Certified Public Accountant (SMMM) · Istanbul, Turkey
Company formation and accounting in Turkey
We help foreign entrepreneurs and companies set up a business in Turkey and keep it compliant: incorporation, tax registration, bookkeeping, payroll and tax filings, from our office in Istanbul.
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Find out now what you need to set up a company
Send us a short email with your nationality, the type of company you have in mind and your planned activity. We will reply with a checklist of the documents and steps that apply to you.
[email protected] Email me the requirementsYou can write to us in English or Turkish.
What you need to set up a company in Turkey
Foreign investors can set up and own 100% of a company in Turkey under the same rules as Turkish citizens. The most common forms are the limited liability company (Ltd. Şti.) and the joint stock company (A.Ş.).
Individual foreign shareholders
- Passport copy, translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarised in Turkey
- Turkish tax identification number (obtained from a Turkish tax office)
- If you cannot be present in Turkey: a power of attorney signed abroad, apostilled (or consular-certified) and translated
- Residential address abroad and contact details
Corporate foreign shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation or registry extract of the parent company, apostilled and translated
- Board resolution to establish the Turkish company and appoint its representative
- Documents showing who is authorised to sign for the parent company
- Turkish tax identification number for the parent company
For the company itself
- Company name and a clear description of the planned activities
- A registered address in Turkey (office lease or virtual office agreement)
- Share capital: minimum TRY 50,000 for a Ltd. and TRY 250,000 for a JSC
- At least one manager or board member; foreign nationals can be appointed
- Bank account in Turkey, e-signature, registered e-mail (KEP) and e-invoice setup after registration
How the process works
- PreparationDocuments, translations and tax numbers for all shareholders are prepared.
- Articles of associationThe articles are drafted in the central registry system (MERSİS).
- Signing and capitalArticles are signed at the trade registry or a notary; the required capital and fees are deposited.
- RegistrationThe company is registered and announced in the Trade Registry Gazette.
- Tax office and digital setupTax office inspection, e-signature, KEP address, e-invoicing and bank account.
- Ongoing complianceMonthly bookkeeping, VAT and withholding returns, payroll and annual financial statements.
The Turkish tax system at a glance
| Tax | General rate (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 25% | Paid on company profits; advance tax is paid quarterly. |
| Value added tax (VAT) | 20% | Reduced rates of 10% and 1% apply to certain goods and services. Returns are filed monthly. |
| Personal income tax | 15%–40% | Progressive; applies to sole proprietors and salaries. |
| Dividend withholding tax | 15% | May be reduced under a double tax treaty. |
| Stamp duty | Varies | Applies to certain contracts and documents. |
| Social security (SGK) | Employer and employee shares | Paid monthly on salaries. |
Turkey has double tax treaties with more than 80 countries. Companies in technology development zones (Teknokent) can benefit from significant income tax, VAT and payroll incentives. Rates change from time to time; this table is general information, not tax advice.
About us
Enes Bayrak is a Certified Public Accountant (Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavir, SMMM) licensed in Turkey, working from his office on Bağdat Avenue in Maltepe, Istanbul.
He studied econometrics at Uludağ University and holds a master's degree from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. Since 2017 he has worked with companies in media, architecture, software, e-commerce, construction, tourism, automotive, education and export.
We have previously handled the incorporation of companies with foreign shareholders and continue to provide their ongoing accounting and tax compliance.
What we do
- Company formation (Ltd., JSC, branch)
- Bookkeeping and tax returns
- Payroll and social security
- Teknokent and R&D incentives
- Capital increases
- Financial statement analysis
- [email protected]
- WhatsApp (messages only)
- WhatsApp message
- Office
- Bağlarbaşı Mah. Bağdat Cad. No: 370/10, Maltepe, Istanbul, Türkiye
Open in Google Maps - Office hours
- Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 · Sat 10:00–14:00