Do You Need to Be in Türkiye to Open a Company in 2026?

Opening a company in Türkiye has become an increasingly attractive option for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational groups seeking access to dynamic regional markets. A question we are frequently asked at Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm is straightforward yet critical: Do you need to be physically present in Türkiye to open a company?

The short answer is no, in most cases you do not. However, the legal and procedural details matter. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we explain when physical presence is required, when remote incorporation is possible, and how foreign investors can efficiently establish a Turkish company without unnecessary travel.

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As a full-service company formation and governance accounting firm based in Istanbul since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has advised thousands of international clients on seamless company formation in Türkiye.

Overview of Company Formation in Türkiye

Türkiye offers a business-friendly legal framework that allows both individuals and corporate entities—local or foreign—to establish companies under the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC). The most commonly preferred company types for foreign investors are:

• Limited Liability Companies (Ltd. Şti.)
• Joint-Stock Companies (A.Ş.)

Each structure has distinct governance, capital, and compliance requirements, but both can be established by non-residents and foreign nationals.

Importantly, Turkish law does not require shareholders or directors to reside in Türkiye. This legal flexibility enables foreign investors to open companies remotely, provided that procedural requirements are correctly handled.

Is Physical Presence Required to Open a Company in Türkiye?

General Rule: No Physical Presence Is Required

In 2026, it remains legally possible to open a company in Türkiye without being physically present, provided that you grant proper authority to a professional legal representative in Türkiye.

Through a power of attorney (PoA) issued abroad and duly notarized and apostilled, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm can complete the entire incorporation process on your behalf, including:

• Drafting articles of association
• Registering the company with the Trade Registry
• Obtaining tax registration
• Completing post-incorporation compliance formalities

This remote incorporation model is particularly popular among foreign entrepreneurs, holding companies, and international investors.

When Might Physical Presence Be Required?

Although company incorporation itself can be handled remotely, there are limited situations where physical presence may be practically or legally required, including:

1. Opening a Corporate Bank Account

While company registration can be completed without travel, most Turkish banks require at least one company signatory or director to be physically present for compliance and know-your-customer (KYC) purposes. This requirement is driven by banking regulations rather than company law.

That said, some banks may accept alternative arrangements depending on the shareholder profile, jurisdiction, and compliance documentation.

2. Obtaining a Residence or Work Permit

If you plan to actively manage the business from Türkiye, you may need to enter the country later to apply for a residence or work permit. This step is separate from company formation and can be addressed after incorporation.

3. Certain Regulated Sectors

Companies operating in regulated industries (e.g., finance, energy, healthcare, or defense) may face additional licensing or compliance steps that could require in-person procedures.

Remote Company Formation via Power of Attorney

How Power of Attorney Works

Foreign investors can authorize Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm through a power of attorney executed in their home country. The document must typically be:

• Notarized
• Apostilled (or legalized via Turkish consulate)
• Translated into Turkish by a sworn translator

Once issued, the PoA allows our company formation lawyers to handle all legal and administrative procedures on your behalf.

This method significantly reduces time, cost, and logistical complexity, particularly for investors managing multiple jurisdictions.

Company Types and Physical Presence Requirements

Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)

A limited liability company is the most common structure for small and medium-sized enterprises and foreign entrepreneurs. Key features include:

• Minimum capital requirement: TRY 50,000 (as of 2026)
• One or more shareholders (individuals or legal entities)
• No residency requirement for shareholders or directors

A limited liability company can be fully incorporated remotely through a power of attorney.

Joint-Stock Company (A.Ş.)

A joint-stock company is preferred for larger investments, holding structures, and companies planning future capital increases or public offerings. Key features include:

• Minimum capital requirement: TRY 250,000
• Single-shareholder structure permitted
• Stronger corporate governance framework

Joint-stock companies can also be established remotely, making them suitable for international investors and multinational groups.

Tax Registration and Social Security Formalities

Even when incorporation is completed remotely, Turkish authorities require proper registration with:

• The Turkish Tax Office
• Social Security Institution (if employees will be hired)

These registrations are procedural and can be completed by authorized representatives without shareholder presence. However, ongoing compliance, including bookkeeping and tax filings, must be handled by licensed professionals in Türkiye.

Advantages of Opening a Company in Türkiye Without Being Present

Remote company formation offers several strategic advantages:

• Faster market entry without international travel
• Reduced operational and logistical costs
• Immediate legal presence in Türkiye
• Flexibility for international shareholders

This approach is particularly valuable for foreign investors conducting feasibility studies or testing the Turkish market before committing to relocation.

Common Misconceptions About Physical Presence

Many foreign investors mistakenly believe that:

• They must live in Türkiye to own a company
• They must visit Türkiye for incorporation
• Turkish citizenship or residency is required

None of these assumptions are correct. Turkish company law is designed to encourage foreign direct investment and supports non-resident ownership.

Importance of Professional Legal Support

Although physical presence is not mandatory, professional legal guidance is essential to avoid delays, compliance risks, or procedural errors. Errors in documentation, translations, or registrations can lead to rejection by authorities or future legal exposure.

By working with experienced advisors specializing in company formation in Türkiye, foreign investors ensure that their corporate structure is compliant, tax-efficient, and aligned with long-term business goals.

Why Choose Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm?

Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has been advising international clients on Turkish corporate law since 2017. Our multilingual team provides end-to-end support, including:

• Remote company incorporation
• Corporate governance and compliance
• Banking and tax coordination
• Ongoing legal advisory services

We act as a single point of contact, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and legal certainty throughout the process.

Conclusion: Do You Need to Be in Türkiye to Open a Company?

In summary, you do not need to be physically present in Türkiye to open a company in 2026. With proper legal representation and documentation, foreign investors can establish and operate a Turkish company remotely. Physical presence may later be required for banking or immigration purposes, but it is not a prerequisite for incorporation.

This flexibility makes Türkiye an accessible and competitive jurisdiction for global entrepreneurs.

Contact us to Open a Company in Türkiye Remotely

Opening a company in Türkiye without being physically present is entirely achievable with proper planning and professional support. At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been guiding international entrepreneurs through Turkish company formation since 2017, combining deep local expertise with multilingual service that bridges cultural and linguistic gaps.

If you are considering opening a company in Türkiye and would like to understand whether remote incorporation is suitable for your business model, we invite you to contact Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm. Our experienced corporate lawyers will provide clear, practical, and legally sound guidance tailored to your investment objectives.