Türkiye has become one of the most dynamic destinations for international entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business in a strategic and fast-growing market. The country’s legal and administrative framework is transparent, but navigating it for the first time can feel complex without local guidance.
At Synergia, we work with foreign founders every day to simplify this process. From selecting the right company structure to completing the final registration with the Turkish Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü), we ensure that every step is handled accurately and efficiently.
This article outlines the key stages of registering a company in Türkiye and what international entrepreneurs need to know before they begin.
1. Preparing the Company Structure
The first step in any business registration is deciding the type of company to establish. In Türkiye, the two most common legal forms for foreign investors are:
At this stage, we advise clients on share capital requirements, shareholder arrangements, and whether local directors or representatives are needed. Foreign individuals can fully own a company in Türkiye, which makes the process attractive for international investors.
2. Drafting and Notarizing the Articles of Association
Every company in Türkiye must have an Articles of Association that outlines its purpose, activities, and internal governance. This document is prepared in Turkish and notarized by a local notary.
As Synergia, we ensure that the translation and notarial procedures comply with official standards so the company’s founding documents are recognized by the Trade Registry and the Tax Office without delay.
Every company established in Türkiye must prepare an Articles of Association that clearly defines the company’s purpose, operational scope, share structure, management framework, and internal governance rules. This document is drafted in Turkish and serves as the core legal foundation of the company.
As Synergia, we prepare the Articles of Association in full alignment with the Turkish Commercial Code and ensure that all content is accurate, compliant, and tailored to the client’s business model. Our team oversees the entire drafting and translation process to guarantee that the company’s founding documents are complete, compliant, and ready for submission to the Trade Registry and the Tax Office, ensuring a smooth and efficient establishment process.
3. Depositing Capital and Opening a Bank Account
For limited and joint-stock companies, a minimum portion of the share capital must be deposited in a Turkish bank before registration. Typically, 25% of the declared capital is required upfront, and the rest can be paid within two years.
We assist entrepreneurs in opening local bank accounts and coordinating with authorized banks that issue the necessary confirmation letter for the Trade Registry submission.
4. Submitting Documents to the Trade Registry
Once the documentation is ready, the full registration file is submitted to the relevant Trade Registry Office based on the company’s location. Required documents generally include:
The Trade Registry verifies the information, issues a registration certificate, and announces the incorporation in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette. From this point, the company becomes a legal entity recognized under Turkish law.
5. Obtaining Tax and Social Security Registration
After incorporation, every company must obtain a tax identification number and register with the Social Security Institution (SGK). These registrations are mandatory before hiring employees or issuing invoices.
Our team coordinates with the Tax Office on behalf of our clients to ensure the company is fully compliant and ready to operate. For foreign shareholders, we also handle power-of-attorney arrangements and translation of identification documents where required.
6. Post-Incorporation Steps and Virtual Office Solutions
The final phase includes practical steps such as ordering company books, registering for electronic signature (e-signature), and setting up digital tax submission systems.
For entrepreneurs who prefer operational flexibility, Synergia also offers virtual office solutions in İstanbul and Ankara. These services provide a registered business address, mail handling, and administrative support for companies that do not require a physical office during their early stages. This is especially valuable for foreign founders who wish to maintain a professional presence while managing their operations remotely.
For entrepreneurs planning further expansion, we also guide on opening branches or liaison offices abroad through our international company establishment services in the USA, Poland, Estonia, France, KKTC, the UK, and Dubai.
Establishing a company in a new country requires clarity, accuracy, and local expertise. As Synergia, we combine regulatory knowledge with hands-on coordination to make incorporation in Türkiye straightforward for global founders.
From the first consultation to post-registration compliance, we act as a single point of contact for your business setup and virtual office needs, ensuring you start strong and grow confidently in Türkiye’s vibrant market.
