Foreign individuals and legal entities can establish companies in Turkey and are generally treated on the same basis as local investors. Most delays arise from document authentication, bank, address and registration sequencing rather than a nationality restriction.
Can a company be fully foreign-owned?
The Foreign Direct Investment Law permits foreign investment and provides equal-treatment principles. A Turkish shareholder is not generally required, although sector-specific rules may restrict ownership or require licences in regulated activities.
The proposed activity should therefore be checked before registration. Banking, insurance, broadcasting, aviation, education and other regulated fields may involve approvals that do not apply to an ordinary trading or consultancy company.
Choosing between a limited and a joint-stock company
A limited liability company is frequently used for closely held small and medium-sized businesses. A joint-stock company is often preferred where investment rounds, flexible share transfers, corporate governance or a future public offering are relevant.
Both structures may be formed by a single shareholder. A limited company may have no more than fifty shareholders. The articles should address management, representation, reserved decisions and exit arrangements instead of relying only on the default statutory rules.
Minimum capital and payment
The official minimum capital is currently TRY 250,000 for a joint-stock company and TRY 50,000 for a limited company. For a joint-stock company, at least one quarter of cash capital is paid before registration and the balance within twenty-four months. Limited-company capital may be paid within twenty-four months after registration.
These are legal minimums, not a business budget. Banking, office, payroll, accounting, tax and licensing needs may require substantially more working capital. Capital figures should be rechecked immediately before filing because legislation can change.
Formation process
The usual sequence includes obtaining potential tax numbers, authenticating and translating foreign documents, preparing the articles through MERSIS, applying to the trade registry, completing signature formalities and registering the company. Legal personality begins with registration.
After registration, the company completes tax-office, statutory-book, accounting, e-invoice and banking steps. A registered office address and an accountant should be arranged early so that the file does not stall between the registry and tax stages.
Documents and immigration status
An individual shareholder usually provides a passport, tax number, address information and, when represented, a suitable power of attorney. A foreign corporate shareholder supplies registry, good-standing and authorised-signatory documents, normally apostilled or legalised and translated into Turkish.
Owning or managing a company does not by itself grant a residence or work permit. Foreign managers and employees must separately assess immigration and work-authorisation rules. The ownership structure and business plan should be aligned with those applications from the outset.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Turkish partner required?
Not generally. A company can usually be wholly foreign-owned, subject to special rules for regulated sectors.
What are the minimum capital amounts?
The current official minimums are TRY 250,000 for a joint-stock company and TRY 50,000 for a limited company; verify them again before filing.
Does company ownership provide a work permit?
No. Company formation and immigration or work authorisation are separate legal processes.
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Last reviewed for English adaptation: August 2026. This article provides general information and is not legal advice.
