The requirements for forming a company in Turkey vary depending on the type of company you want to form. For a limited liability company (LLC), you will need the following:

* A minimum of one shareholder (can be a natural or legal person)
* A minimum of 10,000 Turkish liras (TRY) in share capital
* A company name that is unique and not already in use
* A company address
* A board of directors

The most common types of companies that can be formed in Turkey are:

* Limited liability companies (LLC/LTD)
* Public limited companies (PLCs)
* Self employment registrations
* Joint stock companies (JSC/A.S.)

In Turkey, the type of company you set up will determine whether or not you need a work permit.

Limited and joint stock companies

Limited and joint stock companies are the most common type of company in Turkey. They are owned by shareholders, who are only liable for the company’s debts up to the amount of their shares.

Foreign shareholders of limited companies do not need a work permit to be involved in the management of the company. However, if they wish to work in Turkey for the company, they will need to obtain a work permit.

Foreign employees of limited companies must obtain a work permit, regardless of their role in the company.

Foreign shareholders of public limited companies do not need a work permit to be involved in the management of the company. However, if they wish to work in Turkey for the company, they will need to obtain a work permit.

Foreign employees of public limited companies must obtain a work permit, regardless of their role in the company.

Self Employments

Self Employments are businesses owned and operated by a single individual.

Foreign owners of self employment do not need a work permit to operate the business, but residence permit in Turkey. However, if they wish to employ Turkish nationals, they will need to obtain a work permit for those employees.

Foreign employees of self employment company must obtain a work permit, regardless of their role in the company.

Summary 

Additional information

In addition to obtaining a work permit, foreign nationals who wish to work in Turkey must also obtain a residence permit. The residence permit is a document that allows the foreign national to live and work in Turkey.

The process for obtaining a work permit and residence permit can be complex. It is important to seek professional advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant.

• File an application with the Trade Register Gazette.
• Prepare main agreement in accordance with trade registry requirements.
• Determine a business name in trade registry records that needs to be approved by tourism ministry.
• Obtain a tax registration number.
• Open a bank account in the company’s name. Natural person of shareholder must be present in Turkey when bank opening process. This is an additional service per client decision, as it takes at least a few days consulting package. We highly recommend to have a consultant with you when in bank branches. It might require multiple bank visits and have a separate meetings with each bank branch with required documents.
• Obtain a Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) registration number.
• Obtain a tax registration certificate.

• Have a registered office in Turkey.
• Have capital based entity registered in Turkey.
• Have a tourism responsible person who is either a Turkish citizen or has a valid Turkish residence permit which will have responsibility in Turkey.
• Submit an application to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
• A B-category tourism business can not rent a virtual office. According to Article 10 of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Regulation on Travel Agencies and the Travel Agencies Association, travel agencies are required to have a fixed address with minimum 25 m2 office space.

• Application Form
• Original Trade Registry Certificate
• Original Criminal Record Statement
• Original Signature Circular
• Original Tourism Agency Establishment Guarantee
• Original Travel Agency Title Commitment
• Original Certificate of Personnel Required to Be Employed in a Travel Agency
• Original SSI Employment Entry Notification or SSI Insured Service List
• Original Declaration of Personnel to Be Employed
• Original Travel Agency Information Update Form
• Original Trade Registry Gazette Declaration

Introduction:

The Turkish government offers a 50% income tax exemption for software developer self employments. This exemption is designed to encourage the growth of the software industry in Turkey and to make it more attractive for foreign software developers to do business in the country.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the exemption, a self employer must meet the following criteria:

• The company must be registered in Turkey as a sole proprietorship.
• The company must be majority-owned by Turkish citizens.
• The company must be engaged in the development of software.
• The company must have at least one employee or owner who is a Turkish citizen.

How to Apply for the Exemption:

To apply for the exemption, a sole proprietorship must submit the following documents to the Turkish Revenue Administration:

• A completed application form.
• A copy of the company’s registration certificate.
• A copy of the company’s tax return for the previous year.
• A copy of the company’s payroll records.

Benefits of the Exemption:

The 50% income tax exemption can provide significant financial benefits for software developer sole proprietorships. in Turkey These benefits include:

• Reduced tax liability
• Increased profits
• Increased investment
• Increased job creation