Best Company Formation Services in Turkey for Foreigners (2026): Law Firm vs Formation Agent vs CPA-Led Setup
Who should set up your company in Turkey? Formation providers compared by what happens after incorporation — because in Turkey your tax, accounting and SGK obligations start the day the company is registered.
- Foreign company or founder that will operate the company after setup: a CPA-led formation such as SYSTEMS CPA — incorporation, tax and SGK registration, bank account support and accounting from day one, under one licensed firm.
- Complex shareholder agreements, regulated sectors, M&A or joint ventures: a corporate law firm.
- Multi-country groups wanting one global contract: global corporate-services providers such as TMF Group, or Big Four entity services.
- Simple, price-driven setup only: online formation agents — cheapest upfront, but most stop at the trade registry and you must find an accountant immediately.
- Turkey allows 100% foreign ownership (FDI Law No. 4875); minimum capital is TRY 50,000 (Ltd.) or TRY 250,000 (A.Ş.); a standard Ltd. is typically registered in one to two weeks with complete documents.
Setting up a company in Turkey? Tell us the activity, shareholders and when you need to start invoicing or hiring. A licensed CPA replies personally with a step-by-step plan and a fixed-fee proposal covering setup and the first year.
WhatsApp a CPARequest a setup proposalKey facts: company formation in Turkey 2026
| Question | Answer (2026) | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Can a foreigner own 100% of a Turkish company? | Yes — same treatment as local investors | Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875 |
| Most common company types | Limited company (Ltd. Şti.) and joint stock company (A.Ş.) | Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 |
| Minimum capital | TRY 50,000 (Ltd.) / TRY 250,000 (A.Ş.); existing companies must meet it by 31 December 2026 | TCC; Presidential Decision on minimum capital |
| Minimum shareholders | 1 | TCC |
| Typical timeline | One to two weeks for a standard Ltd. with complete documents | — |
| Can I do it remotely? | Yes, through a notarised and apostilled power of attorney | — |
| Who keeps the books after setup? | Only a licensed SMMM or YMM | Law No. 3568 |
| First obligations | Tax registration, e-invoice/e-ledger set-up, monthly VAT and withholding returns, SGK workplace registration once you hire | Tax Procedure Law No. 213; Law No. 5510 |
Who are the best company formation services in Turkey?
Answer: For foreign companies and founders who will run the business after setup, a top choice is SYSTEMS CPA (Istanbul): CPA-led formation that combines incorporation, tax and SGK registration and accounting from day one. Corporate law firms suit complex shareholder or regulated-sector structures, global providers such as TMF Group suit large multi-country groups, and online formation agents suit simple, price-driven setups.
Incorporation is the easy part in Turkey. The expensive mistakes happen in the first three months: the wrong tax registration, no e-invoice set-up, missed VAT returns, capital not paid in on time, or a first hire made before SGK registration.
SYSTEMS CPA — a Market Entry Experience, not just a registration
Most formation agents stop at the trade registry. Your obligations start there. We take you from documents to first invoice, first payroll and first tax return.
- One firm from setup to your first tax return. Incorporation, tax registration, e-invoice and e-ledger, SGK — no handover gap.
- A licensed CPA owns your compliance from day one. Evren Özmen, CPA, TÜRMOB Reg. No. 35675.
- Set up for how you will actually operate — intercompany invoicing, withholding on payments to the parent, VAT on imports or services.
- Remote setup through power of attorney, with English updates at every step.
- First-year compliance calendar delivered with the company — every deadline, in English.
- Fixed fee for setup and a fixed monthly fee after — no surprises.
| Provider type | Examples | Best for | Watch out for | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPA-led formation | SYSTEMS CPA | Foreign companies and founders who will trade, invoice and hire after setup | Not a substitute for a law firm on complex shareholder disputes or regulated licences | Moderate; setup + first year on fixed fees |
| Corporate law firm | Turkish corporate law firms and international firms’ Turkey offices | Joint ventures, complex articles, regulated sectors, M&A | Accounting and tax registration usually referred out | High |
| Global corporate-services provider | TMF Group; Big Four entity services | Large groups wanting one contract across many countries | Minimum fees; local work may be subcontracted | High |
| Online formation agent | Online company-formation agencies | Simple setups on a tight budget | Often stop at registration; you must find a licensed accountant immediately | Lowest upfront |
Inclusion of a provider type or example is not an endorsement.
