Corporate Legal Services — NLI Global
Corporate legal proceedings in Turkey — managed by a dedicated legal team.
We manage every legal step of your company's operations — from governance and M&A through to compliance, board proceedings, and regulatory filings. Our lawyers ensure your corporate framework meets both Turkish law and international standards.
Our Istanbul-based lawyers manage the complete corporate legal lifecycle on your behalf — from trade registry filings and board governance through to AML compliance and M&A due diligence.
30,000+
Foreign-Capitalized Companies
Active international entities operating across all sectors of the Turkish economy.
OECD
Compliant Framework
Turkey's corporate law is governed by a modern Commercial Code aligned with international OECD standards.
4–8
Weeks to Operational Status
Typical timeline from first instruction to full trade registry recognition and active trading status.
450M
EU Consumer Market Access
Turkish-registered entities benefit from the Customs Union with the EU, providing duty-free market access.
Turkey as a Corporate Jurisdiction
A legal framework built for international capital.
Turkey's corporate legal framework was comprehensively modernized in 2012 under the Turkish Commercial Code, establishing the jurisdiction as one of the most transparent and institutionally recognized environments for foreign-capitalized entities in the region. The framework is administered by the Ministry of Trade and supervised by the Trade Registry — a fully statutory system designed to protect international capital and ensure procedural clarity.
A Turkish company is a fully recognized legal entity with the same operational rights as domestic firms. It is not a restricted offshore vehicle or a limited-purpose corporate structure. Foreign shareholders may hold 100% of the equity in most sectors, with no requirement for a local partner.
Since the 2012 overhaul, the jurisdiction has integrated tens of thousands of international entities — from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 subsidiaries — across manufacturing, technology, financial services, and logistics. The commercial court system is experienced in cross-border disputes, and Turkey's network of over 85 bilateral tax treaties ensures efficient tax treatment for international shareholders.
Turkey's geographic position bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia — combined with its Customs Union access, advanced logistics infrastructure, and deep industrial base — means a corporate presence here provides genuine market depth, not simply a base for regional administration.
Turkey's position as a crossroads jurisdiction means that a properly structured Turkish entity is simultaneously a European trading vehicle, a Middle East operating base, and a Central Asian market gateway — managed through a single legal address.
Who We Work With
International clients with complex corporate legal needs in Turkey.
Foreign-Incorporated Groups
International holding companies and conglomerates establishing or acquiring a Turkish operating subsidiary, branch, or joint venture entity.
M&A Acquirers
Cross-border investors acquiring Turkish companies or assets, requiring legal due diligence, share transfer structuring, and regulatory clearance management.
PE & Institutional Investors
Private equity funds and institutional investors deploying capital into Turkish markets who require ongoing governance, compliance, and portfolio-level legal management.
Joint Venture Partners
International and Turkish parties forming joint ventures, requiring shareholder agreement drafting, governance structure design, and ongoing inter-party legal management.
Regulated Sector Operators
Companies in banking, energy, healthcare, or media requiring sector-specific licensing, AML compliance programs, and ongoing regulatory reporting managed by legal counsel.
Founders & Entrepreneurs
International founders incorporating in Turkey for market access or citizenship via the job creation route, who require legal entity setup and operational governance from day one.
Corporate Legal Services
The full scope of corporate legal management in Turkey.
01
Company Incorporation
We manage your Turkish company formation through the standard registration route — handling the articles of association, trade registry filings, and all tax office notifications on your behalf. We coordinate the capital deposit requirement, the opening of corporate bank accounts, and all sector-specific licensing where applicable. The process runs from structural selection through to first operation without requiring your physical presence in Turkey.
02
Mergers & Acquisitions
02
Mergers & Acquisitions
We conduct full legal due diligence on every acquisition target — verifying corporate history, title and asset ownership, pending litigation, and regulatory compliance — before any commitment is made. We manage the share transfer documentation, SPA negotiations, and all Ministry of Trade notifications required to transfer beneficial control. Post-acquisition integration is coordinated through our ongoing corporate legal team.
