Tax registration for companies in Turkey
Tax registration is one of the company registration steps in Turkey. This step is very important because it will allow the company to account for all its commercial transactions. The following documents are required for tax registration as a company in Turkey:
- The company’s Articles of Association in original.
- The request form issued by the local tax office in Turkey.
- The document indicating the company’s local address.
- A power of attorney, if the process is concluded by a third party, such as our agents.
We can help with the whole
company formation procedure in Turkey. This process can include the registration of the company with the Trade Register, the
opening of the bank account and the tax registration procedure.
If you have a company and want the services of accountants in Turkey, we advise you to contact our specialists. They can deal with various procedures, including payroll, bookkeeping, audits, HR management, and financial and analysis reports, among others. You should also know that financial expertise is provided by our certified accountants. But everything you need to know about this type of service, you can find out from one of our specialists.
Applying for business licenses in Turkey
The
business licensing phase must be completed if the
Turkish company will undertake certain activities. In this case, specific business licenses and permits must be obtained with the authorities representing the industry the company will operate in. Among the industries in which special licenses and permits are necessary are trading, the financial industry, and
manufacturing. We kindly invite you to get in touch with our
company registration consultants in Turkey for personalized advice on how to start a business.
Payroll in Turkey is part of the accounting matters necessary for a company. With such services, you can guarantee that everything related to the preparation and payment of salaries is done according to the legislation in force. We mention that before the salaries are distributed, the taxes to be paid will be calculated, both from the employee's side and from the employer's side. You can discuss more in this direction with one of our accountants.
Set up a company in Turkey as a sole trader
If you want to
start a business in Turkey, you can also become a
sole trader. Sole proprietorship means a single individual is responsible for all aspects of the business, including ownership, management, and liability. The owner of a sole trader business in Turkey is entitled to keep all profits after paying taxes and expenses.However, the sole owner is still fully responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the business and making decisions on its behalf.
The procedure of becoming a sole trader is similar to the other company incorporations in Turkey, but other documents are also required.In the case of becoming a sole trader, the company's representative becomes the sole proprietor. We can guide you to ensure that you complete all the necessary steps correctly.
Changing the business type in Turkey
It is also possible to change the business type of a company in Turkey. If you plan to change the business activity you can also do that, but you need to obtain additional permits or licenses and respect the requirements for that business activity.
To start a business in Turkey, you need to prepare the required documents that attest to the change in the type of liability for partners, for example. The documents have to be notarized and submitted to the Trade Registry Office. After the procedure has been accepted, you will be required to update the company's registration and notify other relevant authorities.
Changing the company type is a process that can be handled by our team of accountants and experts in company formation in Turkey. Our team will offer the correct guidance for this procedure since it can vary depending on the industry your business operates in.
Company formation costs in Turkey
Apart from the startup costs, the following costs related to the registration of a Turkish company must be considered:
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The virtual office fee is 100 EUR per month;
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The company formation fee requested by our local agents in Turkey starts at approximately 2,950 EUR for individual shareholders;
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The accounting services and tax consultancy services offered by our
accountants in Turkey start at around 350 EUR per month, depending on the requirements of the client;
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The bank account opening assistance services offered by our local agent is 750 EUR per account in each bank.
If you would like to know more about investing in Turkey and what the country has to offer, you can get in touch with our company formation agents in Turkey.
Rules and regulations for companies in Turkey
The Commercial Code introduces provisions regarding good management practices and requirements for an internal and independent audit. A company must base its economic and business activities on transparency, fairness, accountability, and responsibility. The Code contains guidelines regarding:
- the mandatory financial statements a Turkish company must prepare and file with the tax authorities;
- the organizational structure of the company which comprises the shareholders and the company directors and managers;
- the annual audit process – Turkish companies must have their financial accounts audited;
- the company’s shareholders, also known as stockholders, are the owners of the company;
- the structural changes within the company must be reported to the Trade Register in Turkey;
- the division/split-up of a company must also be reported to the Companies Register;
- the Company Law also provides for the liquidation of companies in Turkey.
These provisions, together with the Articles of Incorporation belonging to a company incorporated in Turkey are the basis for corporate governance in the country.
