Türkiye has become one of the most accessible jurisdictions for Indian entrepreneurs in 2026, offering 100% foreign ownership, a fully digital registration system (MERSIS), and minimum capital of just TRY 50,000 for a Limited Şirketi (Ltd. Şti.). This comprehensive guide walks you through registering a Turkish company from India, covering Ltd. Şti. vs. A.Ş., MERSIS requirements, notary steps, tax registration, and how to obtain an Investment Incentive Certificate.
Why Register a Company in Türkiye from India?
Türkiye offers strategic advantages for Indian businesses:
Indian entrepreneurs particularly benefit from Türkiye’s growing tech sector, manufacturing base, and access to EU markets through trade agreements.
Understanding Turkish Company Types
Limited Şirketi (Ltd. Şti. Limited Liability Company / LLC)
Best for: Small/medium enterprises, startups, most foreign investors
Anonim Şirketi (A.Ş. Joint Stock Company / JSC)
Best for: Larger enterprises, public companies, businesses needing significant capital
Key Difference: Ltd. Şti. is simpler, cheaper, and more flexible for most foreign investors. A.Ş. requires higher capital and stricter governance but is better for scaling or public listing.
What Is MERSIS? The Central Registration System
MERSIS (Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi — Central Registry Record System) is Türkiye’s fully digital company registration platform managed by the Ministry of Trade.
MERSIS Key Features:
- 100% Digital: Upload founding documents electronically
- Pre-Registration Number: System generates unique ID before Trade Registry submission
- Standardized Forms: Uniform incorporation forms across all Turkish chambers of commerce
- Remote Access: Foreign investors can complete process via Power of Attorney
- Real-Time Tracking: Monitor application status online
What You Can Do via MERSIS:
- Check and reserve your proposed company name
- Submit articles of association electronically
- Track your application status
- Receive your company’s identification number
This digital-first approach means most paperwork can be completed from India, though some documents require notarization and physical submission.
Step-by-Step Guide: Registering a Turkish Company from India
Step 1: Obtain Turkish Tax Number for Foreign Founder
Before registration, Indian founders must get a Turkish tax identification number.
How to Get It:
- Visit Turkish Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi) in person OR
- Apply through authorized Turkish lawyer/CPA with Power of Attorney
- Required: Passport copy, application form
Step 2: Choose and Reserve Company Name
Your company name must:
- Be unique (not duplicate existing companies)
- Include company type (e.g., “XYZ Limited Şirketi” or “XYZ Anonim Şirketi”)
- Not contain prohibited terms (religious, political, offensive words)
Name Reservation via MERSIS:
- Log into MERSIS portal
- Submit 3–5 proposed names
- System checks availability and reserves first approved name
Tip: Choose names reflecting your business (e.g., “India-Turkey Trade Ltd. Şti.”) for branding.
Step 3: Prepare Articles of Association (Açıklama Belgesi)
Articles of Association (AOA) define your company’s structure, objectives, and operations.
Required AOA Contents:
- Company name and address
- Business objectives and scope
- Capital amount and share distribution
- Manager/board details
- Voting rights and decision-making processes
- Duration of company (usually indefinite)
For Foreign Investors:
- AOA must be drafted in Turkish (mandatory)
- If drafted externally, must be translated by certified Turkish translator
- Lawyer or CPA typically drafts AOA to ensure compliance
Cost: ~TRY 2,000–5,000 for lawyer-drafted AOA
Step 4: Notarize Foreign Documents (Apostille Required)
Indian documents must be apostilled (international notarization) for Turkish authorities.
Documents to Apostille:
- Passport copy (self-attested + apostille)
- Proof of address (bank statement/utility bill + apostille)
- Power of Attorney (if using lawyer/CPA)
How to Apostille in India:
- Get documents notarized by Indian notary
- Submit to State Home Department (for apostille)
- Receive apostille certificate (sticker on document)
Important: Without apostille, Turkish Trade Registry will reject your application.
Step 5: Grant Power of Attorney (PoA) to Turkish Representative
Since you’re registering from India, grant Power of Attorney to a Turkish lawyer, CPA, or representative.
PoA Requirements:
- Drafted in Turkish (or bilingual Turkish-English)
- Apostilled in India
- Submitted to Turkish Notary for validation
What PoA Authorizes:
- Apply for tax number
- Submit MERSIS application
- Sign documents at Trade Registry
- Open corporate bank account
- Handle post-registration formalities
Cost: ~TRY 3,000–7,000 (lawyer + notary)
Step 6: Submit Application via MERSIS
Your Turkish representative uploads all documents to MERSIS:
Documents Uploaded:
- Articles of Association (Turkish)
- Apostilled passport & address proof
- Power of Attorney
- Tax number certificate
- Manager/board signature declarations
MERSIS Process:
- System generates pre-registration number
- Application routed to relevant Trade Registry Office
- Appointment booked at Chamber of Commerce
Time: 1–2 business days for MERSIS submission
Step 7: Deposit Capital (If A.Ş.) & Pay Fees
For Ltd. Şti. (TRY 50,000):
For A.Ş. (TRY 250,000):
- 25% (TRY 62,500) must be deposited in blocked Turkish bank account before registry
- Bank issues capital deposit letter (sermaye blokaj mektubu)
Competition Authority Fee:
- 0.04% of subscribed capital (payable before appointment)
- Example: For TRY 50,000 capital → Fee = TRY 20
Payment: Made via Turkish bank or e-Government Gateway
Step 8: Submit Final Application to Trade Registry Office
Your representative attends appointment at Trade Registry Office (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü) with:
Complete File:
- MERSIS pre-registration number
- Notarized Articles of Association
- Apostilled foreign documents
- Bank deposit letter (for A.Ş.)
