France–Turkey Investment Relations
France and Turkey have a bilateral investment protection agreement and benefit from the EU-Turkey Customs Union, which eliminates tariffs on industrial goods. France is consistently among the top European investors in Turkey. The two countries maintain strong trade relations with bilateral trade exceeding €15 billion annually.
France is one of the largest foreign investors in Turkey, with over 900 French-capital companies operating in the country. French businesses are concentrated in retail, manufacturing, energy, automotive, and financial services. Major French corporations including BNP Paribas, Carrefour, and Renault have long-established operations in Turkey. The French-Turkish Chamber of Commerce provides extensive support to French investors.
Can French Citizens Open a Company in Turkey?
Yes. Citizens of France can form a company in Turkey with 100% foreign ownership. Turkish law does not require a local partner or Turkish shareholder. French nationals receive equal treatment under the Turkish Commercial Code, with the same rights and obligations as Turkish-owned companies.
There are no sector restrictions specific to French investors — the vast majority of business activities are open to foreign companies without special permissions.
Visa & Work Permit Information
French citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Turkey up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to business activities including company formation and management meetings. Work permits must be obtained through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for those who will reside in Turkey.
Foreign shareholders who do not intend to work or reside in Turkey do not need a work permit or residence permit to own a company. However, if you plan to actively manage your Turkish company from Turkey, a work permit is legally required.
Recommended Company Type
The most common structure among French investors is the Limited Liability Company (LLC / Ltd. Şti.).
LLC (Ltd. Şti.)
- Min. 50,000 TRY capital
- 1–50 shareholders
- Simple management structure
- Best for SMEs and service businesses
Joint Stock (A.Ş.)
- Min. 250,000 TRY capital
- 1+ (no limit) shareholders
- Board of directors required
- Best for large-scale or IPO-track businesses
Branch Office
- No separate legal entity
- No minimum capital
- Extension of parent company
- Best for companies testing the market
Requirements for French Citizens
- Valid passport from France
- Turkish tax identification number (vergi numarası)
- Registered business address in Turkey
- Notarized Articles of Association (in Turkish)
- Minimum share capital deposit at a Turkish bank
- Power of attorney (if forming remotely without visiting Turkey)
Formation Process
- Consultation — Choose your company type, define business activities, and plan your structure
- MERSIS Pre-Registration — Enter company details in Turkey's central registry system
- Articles of Association — Draft, notarize, and sign (or via power of attorney)
- Bank Account & Capital Deposit — Open a Turkish bank account and deposit at least 25% of capital
- Trade Registry — File with the local Trade Registry Office
- Tax & Social Security — Register with the tax office and SGK
- Work Permits — Apply if foreign managers or employees will be based in Turkey
The process typically takes 5–10 business days once all documents are prepared. If documents need apostille or consular legalization from France, allow additional time.