Guide to Migrating to Turkey through Company Registration and Investment 2026
Turkey has become one of the main destinations for migration and investment for Iranians in recent years. One of the legal and popular ways to reside in this country is, Company Registration and Investment It is.
According to Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreigners can with 100 percent ownership Establish a company in Turkey and enjoy the same benefits as Turkish citizens . With minimal capital 50,000 lira For approximately $1,500, you can become the owner of a reputable company in Turkey, paving the way for residency and work.
In this comprehensive guide, all the steps Immigration to Turkey through company registration We will explore it in 2026; from choosing the company type and required documents to the conditions for obtaining residency and work permits.
🏢 Types of Companies for Foreign Investment in Turkey
In Turkey, there are four main types of structures for foreign investment. Each has its own advantages and applications. :
| Company type | Minimum capital | Legal entity | Business activity | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) | 50,000 lira | ✅ Has | ✅ Authorized | Small and medium-sized businesses |
| Joint-stock company (JSC) | 250,000 lira | ✅ Has | ✅ Authorized | Large investments |
| Foreign company branch | No minimum | ❌ None | ✅ Authorized | Development of the parent company's activities |
| Contact book | No minimum | ❌ None | ❌ Forbidden | Market research |
1. Limited Liability Company (Limited Şirket – Ltd. Şti.)
This type of company, Most common option It is for foreign investors and is structurally similar to GmbH companies in Germany or LLCs in the UK. .
Key features:
- Minimum capital: 50,000 lira (Approximately $1,500)
- A maximum of 50 shareholders
- At least one director (the director does not need to be a resident or citizen of Turkey)
- Need for cash payment of capital 24 months
- Share transfers require confirmation from the general assembly and notarization through public notary offices.
2. Joint-stock company (Anonim Şirket – A.Ş.)
This type for larger investments It is suitable for businesses that intend to go public or raise capital. .
Key features:
- Minimum capital: 250,000 lira (Approximately $7,500)
- 25% of the cash capital is required Before registering Deposited into bank account
- the rest of the capital in 24 months It will be paid
- Share transfers are usually carried out with more flexibility.
3. Foreign Company Branch
A branch is an extension of the parent company in Turkey, and Independent legal entity It does not. The parent company is directly responsible for the branch's obligations. .
4. Liaison Office
Contact book for Market research, advertising, and coordination. it is established and Business activity (Monetization) is not available. All expenses must be secured externally and the license is obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Technology. .
Required documents for company registration
External documents must be prepared through the following steps :
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| ۱ | Notarization of documents by a notary public in the country of origin |
| ۲ | Receive Upst (In Hague Convention signatory countries) |
| ۳ | Official translation by a sworn translator |
| ۴ | Notarization confirmation in Turkey |
Original Documents
- For individual shareholders: Copy of valid passport, apostille, and official translation
- For institutional shareholders: Certificate of Incorporation of Parent Company, Board Resolution, Apostille, and Certified Translation
- Power of Attorney In the absence of physical presence
- Tax ID Number: For each foreign shareholder, tax is collected from the Turkish tax office
📝 Step-by-step company registration process
If foreign documents are prepared correctly, the registration process typically takes 3 to 7 business days It will be completed :
💰 Company Registration Costs
🏠 Residence And the operating license through company registration
🔑 Key takeaway: Ownership ≠ Work permit
Many foreign investors assume that by registering a company, they automatically receive a work permit. However, this assumption Mistake is .
| Status | Work permit required |
|---|---|
| Shareholder (no executive position) | ❌ No |
| CEO with salary | Yes |
| Company employee | Yes |
Under International Labor Law No. 6735, for Executive activity You need a work permit at your company. .
Work permit requirements:
- 1:5 — Normally, per foreign employee, 5 Turkish employees They must be hired
- Minimum Paid-in Capital Company for obtaining a work permit, 500,000 lira has been appointed
- Minimum wage In accordance with the minimum wage set by the government
Does being a shareholder grant residency?
