Complete Guide to Nominee Services in Türkiye for 2026

As cross-border investments into Türkiye continue to accelerate, foreign entrepreneurs and multinational groups increasingly seek lawful structures that balance transparency, operational efficiency, and confidentiality. One of the most frequently requested corporate governance solutions is nominee services in Türkiye.

At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, we have advised international investors, family offices, and corporate groups on Turkish company formation and governance since 2017. Our corporate lawyers team provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of nominee services in Türkiye in 2026, explaining their legal basis, practical applications, benefits, and compliance considerations under Turkish law.

Table of Contents

What Are Nominee Services in Türkiye?

Nominee services involve the appointment of a nominee director, nominee shareholder, or nominee manager to act on behalf of the beneficial owner of a company. The nominee appears in official corporate records, while the ultimate control and economic rights remain with the beneficial owner under carefully drafted legal agreements.

In Türkiye, nominee arrangements are lawful when properly structured, transparent to authorities where required, and fully compliant with Turkish Commercial Code, tax regulations, and anti-money laundering (AML) rules.

Nominee services are most commonly used by:

• Foreign investors entering the Turkish market
• International holding structures
• High-net-worth individuals seeking privacy
• Multinational groups managing governance across jurisdictions

Legal Framework Governing Nominee Services in Türkiye

Nominee arrangements are legal in Türkiye but not explicitly regulated under the TCC, which prioritizes transparency and UBO disclosure. Companies must declare the UBO to authorities like MASAK, regardless of nominees, to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) rules.

Türkiye does not prohibit nominee arrangements. However, such services must comply with strict legal and regulatory standards, including:

• Turkish Commercial Code (TCC)
• Beneficial ownership disclosure obligations
• Tax transparency and reporting requirements
• Banking and AML/KYC regulations

Nominee structures must never be used to conceal illicit activities, evade taxes, or mislead authorities. When implemented correctly, nominee services provide administrative representation, not secrecy from the state.

Professional legal oversight is therefore essential. Working with experienced company formation lawyers ensures nominee agreements are enforceable, compliant, and aligned with international best practices.

Types of Nominee Services Available in Türkiye

1. Nominee Director Services

A nominee director is appointed to the board of the company and acts strictly in accordance with written instructions from the beneficial owner. This service is often used when:

• A local presence is required for governance efficiency
• Foreign shareholders prefer not to appear in public records
• Board continuity is needed during restructuring or transitions

Despite the appointment, strategic decisions remain under the control of the beneficial owner through shareholder resolutions and private agreements.

2. Nominee Shareholder Services

A nominee shareholder holds shares in trust for the beneficial owner. The arrangement is documented through:

• Declaration of trust
• Shareholding agreements
• Power of attorney structures

This solution is commonly used in holding structures or joint ventures where confidentiality and administrative simplicity are priorities.

3. Nominee Manager or Authorized Signatory

In limited liability companies, nominee managers or authorized signatories may be appointed for:

• Banking transactions
• Routine corporate filings
• Local operational representation

All authority limits are clearly defined in notarized documents to protect the beneficial owner.

Nominee Services by Company Type in Türkiye

Nominee Services for a Joint-Stock Company

A joint-stock company (Anonim Şirket) is often preferred by larger investors, institutional groups, and foreign shareholders. Nominee directors and shareholders are commonly used in such structures, especially where:

• International board members rotate
• Shares are held through investment vehicles
• IPO or exit planning is anticipated

Governance must strictly adhere to TCC board liability rules, making professional nominee services essential.

Nominee Services for a Limited Liability Company

A limited liability company (Limited Şirket) is the most popular structure for SMEs and foreign entrepreneurs. Nominee managers are frequently appointed to:

• Facilitate local administration
• Assist with bank relationships
• Handle compliance obligations

Well-drafted limitation-of-authority clauses are critical to mitigate personal liability risks.

Why Foreign Investors Use Nominee Services in Türkiye

Nominee services are not about hiding ownership; they are about strategic corporate governance. Key advantages include:

• Enhanced privacy in public registries
• Operational efficiency for non-resident shareholders
• Continuity in management
• Simplified cross-border governance
• Professional representation before authorities and banks

When combined with proper disclosure to authorities, nominee services provide a lawful and efficient governance framework.

Banking, Compliance, and Nominee Services

One of the most sensitive areas is bank account opening. Turkish banks apply strict KYC and AML checks, especially where nominee structures are involved.

Banks typically require:

• Disclosure of the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO)
• Notarized nominee agreements
• Powers of attorney
• Corporate resolutions

Professional coordination between legal advisors and banks significantly reduces delays and rejection risks.

Nominee Services and Company Formation Costs

Nominee services are usually bundled with broader corporate services. The overall company formation costs may vary depending on:

• Type of nominee service
• Number of nominees appointed
• Duration of service
• Level of authority granted

Transparent fee structures and written service agreements are essential to avoid future disputes.

Risks of Using Unregulated Nominee Providers

Foreign investors should exercise caution. Unregulated or informal nominee arrangements may result in:

• Loss of control over the company
• Banking compliance failures
• Personal liability exposure
• Tax and criminal risks

Engaging a reputable accounting firm with years of experience in company formation inTürkiye ensures nominee services are secure, enforceable, and compliant.

Why Choose Finlexia CPA for Nominee Services in Türkiye?

Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has provided:

• Fully compliant nominee director and shareholder services
• Multilingual legal support for international clients
• Integrated company formation, banking, and governance solutions
• Long-term advisory for foreign-owned Turkish companies

Our nominee structures are always supported by robust legal documentation, clear authority limits, and full regulatory compliance.

Contact us for Nominee Services in Türkiye

Nominee services in Türkiye, when properly structured, are a powerful corporate governance tool for foreign investors and international groups. In 2026, increased regulatory scrutiny makes professional legal guidance more important than ever. With the right advisors, nominee arrangements can enhance efficiency, protect interests, and support long-term business success in Türkiye.

If you are considering nominee services, company formation, or corporate governance solutions in Türkiye, we invite you to contact Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm. Our experienced team in Istanbul is ready to provide tailored, compliant, and strategic legal support for your business in Türkiye.