Comprehensive Company Liquidation Services in Türkiye: 2026 Exit Guide

Company liquidation in Türkiye is a complex legal and financial process that requires careful planning, strict regulatory compliance, and strategic execution. Whether the decision arises from market conditions, restructuring, shareholder disagreements, or group-level reorganization, improper closure can expose shareholders and directors to long-term tax, employment, and liability risks.

As Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, a top-tier full-service company formation and governance firm based in Istanbul, we have been advising local and international clients since 2017. Our corporate lawyers team provides a comprehensive overview of company liquidation services in Türkiye, explains available legal routes, and outlines how professional legal support ensures a secure and efficient exit in 2026 and beyond.

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The landscape of Turkish commerce is as dynamic as it is rigorous. Whether you are pivoting your business model or concluding a successful chapter of investment, understanding the legal nuances of company closure services in Türkiye is vital to protecting your directors and shareholders. Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has been the premier choice for international investors seeking excellence in company formation and governance.

Navigating a company closure in 2026 requires more than just a simple deregistration; it demands a meticulous adherence to the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) to mitigate liability.

1. Choosing the Right Path: Dissolution vs. Liquidation

In Türkiye, a company liquidation is not an instantaneous event but a structured legal journey. Generally, there are two primary methods for ending a corporate entity’s life:

• Voluntary Liquidation: Initiated by a resolution of the shareholders’ General Assembly.
• Compulsory Liquidation: Ordered by a court, often due to insolvency, the absence of mandatory organs, or specific legal breaches.

Before initiating the process, it is essential to review your existing contract drafting to ensure that termination clauses and obligations to third parties are handled in accordance with the law.

2. The Shareholder Resolution and Liquidator Appointment

The formal liquidation process begins with a General Assembly meeting. For a Joint Stock Company (JSC) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to enter liquidation, a qualified majority of shareholders must vote in favor of dissolution.

A critical requirement during this stage is the appointment of a Liquidator. Under Turkish law, at least one liquidator must be a Turkish citizen residing in Türkiye. The liquidator assumes the board’s powers, and the company’s title is legally amended to include the suffix “İn Tasfiye” (In Liquidation).

3. Registration and the Three-Month Waiting Period

Once the resolution is notarized, it must be registered with the Trade Registry Office and announced in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.

A hallmark of Turkish company closure is the protection of creditors. Following the first announcement, a mandatory waiting period—which has been streamlined to three months in recent regulatory updates—begins. During this time, creditors are invited to submit their claims. For companies involved in complex mergers and acquisitions, this period is vital for ensuring that all successor liabilities are addressed.

4. The Role of Corporate Governance in Liquidation

Even in closure, corporate governance remains the backbone of the process. The liquidator is responsible for:

• Preparing the initial liquidation balance sheet.
• Collecting all company receivables.
• Selling assets to satisfy outstanding debts.
• Managing employee terminations and social security obligations.

Failure to follow these governance standards can lead to the personal liability of the liquidators and directors, emphasizing the need for professional legal oversight.

5. Tax Clearance and Financial Compliance

Closing a company does not exempt it from its tax duties. In fact, tax compliance becomes even more scrutinized. The company must continue to file monthly tax declarations until the final deregistration.

The liquidator must obtain a “Tax Clearance Certificate” to prove that all corporate taxes, VAT, and withholding taxes have been settled. In 2026, digital integration with the Turkish Revenue Administration has made this process faster, yet more transparent, requiring pinpoint accuracy in accounting records.

6. Dealing with Disputes: Corporate Litigation

Not every closure is amicable. If creditors contest the liquidation or if there are disputes between shareholders regarding the distribution of remaining assets, the process may move into the realm of corporate litigation.

At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, our litigation team ensures that your rights are protected in court, preventing any delays that could result from unfounded claims or administrative hurdles.

7. Final Deregistration and Asset Distribution

Once the three-month period expires and all debts are cleared, the liquidator prepares the final balance sheet for the General Assembly’s approval. After approval:

1. Remaining assets are distributed to shareholders in proportion to their capital.
2. A final application is made to the Trade Registry to delete the company’s record.
3. The company’s legal personality officially ceases to exist.

Even after closure, the company’s books and records must be preserved by a designated trustee for 10 years, a requirement that our company liquidation services cover comprehensively.

Common Challenges in Company Closures

Many businesses encounter obstacles during closure procedures. Outstanding litigation, unresolved corporate litigation cases, or disputes with creditors can significantly delay closure timelines. Companies must address these issues proactively to avoid extended liquidation periods.

Tax audits frequently emerge during closure processes, particularly for companies with complex financial structures or international transactions. Preparing comprehensive documentation and maintaining transparent financial records minimizes audit-related complications.

Creditor objections constitute another common challenge. When creditors dispute payment amounts or claim incomplete settlements, the closure process may be suspended pending resolution. Proper communication with creditors and meticulous record-keeping help prevent such disputes.

Branch and Representative Office Closures

Foreign companies operating through branches or representative offices in Türkiye face specific closure requirements. These entities must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Trade, settle all Turkish tax obligations, and deregister from local authorities before completing the closure.

Branch closures require additional documentation, including parent company resolutions authorizing the Turkish branch termination and notarized translations of foreign documents. Representative offices, while simpler in structure, must still follow prescribed procedures for proper deregistration.

Contact us for Company Liquidation Services in Türkiye

With over three years of experience, we understand that closing a business can be as complex as starting one. Our multilingual team provides a bridge between Turkish legal requirements and your global business objectives. We handle the bureaucracy, the notifications, and the filings, allowing you to focus on your next venture with total peace of mind.

Contact Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm today to ensure your company closure in Türkiye is handled with the professionalism and legal precision it deserves. Our experts are ready to guide you through every step of the liquidation process in 2026 and beyond.