Legal Entity Types and Full Legal Support from Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm
At Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm, we provide comprehensive legal services to non-resident individuals and foreign companies planning to establish business operations in Turkey. With offices in both Turkey and Russia, we support European investors throughout the full company setup cycle — from legal structuring to post-registration compliance.
Can Foreigners Open a Company in Turkey?
Yes. In 2025, non-resident individuals and foreign legal entities are fully entitled to establish and own Turkish companies, with no restrictions on foreign shareholding (except in strategic sectors). Turkey remains an attractive jurisdiction for direct investment and business expansion.
Main Legal Entity Types in Turkey
1. Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)
- Minimum capital: 10,000 TL
- Between 1 and 50 shareholders (foreigners allowed)
- Foreign ownership up to 100%
- Requires at least one director
- Limited liability for shareholders
- Suitable for trade, consulting, IT, logistics, real estate
🔍 Most common and flexible structure for SMEs and cross-border businesses.
2. Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)
- Higher minimum capital (250,000 TL in some sectors)
- Requires a board of directors
- Stricter audit and corporate governance rules
- Often used by holding companies or businesses targeting IPOs
🔍 Ideal for larger investments and corporate structuring.
3. Branch Office or Liaison Office
- Liaison office: for non-commercial activities (research, market entry)
- Branch: may conduct full commercial operations under the foreign parent
- Requires Ministry of Trade approval and tax registration
🔍 Best option for companies testing the Turkish market before full incorporation.
Steps for Company Formation in Turkey (2025)
- Choose legal structure (Ltd., A.Ş., Branch, etc.)
- Obtain Turkish tax number for founders
- Draft & notarize articles of association
- Designate legal address and director
- Deposit initial capital into a temporary bank account
- Register with the Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü)
- Register for tax, VAT, social security
- Obtain electronic signature (E-imza) and activate e-Devlet account
⏱️ Timeframe: from 5 to 10 business days if all documents are ready.
Important Considerations for EU Companies
- Tax ID (Vergi No) required for each foreign shareholder
- Legal representation is mandatory (director or attorney)
- Work permit may be required if a foreigner is appointed as director
- Mandatory bookkeeping and local accounting services
- MASAK compliance for foreign shareholders (KYC & UBO registration)
- Remote setup possible with apostilled documents
Our Legal Support Includes
- Bilingual consultation and structure planning
- Drafting of incorporation documents in Turkish and English
- Full registration at the Chamber of Commerce and Tax Office
- Assistance with bank account opening
- Ongoing legal and corporate compliance
- Guidance on residence and work permits
- Contract support and tax optimization
About Us
Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm is an international legal practice with offices in Istanbul, Antalya, St. Petersburg, and Kazan. We advise foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and companies doing business across Turkey, Russia, and the CIS.
Our multilingual team provides practical legal solutions tailored to the realities of international business — in English, Turkish, and Russian.
Our multilingual team provides practical legal solutions tailored to the realities of international business — in English, Turkish, and Russian.
