Corporate & Commercial Law in Turkey for Foreign Investors
Expert Legal Support for Business Expansion & Compliance​​​
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As specialized Turkish corporate law practitioners, we safeguard international investors through every stage from business establishment, to dispute resolution - ensuring compliant market entry and growth, mergers & acquisitions, and regulatory compliance in Turkey.
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Bilingual Turkish-English Lawyers
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End-to-End Support – From setup to daily legal ops
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International Network – Offices in London, Istanbul, Italy, Hong-Kong
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Transparent Fees – No hidden costs
Our Corporate & Commercial Legal Services in Turkiye
1. Business Establishment
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Company Formation (LLC, JSC, Branch, Liaison Office)
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Trade Registry & Tax Registration
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Bank Account Setup
2. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
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Due Diligence (Financial, Legal, Regulatory)
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Share Purchase Agreements
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Post-Merger Integration
3. Commercial Contracts
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Joint Ventures & Shareholder Agreements
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Distribution/Franchise Contracts
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IP Licensing & Protection
4. Compliance & Governance
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Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) Compliance
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Annual Financial Reporting
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Employment Law Advisory
5. Dispute Resolution
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Commercial Litigation
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Debt Recovery
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Arbitration (ICC, ISTAC)
M&A Due Diligence Checklist
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Legal: Title deeds, litigation history
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Financial: Audited statements, debt review
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Contracts: Supplier/employee agreements
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Compliance: Sector-specific licenses
Why Invest in Turkey?
Turkey offers foreign investors a dynamic market with:
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Strategic Location – Bridge between Europe, Asia, and MENA
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Business-Friendly Laws – Equal treatment for foreign/local investors under FDI Law
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Tax Incentives – Reduced rates in free zones & tech hubs
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Fast Incorporation – Companies can be registered in 1 day*
*While we strive for efficient resolutions, all stated timelines are non-binding approximations. For a case-specific assessment, consult our attorneys.​​
Frequently Asked Questions: Corporate & Commercial Law in Turkey
1. Can foreigners open a company in Turkey?
Yes! Turkey welcomes 100% foreign-owned businesses under the Foreign Direct Investment Law. The most common structures are:
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Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Minimum 10,000 TRY capital
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Joint Stock Company (JSC) – Minimum 50,000 TRY capital
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Branch/Liaison Office – No minimum capital
3. How long does it take to set up a company in Turkey?
3–7 business days for LLCs/JSCs if documents are ready. Delays may occur if:*
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Documents require apostille/translation
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Sector-specific licenses are needed (e.g., finance, energy)
​*While we strive for efficient resolutions, all stated timelines are non-binding approximations. For a case-specific assessment, consult our attorneys.​​
2. What are the main taxes for foreign companies in Turkey?
Main Taxes:
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Corporate Tax: 20% on profits
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VAT: 1% (real estate) to 18% (standard rate)
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Withholding Tax: 15% on dividends (reduced by tax treaties)
Pro Tip: Free zones might offer tax exemptions for eligible businesses.
4. Do I need a local partner to start a business in Turkey?
No. Foreigners can own 100% of shares in most sectors (exceptions: media, maritime, aviation).
5. What is the due diligence process for M&A in Turkey?
Critical Checks:
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Legal: Title deeds, litigation history, contracts
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Financial: Audited statements, debt review
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Regulatory: Sector-specific compliance (e.g., competition law)
Risk: 30% of deals uncover hidden liabilities during due diligence.
6. Can I hire foreign employees for my Turkish company?
Yes, but you must:
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Obtain work permits (6–8 weeks processing)*
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Register employees with the Social Security Institution (SGK)
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Comply with Turkish labor laws (severance pay, overtime rules)
​*While we strive for efficient resolutions, all stated timelines are non-binding approximations. For a case-specific assessment, consult our attorneys.​​
7. What are the risks of commercial contracts in Turkey?
Common Pitfalls:
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Vague force majeure clauses
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Unenforceable dispute resolution terms
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Non-compliance with Turkish Commercial Code
Our Solution: We draft contracts with Turkish-law jurisdiction and ISTAC/ICC arbitration clauses.
8. How can I protect intellectual property in Turkey?
Key Steps:
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Register trademarks with the Turkish Patent Office
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File patents within 12 months of international application*
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Use NDAs for trade secrets
Statistic: IP lawsuits rose 40% in Turkey (2020–2023).
*While we strive for efficient resolutions, all stated timelines are non-binding approximations. For a case-specific assessment, consult our attorneys.​​
9. What happens if my company faces litigation in Turkey?
Process Overview:
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Pre-litigation negotiation (30–90 days)*
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Filing in commercial courts (1–3 years for resolution)*
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Enforcement via bailiffs or asset freezing
Pro Tip: Include mediation clauses in contracts to reduce delays.
​*While we strive for efficient resolutions, all stated timelines are non-binding approximations. For a case-specific assessment, consult our attorneys.​​
10. Are there incentives for foreign investors in Turkey?
Yes. Top Incentives:
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Tax breaks in Technology Development Zones
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Customs duty exemptions for R&D imports
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Cash grants for strategic projects (up to 50% of investment)
The content on this webpage is provided by CCS Law for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice.
