Nihai 2025 Rehberiniz: Türkiye'de Başarılı Bir Şekilde İş Kurma

Wondering how to set up a business in Turkey? You’re looking at a market brimming with potential, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Establishing a company here can be a rewarding venture, offering access to a large domestic market and numerous regional opportunities. However, navigating the legal and administrative landscape requires careful planning and execution. This guide provides essential, clear information on the process, potential costs looking ahead to 2025, and timelines involved.

Turkey’s dynamic economy and young population make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Whether you’re planning a small startup or a larger corporate presence, understanding the fundamental steps is crucial.

Why Consider Setting Up a Business in Turkey?

Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s briefly touch upon the “why.”

• Strategic Location: Access to markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

• Large Domestic Market: A population of over 85 million with a significant young demographic.

• Incentives: Various government incentives are available for investors, particularly in specific sectors and regions. (You can explore details at the official Invest in Turkey agency: https://www.invest.gov.tr/en/)

• Developing Infrastructure: Continuous improvements in transportation, logistics, and communication networks.

Common Business Structures in Turkey

When planning how to set up a business in Turkey, choosing the right legal entity is vital. The most common forms are:

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC – Limited Şirket): The most popular choice for foreign investors. Requires at least one shareholder (can be an individual or legal entity) and a minimum capital (currently TRY 50,000 as of late 2023, subject to potential increases by 2025). Liability is limited to the subscribed capital.

2. Joint Stock Company (JSC – Anonim Şirket): Suitable for larger operations, can offer shares to the public. Requires a higher minimum capital (currently TRY 250,000, or TRY 500,000 for non-public JSCs that adopt the registered capital system, also subject to potential increases). More complex governance structure.

3. Branch Office: An extension of a foreign parent company, not a separate legal entity.

4. Liaison Office: Cannot engage in commercial activities; typically used for market research or representation.

For this guide, we’ll focus on the process for setting up an LLC, as it’s the most frequent scenario.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Business in Turkey (LLC Focus)

Navigating the setup requires interacting with several official bodies. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process:

1. Document Preparation & MERSIS Registration

• Articles of Association (AoA): Draft the company’s main constitutional document online via MERSIS (Central Registry Record System – https://mersis.gtb.gov.tr/). This requires details like company name, address, objectives, capital, shareholders, and management.

• Shareholder/Founder Documents: Passports (translated and notarized), potential tax IDs for founders, and potentially power of attorney if acting through a representative.

2. Notarization of Documents

The drafted AoA and other necessary documents (like signature declarations for managers) must be notarized by a Turkish Notary Public.

3. Obtaining a Potential Tax ID Number

Foreign shareholders and non-resident managers need to obtain a potential Turkish Tax Identification Number from the local Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi).

4. Registration with the Trade Registry Office

Submit the notarized AoA, application forms, proof of capital payment (a certain percentage needs to be deposited before registration), competition authority fee payment receipt, and other required documents to the relevant Trade Registry Office (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü). Once approved, the company gains legal personality. The registration is announced in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.

5. Legal Book Certification

After registration, the company’s statutory books (journal, ledger, inventory book, etc.) must be certified by a Notary Public or the Trade Registry Office before use.

6. Opening a Corporate Bank Account

With the registration certificate and tax ID number, you can open the company’s official bank account. The remaining portion of the share capital must be deposited usually within 24 months (check regulations at the time of setup).

7. Social Security Registration (SGK)

Register the company and its employees (if any) with the Social Security Institution (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu – SGK).

Estimated Timeline for Company Formation

Once all required documents are correctly prepared and submitted, the actual registration process (from MERSIS submission to Trade Registry approval) for how to set up a business in Turkey can typically be completed within 3 to 10 business days. However, document preparation, translations, notarizations, and bank procedures can add extra time, making the total process potentially span 2-4 weeks or longer, depending on complexity and efficiency.

Potential Costs: A Look Towards 2025

Estimating precise costs for 2025 is challenging due to inflation and potential regulatory changes. However, based on current figures (late 2023/early 2024) and projecting moderate increases, here are estimated cost categories to consider when budgeting for how to set up a business in Turkey:

• Minimum Share Capital (LLC): Currently TRY 50,000. Note: At least 25% might need to be paid before registration, the rest within 24 months. This isn’t a fee, but capital held by the company.

• Notary Fees: Variable, depending on the number of documents, signatures, and translations. Expect roughly TRY 5,000 – 12,000.

• Trade Registry Registration & Announcement Fees: Approximately TRY 5,000 – 13,000. 

• Competition Authority Fee: A small fixed percentage of the capital (e.g., 0.04%).

• Translation Costs: Depends on the volume and language. Budget several hundred Lira per page.

• Accountant/Financial Advisor Fees: Crucial for ongoing compliance. Monthly retainer fees for accounting vary significantly (TRY 5,000 – 15,000+ depending on transaction volume). Expect these professional fees to rise with inflation.

• Consultancy/Legal Fees (Optional but Recommended): Using a firm like Simply TR can simplify the process. Fees vary based on the service scope. [Contact Simply TR for a tailored quote].

• Office Rent/Virtual Office: Highly variable depending on location and type. Virtual offices offer a cost-effective start.

Disclaimer: These are rough estimates. Actual costs in 2025 will depend heavily on inflation rates, official fee adjustments by government bodies, and the specifics of your business setup. Always obtain current quotes.

Taxes and Obligations

Businesses in Turkey must comply with the following tax responsibilities:

• Corporate Income Tax: Currently 25%
• VAT (KDV): Standard rate is 20%
• Withholding Tax: Depends on type of payment and recipient
• Stamp Duty: Applied to contracts and official documents

Other responsibilities include:

• Keeping accounting records
• Filing monthly and annual tax returns
• Social security premiums for employees

Hiring a professional accountant is mandatory for companies in Turkey.

How Simply TR Can Streamline Your Business Setup

Feeling overwhelmed by the steps involved in how to set up a business in Turkey? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Basitçe TR boasts an expert team experienced in guiding foreign investors through every stage of company formation. We can assist with:

• Choosing the right legal structure.

• Document preparation, translation, and notarization coordination.

• Managing MERSIS and Trade Registry applications.

• Liaising with banks, tax offices, and SGK.

• Providing ongoing accounting and compliance support.

Let our professional team handle the complexities, saving you time and preventing costly errors. [Learn more about our Company Formation Services].

Çözüm

Successfully how to set up a business in Turkey involves understanding the legal framework, carefully preparing documentation, and navigating administrative procedures. While the process requires diligence, Turkey offers significant opportunities for growth. By planning meticulously, anticipating costs, and considering expert assistance, you can establish your Turkish company efficiently.

Ready to take the next step? Let Simply TR be your trusted partner in Turkey.