Register an Ltd. Şti. (LLC) in Turkey: Full Procedural Walkthrough

Turkey continues to be a strategic gateway between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it an ideal destination for foreign entrepreneurs. If you're considering expanding your business or starting fresh, forming a Limited Liability Companyknown locally as Ltd. ?ti.is one of the most common and practical ways to go about it.

This guide walks you step-by-step through the company registration in Turkey process, explaining everything you need to know about forming an LLC, from documentation to post-registration obligations. Whether you're a solo founder or planning a partnership, this walkthrough will help you navigate the setup with clarity and confidence.

Why Choose an Ltd. ?ti. (LLC) in Turkey?

The Ltd. ?ti. is the preferred business structure for both local and foreign entrepreneurs in Turkey. Here's why:

• Requires only one shareholder (individual or corporate)

• Limited liability for shareholders

• No residency requirement for directors or shareholders

• Can be 100% foreign-owned

• Minimum capital requirement is 10,000 TRY (approx. $300 USD)

• Straightforward structure for tax and legal compliance

If you're looking into company formation in Turkey, an LLC offers flexibility and security with manageable setup costs and minimal bureaucracy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Company in Turkey as Ltd. ?ti.

Step 1: Choose a Company Name

The name must be unique and conform to Turkish naming conventions. It must include Limited ?irketi or Ltd. ?ti. in the name and cannot include words that are misleading or reserved for regulated industries.

You can check name availability via Turkeys Central Trade Registry System (MERSIS).

Step 2: Draft and Notarize the Articles of Association

The Articles of Association (AoA) must be prepared in Turkish and include:

• Company name and purpose

• Shareholder details

• Capital contribution breakdown

• Management structure

• Registered office address

The AoA must be notarized before moving on to the registration stage.

Step 3: Obtain a MERSIS Number

MERSIS is Turkeys centralized trade registration system. Each company must be registered in this system before official incorporation.

The MERSIS number is necessary to proceed with registering a company in Turkey and is typically obtained by your legal representative or consultant.

Step 4: Open a Temporary Bank Account and Deposit Capital

While the full capital (10,000 TRY) doesnt need to be deposited immediately, at least 25% must be deposited before registration, with the remaining amount required within 24 months.

Use this account to deposit the capital and obtain the bank certificate confirming the deposit.

Step 5: Register with the Trade Registry Office

Once capital is deposited and the AoA is notarized, you'll proceed to register with the local Trade Registry Office. The following documents are typically required:

• Articles of Association (notarized)

• Shareholder and director identification

• MERSIS number

• Bank certificate for capital deposit

• Lease agreement or proof of registered office

• Power of attorney (if using a legal representative)

After successful registration, youll receive:

• Company registration certificate

• Tax number

• Official company books (ledger, journal, inventory)

This step is crucial for completing your company registration in Turkey.

Step 6: Register for Tax and Social Security

After trade registration, you must register with:

• Tax Office: For VAT, corporate income tax, and other obligations.

• Social Security Institution (SGK): If you plan to hire employees.

Tax registration also includes obtaining an electronic signature (e-signature) and registering your invoicing system online.

Also Read: Most Preferred Company Structures Opted by Foreigners for Company Registration in Bahamas

Step 7: Legalization of Company Books

Company books must be notarized and stamped by the tax office. These include:

• Share ledger

• Inventory book

• Journal and ledger books

Theyre required for financial reporting and legal audits.

Step 8: Obtain Licenses and Permits (If Needed)

Certain industriessuch as food, construction, finance, and tourismrequire special permits or sector-specific licenses from relevant ministries. Make sure to confirm your sectors requirements in advance.

Costs of Company Formation in Turkey

While costs can vary slightly depending on the city and service providers, heres a rough breakdown:

• Notary and translation fees: 300500

• Trade registry fees: 200300

• Legal and consulting fees (optional): 8001500

• Minimum share capital: 10,000 TRY (~$300, of which 25% is required at formation)

Compared to many European countries, opening a company in Turkey is cost-effective and doesnt require a massive upfront investment.

Post-Registration Obligations

Once your company is up and running, there are a few ongoing obligations to stay compliant:

• Monthly tax declarations (VAT, withholding, etc.)

• Annual corporate tax return

• Employee declarations (if applicable)

• Regular accounting and bookkeeping

• Maintaining company records and ledgers

Youll need to appoint a certified accountant (SMMM) to manage your tax filings and payrollthis is legally required in Turkey.

Can Foreigners Register a Company in Turkey?

Absolutely. Foreign nationals and companies can register a company in Turkey without restrictions in most sectors. Theres no need for a local partner, and directors or shareholders are not required to reside in Turkey.

However, you may need to appoint a local representative for tax matters, or if you plan to apply for a work permit through the company.

Also Read: List of Documents Required for Company Registration in Germany

Conclusion

Registering an Ltd. ?ti. in Turkey is a structured but accessible process, especially for entrepreneurs looking to tap into Turkey's growing market and its strategic location at the crossroads of three continents. From simple compliance to affordable costs and full foreign ownership, company formation in Turkey offers significant benefits for startups and seasoned investors alike.

Whether you're launching a tech startup, a trading company, or a consulting firm, understanding the steps and requirements in advance gives you a powerful head start.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to register a company in Turkey?
On average, it takes 5 to 10 working days, assuming all documents are prepared and submitted correctly.

2. Can I register a company in Turkey remotely?
Yes. With a power of attorney, a legal representative can handle the entire process on your behalf, including banking and tax registration.

3. Do I need a physical office to open a company in Turkey?
Yes, a registered office address is mandatory for company registration. Virtual offices may be acceptable in certain cases, but should be verified with local authorities.