Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Company in Turkey

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Company in Turkey

Introduction?

Intriguing at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Turkey is a promising location to start a company. The country’s strategic location, robust economy, rich culture, and the government’s pro-business attitude are some of the numerous reasons why starting a business in Turkey is an attractive prospect. This comprehensive guide aims to elaborate on everything you need to know to initiate a company in Turkey.

Establishing the Business Entity

Firstly, you should decide the type of company you want to establish. You can choose a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Joint Stock Company (JSC). LLCs are preferred by small and medium-sized enterprises, while JSCs are favored by larger corporations planning to go public.

For an LLC, a minimum capital requirement of TRY 10,000 ($1,400 approx.) is needed, while for a JSC, the minimum capital requirement is TRY 50,000 ($7,000 approx.). It’s also crucial to note that JSCs require at least one shareholder and an LLC requires at least one partner to establish the company.

Choosing a Business Name and Address

You must choose a unique trade name for your company. The company name should not infringe on any existing trademarks or copyrights and must conform to Turkish business name guidelines.

The company should also have a registered legal address in Turkey. This can either be a rented office, co-working space, or a virtual office as long as it’s within Turkish territory.

Preparing the Articles of Association

Preparing the Articles of Association (AoA) is one of the most crucial steps in starting a company. The AoA outlines the general rules and procedures that the company will adhere to. It includes information such as the company’s name, address, business objectives, capital amount, shareholder details, and management structure.

This document must be drafted in Turkish and notarized by a Turkish notary public. You can either draft the AoA yourself or hire a lawyer to ensure that it adheres to Turkish corporate laws.

Opening a Bank Account

Once the AoA is notarized, the next step is to open a bank account under the company name. A bank account is necessary to deposit the minimum capital required for starting the company. The capital deposited should meet the minimum requirements for the type of company chosen (LLC or JSC). The bank will provide a letter indicating that the capital has been blocked for the incorporation process.

Registering with the Trade Registry

After obtaining the bank letter, you can proceed to register your company with the Trade Registry office. You will need to submit a set of documents, including the AoA, bank letter, and identification documents of the shareholders and company representatives.

The Trade Registry will review your documents, and if approved, they will register your company, providing you with a commercial registration number. With this, your company will officially exist within the Turkish business environment.

Acquiring Necessary Licenses and Permits

Depending on the business’s nature and industry, you may need specific licenses and permits before you can legally operate. You should check with the relevant local governmental bodies or a legal advisor to determine the specific licenses and permits required for your business.

Registering for tax

Once your company is officially registered, you will need to register for tax with the relevant Tax Office. You must also register for VAT at the local tax office responsible for the area where your company’s headquarters is located.

Employee Hiring

If you plan on hiring employees, you will also need to register with the Social Security Institution (SSI). All businesses must contribute to social security for their employees in Turkey.

Why Choose Turkey to Start a Business?

Strategic Location

Turkey’s strategic geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East gives direct access to multiple markets with combined populations exceeding 1.6 billion people. This accessibility significantly expands business opportunities and opens up new avenues for growth and expansion.

Vibrant Economy

Turkey has one of the largest economies in the region. It boasts a dynamic workforce, modern infrastructure, and a stable economic climate, ideal for businesses looking for growth opportunities.

Supportive Government Policies

The Turkish government encourages foreign investment with generous incentives and reforms to create a more predictable, business-friendly environment. These incentives vary by region and industry and can include tax reductions, land allocation, customs duty exemptions, and financial subsidies.

Skilled Workforce

Turkey has a young, well-educated, competitive, and highly skilled workforce that can serve your company’s growth needs. The diversity and skill within Turkey’s human capital can significantly contribute to the sustainability and competitiveness of your business.

Additional Considerations

Intellectual Property Rights

Protect your business ideas, unique products or services, designs, and creations through patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Turkey is a member of international agreements related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), providing robust IPR protection in line with international standards.

Legal and Business Consultation

Consider seeking professional advice to help you navigate the company formation process and understand the legal landscape. A legal or business consultant can provide you with personalized information and strategies that align with your business needs and objectives.

Business Culture

Turkish business culture is rooted in respect, trust, and relationships. It’s crucial to understand these aspects to seamlessly integrate into the business ecosystem. Punctuality is highly valued, and business interactions, although friendly, are usually formal.

Business Networking

Networking is an important aspect of doing business in Turkey. Attend business forums, exhibitions, and trade fairs, and join relevant business associations to grow your network, partnerships, and business opportunities.

Conclusion

Starting a company in Turkey is a promising venture, thanks to its conducive business environment, increasingly liberalized economy, and pro-entrepreneurship policies. While this guide aims to simplify the process, it’s crucial to remember that every business has unique needs and objectives.

Therefore, in-depth research and proper planning are essential. It’s often beneficial to leverage professional services and expert advice when setting up your enterprise, as they bring industry-specific insights and can help navigate the local complexities of market entry.

Moreover, it’s not just about setting up your business. Maintaining a company, ensuring it complies with all the laws and regulations, managing operations, logistics, talent acquisition, and business development — all these demand time, effort, and commitment.

But don’t let this daunt you. With patience, perseverance, and the right strategies, your Turkish business venture can scale new heights, tapping into the vibrant opportunities this cross-continental nation offers.

References

For more specific and detailed information, please refer to our documents regarding company registration in Turkey.

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