Company Formation & Tax
Launching a business in Turkey opens up vast opportunities—but the legal and tax landscape can quickly become complex for foreign owners. I guide you from incorporation to full operational compliance, ensuring your company is built on a solid, tax-efficient foundation.
1. Services That I Give
Company incorporation – establishing Limited Şirket (Ltd. Şti.), Anonim Şirket (A.Ş.), and branch or liaison offices
Shareholder and director structuring – drafting articles of association tailored to foreign ownership and management
Tax registration – obtaining potential tax numbers, registering for corporate income tax, VAT (KDV), and withholding taxes
Work permits for company owners – managing the intersection between your business and your own legal residency as a foreign founder
Ongoing legal compliance – general assembly minutes, trade registry filings, address updates, and capital increase/reduction
Tax optimization advisory – leveraging double taxation treaties, investment incentives, and legitimate expense structuring
Liaison with certified accountants – coordinating your financial reporting and monthly/quarterly tax declarations
2. Key Considerations
Right entity choice – a Limited Şirket requires at least one shareholder and a minimum capital of 10,000 TL, while an Anonim Şirket needs at least 50,000 TL; the wrong choice can burden you with unnecessary compliance costs
100% foreign ownership allowed – but certain regulated sectors still require a Turkish partner or specific licenses; I map these before you register
Tax residency traps – your company is tax-resident in Turkey if its legal seat or place of effective management is here; I structure clear operational boundaries to avoid unintended dual-residence issues
VAT and withholding obligations – late or incorrect KDV filings trigger heavy penalties; foreign payments may attract withholding tax that can often be reduced under double taxation treaties
Work permit linkage – being a shareholder does not automatically grant you a work permit; I align your company’s operational needs with immigration requirements from day one
3. How I Can Help
I take the confusion out of the process so you can focus on building your business:
Assess your goals and recommend the optimal corporate structure, weighing liability, capital, and future exit strategies
Draft and notarize all incorporation documents, register your company with the Trade Registry, and secure your tax identity within days
Act as your legal bridge with certified accountants, ensuring monthly declarations, payroll taxes, and annual filings are accurate and timely
Proactively identify applicable investment incentives and tax treaty benefits that lower your effective tax rate
Manage your founder’s work permit application alongside the company setup, so your right to run the business is legally secured
Keep your company in good standing through annual compliance check-ups and real-time advice as tax regulations evolve
Your business deserves a launch with zero legal surprises. Let’s set up your Turkish company correctly, from the first article of association to your first tax declaration. Contact me to begin.