Doing business in Türkiye as a foreigner

Foreign nationals can register a 100% foreign-owned company in Türkiye; the most common form is an Ltd with minimum capital of TL 50,000. Before starting, plan for tax (25% corporate income tax), a work permit for a foreign director, mandatory accounting and inflation and currency risk.

Common structures

Before you start

• A certified accountant is mandatory for every company.
• A foreign director or partner working in the company usually needs a work permit, and the company must meet capital, sales and Turkish-staff criteria.
• High inflation moves prices, rents and salaries quickly; write contracts with adjustment clauses.
• Company bank accounts can be hard to open for some nationalities.

Frequently asked questions

What businesses are common for foreigners in Türkiye?

Trading and import-export, tourism and restaurants, tech and online services, and real estate are among the most common.

Does registering a company give Turkish residency?

Not on its own; you usually stay in Türkiye with a work permit in the company.

What is the corporate tax rate in Türkiye?

The standard corporate income tax rate is 25% and the standard VAT rate is 20%.

Read the details in our guide to company registration in Türkiye.