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Company registration in Turkey is administered through the MERSiS (Central Registration System) and the local Trade Registry Office. The step-by-step process: prepare articles of association, obtain a unique company name approval, have the articles notarized, deposit the minimum capital (25% of stated capital for A.S., full amount for Ltd. Sti.) at a bank, register through MERSiS, submit documents to the Trade Registry, obtain the Trade Registry Gazette publication, register with the tax office for a tax identification number, and register with SGK for social security. Foreign shareholders need an apostilled passport copy and, if not present, a notarized power of attorney. The Trade Registry assigns a MERSiS number that serves as the company’s unique identifier across all government systems. Registration typically completes within 1-3 business days after document submission. Chamber of commerce membership is automatically processed during registration.
Embarking on a business journey locally holds promise for ventures into a dynamic market and benefits from its strategic geographical position. Yet, initiating a company registration process in the country entails maneuvering through diverse company structures, procedural intricacies, and legal mandates. Our team of expert company registration attorneys boasts a wealth of experience in facilitating the establishment of various entities including limited companies, joint stock companies, holding companies, branch offices, liaison offices, free zone companies, as well as providing comprehensive support in matters of management and governance, particularly within the vibrant city of Istanbul. Let’s learn more about how to register a company.
How Do I Register a Business locally?
Choose Your Business Structure:
- Determine the most appropriate legal structure for your business, such as a limited company (Ltd.), joint-stock company (JSC) or branch office.
Reserve Your Company Name:
- Check the availability of your desired company name through the Central Registration System (MERSIS) or the Trade Registry Office.
- Reserve the name by submitting an application to the relevant authority.
Prepare Your Documents:
Gather all necessary documents for registration, including:
- Articles of Association (ana sözleşme) with certified signatures of the founders.
- Proof of payment for the Competition Authority’s share.
- Written statements of non-shareholder board members, if applicable.
- Signature declarations of persons authorized to represent the company.
- Documents demonstrating capital commitments and deposits, such as bank statements or valuation reports.
Apply for Registration:
- Start the company establishment process by creating a free membership via the MERSIS internet address.
- Prepare the company contract on MERSIS, adding Turkish citizens with their ID numbers and foreigners with their passport numbers as partners or authorized individuals.
- Foreigners must first obtain a tax number from the tax office and register it with MERSIS by applying to the trade registry office.
- Fill in the required elements of the contract on MERSIS, where the contract will be prepared in Turkish, and the potential tax number will be automatically assigned.
Verification and Approval:
- After preparing the contract on MERSIS, the founders sign it, and the signatures are verified by a competent authority.
- This verification process may require founders or their authorized representatives to visit the relevant organization.
Submission and Registration:
- Submit the required documents along with the contract to the trade registry directorate where the company headquarters is located.
- Upon application, the trade registry directorate completes the registration process.
Payment of Fees and Capital Deposit:
- Deposit 0.04% of the company’s capital in the bank account of the Competition Authority as its share.
- Pay any necessary fees and stamp duty during the registration process.
Approval of Commercial Books:
- For joint-stock companies, limited companies, and cooperatives, have the commercial books approved by the trade registry directorate and receive the following registration.
- Throughout the process, ensure compliance with all legal requirements and seek assistance from legal professionals if needed to ensure a smooth registration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in the country?
Registering a limited company is generally inexpensive. In 2021, the average cost ranges from $370 to $420, but may vary based on factors like the number of partners and language assistance needs.
What do I need to set up a company locally?
To set up a company in the country, you need to complete legal steps like obtaining permits, registering with authorities, and obtaining tax IDs.
Can a foreigner start a company ?
Yes, both foreigners and locals can start and manage companies locally. Foreigners are treated the same as local individuals under local company law, regulated by the Turkish Commercial Code.
How do I register my small business in the country?
To register your small business, you’ll need to reserve the company name and submit required documents to the Trade Registry Office. Then, obtain necessary tax IDs and register with the Chamber of Commerce. This blog may interest you;
- International Investments in the country | Legal Aspects of Foreign Investments
- Citizenship By Establishing A Company
Learn more about our services here: Establishing Companies in the country or contact us.
Practical overview
How Do I Register Company? should be assessed as a practical legal problem, not only as a search query. The facts, parties, documents, timing and enforceability all affect the legal route in Turkey.
A useful first review separates what is already documented from what still needs to be proven. This makes the next step clearer for foreign clients, companies and individuals dealing with Turkish authorities, courts or counterparties.
Key facts to clarify
The first questions are usually who is involved, where the relevant act or asset is located, which documents exist, which deadlines may apply and whether negotiation, mediation, administrative filing or litigation is the right route.
If the matter has a cross-border element, powers of attorney, translations, apostille or consular legalization, tax records, corporate documents and communication history should be reviewed before a filing is made.
Documents and evidence
Typical evidence includes contracts, title records, payment proof, correspondence, official notices, expert reports, identity documents, company records, court files, administrative decisions and insurance documents where relevant.
Weak files often fail because the legal argument is not connected to documents. A strong file links each requested outcome to a fact, each fact to evidence and each procedural step to a deadline.
Process and risk control
The process may include a legal opinion, document correction, negotiations, mediation, administrative application, lawsuit, interim measure, appeal or enforcement. The correct order depends on the case type.
Risk control means checking limitation periods, jurisdiction, costs, likely objections, translation quality, service of notices and whether a judgment or settlement can actually be enforced.
How Serka Law Firm helps
Serka Law Firm structures the file, identifies the responsible authority or counterparty, prepares the evidence map, drafts the required submissions and coordinates Turkish-law steps with the client’s foreign counsel or advisors when needed.
The aim is to turn a broad problem into a documented action plan: what can be claimed, what must be proven, what should be done first and what outcome is realistically achievable.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign clients handle this remotely? In many matters, yes. A properly issued power of attorney, clear document list and remote communication plan can reduce the need for travel.
When should legal review start? Early review is usually safer because deadlines, missing documents or defective filings are easier to fix before the dispute has escalated.