Can foreign nationals own a company in Turkey without a local partner?

Yes. Turkish legislation allows foreign individuals and foreign companies to own a business in Turkey with no requirement for a local partner. You may hold the entire share capital of a Limited Liability Company (LTD) or a Joint Stock Company (AŞ) as a foreign investor. The process is governed by the Turkish Commercial Code and the Foreign Direct Investment Law (No. 4875), both of which protect the rights of international investors.

Do I need to travel to Turkey to register my company?

No. You can authorize a licensed representative to act on your behalf by issuing a Power of Attorney at a Turkish consulate in your country. This legal document allows all required steps to be completed, including notary procedures, trade registry filings, and tax office enrollment, without your physical presence.

Which company type is best suited for small and mid-sized foreign businesses?

The Limited Liability Company (LTD Şirketi) is the most commonly chosen structure for small to mid-sized foreign businesses. It offers limited liability protection, flexible management rules, and a lower minimum capital requirement of 50,000 TL. For larger operations or businesses that plan to issue shares, the Joint Stock Company (AŞ) is generally more appropriate, with a minimum capital of 250,000 TL.

How quickly can a newly registered company start operating?

A Limited Liability Company can typically be fully registered and operational within five to seven business days, provided all required documents are prepared correctly. Joint Stock Companies may take ten to fourteen business days due to additional capital deposit requirements and shareholder formalities.

What initial documents will I need to provide?

The standard documents include a notarized translation of your passport, a Turkish potential tax identification number, your chosen company name and official address, and a Power of Attorney if you will not be present in Turkey. Depending on your company type and whether you have corporate shareholders, additional documents such as apostilled corporate resolutions or registry extracts may be required.

What happens if a company does not keep regular accounting records in Turkey?

Under the Turkish Commercial Code, all registered companies are legally required to maintain proper bookkeeping, file monthly or quarterly tax declarations, submit SGK reports for employees, and prepare annual financial statements. Failure to meet these obligations can result in administrative fines, tax penalties, and potential legal action. In serious cases, company directors may face personal liability.

How are corporate income tax and VAT calculated in Turkey?

Corporate Income Tax is levied on a company's net annual profits at a standard rate of 25% and is declared annually. Value Added Tax (KDV) is applied to goods and services at rates of 1%, 10%, or 20% depending on the category, and is declared monthly. Businesses must also file monthly withholding tax declarations on salary payments and certain service fees.

When should a business consider strategic tax advisory beyond routine bookkeeping?

Routine bookkeeping focuses on recording transactions, preparing declarations, and ensuring compliance with filing deadlines. Tax advisory becomes valuable when you need to optimize your company's tax position, for example when structuring a new investment, distributing dividends, entering into cross-border transactions, or claiming specific deductions and incentives under Turkish tax law.

Licensed CPA (SMMM) Firm in Istanbul

Accounting Firm in Istanbul, Turkey for International Businesses

We support foreign-owned companies in Turkey with accounting, tax compliance, financial reporting, payroll, and company formation. Clear processes, responsive communication, and practical guidance for cross-border teams.

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What We Do

CPA, Accounting & Tax Services in Istanbul, Turkey

End-to-end support for international businesses operating in Turkey, from setup to monthly compliance and reporting.

Company Formation

LLC and joint-stock company setup, branch and liaison office formation, and remote incorporation via power of attorney.

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Accounting Services

Statutory bookkeeping, e-Ledger processes, financial statements, and periodic reporting under Turkish GAAP and IFRS.

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Tax Services

Corporate tax, VAT, withholding returns, tax planning, and representation before the Turkish Revenue Administration.

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Payroll Services

Payroll calculations, SGK declarations, and HR compliance support for local and expatriate teams.

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Audit Support

Audit coordination, documentation preparation, and financial review support aligned with Turkish standards.

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Business Consulting

Advisory for restructuring, company changes, liquidation processes, and decision support for sustainable operations.

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Why CelikelCPA

A CPA Firm in Istanbul Focused on Compliance and Clarity

As a TURMOB-certified CPA firm (SMMM) and an ISMMMO member, we combine regulatory know-how with a structured digital workflow. You work with a dedicated point of contact and receive updates in your preferred language.

TURMOB Certified (SMMM)

Licensed within Turkey’s professional CPA framework

Multilingual Communication

Support in Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese

Digital Compliance Workflow

e-Ledger, e-Invoice, and e-Declaration processes managed in a structured system

IFRS & Turkish GAAP

Reporting support for international group structures and local compliance needs

CelikelCPA

Reliable Financial Operations for International Teams in Turkey

Support for market entry, day-to-day compliance, and reporting processes designed for cross-border operations.

Multilingual Communication

Compliance Focused

Digital Workflow

Cross-border Experience

How It Works

A Simple Start, A Clear Process

Four steps from the first conversation to ongoing compliance and financial reporting.

Consultation

Tailored Proposal

We confirm scope, timeline, and a clear fee structure based on your needs.

Onboarding

We handle registrations, tax setup, and digital systems for a clean start.

Ongoing Support

Monthly accounting, tax filings, reporting, and proactive guidance.

Ready to Make Finance in Turkey Easier?

Book a consultation and see how we can support your operations in Turkey in the language you prefer.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does CelikelCPA provide?

We provide company formation, accounting and bookkeeping, tax compliance, payroll services, audit support, and business consulting for international companies operating in Turkey.

Do you work with foreign-owned companies?

Yes. We support foreign-owned businesses with setup and ongoing compliance in Turkey, including cross-border reporting needs.

Can you assist with remote company formation?

Yes. If you cannot travel to Turkey, we can support remote incorporation through a power of attorney process.

Which languages do you support?

We provide communication in Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese, with a dedicated point of contact.

Is CelikelCPA a licensed CPA firm in Turkey?

Yes. CelikelCPA is a TURMOB-certified CPA firm (SMMM) and a member of ISMMMO, operating in line with professional standards and applicable regulations.