Setting Up a Company in Turkey as a Foreigner in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Turkey is one of the most open countries in the world for foreign investment. Foreign nationals can own 100% of a Turkish company in most sectors, enjoy the same rights as Turkish citizens in commercial activities, and benefit from a streamlined registration process. This guide covers everything a foreign investor needs to know.

Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Turkish Company?

Yes — setting up a company as a foreigner in Turkey allows 100% foreign ownership in the vast majority of business sectors. Restrictions only apply in a handful of sensitive areas such as broadcasting, aviation, and coastal shipping. Foreign investors do not need a Turkish partner.

Why Turkey Is Attractive for Foreign Investors

There are many compelling reasons why establish your company in Turkey. Key advantages include a strategic geographic location, a large domestic market, competitive labor costs, and robust trade agreements. Turkey's customs union with the EU provides export access to European markets without additional tariffs.

Required Documents for Foreign Investors

Foreign nationals need: a valid passport, an apostilled and translated copy of their passport or ID, a Turkish tax identification number (obtained from any tax office with your passport), and a local address for company registration (this can be a virtual office address).

Choosing the Right Company Type

Foreign investors should carefully review the types of companies in Turkey before proceeding. The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most popular choice due to its low capital requirements (10,000 TRY), simple management structure, and limited personal liability.

The Registration Process for Foreigners

The process mirrors that of Turkish nationals. See our complete company setup guide for a complete step-by-step walkthrough. Key additional steps for foreigners include apostilling foreign documents, obtaining notarized Turkish translations, and in some cases, getting an official residency permit.

Banking for Foreign-Owned Companies

Opening a business bank account in Turkey requires submitting company registration documents, shareholder identification, and tax registration certificates. Some banks require an in-person appointment. Having a local lawyer or business consultant can significantly speed up this process.

Tax Obligations for Foreign-Owned Companies

Foreign-owned companies in Turkey are subject to the same tax rules as Turkish-owned companies. This includes corporate income tax, VAT (KDV) in Turkey, withholding taxes, and social security contributions. A professional

Hiring Foreign Employees

If you plan to relocate foreign staff to Turkey, you will need to obtain work permit for foreigners for each employee. Note that Turkish law requires at least 5 Turkish employees for every 1 foreign employee in most sectors.

Protecting Your Brand in Turkey

As a foreign investor, trademark registration in Turkey is especially important. Without local registration, your brand has no protection in Turkey even if it is registered in your home country. Register with Türkpatent as early as possible.

Conclusion

Turkey offers a welcoming, transparent, and legally sound environment for foreign investors. With proper planning and professional support, establishing your business here can open doors to markets across three continents. Begin your journey by understanding cost of setting up a company and preparing your budget accordingly.