Türkiye is open to foreign-owned businesses, and setting one up is faster than many expect. The key is choosing the right structure and getting the founder's immigration position right from the start.
Can foreigners own a company in Türkiye?
Yes — foreigners can generally own Turkish companies outright, in most sectors, without a local partner. A small number of regulated sectors have specific rules, so confirm your activity is unrestricted before you commit.
Choosing a structure
- Limited liability company — the most common choice for SMEs and founders, with liability limited to the capital;
- Joint-stock company — suited to larger ventures, investment and share transfers;
- Branch or liaison office — for foreign companies extending into Türkiye rather than starting fresh.
The right form affects tax, governance and how easily you can bring in investment, so decide it deliberately.
Changing structure later is costly. Pick the company type, share split and activity scope with advice up front — it shapes everything that follows.
The incorporation steps
- Reserve the company name and prepare the articles of association;
- Obtain tax numbers for the company and foreign shareholders/directors;
- Deposit capital as required and register with the trade registry;
- Complete tax and, where relevant, social-security registrations.
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Founders: work and residence
Owning a company does not by itself give you the right to work in it; founders who will actively work usually need a work permit, which in turn supports residence. Plan the immigration side alongside the incorporation so you are not left unable to operate your own business.
Tax basics
Companies are subject to corporate tax and ongoing filing and bookkeeping obligations, and most businesses register for VAT. A local accountant working with your lawyer keeps you compliant from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Does owning a Turkish company give me the right to live and work in Türkiye?
No — ownership and the right to work are separate things. Founders who will actively work in the business usually need a work permit, which in turn can support residence. Plan the immigration side alongside the incorporation so you are not left owning a company you cannot legally operate.
Do I need a Turkish partner to set up a company?
Generally no. Foreigners can usually own a Turkish company outright, in most sectors, without a local partner. A small number of regulated sectors have specific rules, so confirm your intended activity is unrestricted with a corporate lawyer before you commit.
Which company structure should a small foreign-owned business choose?
The limited liability company is the most common choice for SMEs and founders, with liability limited to the capital. A joint-stock company suits larger ventures and share transfers, while a branch or liaison office fits a foreign company extending into Türkiye. Because changing structure later is costly, pick the form, share split and activity scope with advice up front.
What are the main steps to incorporate?
In broad terms: reserve the company name and prepare the articles of association, obtain tax numbers for the company and the foreign shareholders/directors, deposit capital as required and register with the trade registry, then complete tax and, where relevant, social-security registrations. With a complete file it is relatively quick, though timelines depend on the structure and registrations involved.
Do I need a Turkish partner?
Generally no — full foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors.
Can I run the company from abroad?
You can own it from abroad, but actively working in Türkiye usually requires a work permit; day-to-day operation may also need local presence or representation.
How long does setup take?
With a complete file it is relatively quick; timelines depend on the structure and registrations involved.
Official sources
Rules, fees and thresholds change. Confirm anything in this guide with the official source before you act.
- Göç İdaresi Başkanlığıimmigration authority
- Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığıtax authority
- Türkiye Barolar Birliğibar association — verify a lawyer
- Tapu ve Kadastroland registry