Company Formation in Turkey

Establishing a company in Turkey requires careful consideration of the corporate structure, shareholder arrangements and applicable legal requirements. Turkey’s strategic position between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, together with its established trade connections, makes it an important jurisdiction for international businesses seeking to establish a presence or expand their operations. 

NZP NAGY LEGAL advises foreign individuals, companies and investors on company formation in Turkey, providing legal assistance throughout the incorporation and registration process. Our services are tailored to the requirements of international clients, particularly Hungarian investors, as well as businesses from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United Arab Emirates. 

Company Formation in Turkey for Foreign Investors

Foreign individuals and legal entities may generally establish and wholly own companies in Turkey under the same conditions as domestic investors. A Turkish shareholder is not ordinarily required, although sector-specific restrictions, authorisations and regulatory requirements may apply. 

The Turkish Commercial Code provides for five principal types of commercial companies: joint stock companies, limited liability companies, collective companies, commandite companies and cooperatives. 

For foreign investors, the two most commonly considered corporate forms are: 

• Limited Liability Company (Limited Şirket – Ltd. Şti.): A limited liability company may be established by a single shareholder with a minimum capital of TRY 50,000. The maximum number of shareholders is 50, and the subscribed cash capital may be paid in full within 24 months following registration. 

• Joint Stock Company (Anonim Şirket – A.Ş.): A joint stock company may be established by a single shareholder with a minimum capital of TRY 250,000. At least 25% of the subscribed cash capital must be paid before registration, with the balance payable within 24 months thereafter. For non-public joint stock companies adopting the registered capital system, the minimum initial capital is TRY 500,000. 

The appropriate corporate structure depends on the proposed investment, shareholder liability, governance arrangements, share transfer requirements and the investor’s longer-term commercial objectives. 

Our Legal Services for Company Formation in Turkey 

NZP NAGY LEGAL provides legal counsel throughout the incorporation process, from the initial structuring of the investment to the registration of the Turkish entity with the competent trade registry. 

Our services include: 

• Corporate structuring and shareholder arrangements: Advising on the appropriate legal form, capital structure and ownership arrangements in accordance with the proposed investment. 

• Drafting and reviewing constitutional documents: Preparing articles of association and other corporate documents reflecting the company’s intended activities, governance structure and shareholder requirements. 

• Corporate governance and representation: Advising on the appointment, authority and responsibilities of company managers and board members, including representation arrangements. 

• Incorporation documentation: Preparing and reviewing foreign corporate documents, powers of attorney, shareholder resolutions and the relevant signature declarations. 

• Company registration and MERSİS procedures: Preparing registration documentation, coordinating with the competent authorities and assisting with the incorporation process through the Central Registry Record System (MERSİS). 

• Regulatory compliance: Assessing applicable regulatory obligations, sector-specific authorisations and approvals relating to the proposed business activities. 

Hungarian-Speaking Legal Advisory for Hungarian Investors in Turkey 

For Hungarian companies and investors seeking to establish a business presence in Turkey, access to legal advice in Hungarian can be particularly important when navigating a different legal and regulatory framework. 

NZP NAGY LEGAL combines the expertise of its Turkish lawyers with its established presence in Hungary to provide Hungarian-speaking legal advisory services in connection with company formation and investments in Turkey. 

We advise Hungarian clients on corporate structuring, incorporation documentation, shareholder and management arrangements, commercial agreements and compliance with Turkish corporate requirements. 

Our coordinated approach facilitates legal communication between Hungary and Turkey, enabling investors to address cross-border legal matters within a consistent advisory framework. 

Cross-Border Company Formation for International Investors 

Companies and investors from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United Arab Emirates may require legal assistance in coordinating their existing corporate structures with the establishment of a Turkish entity. 

The incorporation process may involve the preparation and review of foreign corporate documentation, shareholder resolutions, representation authorities and documents required by the Turkish trade registry. 

Depending on the country of origin and the nature of the documents, apostille certification or consular legalisation and Turkish translations may be necessary. Incorporation may also be carried out through a duly authorised representative, subject to compliance with the applicable formalities. 

In cross-border transactions, particular attention should be given to the legal relationship between the foreign parent company or investor and the Turkish entity, including ownership, governance and representation arrangements. 

Why NZP NAGY LEGAL?

NZP NAGY LEGAL combines the local legal expertise of its Turkish lawyers with over 25 years of international experience, advising foreign investors on company formation, corporate structuring and cross-border business transactions in Turkey. 

With an international office network spanning Hungary, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, the firm provides coordinated legal counsel on matters involving multiple jurisdictions. 

A single international legal team for your cross-border investments. Our integrated approach enables clients to manage their legal requirements across jurisdictions through a coordinated advisory framework, supported by local expertise and international experience.