A Complete 2026 Guide to Registering Your Turkish Company from Anywhere in the World
The Rise of Remote Business Formation
The global shift toward remote work hasn't just changed how we work-it's fundamentally transformed how entrepreneurs start businesses across borders. Since 2020, we've witnessed an unprecedented surge in international entrepreneurs seeking to establish companies in emerging markets without ever stepping foot in the country.
Turkey, with its strategic position bridging Europe and Asia, favorable tax incentives, and 100% foreign ownership rights, has become an increasingly attractive destination for remote company formation. But here's the question every international entrepreneur asks us:
"Can I really register a company in Turkey without physically being there?"
The short answer is yes. The detailed answer involves understanding the legal framework, required documentation, and strategic decisions that will determine your success. This guide covers everything you need to know about establishing your Turkish company remotely in 2026.
Is Remote Company Formation Legally Possible in Turkey?
✓ Good News for Foreign Investors
Under Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreign nationals enjoy the same establishment rights as Turkish citizens. You can own 100% of a Turkish company with no requirement for local partners or "nominee shareholders."
Turkey's legal framework fully supports remote company registration through the Power of Attorney (Vekaletname) system. This means you can authorize a legal representative-such as a licensed CPA firm or attorney-to complete all registration procedures on your behalf.
What the Law Allows
- Full company registration without physical presence
- Opening corporate bank accounts remotely (with some limitations)
- Obtaining Turkish Tax ID (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) through representatives
- Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicili) registration via authorized persons
- Ongoing business operations through local management
The Power of Attorney: Your Key to Remote Registration
The Power of Attorney (Vekaletname) is the cornerstone document that makes remote company formation possible. This legal instrument grants your authorized representative the authority to act on your behalf in all company registration matters.
Types of Power of Attorney
General Power of Attorney
Grants broad authority for multiple business activities. Recommended for ongoing business operations where you need continuous representation.
Best for: Long-term partnershipsSpecial Power of Attorney
Limited to specific actions like company registration, bank account opening, or specific transactions. Expires after the designated task is complete.
Recommended for: Company formationPOA Requirements and Apostille Process
Draft the POA Document
Your Turkish representative provides a POA template specifying exactly what actions they're authorized to perform. We provide ready-to-use templates to all our clients.
Notarization in Your Country
Visit a notary public in your country of residence. The notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on the POA document.
Apostille Certification
For Hague Convention countries, obtain an apostille stamp from your country's competent authority (usually the Foreign Ministry or Justice Department). This confirms the document's authenticity internationally.
Sworn Translation
The apostilled POA must be translated into Turkish by a certified sworn translator. We coordinate this step upon receiving your documents.
Notarization in Turkey
Final notarization at a Turkish notary office. After this step, your representative can proceed with company registration.
⚠️ Important: Non-Hague Convention Countries
If your country hasn't signed the Hague Apostille Convention (e.g., some Middle Eastern countries), your documents must be legalized through the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country. This process takes longer but achieves the same result.
Step-by-Step Remote Registration Process
Here's the complete roadmap for registering your Turkish company without physical presence. The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks from document submission to Trade Registry completion.
Document Preparation & Shipping
- Complete and notarize POA in your country
- Obtain apostille certification
- Gather passport copies and proof of address
- Ship original documents via secure courier (DHL, FedEx)
Turkish Document Processing
- Sworn translation of documents
- Notarization at Turkish Notary
- Obtain Tax ID (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
- Reserve company name through MERSIS
Company Registration
- Prepare Articles of Association (Ana Sözleşme)
- Submit registration to Trade Registry
- Capital deposit confirmation (if required)
- Receive Trade Registry Certificate
Post-Registration Setup
- Tax Office registration and verification
- Corporate bank account application
- Social Security (SGK) registration if hiring
- E-signature certificate setup
Need detailed guidance on document requirements? Check our comprehensive guide: LLC in Turkey for Foreigners
Digital Tools That Enable Remote Operations
Turkey's business infrastructure has undergone significant digital transformation. These government and private sector tools make remote company management not just possible, but efficient.
E-Signature (E-İmza)
Electronic signature certificates allow you to sign official documents, tax declarations, and contracts remotely. Essential for ongoing business operations.
