Required Documents for Foreign Company Formation in Turkey

Forming a company in Turkey as a foreign investor is a straightforward and legally well-structured process, but it requires precise documentation, proper legalization (apostille or consular approval), accurate translations, and compliant filing procedures. Turkey’s foreign-investor-friendly corporate legislation provides full national treatment to foreign shareholders—meaning they are allowed to establish companies under the same conditions as Turkish citizens. However, the documentation process is often where most complications arise, especially when documents are issued abroad and must be adapted to Turkish legal standards.

In this guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of every document that an individual foreigner or a foreign company must prepare before forming a company in Turkey. Each section is written with the SEO depth needed to position your law firm as the leading English-speaking corporate advisor for foreign investors entering the Turkish market.

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Passport Copies for Foreign Individual Shareholders

A valid passport is the primary identification document required for any foreigner forming a company in Turkey. The passport must be clear, readable, and preferably include a valid entry stamp or visa. Turkish authorities require a certified translation by a sworn translator and notarization at a Turkish notary. If the shareholder is not physically present, the passport copy must be notarized and apostilled in the home country prior to submission.

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Certificate of Activity (Good Standing) for Foreign Corporate Shareholders

If the shareholder is a foreign company rather than an individual, the most important document is the Certificate of Activity or Good Standing Certificate. This document must show that the foreign company is legally registered and actively operating under the laws of its home jurisdiction. It must be issued recently—usually within the last three months—to ensure validity. After issuance, the certificate must be notarized, apostilled, and translated into Turkish.

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Articles of Association of the Foreign Parent Company

Foreign corporate shareholders must provide a copy of their Articles of Association, which explains the company’s legal structure, ownership, management, and corporate identity. Turkish authorities require the full version of the Articles—not an extract—especially if the foreign parent company will establish a wholly owned subsidiary. This document must also undergo apostille legalization and sworn translation in Turkey.

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Board Resolution Authorizing Company Formation in Turkey

A board resolution is mandatory when a foreign company invests in Turkey. The resolution must:

• Approve investing in Turkey
• Authorize forming the specific company
• Appoint a legal representative in Turkey
• Approve capital contribution
• Identify shareholders and director(s)

This document must be notarized abroad, apostilled, translated into Turkish, and notarized locally.

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Power of Attorney for Legal Representation in Turkey

Foreign shareholders typically appoint a lawyer to handle company formation procedures on their behalf. A power of attorney (PoA) must be issued, notarized, and apostilled abroad and then translated and notarized in Turkey. The PoA authorizes the lawyer to:

• Prepare articles of association
• Submit Trade Registry applications
• Sign incorporation documents
• Manage tax office procedures
• Represent the company during registration

This document is essential for efficient incorporation.

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Specimen Signatures of Company Directors

Directors of the new Turkish company must provide signature declarations. If directors are abroad, their signatures must be notarized and apostilled. If present in Turkey, they will sign specimen signatures at a notary. These signatures will be used by government institutions, banks, and tax offices to verify official representation authority.

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Turkish Tax Identification Number for Foreign Shareholders

Every foreign shareholder—whether an individual or a corporate director—must obtain a Turkish tax identification number. This is required for:

• Incorporation
• Bank account opening
• Tax office registration
• Various legal procedures

Your law firm obtains these tax numbers quickly through authorized representation.

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Lease Agreement or Virtual Office Contract for Registered Company Address

Every company in Turkey must have a registered address. Foreign-owned companies may use:

• A physical office
• A coworking space
• A virtual office (if compliant)

A signed lease agreement or virtual office contract is required. This must be submitted to the Trade Registry and tax office. For foreign investors, virtual offices are often preferred during the early stages.

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Capital Commitment Documentation

Foreign investors must declare the company’s initial capital in the Articles of Association. Capital does not need to be deposited immediately for limited companies; shareholders have up to 24 months to fully pay their committed capital. However, for joint stock companies, at least 25% must be deposited before registration unless deferred under specific conditions.

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Notarized and Apostilled Corporate Registry Extracts

A corporate shareholder must provide a registry extract showing official details such as:

• Company name
• Registration number
• Activities
• Directors
• Authorized signatories

This extract must be obtained from the foreign company’s home registry and submitted with apostille and translation.

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Appointment of Legal Representative in Turkey

Foreign companies establishing subsidiaries or branches must appoint an official legal representative. This representative—either Turkish or foreign—will:

• Sign documents
• Handle tax matters
• Represent the company before authorities
• Maintain compliance

A notarized authorization or board resolution is required to validate this appointment.

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Sector-Specific Licenses or Permits (If Applicable)

Some business sectors require additional documentation prior to incorporation, including:

• Tourism agency licenses
• Logistics and transportation permits
• Finance and fintech approvals
• Real estate brokerage certifications
• Import/export registry authorizations
• Energy sector licenses

Foreign investors in regulated sectors must submit these documents in advance or immediately after incorporation.

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Sworn Translations and Notarial Legalization of All Documents

Every foreign document must be:

• Notarized abroad
• Apostilled or consular approved
• Translated into Turkish
• Notarized in Turkey

Failure to properly legalize documents is the number one cause of delays for foreign corporate formations.

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Submission to Trade Registry and Final Incorporation File

Once all documents are complete, they are submitted to the Trade Registry Office, which reviews:

• Articles of Association
• Shareholder documents
• Capital structure
• Director authorizations
• Address proof
• Translations and notarizations

Once approved, the company is officially incorporated and published in the Trade Registry Gazette.

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Conclusion & Call to Action

Foreign company formation in Turkey is straightforward only when every document is prepared correctly, apostilled properly, translated professionally, and submitted according to Turkish Commercial Code standards. A single missing or incorrectly formatted document can delay incorporation for days or even weeks.

This is why foreign investors around the world trust
Fırat Fesih Kaya Law Firm
for seamless, English-language corporate formation services.

With us, you receive:

• Complete document preparation
• Drafting board resolutions & AoA
• Apostille and notarization guidance
• MERSİS and Trade Registry filings
• Tax and SGK registrations
• Bank account assistance
• Sector-specific licensing support
• English-speaking corporate legal advisory

If you want your company formation to be fast, secure, and fully compliant:

📞 Fırat Fesih Kaya Law Firm
☎️ +90 312 434 22 22
📍 Ankara – Turkey
💼 Corporate Law • Foreign Investment • Commercial Advisory • Work Permits