What should you consider when starting a company?
A sole proprietorship, limited company or joint stock company may suit different business plans. There is no single structure that fits every founder. Consider your activity, ownership and representation, capital plan, liability structure and growth goals together.
LEGAL UPDATE · 5 NOVEMBER 2026
Minimum capital for limited and joint stock companies
Since 1 January 2024, the minimum capital is TRY 50,000 for a limited company and TRY 250,000 for a joint stock company. A non-public joint stock company adopting the registered capital system must have at least TRY 500,000 in initial capital. For a joint stock company, at least one quarter of the subscribed cash capital is paid before registration and the balance within 24 months after registration. A limited company may pay its subscribed capital within 24 months after registration.
Existing limited and joint stock companies with capital below the new minimums have a transition period to increase capital by 31 December 2026. This is general information; the company's circumstances and current practice should be reviewed individually.
Turkish Ministry of Trade: company types and capital information ↗Before your first conversation
- Describe your planned business activities.
- Decide whether you plan to establish the business alone or with partners.
- Note whether any partners or managers are foreign nationals.
- Consider the accounting, payroll or workspace support you may need after setup.
Required documents vary with the company type, whether partners are individuals or legal entities, foreign ownership and the business activity. We clarify those details in the first conversation and prepare a case-specific list of documents and steps.
Support continues after registration
We can discuss the business name and activity, articles of association and MERSIS preparation, trade registry registration, and the financial obligations that follow. After registration, we help plan tax and e-document processes, statutory books, accounting routines, and—where there are employees—social security and payroll obligations, along with relevant permits for the business activity.
Company formation, residence permission and a work permit for a foreign national are separate processes. Work permit applications are assessed under current Ministry criteria based on the person, employer and role; forming a company alone does not grant permission. Review current work permit assessment criteria ↗
How can we plan the setup?
Company formation in Türkiye: FAQs
Should I set up a sole proprietorship or limited company?+
The right choice depends on your activity, ownership, liability expectations and plans. Discuss your circumstances with an accountant before deciding.
Which documents will I need?+
Requirements vary with the type of company, the people involved and the application. We can discuss your situation and help clarify which documents to check.
Are there additional steps for a company with foreign partners?+
Identity, translations, tax numbers, representation and signature steps can vary by person and company type. Company registration does not automatically provide residence or work permission; review current requirements separately.
What is the current minimum capital for a limited company?+
The Ministry of Trade lists TRY 50,000 for a limited company and TRY 250,000 for a joint stock company. Payment schedules and transition rules for existing companies differ, so review your circumstances before proceeding.