Turkey Company Registration Guide 2025: Policies, Steps and Key Precautions

This practical guide explains how to register a company in Turkey in 2025, summarizes current policy trends and administrative interpretations, and lists step-by-step actions and Notes (precautions) for foreign and local founders. It blends legal and procedural clarity with real-world tips so you can plan efficiently.

Overview of the 2025 Policy Landscape

In recent years Turkey has continued modernizing its company registration system, emphasizing digital filing, corporate transparency, and alignment with international anti‑money‑laundering (AML) norms. Key themes investors should watch in 2025 include:

• Greater use of the central electronic registration system (MERSIS) and e‑signature/e‑notary options to speed up filings.
• Stronger beneficial‑ownership reporting and enhanced Know‑Your‑Customer (KYC) checks by Trade Registry offices consistent with FATF trends.
• Targeted investment incentives managed through Turkey’s Investment Incentive Program; eligibility depends on sector, project size and region.
• Ongoing clarifications from the Revenue Administration on taxation of digital activities and cross‑border services.

These trends mean faster processing in many cases, but also closer scrutiny on ownership, source of funds and compliance documentation.

Types of Legal Entities (quick comparison)

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Decide entity type and company name
   

   Choose the structure that fits your liability, governance and fundraising needs. Conduct a trade name check via the Trade Registry (online) and reserve the name.

2. Prepare founding documents
   

   Draft articles of association (for Ltd./JSC), identify shareholders, managers and authorized signatories. Translate non‑Turkish documents into Turkish and have them notarized or apostilled as required.

3. Obtain Turkish tax numbers
   

   All founders (individuals or entities) must obtain a Turkish tax identification number from the local tax office. Foreign founders can apply in person or via representative.

4. Open a bank account and deposit capital (if required)
   

   Open a temporary bank account to deposit required capital where applicable. Bank will issue a bank receipt used in registration. Note: amounts and payment rules change—confirm with bank.

5. Electronic submission to Trade Registry (MERSIS)
   

   File incorporation documents via MERSIS. If founders use e‑signature, the process is faster. The Trade Registry verifies documents and issues the registration record.

6. Notarization and public announcements
   

   Some documents must be notarized. Trade Registry will publish the company registration and extract in the Trade Registry Gazette.

7. Tax office registration and VAT number
   

   Register the company with the tax office to obtain tax ID and VAT registration. Register for e‑invoice/e‑ledger systems if applicable.

8. Social security (SGK) and payroll setup
   

   If hiring, register as an employer with SGK, set up payroll compliance and worker registrations.

9. Licenses and sector permits
   

   Apply for sector‑specific permits (construction, food, finance, telecoms, etc.) before starting operations.

10. Ongoing compliance
    

    Keep accurate books, file annual financial statements and tax returns, and update Trade Registry when there are changes in shareholding or management.

Practical Timeline and Costs

With correct documents, many registrations complete within 5–15 business days thanks to MERSIS; licenses and permits may take longer. Fees include notary, bank, Trade Registry and professional advisor costs. Always confirm current fee schedules with local service providers.

Notes / Key Precautions

• Verify translations and notarizations: Missing or improperly legalized documents cause the most common delays—use certified translators and check apostille requirements.
• Be transparent about beneficial ownership: Accurate BO reporting is essential; concealment risks fines, registration suspension or criminal exposure under AML rules.
• Confirm sectoral permission needs: Activities like financial services, healthcare, food processing, construction and energy often require pre‑licenses.
• Monitor tax residence implications: Directors and shareholders may create tax residency or permanent establishment risks—seek cross‑border tax advice.
• Prefer local counsel for nuanced interpretations: Turkish Revenue Administration and courts issue ongoing interpretations—local advisors help apply them correctly.
• Protect intellectual property early: Register trademarks and domain names in Turkey to avoid disputes.
• Use reliable corporate addresses: Virtual addresses are acceptable in many cases but ensure the address complies with Trade Registry requirements.

Interpretations and Case Examples

Interpretations from registry offices and tax authorities can affect outcomes. Consider two illustrative examples:

• Case A — German SaaS provider: Used e‑signature and MERSIS for quick incorporation of an Ltd. in Istanbul; main delay was obtaining a translated commercial register extract from the parent company. Lesson: prepare foreign corporate documents with notarized translations in advance.
• Case B — UAE investor in renewable energy: Registered a JSC to access investment incentives. The company secured regional incentives after demonstrating local employment and capital commitment. Lesson: align corporate structure early with incentive program criteria.

Where to Get Help

For on‑the‑ground setup and post‑registration support, consider professional firm assistance. SailGlobal also offers cross‑border human services and investor support tailored to foreign founders entering Turkey.

Final Tips for 2025

• Start documentation early—international legalization and translations take time.
• Confirm beneficial ownership expectations and AML requirements at the outset.
• Plan for post‑incorporation obligations (tax, SGK, bookkeeping) to avoid penalties.
• Consult local advisors for sector‑specific licensing and incentive applications.

Overall, Turkey remains an accessible destination for company formation in 2025, provided founders adapt to enhanced transparency rules and use the increasingly digital registry tools. When in doubt, engage local counsel and accountants to navigate regulatory nuances and speed up market entry.