Starting a Business in Turkey in 2025: A Complete Guide for Foreign Investors
Türkiye attracts foreign investors with its strategic location, growing economy and favorable business climate. Opening your own business in this country can be an excellent opportunity for development and profit. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all aspects of starting a business in Turkey in 2025, from choosing a legal form to obtaining the necessary permits.
Advantages of doing business in Turkey:
- Equal conditions for foreign and local entrepreneurs: Foreign investors have the same rights and obligations as Turkish companies.
- Strategic Location: Turkey is a bridge between Europe and Asia, providing access to vast markets.
- Emerging Economy: The Turkish economy is experiencing steady growth, offering many business opportunities.
- Government support: The Turkish government actively supports foreign investors and offers various incentive programs.
- Simplified registration procedure: The process of registering a business in Turkey is relatively simple and straightforward.
Organizational and legal forms of business in Turkey:
There are various legal forms available for doing business in Turkey, the most common of which are:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company – Limited Şirketi): The most popular form, suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. At least one founder is required.
- JSC (Joint Stock Company – Anonim Şirketi): Suitable for large businesses and companies planning to enter the stock market. At least one founder is required.
- IP (Individual Entrepreneur – Şahıs Şirketi): A simple form for individual entrepreneurs.
Stages of starting a business in Turkey:
- Obtaining an entrepreneur visa (if necessary): To conduct business in Turkey, you must obtain the appropriate visa.
- Choosing a legal form: Determine the most suitable form for your business.
- Preparation of documents: Gather the necessary documents, including an international passport, notarized translation of the passport, Turkish Taxpayer Identification Number (Vergi Numarası) and others.
- Registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ticaret Odası): Submit an application for company registration to the relevant Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Obtaining a tax number: Register with the tax office and receive a tax number.
- Opening a bank account: Open a Turkish bank account to conduct financial transactions.
- Payment of authorized capital: Pay the established authorized capital.
- Obtaining necessary licenses and permits: Depending on the type of activity, additional licenses and permits may be required.
Required documents:
- International passport with a notarized translation into Turkish.
- Turkish Taxpayer Identification Number (Vergi Numarası).
- Foundation agreement (for LLC and JSC).
- Documents confirming the legal address of the company.
- Other documents, depending on the type of activity and legal form.
Important points:
- Authorized capital: The minimum authorized capital for LLC is 10,000 Turkish lira, for JSC - 50,000 Turkish lira.
- Work permit: To work as a director or manager of a company, a foreign citizen must obtain a work permit.
- Consultation with a lawyer: It is recommended that you contact a qualified lawyer to obtain professional advice and support the registration process.
Conclusion:
Opening a business in Turkey provides many opportunities for foreign investors. By following the above recommendations and seeking professional help, you can successfully register your company and start doing business in this dynamically developing country.