- Signature declarations
- Founder’s declaration
- Competition Authority fee proof
Trade Registry Process:
- Officer reviews file (1–2 hours)
- Issues Trade Registry Number (Ticaret Sicil Numarası)
- Registration published in Turkish Trade Registry Gazette (Türkiye Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi)
Time: 2–3 business days for standard LLC
Step 9: Receive Registration & Get Tax Office Registration
After Trade Registry approval:
You Receive:
Next: Tax Office Registration
- Register at local Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office)
- Obtain Tax Identification Number for company (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
- Register for SGK (Social Security) if hiring employees
Step 10: Open Corporate Bank Account
Open Turkish corporate bank account for operations:
Required Documents:
- Trade Registry certificate
- Company Tax Number
- Passport of manager/shareholder
- Articles of Association
- Power of Attorney (if using representative)
Banks for Foreigners:
Challenge: Some banks require manager in-person visit; others accept PoA
Turkish e-Signature & Digital Requirements
Turkish e-Signature (e-İmza)
For digital signing of documents:
- What: Electronic signature equivalent to handwritten signature
- Required For: MERSIS submissions, tax filings, banking
- How to Get: Apply at PTT (Turkish postal service) with passport + tax number
- Cost: ~TRY 500–1,000/year
Alternative: Use GIB (e-Government Gateway) for authentication
e-Government Gateway (GIB)
- Single sign-in for all Turkish government services
- Required for tax filings, social security, customs
- Access via Turkish e-Signature or mobile ID
Notary Requirements in Türkiye
Documents Requiring Notarization:
- Power of Attorney (must be validated at Turkish Notary)
- Manager/Board Signature Declarations (signed at Turkish Notary)
- Articles of Association (if externally drafted, notarized in Turkey)
- Founder’s Declaration (signed at Notary)
Notary Process:
- Representative brings documents to Turkish Notary (Noter)
- Notary verifies identities and witnesses signing
- Documents stamped and certified
Cost: ~TRY 200–500 per document
Tax Office Registration & Obligations
Company Tax Registration
After Trade Registry:
- Register at local Vergi Dairesi
- Obtain Company Tax Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
- Register for tax types:
Monthly/Annual Tax Filings:
| Tax Type | Frequency | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| VAT (KDV) | Monthly | Next month 17th |
| Income Tax | Quarterly | Next quarter 17th |
| Corporate Tax | Annual | Within 4 months of year-end |
| SGK (Social Security) | Monthly | Next month 4th |
Important: Late filings incur penalties (2–5% per month)
Tax Resident Certificate for India-Türkiye Double Taxation
- Türkiye and India have Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
- Apply for Tax Resident Certificate in Türkiye to claim benefits in India
- Prevents double taxation on income/dividends
Investment Incentive Certificate: Benefits & How to Get It
What Is Investment Incentive Certificate?
Government document granting incentives to qualifying investors:
Benefits:
- Tax reductions (corporate tax ↓ to 15–20%)
- Customs duty exemptions on machinery/equipment
- Land allocation for manufacturing
- SGK (social security) support — government pays part of employee costs
- VAT exemptions on certain investments
- Grant funding up to TRY 5–50 million for tech/manufacturing
** eligibility Criteria:**
How to Apply:
- Submit application to Presidency of Strategy and Budget (Strateji ve Bütçe Başkanlığı)
- Provide business plan, investment amount, job creation forecast
- Wait for evaluation (30–60 days)
- Receive Certificate if approved
Tip: Apply before company registration to lock in incentives
Costs Summary: Registering Ltd. Şti. vs. A.Ş. from India
Limited Şirketi (Ltd. Şti.) Total Estimated Cost
| Item | Cost (TRY) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Number (Founder) | 0 | 0 |
| Name Reservation (MERSIS) | 0 | 0 |
| Articles of Association (Lawyer) | 2,000–5,000 | $65–$160 |
| Apostille (India, 3 docs) | 1,500 | $50 |
| Power of Attorney | 3,000–7,000 | $100–$230 |
| Turkish Notary (4 docs) | 1,000 | $32 |
| Competition Authority Fee (0.04%) | 20 | $0.65 |
| Trade Registry Fee | 1,500 | $50 |
| Tax Office Registration | 0 | 0 |
| Corporate Bank Account | 500 | $16 |
| Total (excluding capital) | 9,020–15,020 | $303–$500 |
| Minimum Capital | 50,000 | $1,250 |
| Grand Total | 59,020–65,020 | $1,553–$1,750 |
Anonim Şirketi (A.Ş.) Total Estimated Cost
| Item | Cost (TRY) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Same as Ltd. Şti. (above) | 9,020–15,020 | $303–$500 |
