benefit from a transparent legal framework that grants 100% foreign ownership, no local partner requirement, and equal treatment under Turkish law. Combined with competitive setup costs, a strategic geographic location, and a dynamic market, Turkey provides an exceptionally accessible environment for investors looking to establish a company quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a company in Turkey without visiting the country?

Yes, it is possible through a power of attorney; however, the process is significantly faster when the founder is physically in Turkey, as all signatures can be notarized on the same day without apostille or consular procedures.

Can I open a corporate bank account remotely?

Generally no. Turkish banks require the authorized signatory to visit the branch in person. This is why spending even a few days in Turkey during the process allows you to complete both company formation and bank account opening in the same week.

How long does company formation take?

If the founder is in Turkey, the entire process—incorporation + bank account—can be completed in 5 days. Remote formations may take slightly longer due to international notarization and courier times.

Do I need a Turkish partner or director?

No. Foreigners can own 100% of the shares and act as directors without any local partner requirement.

What are the tax rates for companies in Turkey?

Corporate income tax in Turkey is generally applied at 25%. Certain regulated sectors—such as banking, insurance, and financial institutions—are subject to a higher 30% rate. The standard VAT rate is 20%, and dividend distributions to non-resident shareholders are typically subject to a 15% withholding tax, unless reduced by a double tax treaty.

Can a foreigner own a business in Turkey?

Yes. Turkish law imposes no nationality requirement for directors or managers in LLCs or JSCs.

Conclusion: Form a Company in Turkey in Just One Week

Forming a company in Turkey is a fast, structured, and highly accessible process for foreign entrepreneurs—especially for those who are physically present in the country. With same-day notarization, electronic submission through MERSİS, and quick Trade Registry approvals, most investors are able to establish their company within 3 to 5 business days, and open a corporate bank account in the same week. The ability to complete every step during a short visit makes Turkey one of the easiest jurisdictions for setting up a business.

Foreign investors benefit from equal legal rights, 100% foreign ownership, flexible company structures, competitive costs, and a business environment designed to support rapid market entry. Whether your goal is e-commerce, trading, consultancy, manufacturing, or entering a regulated sector with additional licensing, Turkey offers a clear and streamlined pathway to becoming operational in a very short time.

If you are considering establishing a business in Turkey, a company formation attorney ensures that the process is handled smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with Turkish law. A company formation lawyer in Turkey guides you with professional guidance and you complete every step without delays. With the right support, your company can be fully incorporated and ready to operate—often within just one week.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.