End-to-end legal guidance for foreign individuals and entities looking to set up a company, take a shareholding, or invest in Turkey.
Under Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, Turkey grants foreign investors the same treatment as domestic investors. A foreign individual or company can set up a company in Turkey, or take a shareholding in an existing one, without prior approval.
The difficulty in the process isn't legal obstacles but sequencing and paperwork: apostilled documents, sworn translation, a potential tax number, opening a bank account and sector-specific permits — if these don't proceed in the right order, the process can stretch on for weeks.
SBP Legal doesn't just structure the investment legally; it coordinates the tax, accounting and immigration processes on a single timeline.
What we do in this area
Entry structure and strategy
Branch, liaison office, or new company? Determining the entry method based on tax and liability outcomes.
Company formation
Potential tax number, apostille and translation, MERSİS application, trade registry filing and signature circular.
Banking and capital
Corporate account opening, capital transfer, profit repatriation and Central Bank notifications.
Work and residence permits
Work permit applications for foreign managers and staff, and employment-ratio planning.
Investment incentives
Assessing investment incentive certificates and free-zone and technopark advantages.
Ongoing legal support
Regular advisory with English-language reporting on post-formation contract, HR and compliance matters.
Does this page speak to your situation?
If any of the following applies to you, now is the time to talk:
- You're a foreign company planning to enter the Turkish market.
- You're about to take a shareholding in a company in Turkey.
- You're deciding between a branch and a subsidiary.
- Your foreign staff need work permits.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign individual own 100% of a company in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign individuals and entities can own the entirety of a company without any requirement for a Turkish co-shareholder. Special restrictions apply in a small number of regulated sectors such as aviation, maritime, media and private security.
Do I need to come to Turkey to set up a company?
No, it isn't required. The process can be handled through a representative using a power of attorney issued abroad, apostilled and sworn-translated into Turkish. Some banks, however, may require the signatory to be physically present to open a bank account.
What's the difference between a branch and a subsidiary?
A branch isn't a separate legal entity — it's an extension of the parent company, which remains liable for its debts, and its scope of activity is limited to that of the parent. A subsidiary (limited or joint stock company) is a separate legal entity; liability is limited to its capital and it operates more flexibly. Subsidiaries are generally preferred for long-term operating plans.
Are there restrictions on profit repatriation?
No. After meeting their tax obligations, foreign investors can freely transfer net profit, sale proceeds and liquidation shares abroad through banks. Corporate tax and dividend withholding must be calculated before the transfer.
This page was last updated on 20.07.2026. Content is for general informational purposes and does not substitute for legal advice.