03
Board & General Assembly
03
Board & General Assembly
We draft all board resolutions, manage the general assembly notice and quorum requirements, prepare meeting minutes for the Trade Registry, and coordinate the appointment and resignation of directors. We ensure your company's governance records are maintained in compliance with the Turkish Commercial Code and that all resolutions are properly notarized and registered where required.
04
Share Transfer & Restructuring
04
Share Transfer & Restructuring
We manage the legal process for transferring shares between existing and incoming shareholders, including the verification of share register entries, right-of-first-refusal procedures, and the preparation of notarized transfer agreements. Where capital increases or decreases are required, we coordinate the full process with the Trade Registry and auditors to ensure compliance with Turkish Commercial Code requirements.
05
Compliance & AML
05
Compliance & AML
We establish and maintain your company's anti-money laundering (AML) and data protection (KVKK) compliance frameworks from the incorporation stage. We draft the requisite internal policies, coordinate MASAK registration where applicable, and provide ongoing review to ensure your programs remain current with Turkish regulatory requirements and aligned with international standards including FATF recommendations.
06
Joint Ventures
06
Joint Ventures
We manage your market entry through the joint venture route — coordinating the drafting of shareholder agreements, defining governance frameworks, and handling all liaison with local partners and relevant authorities. We structure the JV to protect your equity interests, manage dispute resolution provisions, and ensure exit mechanisms are legally enforceable under Turkish law.
Legal Process
Your path to corporate operation in Turkey.
The full incorporation process typically concludes within 4 to 8 weeks from the date of first instruction.
Weeks 1–2
Strategic Planning & Structure Selection
We review your business objectives, industry requirements, and shareholding structure. We confirm the appropriate corporate vehicle — LTD, AŞ, Branch, or other — and provide a full written summary of the incorporation process, regulatory obligations, and anticipated capital requirements before any commitment is made.
Weeks 2–4
Document Preparation & Legalization
We manage the preparation and formalization of all corporate documents — including drafting the Articles of Association, securing company names, and coordinating the notarized translations and apostille procedures for all international shareholder documentation.
Weeks 4–5
Official Registration & Tax Filing
We execute the formal incorporation with the Trade Registry and finalize the company's tax registration with the tax authority. For specific sectors, we coordinate the application for mandatory operating licenses and open the necessary corporate bank accounts for the initial capital deposit.
Weeks 5–6
Governance & Compliance Implementation
We conduct the full legal setup of your internal management framework — including drafting of board resolutions, appointment of directors, and establishment of anti-money laundering (AML) and data protection (KVKK) compliance policies required by Turkish law.
Weeks 6–8
Post-Incorporation Review
Your corporate structure is reviewed for operational readiness. We monitor the publication in the Trade Registry Gazette and ensure all legal books are certified and ready for active trading. We liaise with the relevant authorities to confirm your entity is fully recognized for cross-border transactions.
Weeks 8+
Operational Launch & Ongoing Legal Support
Upon final registration, your company is fully authorized to conduct business in Turkey. We transition into our role as your ongoing legal partner — managing regular board meetings, general assemblies, annual compliance filings, and any regulatory changes that affect your entity's standing.
Key Legal Benefits
Why a Turkish corporate presence is a strategic legal asset.
01
Strategic Market Access
A Turkish entity provides duty-free access to the EU market via the Customs Union and acts as a primary hub for EMEA operations — a legally recognized position that an offshore vehicle cannot replicate.
02
Full Foreign Ownership
Turkish law permits 100% foreign ownership of local entities in most sectors — allowing international investors to maintain full equity control without a mandatory local partner.
03
Legal Parity
As a registered Turkish company, your business holds the same legal standing as domestic firms under the Turkish Commercial Code — ensuring equal protection before commercial courts.
04
Integrated Compliance
Our setup includes AML and KVKK compliance frameworks from day one — ensuring your business meets both Turkish regulatory requirements and international standards including FATF and OECD guidelines.
05
Remote Management
Turkish corporate structures carry no requirement for shareholders to be physically present. Your entity can be managed remotely through authorized legal representatives throughout its operational lifecycle.
06
Institutional Integration
As a registered legal entity, your business has full access to the Turkish banking system, commercial courts, and government investment incentive schemes on the same terms as any nationally incorporated company.