Business in Turkey for foreigners
Business in Turkey for foreigners is quite appealing from many points of view. With leading producers in sectors like agriculture, automotive, textile, and construction,
Turkey aligns with top business destinations worldwide. Foreign entrepreneurs in Turkey can benefit from relaxed investment legislation that allows them to start a business in a fast manner, without complicated bureaucracy. Cities like Ankara, Istanbul, or Izmir are quite appreciated from a business point of view by foreigners in Turkey. Low operating costs, a skilled and multilingual workforce, strong consumer spendings, a large number of local manufacturers to collaborate with, the support offered by the Turkish government, and a beneficial geographic location are a few of the main solid points of Turkey. The benefits do not stop here, as foreigners can easily gain Turkish citizenship through varied beneficial programs and specific investments.
Foreigners obtain a residence permit and a tax number, then register the company with the Trade Registry Office. One of the benefits of
starting a business in Turkey include taking advantage of the country's well-developed transportation and logistics infrastructure and itsposition at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This makes it a great strategic gateway for these regionsto reach a large and diverse market. The
Turkish government provides a range of support and incentives for foreign businesses, including tax exemptions and reduced corporate tax rates. There are also loans, grants, and investment incentives for foreign businesses investing in Turkey.
Real estate is a great investment for foreign businesses in Turkey. The country has a growing population, which has led to increased demand for housing and other real estates. It is also worth mentioning the strong tourism industry, which has led to increased demand for hotel rooms and other types of real estate for tourists. There are also favorable regulations issued by the Turkish government for real estate investment, making it easier for foreign investors to enter the market. If you are interested in learning more about the t
he process of company formation in Turkey, including in the real estate market, please contact one of our professional legal advisors.
Business in Turkey for foreigners is a straightforward process. You might want to pay attention to some facts and figures that highlight the business and economic direction of Turkey:
• In terms of total FDI stock for 2021, Turkey registered nearly USD 145.8 billion.
• Around 60% of the total FDI stock is directed to sectors like manufacturing, finance, and energy.
• Italy was one of the main investors in Turkey, leading capital investments worth EUR 997 million in 2020.
• Turkey's economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, and it is now the world's 20th largest economy by nominal GDPwhich encourages foreign entrepreneurs to start a business in Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the types of companies that can be incorporated in Turkey?
The joint-stock company, the
limited liability company, the collective and commandite companies, the cooperative or the branch are all options for a legal entity in Turkey.
2. Can a foreigner open a company in Turkey?
Yes. Foreigners have equal rights to open companies, just as nationals. Turkey welcomes foreign investments in various business fields.
3. How fast can you start a new business in Turkey?
A business can be incorporated in one week if all the documents are in order.
4. Does the company need to have an office in Turkey?
Yes. A registered office is necessary for a newly incorporated company in Turkey. This also applies for branches of foreign companies.
5. What are the steps for company incorporation in Turkey?
The business owner must draw up and submit the Articles of Association, notarize the company documents, deposit the minimum share capital and apply for registration at the Trade Registry Office.
6. What is the minimum share capital in Turkey?
The
minimum share capital depends on the type of company. This amount is larger for joint stock companies than for limited liability companies: 50,000 TRY as opposed to 10,000 TRY.
7. What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Turkey?
The bank account is mandatory for the company because the share capital is deposited upon incorporation. Banks will generally request the registration certificate of the company and other documents attesting the identity of the founding members. Certain fees apply, as per the bank’s policy.
8. Do you need special permits and licenses in Turkey?
Yes. For example, import and export activities are regulated and business owners engage in this activity based on certain permits obtained before starting the actual trading.
9. What are the taxes for companies in Turkey?
The corporate tax in Turkey is 20%, but lower rates can apply. A payroll tax, real property tax, social security tax and other taxes also apply.
10. What are the reasons to invest in Turkey?
A good location between two important markets, its own large domestic market, good economy, an open investment climate and good infrastructure are important reasons why investors should choose to open a company in Turkey.
11. Can you change the business type in Turkey?
You can change the business types in Turkey if you provide the required documents that attest the conversion.
12. Is it possible to become a sole proprietorship in Turkey?
Yes, it is possible to set up a company in Turkey as a sole trader by following a similar procedure as opening other business types.
Foreigners interested in
starting a business in Turkey are invited to
contact our
Turkish company formation agents and solicit complete support and guidance.
Choosing our specialists in Turkey
Interested in a fast and easy company incorporation process in Turkey? You are invited to discuss all the aspects with our team of company formation agents in Turkey who work with complete professionalism and proficiency to offer a suitable solution for international investors. It is essential to know the business direction and rules of a foreign country before making investments and this is also the case of Turkey. All the business-related aspects can be completely explained by our specialists right from the beginning of our collaboration, as soon as you decide to start a business in Turkey.