Are you considering starting a business in Türkiye as a foreign investor? Or are you simply curious about how Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are structured in Türkiye? This guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions about establishing an LLC and walks you through the key points.

How many shareholders are required to establish a Limited Liability Company in Türkiye?

An LLC in Türkiye can be established with just one shareholder.

Is there a maximum limit on the number of shareholders?

Yes. An LLC in Türkiye can have up to 50 shareholders.
If the number of shareholders exceeds 50, you must establish a Joint Stock Company (JSC) instead.

Do shareholders have to be Turkish citizens?

No. There is no requirement for shareholders to be Turkish citizens.
Foreign individuals or legal entities can be shareholders in a company established in Türkiye.

Can a shareholder be a legal entity?

Yes. Legal entities—such as foreign LLCs or JSCs—can become shareholders in a company established in Türkiye.

There is no requirement to have a Turkish citizen among the shareholders.

Can the company’s authorized signatory (director) be a foreign individual or legal entity?

Yes. The director of the company can be a foreign individual or a legal entity established abroad or in Türkiye.

If a legal entity is appointed as a director, it must assign a real person to act on its behalf. This individual can be either a Turkish citizen or a foreigner.

Is it possible to freely choose the company name?

Yes. The company name can be chosen freely, but it must include at least one indication of the industry in which the company will operate.

Before registration, a check is conducted to ensure there are no similar company names.

Note: Using words like “Turkish”, “Türkiye”, “Republic”, or “National” in the company name requires approval from the Council of Ministers. City names can be used, such as ABC Istanbul Makine Ltd. Şti.

Can the company’s logo and trademark be registered?

Yes. After the company is established, the logo and trademark can be registered.

Can a company operate in multiple sectors?

Yes. An LLC can operate in more than one sector as long as these activities are clearly stated in the company’s Articles of Association.

What is the minimum capital required for an LLC?

The mandatory minimum capital for establishing an LLC in Türkiye is 50,000 TL.

After establishment, shareholders must transfer the committed capital to a bank account opened in the company’s name.

If the capital amount is large, one-fourth of the remaining commitment must be deposited within two years and can be used freely for company operations.

What is the term of office for directors?

An LLC in Türkiye is managed by one or more directors.

The term of office for directors can be determined as indefinite or fixed-term, depending on the company’s Articles of Association.

Does the company need a physical address?

Yes. The company must have a legal postal address in Türkiye.

For convenience, services such as call answering, mail/cargo handling, and address provision can be purchased from virtual office providers.

How long does it take to establish an LLC in Türkiye?

Once all required documents are prepared, establishing an LLC with foreign capital typically takes 5 to 7 working days.

Where is an LLC registered in Türkiye?

Registration is completed at the:

  • Chamber of Commerce

  • Trade Registry Directorate

  • Tax Office

  • Social Security Institution

in the city where the company will operate.

How is a company bank account opened?

After the company is established, the incorporation documents are submitted to the bank to initiate account opening.

Opening a bank account usually takes 5 to 30 business days.

Banks may request additional information about foreign shareholders during this process.

This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the essentials for establishing an LLC in Türkiye. Whether you’re setting up your first business or expanding internationally, understanding these basics can help you start the process with confidence.

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Legal Notice: The information in this article is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended for professional information purposes specific to a person or an institution. Every institution has different requirements because of its own circumstances even though they bear a resemblance to each other. Consequently, it is your interest to consult on an expert before taking a decision based on information stated in this article and putting into practice. Neither Karen Audit nor related person or institutions are not responsible for any damages or losses that might occur in consequence of the use of the information in this article by private or formal, real or legal person and institutions.