How Long Does It Take to Open a Company in Türkiye?

The process of opening a company in Türkiye has become remarkably streamlined in recent years, thanks to government digitalization initiatives and simplified bureaucratic procedures. Under optimal conditions with proper preparation, the standard timeline ranges from 1 to 5 business days for most company structures. However, this timeframe varies significantly based on your chosen entity type, documentation readiness, and specific business requirements.

The efficiency of your company formation journey largely depends on advance preparation and professional guidance. Working with experienced Turkish company formation lawyers can reduce delays and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements from the outset.

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Opening a company in Türkiye is a strategic decision for foreign investors seeking access to a dynamic domestic market, a customs union with the EU, and a highly developed infrastructure. One of the most common and practical questions we receive is: how long does it take to open a company in Türkiye?

As AkkasCPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, a full-service company formation and governance firm based in Istanbul and serving international clients since 2017, we provide a clear, realistic, and legally grounded answer. We explain the company formation timeline in Türkiye in 2026, the factors that affect speed, and how different company types compare in terms of setup duration.

Overview: Company Formation Timeline in Türkiye

In general terms, a company in Türkiye can be established within 1 to 5 business days, provided that all documentation is complete and no sector-specific licenses are required.

However, the exact timeline depends on:

• The type of company
• Shareholder and director structure
• Whether shareholders are foreign individuals or foreign legal entities
• Capital structure and bank procedures
• Post-incorporation registrations and permits

With professional legal assistance from experienced company formation lawyers, delays can be minimized and compliance ensured from day one.

Standard Timeline for Opening a Company in Türkiye

Below is a high-level timeline for a standard company formation process:

Day 1: Document Preparation

• Articles of Association drafted
• Shareholder and director information finalized
• Powers of attorney (if applicable) issued
• Notarization and sworn translations (for foreign documents)

Day 2: Trade Registry Application

• Online MERSIS registration
• Trade Registry filing
• Company officially incorporated upon registration

Day 3: Tax and Social Security Registrations

• Tax Office registration
• Potential Social Security Institution (SGK) registration
• Opening statutory company books

Day 4–5: Bank Account and Capital Procedures

• Corporate bank account opening
• Capital blocking (if required)
• Electronic signature issuance

Total time: typically 2–5 business days for standard companies.

Company Type and Formation Duration

The time required to open a company in Türkiye varies significantly depending on the legal structure chosen.

Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)

A limited liability company is the most common choice for SMEs and foreign investors.

Formation time:

• 1–3 business days

Key features:

• Minimum capital: TRY 50,000
• One or more shareholders
• Single director possible
• Capital payment can be deferred for 24 months

This structure offers both speed and flexibility, making it ideal for most commercial activities.

Joint-Stock Company (A.Ş.)

A joint-stock company is preferred for larger investments, regulated industries, or companies planning to attract investors.

Formation time:

• 2–5 business days

Key features:

• Minimum capital: TRY 250,000
• Mandatory board of directors
• Suitable for public offerings and holding structures

The slightly longer timeline is due to governance formalities and capital-related procedures.

Branch Office of a Foreign Company

Establishing a branch office in Türkiye requires approval from the Ministry of Trade.

Formation time:

• 2–4 weeks

Key features:

• Not a separate legal entity
• Parent company is fully liable
• Requires apostilled and legalized parent company documents

The additional time is primarily due to cross-border document legalization and ministerial approval.

Free Zone Company

Free zone company formation in Türkiye is relatively efficient compared to standard incorporation processes. In most cases, establishing a company in a Turkish free zone takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the approval of the Free Zone Operating License, the completeness of investor documentation, and the chosen company structure. Professional legal coordination significantly shortens the timeline and ensures regulatory compliance.

Liaison Office

A liaison office is used strictly for non-commercial activities such as market research or representation.

Formation time:

• 3–6 weeks

Key features:

• No revenue-generating activities permitted
• Ministry of Trade permission required
• Initial permit usually granted for 1–3 years

The application process is more regulatory in nature, which extends the timeline.

Subsidiary Company

A subsidiary is a Turkish company owned by a foreign parent company, usually structured as an Ltd. or A.Ş.

Formation time:

• 5–10 business days

Key features:

• Separate legal entity
• Requires notarized and apostilled parent company documents
• Subject to Turkish Commercial Code

The timeline depends largely on how quickly foreign corporate documents are prepared and legalized.

Key Factors Affecting Company Formation Speed

Even within the same company type, timelines can vary. Common factors include:

1. Foreign Shareholders

Foreign individuals or entities must provide notarized and sworn-translated documents, which can add 1–2 days locally, or longer if prepared abroad.

2. Bank Account Opening

Turkish banks apply strict compliance checks (KYC/AML), especially for foreign shareholders. Bank account opening may take several additional days if not pre-coordinated.

3. Sector-Specific Licenses

Companies operating in regulated sectors (finance, education, energy, health, logistics) require additional permits after incorporation, extending the effective start date.

4. Power of Attorney Usage

Granting a power of attorney to local counsel significantly shortens timelines, as shareholders do not need to be physically present in Türkiye.

Physical Presence: Is It Required?

In most cases, physical presence in Türkiye is not required to open a company.

Through properly issued powers of attorney, Finlexia CPA can complete:

• Incorporation
• Trade Registry filings
• Tax registrations
• Bank coordination

This is particularly beneficial for foreign investors managing multiple jurisdictions.

Post-Incorporation Steps and Their Timing

While a company becomes legally established upon Trade Registry registration, certain steps follow:

• E-invoice and e-archive activation: 1–3 days
• Accounting system setup: immediate
• Work permit applications for foreign directors: 1–2 months
• VAT and customs registrations (if applicable): 3–7 days

These steps do not delay incorporation but affect operational readiness.

How Finlexia CPA Accelerates the Process

Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has managed hundreds of company formations for international clients. Our approach focuses on:

• Pre-verified documentation
• Parallel processing of registrations
• Direct coordination with Trade Registry, tax offices, and banks
• Multilingual legal support
• Post-incorporation compliance and governance

Our clients consistently benefit from predictable timelines and full legal compliance under Turkish Commercial Law.

Conclusion: How Long Does It Really Take?

To summarize:

• Limited liability company: 1–3 business days
• Joint-stock company: 2–5 business days
• Branch office: 2–4 weeks
• Liaison office: 3–6 weeks
• Subsidiary: 5–10 business days

With the right legal partner, opening a company in Türkiye is one of the fastest processes among OECD countries.

Contact us to Establish Your Company in Türkiye Fast!

Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has guided hundreds of international clients through successful company formations in Türkiye. Our multilingual team of corporate law specialists combines deep regulatory knowledge with practical business acumen to deliver efficient, comprehensive formation services tailored to your specific needs.

Whether you’re establishing your first Turkish presence or expanding existing operations, our Istanbul-based team provides end-to-end support from initial consultation through post-formation compliance. We handle every detail—from document preparation and trade registry filings to banking relationships and ongoing governance requirements—allowing you to focus on building your business.

Contact Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm today for a personalized consultation. Let our three years of experience transform your Turkish business vision into legal reality with minimal delays and maximum confidence. Reach out to our team to discuss your company formation timeline and requirements.