Why Choose an LLC in Turkey?
A Limited Liability Company (Limited Şirket or Ltd. Şti.) is the most commonly chosen company type among foreign investors in Turkey. It offers a straightforward formation process, flexible management structure, and limited liability protection for shareholders.
Key advantages of an LLC in Turkey:
- 100% foreign ownership — No local partner or shareholder required
- Low minimum capital — 10,000 TRY (approximately $300 as of early 2026)
- 1–50 shareholders — Individual or corporate shareholders allowed
- Simple management — One or more managers, who can also be shareholders
- Limited liability — Shareholders are only liable up to their capital contribution
Who Can Form an LLC in Turkey?
Any foreign individual or corporation can establish an LLC in Turkey. There are no nationality restrictions. Both individuals and legal entities (companies) from any country can serve as shareholders.
Foreign shareholders do not need a Turkish residence permit to form a company, though one may be required if you plan to reside in Turkey and manage the business directly.
Requirements
Before starting the formation process, you need:
- Valid passport (for individual shareholders) or certificate of incorporation (for corporate shareholders)
- Turkish Tax Identification Number — Obtained from the local tax office or Turkish consulate
- Registered business address in Turkey — A physical or virtual office address valid for trade registry purposes
- Company name — Must be unique and verifiable through the MERSIS system
- Articles of Association — Defining company name, address, share capital, shareholder details, management structure, and business activities
- Initial capital — Minimum 10,000 TRY, with at least 25% deposited at a Turkish bank before registration
Step-by-Step Formation Process
1. MERSIS Pre-Registration
All company formations in Turkey begin with pre-registration on the MERSIS (Central Registry System) platform. This is Turkey’s online system for commercial entity registration. You enter your company details, articles of association, and shareholder information electronically.
2. Prepare and Notarize the Articles of Association
The Articles of Association must be prepared in Turkish and signed before a notary public. If shareholders are abroad, a power of attorney can be granted to a representative in Turkey to sign on their behalf. Documents issued outside Turkey must be apostilled or consularly legalized and accompanied by a sworn Turkish translation.
3. Deposit Minimum Capital
Open a bank account at a Turkish bank in the company’s name and deposit at least 25% of the declared share capital (minimum 2,500 TRY for a 10,000 TRY capital company). The remaining 75% must be deposited within 24 months of registration.
4. Trade Registry Application
File your application with the local Trade Registry Office (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü) attached to the relevant Chamber of Commerce. Required documents typically include:
- Notarized Articles of Association
- MERSIS application reference
- Bank deposit receipt for share capital
- Chamber of Commerce registration forms
- Shareholder identity documents (notarized copies)
- Signature declarations of managers
5. Tax Office Registration
After trade registry, register your company at the local tax office (vergi dairesi) to receive your corporate tax identification number and be enrolled for VAT, income withholding tax, and stamp duty obligations.
6. Social Security Registration
Register with SGK (Social Security Institution) if the company will employ staff. This is mandatory before any employee can legally start working.
7. Additional Registrations
Depending on your activity type, you may also need:
- E-invoice (e-fatura) and e-ledger (e-defter) enrollment
- Chamber of Commerce membership activation
- Sector-specific licenses or permits
Timeline
The LLC formation process typically takes 5–10 business days once all documents are prepared and notarized. The actual trade registry step itself can be completed in 1–2 business days in most cities.
If documents need to be apostilled or legalized abroad, allow an additional 1–3 weeks for document preparation before the Turkey-based steps begin.
Costs
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Notary fees (Articles of Association) | 1,500 – 3,500 TRY |
| Trade Registry fees | 2,000 – 4,000 TRY |
| Chamber of Commerce annual membership | 500 – 1,500 TRY |
| Professional formation services | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Registered address / virtual office | $50 – $200/month |
| Tax office registration | Free |
For a detailed cost breakdown, see our Company Formation Costs in Turkey guide.
After Formation
Once your LLC is registered, we recommend:
- Opening a corporate bank account (if not already done during formation)
- Setting up e-invoice and e-ledger systems
- Applying for work permits if foreign managers or employees will be based in Turkey
- Engaging a licensed accountant for monthly tax declarations and bookkeeping
- Understanding your ongoing obligations: monthly VAT declarations, quarterly advance corporate tax, and annual corporate tax returns
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I form an LLC remotely without visiting Turkey? Yes. You can grant a power of attorney to a representative in Turkey who will handle notarization and registration on your behalf.
Do I need a local partner? No. Foreign investors can own 100% of a Turkish LLC.
What is the minimum capital for an LLC? 10,000 TRY as of 2026. Only 25% needs to be deposited upfront.
Can I be both the shareholder and the manager? Yes. A single person can be the sole shareholder and sole manager of a Turkish LLC.