Cryptocurrency Company Formation in Türkiye: 2026 Guide

Our company formation lawyers explain the legal, corporate, tax, and operational considerations of cryptocurrency company formation in Türkiye in a clear and practical manner.

As of 2026, Türkiye continues to refine its approach to crypto-assets, balancing innovation with regulatory oversight. For foreign and local entrepreneurs alike, establishing a cryptocurrency company in Türkiye requires careful legal structuring, regulatory compliance, and proper tax and accounting planning.

Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has been advising international investors on Turkish company formation and governance matters since 2017, providing end-to-end legal solutions for crypto-focused businesses.

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Türkiye has rapidly emerged as a critical jurisdiction in the global digital asset landscape. With a tech-savvy population and proactive regulatory framework, it offers immense potential for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). However, establishing a legitimate crypto entity in this dynamic environment requires precise adherence to a complex and evolving set of rules, particularly those set forth by the Capital Markets Board (CMB).

Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has been the trusted partner for international entrepreneurs seeking seamless company formation in Türkiye. Located in Istanbul, we specialize in guiding foreign investment through the intricacies of Turkish corporate and financial law, ensuring your crypto venture is compliant, robust, and positioned for success.

This definitive guide breaks down the essential steps, legal requirements, and strategic considerations for cryptocurrency company formation in Türkiye as we look toward 2026.

The Regulatory Environment: The Path to Compliance

The legal foundation for the crypto sector in Türkiye is primarily governed by the Capital Markets Law (CML) and a series of Communiqués issued by the CMB. These regulations have formalized the status of Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs)—which include exchanges, custody services, and initial sale/distribution platforms—as regulated financial entities.

Key Regulatory Requirements for Crypto Companies:

1. Mandatory Licensing: All CASPs must secure an Operating License from the CMB. This process typically involves a preliminary establishment permit followed by a full operating license.
2. Corporate Structure: CASPs must be established as a Joint-Stock Company (JSC), with all shares issued in registered form and fully paid in cash. This is a crucial distinction from the standard limited liability company formation path typically taken by non-financial businesses.
3. Capital Adequacy: The minimum establishment and equity capital requirements are substantial and depend on the specific services offered (e.g., trading platform vs. custody). As of recent regulatory updates, the minimum paid-in capital for a trading platform is typically required to be no less than a set threshold of Turkish Liras (currently around 150,000,000 TRY or more, subject to CMB updates).
4. AML/KYC Compliance: Crypto companies are classified as ‘obliged entities’ under the Law on Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime (MASAK Law). This mandates strict compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols, including customer identification, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).

The stringent nature of this framework means that engaging expert Turkish company formation lawyers is not merely advisable—it is essential for a successful application.

Step-by-Step Crypto Company Formation in Istanbul

The corporate setup for a CASP follows the general principles of company formation in Türkiye, but with added layers of regulatory oversight and specialization required for the digital asset industry.

Phase 1: Pre-Establishment & CMB Application

The process starts not just with the Trade Registry, but with the Capital Markets Board.

• Establishment Permit Application: Before registering the company, a petition must be submitted to the CMB to obtain an establishment permit. This application requires detailed documentation on the company’s founders, business model, operational plan, and source of capital.
• Drafting the Articles of Association (AoA): The AoA must explicitly state that the company’s activities are limited to the authorized crypto-asset services (trading, custody, etc.) and comply with all CMB-mandated stipulations.

Phase 2: Incorporation at the Trade Registry

Once the CMB issues the establishment permit, the standard legal incorporation process can proceed:

1. Prepare the Required Documentation: This includes, but is not limited to, the notarized AoA, shareholder declarations, criminal record certificates for key personnel, and proof of legal source of capital. For foreign founders, notarized and apostilled passport copies and translations are mandatory. See our guide on required documents for company formation for a comprehensive checklist.
2. MERSİS and Trade Registry Filing: The application is submitted through the Central Registry System (MERSİS) and filed with the competent Trade Registry Office.
3. Deposit the Minimum Capital: A portion of the required minimum share capital must be deposited into a blocked corporate account before registration is finalized.

Phase 3: Post-Establishment & Licensing

The legal entity is formed, but it is not yet authorized to operate as a CASP.

1. Tax and Social Security Registration: Register the newly formed company with the relevant Tax Office.
2. Open a Corporate Bank Account: This is critical for operational activities. Navigating the requirements for bank account opening for a crypto company in Türkiye requires a strategic approach due to enhanced due diligence by local financial institutions.
3. Internal Controls & IT Audit: The company must establish robust internal control systems, risk management procedures, and high-level cybersecurity standards. An independent audit of the information systems, often following TÜBİTAK’s requirements, is mandatory to ensure platform integrity and data protection.
4. Operating License Application: The final and most critical step is applying to the CMB for the full operating license, demonstrating that all governance, capital, personnel, and technological requirements are fully met.

Taxation and Financial Compliance

A key element of setting up a crypto company in Türkiye is understanding the financial obligations.

• Corporate Tax: Crypto-related businesses are subject to the standard corporate income tax rate, though financial institutions and those operating in specific financial markets may face a higher rate.
• Gains: While the Turkish government is still formalizing a dedicated crypto tax framework, gains realized by a corporation are generally considered ordinary income and are subject to Corporate Income Tax. Detailed, transparent accounting & bookkeeping is paramount for calculating commercial earnings and commissions accurately.
• VAT: Crypto transactions are generally not subject to VAT.
• Incentives: Certain activities, such as software development or BPO services provided to non-residents, may benefit from tax deductions, offering strategic advantages for some crypto business models.

Consulting a specialist in Turkish taxation guide is vital to ensure optimal tax structure and compliance in a sector where fiscal rules are continually evolving.

Estimated Timeline for a Regulated CASP

The formation of a standard company is relatively quick. However, the regulatory licensing process for a CASP extends the Timeline significantly due to the detailed scrutiny by the CMB.

This timeline underscores the need for a meticulously prepared application and a dedicated legal partner to manage the process end-to-end.

Contact us for Cryptocurrency Company Formation in Türkiye

The opportunity to establish a fully compliant, regulated cryptocurrency company in Türkiye is tremendous, offering a gateway to a vibrant and high-demand market. However, the exacting requirements of the CMB and the necessity of navigating Turkey’s corporate law demand specialized legal guidance.

Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has provided comprehensive, multi-lingual legal services, acting as the strategic legal backbone for top-tier international businesses in Istanbul. Our deep expertise in corporate governance and the new digital asset regulatory framework means we don’t just incorporate your company; we ensure your entire VASP structure is legally sound, fully compliant, and ready to thrive in the 2026 digital economy.

Contact us to manage your complex CMB licensing and company formation process in Türkiye.