Company Formation in Turkey

With an internationally networked team, gençer & coll. provides you with optimal advice for company formation in Turkey.

Operate successfully in Turkey's growth market.

Turkish company law shows significant similarities to the company forms known in Germany, not least because the German Commercial Code was adopted in its basic principles in 1956. However, upon closer examination of the legal details, considerable differences emerge.

The regulations of Turkish company law can be found not only in the Commercial Code but also in the Code of Obligations. Additional laws must be observed for banks, insurance companies, or publicly listed companies. For foreign investors, in particular, a series of documents must be submitted for the formation of a company in Turkey.

Since the legal forms corresponding to the GmbH (Limited Şirket) and AG (Anonim Şirket) are among the most preferred and practical company forms for foreign investors, our following explanations will initially focus on these two types of companies. Naturally, we also advise you on all other matters related to company formations in Turkey.

The Turkish Ltd. Şti. (Limited Şirket)

The Ltd. Şti. is the Turkish equivalent of the German "Gesellschaft mit begrenzter Haftung" (limited liability company). Despite numerous similarities, there are also important differences. Two significant differences concern the share capital and the number of shareholders. The required share capital for the Ltd. Şti. is only TL 5,000 (equivalent to approximately 820 Euros in December 2018). In contrast to the German GmbH, a minimum of two shareholders is required.

The Turkish Stock Corporation (AG) Compared to the Turkish Limited Liability Company (GmbH)

For banks, insurance companies, leasing companies, and investment firms in Turkey, the Turkish Anonim Şirketi (A.Ş.), which is a stock corporation (AG), is a mandatory legal form. To establish an A.Ş., a minimum of five founding members and a share capital of TL 50,000 are required. In other sectors, the question arises whether the A.Ş. or the Ltd. Şti. is the more suitable legal form. Often, a hasty decision is made in favor of the Ltd. Şti. due to the lower effort involved in its formation, without adequately considering the liability advantages of the A.Ş.

For company formation in Turkey, we support you in the following areas:

Analysis and Reports

Current data on the economic and legal situation in Turkey
Industry and Company Reports
Competitive Analyses
Analysis and Optimization of Your Market Entry Strategy
Support for Transactions and Investments

Support and legal assistance for company formation in Turkey

Handling complex transactions (e.g., mergers and acquisitions)
Financial optimization through holistic solutions

Management Support

Assistance in selecting suitable cooperation partners
Optimizing communication with Turkish subsidiaries
Optimizing your purchasing processes and sales strategies
Adapting your marketing strategy and public relations to the intercultural specifics in Turkey
Integrated solutions for facility management

We support you as Turkish lawyers in leading your company to success in the growth market of Turkey.