| Minimum Capital (25% upfront) | 62,500 | $1,650 |
| Grand Total | 71,520–77,520 | $1,953–$2,150 |
Note: Costs vary by lawyer/CPA; budget TRY 10,000–20,000 for professional fees
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Apostille in India | 5–10 days |
| Tax Number (Founder) | 1–2 days |
| Power of Attorney | 2–3 days |
| MERSIS Submission | 1–2 days |
| Trade Registry | 2–3 days |
| Tax Office Registration | 1–2 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 3–5 days |
| Total (with legal help) | ~7–10 days |
Without legal help: 2–4 weeks (more bureaucratic delays)
Common Challenges for Indian Investors & Solutions
Language Barrier
Problem: All documents must be in Turkish
Solution: Hire Turkish CPA/lawyer for drafting and translation
Bank Account Access
Problem: Some banks require manager in-person visit
Solution:
Currency Volatility (TRY)
Problem: Turkish Lira fluctuates significantly
Solution:
Apostille Delays in India
Problem: Apostille takes 5–10 days in India
Solution:
- Start apostille immediately after deciding
- Use professional apostille service in India
- Submit documents to State Home Department early
Ongoing Compliance
Problem: Monthly VAT, quarterly tax, annual filings
Solution: Hire Turkish CPA for ongoing compliance (recommended)
CPA Benefits:
Why You Need a Turkish CPA/Lawyer
While MERSIS is digital, foreign investors face real challenges. Professional help is强烈推荐 (strongly recommended):
CPA/Lawyer Services:
Cost-Benefit:
- CPA Fee: TRY 5,000–15,000/year (~$160–$500)
- Risk of DIY: Rejection, penalties, delays (costs far exceed CPA fee)
Recommended CPAs for Foreign Investors:
Post-Registration: What Next?
Register for e-Government Gateway (GIB)
Hire Employees (If Needed)
- Register with SGK (Social Security)
- Obtain work permits for foreign employees
- Indians may need work permit (apply via Turkish Ministry of Labor)
Apply for VAT Number
Open Multi-Currency Account
File Annual Reports
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I register a Turkish company completely from India without visiting?
Yes. With Power of Attorney to Turkish lawyer/CPA, you can complete 95% remotely via MERSIS. Only bank account may require in-person visit (some banks accept PoA).
What’s the minimum capital for Ltd. Şti.?
TRY 50,000 (~$1,250 USD). No upfront deposit—can pay within 24 months.
Can Indians own 100% of Turkish company?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership allowed for both Ltd. Şti. and A.Ş..
How long does registration take?
7–10 days with professional help; 2–4 weeks DIY.
Do I need a Turkish partner?
No. Foreigners can fully own company without Turkish partner.
What documents need apostille from India?
Is Turkish e-Signature mandatory?
Recommended for digital filings. Alternative: e-Government Gateway (GIB).
Can I get Investment Incentive Certificate as Indian investor?
Yes. Same eligibility as Turkish investors if meeting minimum investment (TRY 500K) and job creation criteria.
What’s the corporate tax rate in Türkiye (2026)?
25% standard rate; reduced to 15–20% with Investment Incentive Certificate.
Do I need to visit Turkey for bank account?
Sometimes. Some banks require manager visit; others accept PoA. Try Garanti BBVA or İş Bankası for foreign-friendly policies.
Final Checklist: Register Company in Türkiye from India
✅ Get apostille for passport, address proof, PoA (India)
✅ Obtain Turkish tax number (founder)
✅ Draft Articles of Association (Turkish lawyer)
✅ Grant Power of Attorney to Turkish CPA/lawyer
✅ Reserve company name via MERSIS
✅ Submit MERSIS application (via representative)
✅ Pay Competition Authority fee (0.04%)
✅ Attend Trade Registry appointment (representative)
✅ Receive Trade Registry Number
✅ Register at Tax Office (get company Tax Number)
✅ Open corporate bank account
✅ Register for SGK (if hiring)
✅ Apply for e-Government Gateway (GIB)
✅ (Optional) Apply for Investment Incentive Certificate
Ready to Start Your Turkish Company?
Türkiye offers Indian entrepreneurs a fast, affordable, and fully digital path to business ownership. With TRY 50,000 minimum capital, 100% foreign ownership, and MERSIS remote registration, you can establish your Ltd. Şti. in just 7–10 days.
Next Steps:
- Contact Turkish CPA/lawyer for consultation
- Start apostille process in India immediately
- Prepare Power of Attorney
- Begin MERSIS application
Need Professional Help?
Recommended firms for Indian investors:
- Oznur & Partners (investment lawyers)
- PILC Law (company formation)
- Workon Turkey (MERSIS specialists)
Start your Türkiye business journey today your European-Asian gateway awaits!