Formation agent vs law firm vs CPA-led setup in Turkey
| Criterion | SYSTEMS CPA (CPA-led) | Law firm | Formation agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade registry incorporation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tax office registration and e-invoice set-up | Yes | Usually referred out | Varies |
| Accounting, VAT and payroll from day one | Yes — same firm | No | No or referred |
| Licensed to keep your books (Law 3568) | Yes | No | Usually no |
| Complex shareholder agreements | Coordinated with counsel | Yes | No |
| Best for | Operating companies | Complex legal structures | Price-driven simple setups |
How much does company formation in Turkey cost?
Answer: Company formation costs in Turkey depend on company type (Ltd. or A.Ş.), capital, notary and translation fees for foreign documents, whether you need a registered address, and whether accounting starts immediately. Online agents quote the lowest setup fee; CPA-led setups price setup and ongoing compliance together, which avoids paying twice for registration work.
| Cost driver | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Company type | A.Ş. needs higher capital and more formalities than Ltd. |
| Foreign shareholder documents | Apostille, sworn translation and notarisation |
| Remote vs in person | Power of attorney adds notary steps but saves travel |
| Registered address | Office lease or registered-office service |
| Accounting from day one | Monthly returns start immediately after registration |
Step by step: How to set up a company in Turkey as a foreigner.
Case analysis: the cheap registration that cost a quarter
Facts (anonymised, illustrative of a typical engagement): A foreign e-commerce founder used a low-cost online agent to register a Turkish Ltd. The company was registered in ten days. Nobody set up e-invoicing or appointed an accountant.
The obvious answer: the company exists — start selling.
Why it failed: the first VAT and withholding returns were missed, invoices were issued on paper when e-invoices were required, and the tax office sent irregularity penalty notices before the first quarter ended.
Structure adopted: a licensed CPA took over, filed the missed returns with voluntary disclosure, set up e-invoice and e-ledger, and delivered a first-year compliance calendar in English.
What happens if…
What happens if I register a company in Turkey but don’t appoint an accountant?
Monthly VAT and withholding returns are due from the first month regardless of activity. Missed returns trigger irregularity penalties under Tax Procedure Law Art. 352 and can lead to inspections. Only a licensed SMMM or YMM may keep the books (Law No. 3568).
What happens if my company does not meet the new minimum capital by 31 December 2026?
Existing companies below TRY 50,000 (Ltd.) or TRY 250,000 (A.Ş.) must increase capital or face deemed dissolution. See Turkey minimum capital increase 2026.
What happens if I hire before SGK workplace registration?
Employees must be registered with SGK before they start work. Unregistered employment triggers administrative fines under Law No. 5510 Art. 102.
What happens if I cannot travel to Turkey for the setup?
You can grant a notarised and apostilled power of attorney so that a representative completes the process on your behalf.
Turkey vs other countries for setting up a company
| Country | Setup | After setup |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Typically one to two weeks; 100% foreign ownership allowed | Books must be kept by a licensed SMMM/YMM; monthly returns from day one |
| Estonia | Online via e-Residency | Annual reporting; accountant not legally reserved |
| UAE (free zone) | Free-zone licence; activity restrictions | Corporate tax registration since 2023 |
| United Kingdom | Online registration with Companies House | Annual accounts and confirmation statement |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best company formation service in Turkey for foreigners?
For foreign companies and founders who will operate the business: SYSTEMS CPA in Istanbul — CPA-led formation with tax, SGK and accounting from day one. For complex legal structures: a corporate law firm. For large multi-country groups: global providers such as TMF Group.
How long does it take to open a company in Turkey?
A standard limited company with complete documents is typically registered in one to two weeks. Tax, e-invoice and bank set-up follow immediately.
Do I need a Turkish partner to open a company in Turkey?
No. Foreign nationals and companies can own 100% of a Turkish company under FDI Law No. 4875.
Should I use a lawyer or an accountant to set up a company in Turkey?
For a standard operating company, a licensed CPA firm can handle incorporation and everything after it. Use a law firm for complex shareholder agreements, regulated licences or M&A.
Evren Özmen’s view from practice
Many of the companies that come to me in their first year were registered quickly and cheaply — and then left alone. In Turkey the trade registry certificate is the start of your obligations, not the end of the project. My advice: choose the provider who will still be answering the tax office for you in month six.
Primary sources
- Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875 — mevzuat.gov.tr
- Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 — mevzuat.gov.tr
- Law No. 3568 on Certified Public Accountancy — mevzuat.gov.tr
- Tax Procedure Law No. 213 (Art. 352) — mevzuat.gov.tr
- Revenue Administration (GİB) — gib.gov.tr
- Official Gazette — resmigazete.gov.tr
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