Solutions
Business Setup in Turkey — From Registration to First Invoice
Registering the company is day one. Most foreign founders lose months afterwards: the bank will not open the account, the first invoice cannot be issued, the accountant is unreachable, the work permit is refused. Tercan Legal, an Istanbul law firm registered with the Istanbul Bar (No. 45421), takes the company from registration to its first invoice and keeps it compliant.
What business setup in Turkey covers
| Corporate bank account | KYC file prepared in advance, bank selected for your shareholder profile and payment flows |
| Accounting and tax | In-house English-speaking CPA; VAT, withholding, corporate tax and ledger certification |
| e-Invoice (e-Fatura / e-Arşiv) | Registration and set-up before your first sale |
| Social security (SGK) | Employer registration, employment contracts, payroll compliance |
| Work and residence permits | Work permit for the owner or staff through the company, then residence |
| Directors and signatories | Appointment of directors and authorised signatories, signature circulars |
| Market entry | Marketplace onboarding (Trendyol and others), import registrations, sector licences, trademark filing |
| Contracts | Lease, distribution, agency, supply and employment agreements under Turkish law |
Already have a Turkish company?
Many clients come to us with a company that exists on paper but cannot operate: no bank account, blocked e-invoice, missing filings or an accountant who stopped answering. We audit the company file, fix what is missing and take over the ongoing compliance.
The bank account problem — and how we solve it
Turkish banks apply strict KYC to foreign-owned companies, especially with shareholders from Russia, the CIS, Iran, the Gulf or China. Our founding partner is a former counsel to NCB/SNB and KFH group banks in Turkey and advises on payment systems and alternative international payment routes. The firm has opened accounts for dozens of foreign-owned companies. We match the bank to your profile and prepare the file so the first application succeeds.
Selling on Turkish marketplaces
For e-commerce and consumer goods, we handle the seller registration, e-invoice integration, import and product compliance (for example cosmetics notifications) and the contracts with logistics providers — and we know the marketplace onboarding teams personally.
Free zones and trade structures
For re-export, transit trade and warehousing we structure free zone companies and advise on sanctions and compliance exposure before goods move, not after a bank asks questions.
Business setup in Turkey step by step
- Structure and documents (week 1): we confirm the company type, shareholders and signatories, and prepare apostilled documents or a power of attorney so you do not need to travel.
- Registration (1–3 business days once documents are ready): trade registry, tax number and the company’s official records.
- Bank account (typically 1–4 weeks): we choose the bank that fits your shareholder profile and prepare the KYC file before the application.
- Accounting, e-Invoice and SGK (1–2 weeks): the company is ready to issue its first invoice and hire staff.
- Work and residence permits: filed through the company once it qualifies.
Documents needed for business setup in Turkey
- Individual shareholders and directors: passport copy; if signed abroad, notarised and apostilled with a sworn Turkish translation. We obtain the Turkish tax numbers.
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation or good standing, articles of association and a board resolution approving the investment and appointing representatives, apostilled and translated.
- Power of attorney: if you prefer not to travel, so that we can sign and file on your behalf.
- Registered address: an office lease or a virtual office agreement in Turkey.
- Director’s signature declaration: signed before a Turkish notary or the trade registry, or at a Turkish consulate abroad.
- Share capital: deposited in a Turkish bank where the company type requires it.
We send you a checklist tailored to your shareholder structure before anything is signed, so documents are prepared once and correctly.
How we work
- Free 20-minute first call on your plan or existing company.
- Written roadmap and fixed-fee proposal per item.
- One point of contact in your language.
- Monthly compliance calendar so nothing is missed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a Turkish corporate bank account remotely?
Some banks allow it; many require one meeting with the director. We tell you in advance which applies to your profile.
Do I need a local accountant?
Yes. Every Turkish company must have an accountant (mali müşavir) for filings. Ours works in English.
When do I need e-Fatura?
Depending on turnover and sector; many companies register from the start because customers and marketplaces require it.
Can my company sponsor my work permit?
Yes, subject to the Ministry of Labour criteria on capital, turnover or Turkish employees. We assess this before you apply.
Do you take over companies set up by someone else?
Yes — after a compliance check of the company file.
Can I set up a business in Turkey without travelling?
In most cases, yes. A power of attorney signed and apostilled in your country is enough for registration; some banks ask for one meeting with the director.
What does business setup in Turkey cost?
Official fees depend on the company type and capital. After a free 20-minute first call we send a fixed-fee proposal, so you know the full cost before anything starts.
New company? Start with Company Formation in Turkey.
Talk to our team
WhatsApp +90 506 689 97 22 · info@tercanlegal.com · Hikaye Sokak No 7, Office: 6, 34394 Esentepe, Şişli – Istanbul, Türkiye. Send us two lines about your plan — we reply with a written roadmap within 24 hours.