Frequently Asked
Legal questions about corporate operations in Turkey.
Our legal team handles questions on company formation, governance, compliance, and ongoing corporate management. Contact us directly for advice specific to your structure.
Can a foreign national own 100% of a Turkish company?
Yes. Turkish law permits 100% foreign ownership of local entities in the vast majority of sectors. No local partner or co-shareholder is required. Restricted sectors include certain media, maritime, and aviation activities — we confirm applicable restrictions during the initial structural review before any commitment is made.
What is the minimum share capital required to incorporate in Turkey?
The minimum capital requirement depends on the corporate structure chosen. For a Limited Liability Company (LTD Şti.), the minimum is TRY 50,000. For a Joint Stock Company (AŞ), the minimum is TRY 250,000. We advise on the appropriate capitalization level for your sector and anticipated operational scale as part of the structural planning stage.
Do I need to be physically present in Turkey to incorporate?
In most cases, no. We manage the incorporation process through a power of attorney, which allows our lawyers to sign all documents and complete all filings on your behalf without requiring your physical presence. Where notarized documents are required from abroad, we coordinate the apostille and legalization process for shareholder documentation in your home country.
How long does the full incorporation process take?
The full process from first instruction to an operational entity typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Trade Registry registration and tax office filing can be completed within the first 2 to 3 weeks once documents are in order. The timeline is primarily affected by the speed at which apostilled international shareholder documents can be prepared in the country of origin.
What is the corporate tax rate in Turkey?
The standard corporate income tax rate in Turkey is currently 25% on net taxable profits. Certain sectors benefit from reduced rates — companies operating in Free Zones may be exempt from corporate tax, and R&D-oriented entities benefit from significant deductions. Dividend withholding tax is 10% for distributions to foreign shareholders, though applicable bilateral tax treaties may reduce this rate. We provide a full tax analysis as part of the structural planning process.
What are the AML compliance requirements for a Turkish company?
Companies in regulated sectors — including financial services, real estate, accounting, and legal — are classified as "obliged parties" under Turkey's AML Law No. 5549 and must register with MASAK, implement written AML policies, conduct KYC on clients and counterparties, and file suspicious transaction reports. We establish and maintain the compliance framework throughout the company's operational life.
Can my Turkish company sign and enforce contracts with foreign entities?
Yes. A Turkish company is a fully recognized legal entity with the same contractual capacity as any OECD-jurisdiction corporation. It can enter into, enforce, and dispute contracts under Turkish law or under agreed foreign governing law. Turkey is a party to the New York Convention, meaning foreign arbitral awards are enforceable before Turkish commercial courts. We draft and review all cross-border commercial contracts as part of ongoing corporate legal support.
What is the difference between a Branch Office and a Liaison Office?
A Branch Office is an extension of the foreign parent company that can conduct commercial activities, generate revenue, and enter into contracts in Turkey — though it does not have separate legal personality. A Liaison Office is restricted to non-commercial activities such as market research and representation; it cannot generate revenue or execute commercial contracts. The appropriate structure depends on your operational objectives and sector. We advise on this as part of the structural planning stage.
What ongoing legal obligations does a Turkish company have after incorporation?
Ongoing obligations include filing monthly and annual tax returns with the tax authority, holding annual general assembly meetings and filing the minutes with the Trade Registry, maintaining certified legal books, submitting the annual activity report, and — for certain sectors — fulfilling sector-specific regulatory reporting requirements. We manage all of these on your behalf as your retained corporate legal partner.
Can shareholders of a Turkish company be legal entities (corporations)?
Yes. Both individual persons and foreign-incorporated legal entities — including holding companies, trusts, and fund structures — can serve as shareholders in a Turkish LTD or AŞ. We manage the document legalization and apostille process for corporate shareholder documentation and ensure that the beneficial ownership disclosure requirements under Turkish AML law are properly addressed at the registration stage.
Corporate legal proceedings managed by a team that knows every filing.
Our Istanbul-based lawyers manage the complete corporate legal lifecycle on your behalf — from trade registry filings and board governance through to AML compliance, M&A due diligence, and post-acquisition integration.
