Understanding company formation costs in Türkiye is a critical first step for entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, and foreign investors planning to enter the Turkish market in 2026. While Türkiye remains one of the most cost-efficient jurisdictions for establishing a business compared to many EU and OECD countries, formation costs vary depending on the company type, shareholder structure, capital requirements, and regulatory compliance obligations.
As Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, a full-service accounting firm based in Istanbul with over three years of experience in Turkish company formation and governance, we regularly advise clients on cost planning, legal structuring, and compliance strategies. Read transparent, practical, and legally grounded overview of company formation costs in Türkiye in 2026.
Table of Contents
- 1. Choosing Your Entity: LLC vs. JSC
- 2. Official Registration and Trade Registry Fees
- 3. Notary and Documentation Expenses
- 4. Professional Legal and Consultancy Fees
- 5. Registered Office and Virtual Solutions
- 6. Post-Incorporation Compliance Costs
- 7. Special Considerations for Work Permits
- Breakdown of Core Company Formation Costs in Türkiye for 2026
- Plan Your Company Formation Costs with Confidence
- Contact us for Company Formation Costs in Türkiye
Establishing a business in the heart of Eurasia requires a clear understanding of the financial landscape. As of 2026, Türkiye continues to be a premier destination for global trade, offering a strategic bridge between East and West. At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been guiding international entrepreneurs through the complexities of the Turkish legal system since 2017.
Navigating company formation costs in Türkiye involves more than just looking at a single price tag; it requires a detailed breakdown of government fees, professional service charges, and minimum capital requirements. Whether you are launching a startup or expanding a multinational corporation, this guide provides the transparency you need for a successful market entry.
1. Choosing Your Entity: LLC vs. JSC
The first factor influencing your budget is the legal structure of your business. The Turkish Commercial Code primarily offers two vehicles for foreign investors:
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The limited liability company formation remains the most popular choice for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Minimum Capital (2026): 50,000 TRY.
- Upfront Payment: For an LLC, the capital does not need to be deposited immediately at the time of incorporation. You have 24 months to pay the full amount.
Joint-Stock Company (JSC)
For larger scale operations or those planning to go public, joint-stock company formation is the standard.
- Minimum Capital (2026): 250,000 TRY.
- Upfront Payment: Unlike an LLC, a JSC requires 25% of the capital (62,500 TRY) to be deposited and blocked in a Turkish bank account before the registration is finalized.
2. Official Registration and Trade Registry Fees
To gain legal personality, your company must be registered with the relevant Trade Registry Office (typically the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce for our local clients).
As of 2026, standard registration fees, which include the application fee and the mandatory contribution to the Competition Authority (0.04% of the capital), typically range between 12,500 TRY and 15,000 TRY.
A critical part of this process is the publication in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette. This official announcement ensures your company’s legal existence is public record. Depending on the length of your Articles of Association, gazette fees generally cost around 2,000 TRY to 3,500 TRY.
3. Notary and Documentation Expenses
Foreign investors must account for the cost of “Turkifying” their international documents. All foreign passports, power of attorneys, and corporate documents (if the shareholder is a legal entity) must be translated by a sworn translator and notarized.
- Sworn Translation: Costs vary by language but expect to pay per page.
- Notary Approvals: In 2026, notarizing the Articles of Association and the “Signature Circular” (the document authorizing managers to act on behalf of the company) can range from 13,000 TRY to 16,000 TRY.
4. Professional Legal and Consultancy Fees
While it is technically possible to submit papers yourself, the risk of rejection or structural errors is high. Engaging expert Turkish company formation lawyers ensures that your “Articles of Association” are not just a template, but a bespoke document protecting your rights.
Our firm provides comprehensive support in drafting shareholder agreements and establishing robust corporate governance frameworks from day one. Professional legal fees for a standard setup generally range between $1,500 and $3,500 USD, depending on the complexity of the shareholding structure.
5. Registered Office and Virtual Solutions
Every Turkish company must have a physical, legal address.
- Virtual Offices: For those who do not require a physical shopfront immediately, a virtual office in Istanbul provides a prestigious address for approximately 1,000 TRY to 2,000 TRY per month.
- Physical Offices: Traditional rentals require a security deposit (usually 2 months’ rent) and a notary fee for the lease agreement.
6. Post-Incorporation Compliance Costs
Once the “Trade Registry” issues your certificate, your financial obligations do not end. To maintain good standing, you must account for:
- Monthly Bookkeeping: It is legally mandatory in Türkiye to work with a Certified Public Accountant (SMMM). Monthly fees start at approximately 5,000 TRY for small companies.
- Electronic Seal (Mali Mühür): Required for e-invoicing and digital tax filings, costing about 2,500 TRY.
- Annual Ledger Certification: Every January, your official company books must be notarized, costing around 3,000 TRY.
7. Special Considerations for Work Permits
If you intend to live in Türkiye and manage your company, you will need a work permit. As of 2026, the Ministry of Labor has updated the financial thresholds. While the Commercial Code only requires 50,000 TRY capital for an LLC, the Ministry now requires a paid-in capital of at least 500,000 TRY to grant a work permit to a foreign shareholder.
Breakdown of Core Company Formation Costs in Türkiye for 2026
Forming a company in Türkiye typically takes 7-14 days via the Central Registry Office (MERSIS) online portal. Here’s a detailed cost table for standard setups in Istanbul.
| Cost Category | LLC (Limited Şirket) | JSC (Anonim Şirket) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Share Capital | 50,000 | 250,000 | Deposited in bank; 25% paid upfront for LLCs. Refundable post-registration. |
| Trade Registry Fee | 1,500-2,500 | 3,000-5,000 | Varies by capital size; online filing reduces by 20%. |
| Notary Fees | 2,000-4,000 | 5,000-8,000 | Articles of association authentication. |
| Announcement in Trade Registry Gazette | 500-1,000 | 1,000-2,000 | Mandatory public notice. |
| Tax Office & Chamber of Commerce | 1,000-1,500 | 1,500-2,500 | Registration and membership dues. |
| Total Government Fees | 5,000-9,000 | 10,500-17,500 | Excludes capital. |
These are baseline 2026 estimates; high-capital firms pay more proportionally. Foreign investors benefit from e-signature mandates, slashing paperwork costs.
Plan Your Company Formation Costs with Confidence
Company formation costs in Türkiye depend on multiple legal, structural, and strategic decisions. Whether establishing a limited liability company or a joint-stock company, proper planning ensures compliance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
With over 9+ years of experience, Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm provides tailored, multilingual legal services to local and international clients navigating Turkish company formation and governance.
Since 2017, Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm has remained Istanbul’s trusted partner for business establishment and financial compliance.
Beyhan Akkas, CPA & Accountant
Contact us for Company Formation Costs in Türkiye
Mastering company formation costs in Türkiye for 2026 positions you for growth in one of Eurasia’s hottest markets. With inflation and regulatory tweaks, partnering with experts ensures efficiency and compliance.
If you are planning to establish a company in Türkiye and require a clear, compliant, and cost-effective legal roadmap, we invite you to contact Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm. Our experienced legal team will guide you through every stage of company formation, governance, and long-term compliance with confidence and precision.
