Complete Guide to Acquiring a Shelf Company in Türkiye

A shelf company in Türkiye also referred to as a ready-made or aged company—is a pre-registered legal entity that has been incorporated but has not conducted any commercial activity. These companies are “kept on the shelf” until purchased by an investor who requires a company with immediate legal existence.

In 2026, shelf companies continue to attract both foreign and domestic investors seeking speed, credibility, and operational efficiency when entering the Turkish market.

As Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, a full-service company formation and governance firm based in Istanbul since 2017, we regularly advise international entrepreneurs, holding structures, and multinational groups on whether a shelf company is the appropriate entry vehicle for their Turkish operations.

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The decision between acquiring a shelf company and pursuing traditional formation depends on your specific business timeline, operational requirements, and strategic priorities. Shelf companies excel when immediate market entry is critical, operational simplicity is preferred, and generic corporate structures sufficiently serve your business model.

Conversely, traditional formation proves superior when customized corporate identity is essential, specific capital structures are required, and timeline pressures are manageable.

Why Choose a Shelf Company in Türkiye?

The primary advantage of a shelf company is time efficiency. While standard incorporation procedures in Türkiye are relatively streamlined, certain sectors, banking relationships, or tender requirements may favor companies with an earlier incorporation date.

Key reasons investors opt for shelf companies include:

• Immediate operational readiness
• An established incorporation date, enhancing perceived credibility
• Faster participation in tenders or contract negotiations
• Reduced administrative lead time compared to new incorporations

For clients who wish to bypass incorporation timelines entirely, shelf companies offer a practical alternative to traditional company formation inTürkiye.

Legal Structure of Shelf Companies in Türkiye

Shelf companies in Türkiye are typically incorporated as either:

• A limited liability company (Limited Şirket – Ltd. Şti.), or
• A joint-stock company (Anonim Şirket – A.Ş.)

Both structures comply fully with the Turkish Commercial Code and can be transferred to new shareholders through notarized share transfer procedures. Importantly, shelf companies have no prior liabilities, no employees, and no transaction history.

At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we conduct thorough legal due diligence to ensure that each shelf company is entirely dormant, compliant, and free of hidden risks.

Shelf Company vs. New Company Formation in Türkiye

Choosing between a shelf company and a new incorporation depends on business priorities. A newly formed company offers customization from day one, while a shelf company emphasizes speed.

Shelf Company Advantages:

• Immediate availability
• Faster bank and contractual engagement
• Established incorporation date

New Company Formation Advantages:

• Tailored shareholding and governance structure
• Lower upfront acquisition costs
• Full control over incorporation details

Our role as experienced company formation lawyers is to objectively assess which option best aligns with your commercial goals, sector requirements, and compliance strategy.

Shelf Company Acquisition Process in Türkiye

The acquisition of a shelf company involves several legally regulated steps:

1. Due Diligence Review
   Verification that the company has no debts, tax liabilities, or legal disputes.
2. Share Transfer
   Execution of notarized share transfer agreements before a Turkish notary public.
3. Management Restructuring
   Appointment of new directors or managers and registration with the Trade Registry.
4. Registered Address Update
   Updating the company’s legal address, if required.
5. Bank and Tax Notifications
   Informing tax authorities and initiating the bank account opening process.

Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm manages the entire process on a turnkey basis, ensuring compliance with Turkish corporate, tax, and foreign investment regulations.

Banking and Shelf Companies in Türkiye

One of the most sensitive aspects of using a shelf company is banking. Turkish banks apply strict compliance and KYC (Know Your Customer) standards, especially for foreign-owned companies.

While a shelf company does not automatically guarantee faster banking approval, an older incorporation date may positively influence internal risk assessments. Nonetheless, banks will still require:

• Shareholder and director identification
• Business activity explanation
• Source of funds documentation

Our firm regularly coordinates with leading Turkish banks to facilitate smooth account setup following shelf company acquisition.

Tax and Compliance Considerations

Shelf companies are tax-registered entities from their incorporation date. However, since they have no activity, they typically have nil tax filings. After acquisition, the new owner must ensure:

• Timely tax declarations
• Proper bookkeeping and accounting setup
• Appointment of a certified public accountant

Failure to address post-acquisition compliance can result in penalties, regardless of the company’s dormant history. Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm provides ongoing corporate secretarial and compliance support to mitigate these risks.

Costs of Buying a Shelf Company in Türkiye

The total cost of acquiring a shelf company depends on several factors, including legal fees, notary expenses, registry updates, and advisory services. Compared to standard incorporation, shelf companies may involve a premium due to their immediacy and age.

Clients often compare these expenses with standard company formation costs to determine the most cost-effective solution. Our firm provides transparent, itemized pricing so clients can make informed decisions without hidden expenses.

Who Should Consider a Shelf Company?

Shelf companies are particularly suitable for:

• Foreign investors with urgent operational timelines
• Companies participating in time-sensitive tenders
• Holding companies requiring immediate subsidiary presence
• Investors prioritizing speed over customization

They may be less suitable for startups with limited budgets or businesses requiring complex shareholder structures from inception.

Why Work with Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm?

With more than 9+ years of experience in Turkish corporate law, Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm is uniquely positioned to advise on shelf company acquisitions. Our multilingual team serves clients across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, offering integrated legal, corporate, and governance solutions under one roof.

We do not merely sell shelf companies; we deliver legally sound, strategically aligned corporate entry solutions tailored to your long-term business objectives in Türkiye.

Contact us for Acquiring a Shelf Company in Türkiye

Whether you’re considering a shelf company for rapid market entry or prefer establishing a customized corporate structure, Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm delivers the expertise and multilingual support you need.

Since 2017, our Istanbul-based team has guided international investors through thousands of successful company formations in Türkiye, providing comprehensive legal services across corporate establishment, governance, compliance, and operational support.

Contact Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm today to discuss your specific business objectives and discover the most strategic path to establishing your Turkish corporate presence. Our experienced company formation lawyers will provide personalized guidance tailored to your timeline, industry requirements, and long-term business goals.