Procedures for Closing a Branch Office in Türkiye: 2026 Guide

Operating a branch office in Türkiye offers foreign companies direct market access without establishing a separate legal entity. However, strategic shifts, restructuring, compliance concerns, or global consolidation plans may require closing a branch office in Türkiye. In 2026, closing a branch office in Türkiye remains a regulated, document-intensive, and multi-authority process that must be handled carefully to avoid future liabilities.

As Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, a full-service company formation and corporate governance firm based in Istanbul since 2017, we regularly assist multinational companies with the orderly exit and liquidation of branch operations in Türkiye. This article provides a step-by-step overview of the legal, tax, and administrative procedures involved in closing a branch office under Turkish law.

Table of Contents

Navigating the exit strategy for a foreign entity requires the same level of precision as its entry. As global market dynamics shift, many multinational corporations find it necessary to restructure their operations. Closing a branch office in Türkiye is a formal legal process governed by the Turkish Commercial Code and the Trade Registry Regulation.

At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been providing premium Turkish company formation lawyers and governance services since 2017. Whether you originally established a joint stock company formation or a branch office, the liquidation and deregistration process must be handled with strict adherence to Turkish law to avoid residual liabilities.

Understanding the Legal Framework for Branch Closure

A branch office (Şube) is not a separate legal entity from its parent company, yet it possesses a degree of autonomy in its commercial dealings within Türkiye. Consequently, the process of “closing” a branch is technically a liquidation of its local assets and a formal deregistration from the Turkish Trade Registry.

Failure to follow the prescribed steps can lead to ongoing tax obligations, legal penalties for the parent company, and complications regarding the repatriation of remaining capital.

1. The Formal Resolution of the Parent Company

The first step in closing a branch office in Türkiye is a formal decision by the authorized organ of the parent company (usually the Board of Directors). This resolution must explicitly state the intent to close the Turkish branch and appoint a liquidator.

The liquidator is often a local professional who manages the settlement of debts and the distribution of assets. During this phase, ensuring that your corporate governance standards are met is vital, as this resolution must be notarized and apostilled in the parent company’s home country before being translated into Turkish.

2. Application to the Trade Registry

Once the resolution is ready, an application must be filed with the relevant Trade Registry Office where the branch is registered. The Registry will record the branch as being “In Liquidation” (Tasfiye Halinde).

At this stage, the branch’s title must be updated to include the phrase “In Liquidation.” This serves as a public notice to creditors and stakeholders that the entity is winding down its operations.

3. The Announcement to Creditors

Under Turkish law, the protection of creditors is paramount. The liquidator must issue three separate announcements in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, spaced one week apart. These announcements call upon any creditors to come forward and declare their claims within a specific timeframe (typically six months, though updates in 2026 regulations have streamlined certain timelines for smaller entities).

Effective contract drafting & review during the branch’s active years makes this stage much smoother, as all outstanding liabilities should be clearly documented.

4. Tax Office and Social Security Notifications

Closing a branch isn’t just a commercial matter; it is a fiscal one. The branch must notify the local Tax Office and the Social Security Institution (SGK).

Tax Obligations

The branch must file a final “Liquidation Period” tax return. Any outstanding Value Added Tax (VAT), Corporate Income Tax, or withholding taxes must be settled. Our experts in accounting & bookkeeping emphasize that keeping meticulous records throughout the branch’s life cycle is the only way to ensure a “clean” tax clearance certificate.

Employee Rights

If the branch has employees, their contracts must be terminated in accordance with Turkish Labor Law. This includes the payment of:

• Severance pay (for eligible employees).
• Notice pay.
• Unused vacation time.
• Outstanding bonuses or commissions.

5. Settlement of Assets and Liabilities

The liquidator’s primary role is to convert the branch’s assets into cash, collect any receivables, and pay off all verified debts. If there are remaining funds after all creditors and employees are paid, these can be transferred back to the parent company.

This process often involves bank account opening or management tasks to ensure the final transfer of funds complies with Turkish central bank regulations and anti-money laundering laws.

6. Final Filing and Deletion from the Registry

Once the liquidation period (usually 6 months from the third announcement) has passed and all debts are settled, the liquidator prepares the final balance sheet. This must be approved by the parent company.

The final application is then made to the Trade Registry for the permanent deletion of the branch record. Once the Registry issues the “Closing Certificate,” the branch officially ceases to exist in the eyes of Turkish law.

7. Archiving and Post-Closure Compliance

Even after the branch is closed, the parent company is legally required to maintain the branch’s books and records for a period of 10 years. This is a critical component of annual report filing and record-keeping that many firms overlook. These records may be requested by Turkish courts or tax authorities long after the branch has physically exited the country.

Comparison: Branch vs. Subsidiary Closure

Closing a branch is generally more straightforward than dissolving a limited liability company formation, as the branch does not have its own share capital structure to dismantle. However, the parent company remains directly liable for any unresolved debts of the branch, making legal oversight non-negotiable.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in 2026

As we look toward the regulatory landscape of 2026, the Turkish government is increasing its focus on digital compliance.

• Digital Signatures: Ensure your liquidator has the necessary e-signatures to navigate the MERSIS (Trade Registry) system.
• Data Protection: Ensure that all client and employee data handled by the branch is disposed of or archived according to the KVKK (Turkish Data Protection Law).
• Power of Attorney: Ensure the Power of Attorney provided to your company formation in Türkiye specialists is broad enough to cover liquidation and bank transactions.

Strategic Support from Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm

Closing a business can be as complex as starting one. At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, we leverage over three years of experience to ensure your exit from the Turkish market is seamless, compliant, and cost-effective. We handle everything from the initial resolution to the final tax clearance, allowing your management team to focus on global strategy rather than local bureaucracy.

Contact us for Closing a Branch Office in Türkiye

Closing a branch office in Türkiye requires meticulous attention to legal requirements, regulatory compliance, and procedural details. At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been providing comprehensive Turkish company formation and governance services since 2017, assisting international businesses with every aspect of their Turkish operations, including branch office closures.

Our multilingual team of experienced attorneys understands the challenges foreign companies face when navigating Turkish commercial law. We provide end-to-end support throughout the closure process, from initial board resolutions to final Trade Registry cancellation, ensuring that every step is handled correctly and efficiently.

Contact Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm today to discuss your branch office closure needs. Let our three years of expertise guide you through this important transition smoothly and compliantly.