Germany–Turkey Investment Relations
Germany is Turkey's largest trading partner in the EU, with bilateral trade exceeding €40 billion annually. A bilateral investment protection agreement has been in force since 1965, one of Turkey's oldest. Germany is also the leading source of FDI into Turkey from Europe.
Over 7,500 German-capital companies operate in Turkey, making Germany the country with the highest number of foreign-invested companies. German investors are concentrated in manufacturing, automotive supply chains, logistics, and engineering, particularly in the Marmara and Aegean regions. The German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce (AHK Türkei) is one of the most active foreign business chambers in the country.
Can German Citizens Open a Company in Turkey?
Yes. Citizens of Germany can form a company in Turkey with 100% foreign ownership. Turkish law does not require a local partner or Turkish shareholder. German nationals receive equal treatment under the Turkish Commercial Code, with the same rights and obligations as Turkish-owned companies.
There are no sector restrictions specific to German investors — the vast majority of business activities are open to foreign companies without special permissions.
Visa & Work Permit Information
German citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Turkey (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Work permits are handled through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and typically take 4–8 weeks. German investors with qualifying investments may also apply for a Turquoise Card for long-term residency.
Foreign shareholders who do not intend to work or reside in Turkey do not need a work permit or residence permit to own a company. However, if you plan to actively manage your Turkish company from Turkey, a work permit is legally required.
Recommended Company Type
The most common structure among German investors is the Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.).
LLC (Ltd. Şti.)
- Min. 10,000 TRY capital
- 1–50 shareholders
- Simple management structure
- Best for SMEs and service businesses
Joint Stock (A.Ş.)
- Min. 50,000 TRY capital
- 1+ shareholders (no upper limit)
- Board of directors required
- Best for large-scale or IPO-track businesses
Branch Office
- No separate legal entity
- No minimum capital
- Extension of parent company
- Best for companies testing the market
Requirements for German Citizens
- Valid passport from Germany
- Turkish tax identification number (vergi numarası)
- Registered business address in Turkey
- Notarized Articles of Association (in Turkish)
- Minimum share capital deposit at a Turkish bank
- Power of attorney (if forming remotely without visiting Turkey)
Formation Process
- Consultation — Choose your company type, define business activities, and plan your structure
- MERSIS Pre-Registration — Enter company details in Turkey's central registry system
- Articles of Association — Draft, notarize, and sign (or via power of attorney)
- Bank Account & Capital Deposit — Open a Turkish bank account and deposit at least 25% of capital
- Trade Registry — File with the local Trade Registry Office
- Tax & Social Security — Register with the tax office and SGK
- Work Permits — Apply if foreign managers or employees will be based in Turkey
The process typically takes 5–10 business days once all documents are prepared. If documents need apostille or consular legalization from Germany, allow additional time.