Can Non-Residents Form a Company in Turkey?
Yes. There is no residency requirement to form a company in Turkey. Foreign nationals who live outside Turkey can establish a Turkish LLC or JSC entirely remotely, using a power of attorney granted to a representative in Turkey. Thousands of non-resident foreign investors successfully form Turkish companies each year without ever visiting the country.
This guide explains the entire remote formation process, document requirements, and how to manage a Turkish company from abroad.
Why Form a Turkish Company as a Non-Resident?
Non-resident investors typically form Turkish companies for:
- E-commerce and digital services — serving Turkish or regional customers
- Real estate investment — holding Turkish property through a corporate structure
- Import/export trading — leveraging Turkey’s customs union with the EU and FTA network
- Outsourcing and manufacturing — taking advantage of Turkey’s skilled workforce and cost base
- Regional headquarters — using Turkey as a hub for Middle East, Central Asia, and African markets
Company Types Available to Non-Residents
Non-residents can establish any standard Turkish company type:
| Company Type | Min. Capital | Shareholders | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC (Ltd. Şti.) | 50,000 TRY | 1–50 | Most foreign investors |
| JSC (A.Ş.) | 250,000 TRY | 1+ | Larger operations, future fundraising |
| Branch office | None | N/A (extension of parent) | Foreign companies |
The LLC is the most popular choice for non-resident individual investors due to its lower capital requirement and simpler governance.
Step-by-Step Remote Formation Process
Step 1: Obtain a Turkish Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Every foreign shareholder needs a Turkish Tax Identification Number (Yabancı Kimlik / Vergi Kimlik Numarası). This can be obtained:
- At a Turkish consulate in your country (bring your passport)
- Remotely through a representative — A Turkish-based representative with a power of attorney can obtain the TIN at the local tax office on your behalf
The TIN application is straightforward and typically takes 1 day.
Step 2: Prepare the Power of Attorney
The power of attorney (vekaletname) authorizes a representative in Turkey (a lawyer, consultant, or formation agent) to act on your behalf during the formation process, including:
- Signing the articles of association at the notary
- Submitting documents to the Trade Registry
- Opening the capital deposit bank account
- Handling tax office registrations
Power of attorney requirements:
- Signed before a notary public in your home country
- Apostilled if your country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention
- Consularly legalized if your country is not a Hague member
- Must contain the required specific powers (formation, banking, registration)
- Accompanied by a sworn Turkish translation once in Turkey
Step 3: Prepare Personal Documents
Individual foreign shareholders must provide:
- Passport copy — notarized (apostille required in some cases)
- Turkish TIN (see Step 1)
- Proof of address in your home country (utility bill or bank statement, recent)
Corporate shareholders (foreign companies) must additionally provide:
- Apostilled certificate of incorporation
- Apostilled articles of association/charter
- Board resolution authorizing the investment and appointing a signatory
- Certificate of good standing (or equivalent)
Step 4: Choose a Company Name
Your representative will check name availability through the MERSIS system. Company names must be unique, in Turkish (or include a Turkish word), and comply with naming rules. See our Company Name Registration guide for details.
Step 5: Draft the Articles of Association
Your formation advisor drafts the Articles of Association (Ana Sözleşme) in Turkish. The articles define:
- Company name and registered address
- Share capital structure
- Shareholder names and contributions
- Management authority (who can bind the company)
- Business activity descriptions
The articles are prepared in Turkey but you review and approve the draft remotely before your representative signs on your behalf.
Step 6: Capital Deposit
Your representative opens a bank account in the company’s name (pre-formation bank account) and you transfer the minimum capital (at least 50,000 TRY for an LLC) from abroad. This transfer must be documented.
Alternatively, many formation agents accept the capital transfer simultaneously with registry completion. Speak with your specific bank about their pre-formation account requirements.
Step 7: Trade Registry and Final Registration
Your representative submits all documents to the Trade Registry Office. The company is registered within 1–3 business days after submission. The total process from document preparation to registration typically takes 5–10 business days in Turkey, plus the time needed to prepare apostilled documents abroad.
Step 8: Post-Formation Steps
After registration, your representative can also handle:
- Tax office registration (mandatory)
- SGK registration (if employing staff)
- E-invoice and e-ledger enrollment
- Corporate bank account opening (though you may need to be present at some banks for KYC)
Opening a Bank Account Remotely
Opening a corporate bank account typically requires in-person presence or video KYC. Options include:
- Visit Turkey once for the bank appointment (most reliable approach)
- Use a bank with video KYC — some Turkish banks now allow remote account opening for foreign-owned companies
- Rely on a correspondent relationship — ask your formation advisor which banks they work with
See our Business Bank Account Requirements guide for a full overview.
Ongoing Management from Abroad
Once formed, a Turkish company can be managed remotely provided:
- A local manager (müdür) with Turkish residency is appointed (required if the foreign manager will not reside in Turkey)
- A licensed accountant (Mali Müşavir) is engaged for monthly bookkeeping, tax declarations, and payroll
- The company meets all annual compliance obligations (see our Annual Compliance guide)
Many non-resident owners appoint their accountant or a professional manager as the official company manager for legal purposes while retaining full practical control through the corporate structure.
Residence Permits for Non-Resident Company Owners
Forming a Turkish company does not automatically give you residency in Turkey. However, you may apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit based on company ownership, subject to requirements. See our Residence Permits guide for eligibility and application steps.
Costs for Remote Formation
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Power of attorney notarization + apostille | $100 – $400 (varies by country) |
| Sworn Turkish translation of documents | 500 – 2,000 TRY |
| Formation professional fees | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Trade Registry fees | 2,000 – 4,000 TRY |
| Minimum capital (LLC) | 50,000 TRY |
| Monthly accountant fees | $150 – $400/month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I ever need to visit Turkey to form a company? No — the formation itself can be completed entirely remotely via power of attorney. You may need to visit once for bank account opening, depending on the bank’s KYC requirements.
Can I be the sole shareholder and sole manager as a non-resident? Yes, for an LLC. However, if you will not reside in Turkey, you will need to ensure someone with authority is accessible locally. Many non-resident owners appoint a local manager while remaining the sole shareholder.
How long does the apostille process take? This varies by country — typically 1–4 weeks. EU and many other countries offer expedited apostille services. Plan document preparation in advance.
Can I manage the company’s bank account remotely? Yes — Turkish banks offer internet and mobile banking. Once the account is open, day-to-day banking can be done remotely. Authorizations for large transactions may require additional verification.