Lanop

Thinking About Starting a Business in Turkey?

Turkey offers access to a large domestic market, strategic international trade routes, and opportunities across multiple industries. We help you assess the right structure, navigate regulatory requirements, and establish your business with confidence.

Thinking About Starting a Business in Turkey?
Large Domestic Market
0 M+
Foreign Ownership Permitted
0 %
Double Tax Treaties
0
Europe, Asia & Middle East Access
0
Why Businesses Are Choosing Turkey

Why Businesses Are Choosing Turkey

1. Strategic Access to International Markets

Turkey connects three major regions in one location. Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are all within reach. Businesses that trade across borders or plan regional growth find this hard to ignore. Very few single locations offer that kind of reach from day one. 

 Foreign entrepreneurs can establish and own businesses across many sectors, creating opportunities for market entry and expansion. With the right structure in place, businesses can build a presence that supports both current operations and future growth. 

Turkey has a large consumer base and a broad economy that covers manufacturing, technology, trade, logistics, and professional services. That mix means the opportunity does not stop at getting registered. For many businesses, it is only the starting point. 

Things to Know Before Starting a Business in Turkey

A successful business setup starts with understanding where to operate, how your industry fits the market, and how Turkey supports regional growth opportunities.

01
Commercial Hubs
Istanbul remains Turkey's leading centre for trade, finance, technology, and professional services, while Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Antalya offer opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, exports, and tourism.
02
Industry Fit
Different sectors benefit from different locations. Turkey has established strengths in automotive production, logistics, textiles, healthcare, food manufacturing, and digital commerce.
03
Location Strategy
Choosing a city aligned with your business activity can improve operational efficiency, access to talent, and long-term growth potential.
04
Regional Reach
Turkey's strategic position connects businesses with markets across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa through established trade routes.
05
Expansion Potential
Many businesses enter Turkey to serve the domestic market and later use their presence as a platform for broader regional expansion and international trade.

Is Turkey the Right Move for You?

A practical framework to assess whether Turkey aligns with your business objectives, industry requirements, and long-term growth plans.

01
Choose the Right Location
Select a city that aligns with your industry, customers, and commercial opportunities.
02
Evaluate Industry Fit
Turkey offers established opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, exports, tourism, and technology.
03
Plan Beyond Incorporation
A successful business requires customers, operations, and a clear growth strategy.
04
Think Long Term
Many businesses use Turkey as a platform for domestic growth and regional expansion.

Choosing the Right Business Structure in Turkey

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
(LTD. ŞTİ.)

50,000 TRY

Minimum Share Capital 

  • Suitable for trading, consulting, and service businesses  
  • Can be established with a single shareholder  
  • Commonly used by foreign entrepreneurs  
  • Flexible management structure  
  • Faster setup process  

JOINT STOCK COMPANY
(A.Ş.)

250,000 TRY

Minimum Share Capital 

  • Suitable for larger or expanding businesses  
  • Greater flexibility for investors and shareholders  
  • Strong framework for future investment  
  • Often chosen for long-term scaling plans  
  • Suitable for more complex ownership structures  

What Our Turkey Business Startup Service Includes

Business Planning & Structuring
Reviewing your objectives and advising on the most suitable business structure for your activities and growth plans.
Company Formation Support
Assistance with establishing your Turkish company and completing the required registration process.
Documentation Preparation
Guidance on organising shareholder, director, and corporate documentation required for incorporation.
Banking & Operational Readiness
Support in preparing for corporate bank account opening and operational setup requirements.
Tax & Compliance Guidance
Helping you understand key registration, reporting, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Advisory & Growth Support
Ongoing guidance to support business development, expansion planning, and long-term objectives.

TURKEY BUSINESS LANDSCAPE 

BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS

Strong Fit for International Entrepreneurs
Market Access
Access to customers across Turkey's large domestic economy and established regional trade networks.
Foreign Ownership
Most sectors permit 100% foreign ownership through structures such as Ltd. Şti. and A.Ş.
Regional Position
Strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and surrounding export markets.
Common Structures
Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) and Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.) remain the most frequently used structures by foreign investors.
Suitable For
Manufacturing, logistics, exports, technology, consulting, tourism, and international trade operations.
Important Considerations Before Incorporation
Business Location
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Antalya each offer different commercial advantages depending on your sector.
Banking Requirements
Corporate banking processes may require enhanced due diligence, beneficial ownership verification, and supporting documentation.
Regulatory Obligations
Tax registration, bookkeeping requirements, social security registrations, and ongoing compliance obligations should be planned early.
Commercial Readiness
Incorporation alone does not create demand. Market validation, customer acquisition, and operational planning remain essential.
Long-Term Objectives
Future investment, shareholder changes, expansion plans, and exit strategies should be considered when selecting the initial structure.

How Lanop Works: A Structured 3-Phase Process

01

Discovery & Planning

Weeks 1–2 

  1. Discuss your commercial objectives and reasons for entering the Turkish market 
  2. Review whether Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, or another location best supports your plans 
  3. Assess ownership preferences, business activities, and expansion goals 
  4. Compare available company structures and practical setup routes 
  5. Outline the requirements, timeline, and key considerations before proceeding 
YOU RECEIVE: 

A clear market-entry strategy recommended business structure, and a practical roadmap for establishing your presence in Turkey. 

02

Formation & Setup

Weeks 2–6 

  1. Coordinate company formation and registration requirements
  2. Prepare and review incorporation documentation
  3. Assist with tax registration and operational setup requirements
  4. Support corporate banking preparation and related documentation
  5. Help establish the foundations needed to begin trading 
YOU RECEIVE: 

A legally established Turkish company with the registrations, documentation, and operational framework needed to start doing business. 

03

Ongoing Support

Ongoing 

  1. Provide guidance as your business grows and operational needs evolve 
  2. Discuss expansion opportunities within Turkey and neighbouring markets 
  3. Help navigate ongoing compliance and administrative requirements 
  4. Support future structural or strategic decisions as circumstances change 
  5. Remain available when new opportunities or challenges arise 
Purpose

A business positioned for sustainable growth in Turkey, backed by ongoing access to experienced strategic guidance when it matters most. 

WHY CHOOSE LANOP? 

WHY FOUNDERS WORK WITH LANOP ?

Key Consideration
LANOP'S Role
Value Provided
Business Structure
Advise
Guidance on choosing between Ltd. Şti. and A.Ş. based on your objectives.
Tax & KDV
Clarify
Understanding corporate tax, KDV registration, and compliance obligations.
Location Strategy
Assess
Evaluating Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other commercial hubs.
Banking Readiness
Prepare
Supporting documentation and account opening preparation.
Growth Planning
Align
Considering future expansion, investment, and operational needs.

FAQs:

Is Turkey a good place to start a business?

That depends on what you’re trying to achieve. For some businesses, Turkey offers access to a large domestic market and strong regional connections. For others, another jurisdiction may be a better fit. 

Istanbul is usually the first option people consider, but it is not always the best one. Businesses in manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and exports often look at other cities depending on their industry. 

Can I own a Turkish company as a foreigner?

Yes. Foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors, which is one reason Turkey continues to attract overseas entrepreneurs and investors. 

What do people usually overlook when setting up a business?

Most attention goes to registration. The practical side, such as banking, tax registrations, accounting, and ongoing administration, is often where the real questions begin. 

The business still needs to operate. Depending on its activities, that may involve banking arrangements, tax filings, bookkeeping, and other ongoing obligations. 

FAQs

Get in touch

To learn more about how we can help you grow your business, contact us today:

Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm

Get in touch

To learn more about how we can help you grow your business, contact us today:

Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm

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