Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what foreign clients ask us most about doing business and living under Turkish law — from setting up a company to trademarks, disputes and citizenship.
Can a foreign national or company own 100% of a Turkish company?
Yes. Under the Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreign investors are treated equally with Turkish investors and may own 100% of a Turkish company in most sectors, without a local partner. A limited number of regulated sectors — banking, insurance, energy, media and aviation — carry licensing or shareholding conditions.
How much capital do I need to set up a company in Türkiye?
Since 1 January 2024 the minimum capital is 250,000 TL for a joint stock company (A.Ş.) and 50,000 TL for a limited company (Ltd.). For a joint stock company, a quarter of the cash capital is paid before registration and the balance within 24 months; a limited company has no pre-registration payment requirement.
Do I need to be in Türkiye to form the company?
No. A company can be formed in your absence through a notarised and apostilled power of attorney granted to a local representative. Founders do need a Turkish tax number, and a Turkish bank account is required for the company.
Can foreigners buy property in Türkiye?
Yes, foreign individuals and companies can generally buy real estate in Türkiye, subject to some limits — such as restrictions near military and security zones and country-based reciprocity rules. Title and due-diligence checks before purchase are essential.
Can I obtain Turkish citizenship by investment?
Yes. Citizenship by investment has several routes, including a real-estate purchase (currently from USD 400,000, held for three years), a fixed-capital contribution or bank deposit (from USD 500,000), or creating employment for a set number of people. The thresholds change over time, so they should be confirmed before you commit.
Do I need a work permit to work in my own Turkish company?
Generally yes. A foreign shareholder or director who actively works in the company usually needs a work permit, and a company sponsoring a foreign work permit must meet employment and capital conditions. Owning a company can support a residence permit application, but the permit and the company are separate processes.
How do I register a trademark in Türkiye?
Trademarks are registered at TÜRKPATENT under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769. Türkiye follows the first-to-file rule, so filing early matters. A non-resident applicant must act through a registered Turkish trademark attorney; protection runs for ten years from the application date and is renewable.
How are foreign court judgments or arbitral awards enforced in Türkiye?
A foreign court judgment is enforced through a recognition-and-enforcement (tenfiz) action under the International Private and Procedural Law No. 5718. Foreign arbitral awards are enforced under the New York Convention. Both require a Turkish court application and specific conditions to be met.
Is mediation mandatory before going to court?
For many disputes, yes. Mandatory mediation is a precondition to filing for most commercial, employment, consumer and rent disputes. Only if mediation fails can the claim proceed to court.
What languages do you work in?
We advise and correspond in English and Turkish, so foreign clients can follow their matter in full at every stage.
Do you work with clients based outside Türkiye?
Yes. Much of our work is cross-border, and we act for foreign investors, companies and individuals remotely, using powers of attorney where physical presence is not required.
How does an engagement start, and what are your fees?
It starts with a short, confidential conversation about your matter, in English or Turkish. Fees depend on the type and scope of the work and are agreed in a written engagement before anything begins, so there are no surprises. We are happy to explain the basis of our fees at the first consultation.