What Does It Cost to Form a Company in Turkey?
Understanding the full cost of forming and operating a company in Turkey helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. This guide covers government fees, professional service costs, minimum capital requirements, and recurring ongoing expenses that foreign investors should plan for.
All figures below reflect typical ranges as of early 2026. Actual costs may vary depending on your formation agent, city, and company complexity.
Government & Official Fees
These are the mandatory fees paid to Turkish government institutions during the company formation process:
| Fee | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Notary fees (Articles of Association, signature circulars) | 2,000 – 4,000 TRY |
| Trade Registry fees (registration and gazette publication) | 2,500 – 5,000 TRY |
| Chamber of Commerce membership (annual) | 500 – 2,000 TRY |
| Tax office registration | Free |
| MERSIS system registration | Free |
The notary and trade registry fees depend on the number of shareholders, the complexity of your articles of association, and the city where you register.
Minimum Capital Requirements
Turkish law requires a minimum share capital depending on the company type:
| Company Type | Minimum Capital | Upfront Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| LLC (Ltd. Şti.) | 10,000 TRY | 25% at formation |
| Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.) | 50,000 TRY | 25% at formation |
| Branch Office | No minimum | N/A |
| Liaison Office | No minimum | N/A |
For an LLC, this means you need to deposit at least 2,500 TRY into a Turkish bank account at the time of formation, with the remaining balance due within 24 months.
Note that while the legal minimum is 10,000 TRY, some business activities (such as applying for work permits) may benefit from declaring higher capital, as the Ministry of Labour may consider capitalization during work permit assessments.
Professional Service Fees
These are fees for legal, accounting, and formation services provided by professional advisors:
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Company formation service (end-to-end) | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Accounting setup and initial configuration | $200 – $500 |
| Power of attorney preparation (if forming remotely) | $100 – $300 |
| Apostille and sworn translation of foreign documents | $200 – $600 |
| Registered address / virtual office | $50 – $200/month |
A comprehensive formation service typically includes MERSIS pre-registration, articles of association drafting, notarization coordination, trade registry filing, tax office registration, and bank account opening assistance.
Total Estimated Cost: LLC Formation
For a standard LLC formation with one or two foreign shareholders, the total initial cost typically falls in this range:
| Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Government & official fees | $200 | $400 |
| Professional formation service | $1,200 | $3,000 |
| Capital deposit (min. 25%) | $80 | $80 |
| Virtual office (first month) | $50 | $200 |
| Total | ~$1,500 | ~$3,700 |
These estimates are in USD and will vary with TRY/USD exchange rates.
Ongoing Monthly Costs
After formation, expect these recurring costs to keep your company compliant:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accounting and bookkeeping | $150 – $400/month |
| Virtual office / registered address | $50 – $200/month |
| E-invoice and e-ledger system | $20 – $50/month |
| Social security (SGK) contributions per employee | Varies by salary |
Work Permit Costs (If Applicable)
If foreign shareholders or employees need to work and reside in Turkey:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Work permit application fee | ~$300 – $500 |
| Residence permit fee | ~$100 – $200 |
| Professional service for permit application | $500 – $1,500 |
Cost-Saving Tips
- Choose an LLC if you’re a small to medium business — it has the lowest capital requirement and simplest structure
- Use a virtual office instead of renting physical space during the early stages
- Bundle formation and accounting services — many providers offer discounted packages when you combine both
- Prepare your documents in advance — delays caused by missing apostilles or incorrect translations increase costs
Important Notes
- All government fees are subject to annual adjustments and may change
- Exchange rate fluctuations between TRY and your home currency will affect USD-equivalent costs
- Some sectors require additional licenses or permits that may carry separate fees
- Tax obligations begin from the date of registration — plan your accounting setup accordingly
For a step-by-step overview of the formation process itself, see our How to Form an LLC in Turkey guide.