How to Register a Company in Türkiye from India Ltd Şti, MERSIS & Step-by-Step (2026)

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 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:

1. Check and reserve your proposed company name
   
2. Submit articles of association electronically
   
3. Track your application status
   
4. 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

Time: 1–2 business days

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:

1. Log into MERSIS portal
2. Submit 3–5 proposed names
3. 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:

1. Get documents notarized by Indian notary
2. Submit to State Home Department (for apostille)
3. Receive apostille certificate (sticker on document)

Time: 5–10 business days

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:

1. System generates pre-registration number
2. Application routed to relevant Trade Registry Office
3. 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):

• No upfront deposit required—capital can be paid within 24 months

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:

• Trade Registry Number
• Company registration certificate
• Publication in Trade Registry Gazette

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

Time: 1–2 business days

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:

• Garanti BBVA
• İş Bankası
• Akbank
• HSBC Turkey
• Ziraat Bankası

Challenge: Some banks require manager in-person visit; others accept PoA

Time: 3–5 business days

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:

1. Power of Attorney (must be validated at Turkish Notary)
2. Manager/Board Signature Declarations (signed at Turkish Notary)
3. Articles of Association (if externally drafted, notarized in Turkey)
4. 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:

1. Register at local Vergi Dairesi
   
2. Obtain Company Tax Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
   
3. Register for tax types:
   • Income Tax (Gelir Vergisi)
   • Corporate Tax (Kurumlar Vergisi) currently 25% in 2026
   • VAT (KDV) — standard 20%
   • Social Security (SGK) for employees

Monthly/Annual Tax Filings:

Important: Late filings incur penalties, and late payments carry monthly late-payment interest

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 (a reduced corporate tax rate on income from the approved investment)
• 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:

1. Submit application to Presidency of Strategy and Budget (Strateji ve Bütçe Başkanlığı)
   
2. Provide business plan, investment amount, job creation forecast
   
3. Wait for evaluation (30–60 days)
   
4. 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

Anonim Şirketi (A.Ş.) Total Estimated Cost

Note: Costs vary by lawyer/CPA; budget TRY 10,000–20,000 for professional fees

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

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:

• Use banks friendly to foreigners (Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası)
• Request PoA acceptance before applying

Currency Volatility (TRY)

Problem: Turkish Lira fluctuates significantly

Solution:

• Hold funds in USD/EUR account
• Use forward contracts for hedging
• Consider multi-currency accounts

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:

• Lower risk than DIY
• Strategic tax planning
• Language support during audits

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:

• Oznur & Partners
• PILC Law
• Workon Turkey

Post-Registration: What Next?

Register for e-Government Gateway (GIB)

• Access tax, SGK, customs portals
• Required for all filings

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

• Mandatory if selling goods/services in Türkiye
• Required for import/export

Open Multi-Currency Account

• Handle USD/EUR/TRY transactions
• Useful for India-Türkiye trade

File Annual Reports

• Submit annual financial statements to Trade Registry
• Deadline: Within 4 months of year-end

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 most of the process 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?

• Passport copy
• Proof of address
• Power of Attorney

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; income from an investment covered by an Investment Incentive Certificate can be taxed at a reduced rate.

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 typically establish your Ltd. Şti. in 7–10 days once your apostilled documents are ready.

Next Steps:

1. Contact Turkish CPA/lawyer for consultation
2. Start apostille process in India immediately
3. Prepare Power of Attorney
4. 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!