How remote set-up works
The Turkish Commercial Code lets shareholders act through an authorised representative. The whole registration runs through MERSIS (the Central Registry System) and the Trade Registry, so once your representative holds a valid power of attorney, physical presence is rarely needed.
Step by step
Decide the structure — limited company, joint stock company or branch — and agree the company name, address, capital and managers.
Sign a power of attorney before a notary in your country. It should cover obtaining a tax number, signing the articles of association, company registration, bank account opening and dealing with the tax office.
Apostille the documents (or have them legalised by the Turkish consulate if your country is not in the Apostille Convention).
Send the originals to Türkiye, where they are translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarised.
Your adviser obtains tax numbers for each foreign shareholder and manager.
Articles of association are prepared on MERSIS and signed by your representative.
Capital is deposited (for a JSC, at least 25% of cash capital before registration) and the Competition Authority fee is paid.
The Trade Registry registers the company; it is published in the Trade Registry Gazette.
Tax registration and the tax office inspection of the registered address are completed by your representative.
Documents you will need
| If the shareholder is… | Documents |
|---|---|
| An individual | Passport copy (notarised and apostilled), power of attorney |
| A foreign company | Certificate of incorporation or good standing, articles of association, board resolution approving the Turkish company, power of attorney — all apostilled |
| A manager or board member | Passport copy, signature declaration (can be signed at a Turkish consulate) |
Documents issued abroad usually need to be recent, so prepare them close to the time of filing.
What may still need you in person
Signature declaration. Managers can sign it at a Turkish consulate abroad instead of travelling.
Bank account. Many banks want to meet the authorised signatory, at the branch or by video. Requirements vary by bank.
E-signature. Some filings need a Turkish e-signature, which is issued to the person using it.
Typical timeline
Registration can be completed within a day once documents are in Türkiye. With documents prepared abroad, couriered, translated and the bank account opened, allow one to three weeks in total.
Frequently asked questions
Does the manager have to live in Türkiye?
No. Managers of limited and joint stock companies can live abroad. A branch, however, needs a manager resident in Türkiye.
Can the power of attorney be used after registration?
Yes, if it is drafted broadly enough. A well-drafted power of attorney also covers tax office and social security matters.
Do I need a work permit to be a shareholder?
No. Being a shareholder or a non-resident manager does not need a work permit. If you move to Türkiye and work for the company, you do.
Set up your company without the trip.
Level International prepares your power of attorney wording, represents you at every step and hands over a ready company.
This page provides general information and is not legal or tax advice. Every situation is different; talk to us before you act.