Italy–Turkey Investment Relations
Italy and Turkey have a bilateral investment protection agreement and benefit from the EU-Turkey Customs Union. Italy is one of Turkey's top trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding €20 billion annually. Italian companies have deep industrial ties with Turkey, particularly in manufacturing and design sectors.
Italy is one of the largest EU trading partners for Turkey. Italian companies are prominent in fashion, textiles, machinery, automotive components, and food processing. The Italian-Turkish Business Council and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Turkey support bilateral investment. Italian investors often use Turkey as a manufacturing hub for European markets.
Can Italian Citizens Open a Company in Turkey?
Yes. Citizens of Italy can form a company in Turkey with 100% foreign ownership. Turkish law does not require a local partner or Turkish shareholder. Italian 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 Italian investors — the vast majority of business activities are open to foreign companies without special permissions.
Visa & Work Permit Information
Italian citizens do not need a visa for Turkey for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Work permit applications follow the Ministry of Labour process. Italian entrepreneurs with companies in Turkey may also qualify for a residence permit.
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 Italian investors is the Limited Liability Company (LLC / Ltd. Şti.).
LLC (Ltd. Şti.)
- Min. 50,000 TRY capital
- 1–50 shareholders
- Simple management structure
- Best for SMEs and service businesses
Joint Stock (A.Ş.)
- Min. 250,000 TRY capital
- 1+ (no limit) shareholders
- 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 Italian Citizens
- Valid passport from Italy
- 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 Italy, allow additional time.