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Company Formation

Company Registration in Turkey

Step-by-step legal guidance for registering a limited liability company, joint-stock company or branch office in Turkey.

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Registering a company in Turkey is procedurally straightforward on paper — filed through the MERSİS system under the Turkish Commercial Code — but foreign shareholders typically lose time on document apostille, sworn translation, and choosing the wrong entity type for their actual plans.

Legalwise handles the registration process end to end: entity selection, drafting the articles of association, coordinating document legalisation for foreign shareholders, and post-registration tax and social security obligations.

  • Guidance on choosing between a limited liability company, joint-stock company or branch office
  • MERSİS filing and articles of association drafted to match your actual ownership structure
  • Coordination of apostille/consular certification and sworn translation for foreign shareholder documents
  • Post-registration tax office and social security registration handled alongside formation

Turkish Legal Matters We Assist With

Commercial & Corporate LawWe provide legal advisory at every stage of your business, from incorporation to mergers and acquisitions.Learn more

Team Members Working with International Clients

The lawyers below communicate directly with clients in English or French, in addition to Turkish.

Av. Enes Rasim KaraçamFounding PartnerTurkish · English · FrenchAv. Gökçen Ahsen KaraçamFounding PartnerTurkish · English · French · Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does company registration in Turkey typically take once documents are ready?

Once the required documents (including apostilled/translated foreign shareholder documents) are complete, the MERSİS filing itself is usually one of the faster steps; document preparation is what most often sets the timeline.

Is a Turkish residence permit required to register a company as a foreign national?

No — company formation does not require the founder to hold a Turkish residence permit; a residence or work permit is a separate matter tied to actually living or working in Turkey.

Guides for Clients Abroad

Foreigners' LawHow Foreign Investors Can Set Up a Company in TurkeyThe principle of equal treatment under the Foreign Direct Investment Law, the MERSİS formation process, the branch (Şube) alternative, and the documents required from foreign partners.Commercial & Corporate LawEstablishing a Limited Liability Company in Turkey: Step-by-Step Process and Required DocumentsThe documents required to establish a limited liability company, key points for the articles of association, and the steps of the incorporation process.

Legalwise is a law firm based in Ankara, Turkey. Our services concern Turkish law and legal matters requiring action in Turkey. Matters governed by another country's law may require coordination with locally qualified counsel in that jurisdiction. Legalwise does not have offices in France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada or any other country, and our lawyers are admitted to Turkish bar associations.