Company Formation in Turkey holds considerable promise for the enterprising investor. The nation stands linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East – with trade routes and political influence radiating in all directions. Its economy is quite sizable, its workforce is youthful, and its geographic position affords companies a direct line to important regional markets.
Yet, such advantages do not come without their complications. Company formation in Turkey is no walk in the park. The legal framework is exacting, the procedures bureaucratic, and the statutes prone to change with little warning.
Matters as basic as obtaining a tax identification number or securing a notary’s stamp must conform strictly to the law imposed. A misstep at any point may delay proceedings or incur penalties.
For this reason, most foreign investors do not attempt the process unassisted. They engage local formation experts – professionals fluent in the language and well-versed in the red tape. These specialists know where the potential issues might lie and how to bypass them lawfully, often saving newcomers time, money, and no small measure of aggravation.
Turkey’s nominal gross domestic product is forecast to reach $1.444 trillion in 2025. In 2024, the economy grew at a rate of 3.2%, and the outlook for 2025 points to continued stability.
More telling still, business confidence inched upward by 0.8% in February 2025 – a modest gain, yet indicative of growing optimism among local entrepreneurs.
In sum, Turkey offers opportunity for those prepared to navigate its complexities. With sound guidance and careful compliance, the rewards can be well worth the trouble.
This guide highlights the most reliable company setup service providers in Turkey.
In 2024, Turkey attracted $11.3 billion in in foreign direct investment (FDI) (5.6% increase from 2023).
The 5 Top Company Formation Services in Turkey for Foreigners
1. Gini Talent
Gini Talent is better known in global hiring circles, but what many don’t realize is that the firm also provides full business setup support in Turkey. For foreign investors, that means two paths: either register a local legal entity or use Gini’s Employer of Record (EOR) model to hire without forming a company.
The appeal? Flexibility and full-service coverage. Gini takes care of your company registration, tax compliance, payroll, accounting, and team hiring – under one roof. You don’t have to coordinate across three or four different providers. That makes a big difference when you’re managing an expansion from abroad. Their business setup services include
- Limited company formation (LTD), branch setup
- Payroll & tax registration
- EOR for foreign firms wanting to hire without opening a Turkish entity
- Ongoing accounting and HR support
- Support in English, Arabic, and Turkish
In short, this firm is a good choice for foreign tech firms, service-based enterprises, and startups seeking a single, reliable point of contact – from company setup through to recruitment.
For those in need of more specialized assistance, the firm also extends its reach into niche areas such as marketing, AI, product development, retail operations, finance, and information technology.
2. FMC Group
FMC Group takes a broader approach. They don’t just help you register a business. They help you evaluate whether you should. Their team offers strategic consulting on where to locate, how to structure operations, and what legal form will fit your goals best – before you commit to anything.
This makes them especially useful for medium to large businesses that want to do their homework first. FMC Group company registration services include
- Pre-entry business analysis
- Liaison and branch office setup
- Company registration and HR support
- Interim management and legal coordination
This firm works best for companies looking for advice and planning before formal registration.
3. Ketenci Law Firm
Unlike most business setup firms, Ketenci is a full law office. Their lawyers work directly with foreign investors to select legal structure, prepare documents, and deal with tax offices and notaries. This is especially important when handling joint ventures, shareholder agreements, or complex ownership structures.
They also stay on as legal counsel for many clients after the company is formed, offering help with contracts, disputes, and compliance checks. They will offer you
- Legal guidance on investment structuring
- LTD and JSC company formation
- Tax ID and trade registry filings
- Corporate legal services after formation
Ketenci Law Firm is best for companies with legal-heavy concerns, such as ownership disputes or regulated sectors.
4. Company Formation Turkey
This provider focuses on speed. If you already know what you want – a limited company in Istanbul, for example – they’ll help you get it done quickly. Their team has been operating for over a decade and is familiar with every document and signature required.
They don’t offer strategy or long-term consulting, but for investors who want a quick setup and basic tax compliance, they get the job done. Their services include
- Limited company setup
- Trade registry support
- Tax number and social security registration
- Accounting and virtual office options
This firm is best for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers who need a local structure without added services.
5. FO Consultancy
This provider focuses on speed. If you already know what you want – a limited company in Istanbul, for example – they’ll help you get it done quickly. Their team has been operating for over a decade and is familiar with every document and signature required.
They don’t offer strategy or long-term consulting, but for investors who want a quick setup and basic tax compliance, they get the job done. Their services include
- Limited company setup
- Trade registry support
- Tax number and social security registration
- Accounting and virtual office options
This firm is best for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers who need a local structure without added services.
As of July 2024, there are 2,439,859 registered companies in Turkey.
How can foreigners legally start a business in Turkey?
Foreign nationals can form companies in Turkey without a local partner. The most common structure is the Limited Liability Company (LTD). It requires:
- One or more shareholders (can be foreign individuals or legal entities)
- A Turkish address for legal registration
- Minimum share capital of 10,000 TRY (as of 2025)
- A local bank account
- Tax office registration
Other options include Joint Stock Companies (JSC), Branch Offices (if you’re extending a company from abroad), or Liaison Offices (if you’re only doing research and not trading). Each has its own use case – and choosing the wrong one can delay your business.
What to look for in a Company Formation partner
Not all service providers offer the same level of help. Here’s what actually matters if you’re starting a company in Turkey from outside the country:
- Experience with foreign clients: They’ve worked with non-resident investors before. Turkish paperwork is complex, and many firms cater only to locals.
- Breadth of services: Some firms stop at registration. Others stay with you for payroll, tax, and HR. Decide what level of support you need.
- Clarity on timelines: Setup can take 2 to 4 weeks depending on structure. Get a clear estimate before you start.
- Language: Your contact should be fluent in English. Miscommunication delays everything.
- Aftercare: You’ll need accounting, tax filings, and employee contracts. It’s smart to set that up with the same team who registered your company.
In January 2025 alone, 11,202 new companies were established in Turkey.
Thinking of setting up in Turkey but don’t have time for the paperwork?
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