Choosing the right company structure in Türkiye is one of the most critical decisions for entrepreneurs, foreign investors, and multinational groups entering the Turkish market. The legal form you select directly affects taxation, liability, governance, capital requirements, compliance obligations, and long-term scalability.
As Türkiye continues to attract international investment in 2026, understanding the available company types and aligning them with your commercial objectives is essential.
Table of Contents
- Why Company Structure Matters in Türkiye
- Overview of Company Structures in Türkiye
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Practical and Cost-Efficient
- Joint-Stock Company (JSC): Scalable and Investor-Friendly
- Branch Office vs. Subsidiary Company
- Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Company Structure
- Foreign Ownership and Regulatory Considerations
- Common Mistakes When Selecting a Company Structure
- How Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm Supports Your Decision
- Contact us for Company Formation in Türkiye
As Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, a full-service company formation and corporate governance firm based in Istanbul since 2017, we advise local and foreign clients on structuring their Turkish operations efficiently, lawfully, and strategically. Our corporate lawyers team explains how to choose the most suitable company structure in Türkiye, with practical considerations for today’s regulatory and business environment.
Why Company Structure Matters in Türkiye
Under Turkish Commercial Law, the chosen company type determines:
- The extent of shareholders’ personal liability
- Minimum capital requirements
- Corporate governance and management structure
- Tax exposure and dividend distribution
- Compliance, reporting, and audit obligations
- Eligibility for incentives, licenses, and sectoral approvals
An inappropriate structure may increase costs, restrict growth, or expose shareholders to unnecessary risks. Therefore, company formation should be treated as a strategic legal decision rather than a purely administrative step. Working with experienced company formation lawyers ensures that your structure aligns with both current operations and future expansion plans.
Overview of Company Structures in Türkiye
Türkiye recognizes several types of commercial entities under the Turkish Commercial Code. The most commonly used structures for business activities are:
- Limited Liability Company (Limited Şirket – “Ltd. Şti.”)
- Joint-Stock Company (Anonim Şirket – “A.Ş.”)
- Branch Office
- Liaison Office
While sole proprietorships and partnerships exist, they are rarely suitable for foreign investors or scalable operations due to unlimited liability and limited governance flexibility.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): Practical and Cost-Efficient
The limited liability company is the most popular structure for small to medium-sized enterprises and first-time investors in Türkiye.
Key Features of an LLC
- Minimum capital: TRY 50,000
- One or more shareholders (individuals or legal entities)
- Shareholders’ liability limited to capital commitment
- Can be established by foreigners with 100% ownership
- Flexible management structure
Advantages
LLCs are relatively easy and cost-effective to establish and operate. They offer simplified corporate governance, fewer formalities than joint-stock companies, and lower compliance costs. For trading companies, consulting firms, technology startups, and service providers, LLCs often represent the optimal balance between protection and efficiency.
Considerations
LLCs may face limitations when attracting large-scale investment, issuing shares, or going public. Share transfers are subject to notarization and approval procedures, which may reduce flexibility for certain investors.
Joint-Stock Company (JSC): Scalable and Investor-Friendly
A joint-stock company is the preferred structure for large-scale investments, regulated industries, and businesses seeking institutional funding.
Key Features of a JSC
- Minimum capital: TRY 250,000 (higher for regulated sectors)
- One or more shareholders
- Shares can be freely transferred
- Strong corporate governance framework
- Suitable for public offerings
Advantages
Joint-stock companies offer maximum flexibility for growth, investment, and exit strategies. They are mandatory for certain sectors such as banking, insurance, financial leasing, and public tenders. Shareholders’ liability is strictly limited, and the structure is well-recognized by international investors.
Considerations
JSCs involve higher establishment and compliance costs, more formal governance requirements, and stricter reporting obligations. However, these are often outweighed by the benefits for medium to large enterprises.
Branch Office vs. Subsidiary Company
Foreign companies may also operate in Türkiye through a branch office.
Branch Office
A branch is not a separate legal entity and operates as an extension of the foreign parent company. The parent company bears full liability for branch activities.
Best suited for:
- Short-term projects
- Market testing
- Direct representation of foreign headquarters
Subsidiary Company
A subsidiary company (LLC or JSC) is a separate legal entity established under Turkish law.
Best suited for:
- Long-term operations
- Risk isolation
- Local partnerships and incentives
In most cases, foreign investors prefer establishing a subsidiary through company formation in Türkiye to limit liability and benefit from local legal recognition.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Company Structure
1. Nature and Scale of Business Activities
Your industry, operational scope, and growth expectations heavily influence the appropriate structure. Manufacturing, finance, and regulated sectors typically require a joint-stock company, while service-oriented businesses often benefit from an LLC.
2. Capital and Funding Strategy
If you plan to attract investors, issue shares, or raise institutional funding, a joint-stock company provides superior flexibility. For self-funded or family-owned businesses, an LLC may suffice.
3. Liability and Risk Exposure
Limiting personal liability is a primary concern for most investors. Both LLCs and JSCs offer capital-based liability protection, while branches expose the parent company to direct risk.
4. Governance and Management Preferences
Joint-stock companies require boards of directors and stricter governance rules. LLCs allow more streamlined management, which may be preferable for owner-managed businesses.
5. Tax Planning and Compliance
Corporate tax obligations are generally similar across company types, but dividend distribution, profit allocation, and compliance costs vary. Strategic structuring can optimize tax efficiency within the bounds of Turkish law.
Foreign Ownership and Regulatory Considerations
Türkiye allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, with limited exceptions related to national security or strategic industries. Foreign shareholders enjoy equal treatment with Turkish nationals under the Foreign Direct Investment Law.
However, sector-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and capital thresholds may apply. Professional legal guidance ensures compliance while avoiding delays or regulatory risks.
Common Mistakes When Selecting a Company Structure
- Choosing an LLC when long-term investment or public funding is planned
- Establishing a branch instead of a subsidiary for permanent operations
- Underestimating compliance and governance obligations
- Ignoring future exit or restructuring scenarios
- Proceeding without tailored legal advice
These mistakes can result in costly restructurings and missed opportunities.
How Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm Supports Your Decision
Since 2017, Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm has assisted thousands of local and international clients with company formation, governance, restructuring, and compliance in Türkiye. Our multilingual team provides strategic advice tailored to your industry, investment goals, and regulatory environment.
We do not offer generic solutions. Instead, we analyze your business model, risk profile, and expansion plans to recommend the most effective legal structure for sustainable success.
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 in Türkiye
Choosing the right company structure in Türkiye is a foundational decision that impacts every aspect of your business. To ensure a compliant, efficient, and future-proof setup, we invite you to contact Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm. Our experienced corporate lawyers in Istanbul are ready to guide you through every stage of your investment journey in Türkiye with clarity and confidence.
Contact Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm today to schedule a consultation with our expert team. We will analyze your business model and help you incorporate the perfect entity for your 2026 goals in Türkiye.
