Poland–Turkey Investment Relations
Poland and Turkey have a bilateral investment protection agreement and benefit from the EU-Turkey Customs Union. Poland is a growing trade partner for Turkey within the EU. Bilateral trade between Poland and Turkey has been increasing, with manufactured goods and agricultural products forming key trade flows.
Polish investment in Turkey spans manufacturing, logistics, IT services, and trade sectors. Poland and Turkey share growing economic ties through EU-Turkey trade relations. Polish companies see Turkey as an access point to Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. The Polish-Turkish Business Council promotes bilateral investment.
Can Polish Citizens Open a Company in Turkey?
Yes. Citizens of Poland can form a company in Turkey with 100% foreign ownership. Turkish law does not require a local partner or Turkish shareholder. Polish 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 Polish investors — the vast majority of business activities are open to foreign companies without special permissions.
Visa & Work Permit Information
Polish citizens do not need a visa for Turkey for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Work permits must be obtained through the Ministry of Labour for business residents. Polish investors may also apply for Turkish residence permits through company formation.
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 Polish 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 Polish Citizens
- Valid passport from Poland
- 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 Poland, allow additional time.