Establishing a Business in Turkey

Turkey’s FDI Law is based on the principle of equal treatment, allowing international investors to have the same rights and liabilities as local investors.

The conditions for setting up a business and share transfer are the same as those applied to local investors. International investors may establish any form of company set out in the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC), which offers a corporate governance approach that meets international standards, fosters private equity and public offering activities, creates transparency in managing operations, and aligns the Turkish business environment with EU legislation as well as with the EU accession process.

Company Types under TCC and Alternative Forms

There are corporate and non-corporate forms for companies under the TCC, which states that companies may be established under the following types :

a. Corporate forms

Joint Stock Company (JSC) Limited Liability Company (LLC) Cooperative Company

Although some financial thresholds (i.e., minimum capital) and organs differ from each other, the procedure to be followed for establishing a JSC or an LLC are the same.

b. Non-corporate forms

Collective Company Commandite Company

Although companies may be established according to these five different types, JSC and LLC are the most common types chosen both in the global economy and Turkey.

In addition to these types of companies, branches and liaison offices may also be considered as two further alternatives when setting up a business in Turkey. However, branches and liaison offices are not considered to be legal entities.

Detailed Information