Being a shareholder of the company by itself Automatic residency It does not create. But after registering the company and obtaining a work permit, you can get a work residency. . Additionally, by proving financial ability, you can obtain a tourist residence. However, the best and most reliable route is to get a work permit and then a work residence.
💡 Special Opportunities for Investors in 2026
Digital Company
The Turkish government in 2026 plans «Digital Company» has officially announced. Based on this plan:
- Foreign investors can Completely remote And register a company in Turkey without the need to be physically present in Turkey
- Identity verification through Passport and KYC Process It will be done
- Possibility of using Virtual notebooks And automated accounting infrastructure
- membership Terminal Istanbul With special privileges
The Minister of Industry and Technology announced: «Foreign investors can establish a company entirely remotely through passport-based identity verification and have no obligation to be physically present in Turkey.»
2. Technoparks
Company formation in Technology Development Zones It has significant advantages:
- Tax exemption Revenue from Software and Research & Development through 2028
- VAT exemption for selling software produced in these regions
- Legal support Up to 95% income tax for employees
3. Investment Exemptions and Incentives
Turkey offers various incentives for foreign investors:
- Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemption
- Customs duty exemption
- Corporate income tax reduction
- Employer's Premium Support
- Land allocation and energy support
⚠️ Important Legal Information For Foreign investors
Principle of Equal Treatment
According to FDI Law No. 4875, foreign investors Same rights They have Turkish citizens and do not need a Turkish partner .
Currency restrictions
Based on Law Number 32 (Protection of the Lira's value), some contracts (including leases and service contracts) between residents in Turkey Cannot to foreign currency To be adjusted .
Obtain sectoral permits
Some industries require special permits, including: energy, education, health, tourism, mining, and food. .
Post-registration commitments
After the company is established, ongoing commitments include the following: :
- Register on the E-TUYS system (Foreign Investor Information System) — Within one month of establishment
- Adherence to tax laws and submitting monthly and annual statements
- Accounting according to Turkish standards and provision of financial statements
- Register VERBIS If processing personal data and having more than 50 employees
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Turkey?
Yes. According to Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreigners can establish companies in Turkey with 100% ownership and do not require a Turkish partner. .
What is the minimum capital required to register a company in Turkey?
For a Limited Liability Company (Ltd.): 50,000 lira (Approximately $1,500) . For a joint-stock company (A.Ş.): 250,000 lira (Approximately $7,500) .
3. Does registering a company automatically grant me residency or a work permit?
No. Being a shareholder of a company does not automatically grant residency or a work permit. . For executive activity (working in your own company), you need a work permit, which has its own specific conditions (1:5 ratio of employing Turks and a minimum capital of 500,000 lira). .
How long does the company registration process take?
With complete preparation of documents, the original registration is usually 3 to 7 business days It will be done . Opening a bank account is possible 2 to 4 weeks Take longer .
5. Do I have to be physically present in Turkey to register a company?
No. With the new program «Digital Company» In 2026, company registration will be fully remote and possible without physical presence. . Additionally, you can proceed through a lawyer with a formal power of attorney. .
6. Does my company need to have a physical office in Turkey?
Yes. Every Turkish company must Registered address have it. But for service and technology businesses, using Virtual notebooks Accepted .
Conclusion and final recommendation
Immigration to Turkey through company registration One of the legal and relatively fast ways to enter the market of this country is. With the positive changes in laws and the «Digital Company» program, this path has become more attractive in 2026.
| Stage | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Preparing External Documents | 1-2 weeks |
| Registering a company in MERSİS and the Turkish Trade Registry | 3-7 days |
| Opening a bank account | 2-4 weeks |
| Tax and Social Security Registration | 1-2 weeks |
| Work permit application (if required) | 1-3 months |
⚠️ Final warning: Before taking any action, be sure to consult with a specialized lawyer or a reputable legal advisor in the field of company registration and immigration. Laws change rapidly, and choosing the wrong structure can be costly. .
Free consultation
If you intend to register a company in Turkey and need expert advice on choosing the type of company, required documents, and the process, our team is ready to assist you.
WhatsApp https://wa.me/905395005000
🌐 Website: https://aloturkey.org