Requires initial in-person setup or authorized representativeMERSIS
The Central Registry Record System handles company name reservations, registration applications, and corporate data management-all online.
mersis.gtb.gov.trE-Invoice (E-Fatura)
Mandatory electronic invoicing system for registered companies. Integrates with accounting software for automated compliance.
Required for most B2B transactionsE-Ledger (E-Defter)
Electronic bookkeeping system that maintains your accounting records in compliance with Turkish regulations.
We manage this as part of our accounting servicesInteractive Tax Office
File tax returns, make payments, and access tax records through the Revenue Administration's online portal.
ivd.gib.gov.trSGK E-Services
Social Security Institution's online platform for employee registrations, premium payments, and compliance reports.
Essential if you hire staffOpening a Bank Account Remotely: The Reality
Let's be honest about one of the most challenging aspects of remote company formation: banking. While company registration can be completed 100% remotely, bank account opening in Turkey has some nuances you should understand.
Current Banking Landscape
| Option | Remote Possibility | Requirements | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Banks | Partial | Most require at least one in-person visit or video verification | 2-4 weeks |
| International Banks | Possible | Banks with international presence may accept existing customer relationships | 3-6 weeks |
| Digital Banks | Possible | Growing options with video KYC verification | 1-2 weeks |
| POA-Based Opening | Limited | Some banks accept, many don't for new corporate accounts | 2-3 weeks |
💡 Pro Tip: Our Banking Relationships
Over years of working with foreign investors, we've established relationships with banks that understand international business needs. We guide you to the most suitable banking partner based on your specific situation-whether you can visit Turkey briefly or need a fully remote solution.
Alternative Solutions
- Initial capital deposit can be made to Competition Authority's blocked account without a corporate bank account
- Wise Business or Payoneer accounts can handle international transactions while you establish local banking
- Brief visit strategy: Some entrepreneurs combine a 2-3 day Turkey trip with bank account opening and meeting their local team
Key Considerations and How to Mitigate Risks
Remote company formation is powerful, but it's not without challenges. Here's what you need to consider-and how to protect yourself.
Document Authentication Delays
Risk: Apostille processing times vary by country (1 day to 3 weeks).
Solution: Start document preparation early. We provide exact requirements upfront to avoid rejections.
Communication Barriers
Risk: Government offices operate in Turkish; miscommunication can cause delays.
Solution: Work with bilingual representatives who understand both Turkish bureaucracy and international business practices.
Choosing the Wrong Representative
Risk: Unqualified agents can make costly mistakes or disappear after registration.
Solution: Work with licensed CPAs (SMMM) who are legally accountable and provide ongoing services. Learn about our credentials.
Post-Registration Compliance
Risk: A registered company has ongoing obligations: monthly tax filings, annual reports, etc.
Solution: Plan for ongoing accounting and tax services from day one-not as an afterthought.
🔑 The Most Important Decision
The most critical factor in successful remote company formation isn't the process itself-it's choosing the right partner to manage it. A competent, communicative, and legally accountable representative makes the difference between a smooth experience and months of frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I ever need to visit Turkey to register my company?
No, 100% remote registration is possible using the Power of Attorney system. However, a brief visit can be beneficial for opening bank accounts and meeting your local team.
How long does remote company formation take?
Typically 2-4 weeks from when we receive your apostilled documents. The main variable is how quickly you can prepare and ship documents from your country.
What's the minimum capital requirement?
For an LLC (Limited Şirket), minimum capital is 50,000 TL. You don't need to deposit the full amount upfront-it can be paid within 24 months after registration.
Can I open a bank account without visiting Turkey?
It's challenging but increasingly possible. Some digital banks offer video KYC, and we have relationships with banks that work with remote clients. We'll guide you to the best option for your situation.
Do I need a local director or partner?
No. Unlike many countries, Turkey allows 100% foreign ownership with foreign directors. You don't need a local partner or nominee shareholder.
What happens after company registration?
You'll need ongoing accounting, tax filing, and compliance services. We offer comprehensive monthly packages that handle all obligations remotely. See our LLC setup guide for details.
Ready to Start Your Turkish Company Remotely?
At Celikel CPA, we've helped entrepreneurs from 15+ countries establish their Turkish companies without leaving their home country. Our bilingual team handles everything from document preparation to ongoing compliance.