📌 Short Answer
Setting up a company in Turkey has two separate cost layers: capital, which stays in the company, and formation expenses, which are one-off fees. In 2026 the minimum capital is TRY 50,000 for an LLC (Ltd.) and TRY 250,000 for a joint stock company (A.Ş.). Formation expenses are one-off fees on top of that. Published 2026 estimates put them at roughly TRY 15,000 to 40,000 for an LLC and TRY 20,000 to 90,000 for a joint stock company, before office rent. The wide range mostly reflects whether accountant and e-signature services are included.
These are market estimates, not an official tariff. The final figure depends on the city, the capital amount, the sector and the service provider.
1. Minimum Capital by Company Type
| Company type | Minimum capital (2026) | Shareholders |
|---|---|---|
| Limited liability company (Ltd.) | TRY 50,000 | 1 to 50 |
| Joint stock company (A.Ş.) | TRY 250,000 | At least 1 |
| A.Ş. under the registered capital system (non-listed) | TRY 500,000 | At least 1 |
Some sources still quote a TRY 10,000 minimum for a single-member LLC. That figure is outdated; our minimum capital guide (in Turkish) explains the current thresholds and the deadline for older companies.
2. Formation Expenses: Line by Line
Turkish law firms and accounting firms publish quite different figures for 2026, so the table shows ranges compiled from several of them. They are not an official tariff and vary by city and provider.
| Cost item | LLC (Ltd.), TRY | Joint stock (A.Ş.), TRY |
|---|---|---|
| Notary | 4,000 – 6,500 | 7,500 – 13,500 |
| Chamber of commerce, trade registry and gazette announcement | 8,000 – 13,000 | 12,000 – 32,000 |
| Competition Authority share | 0.04% of the capital (about TRY 20 on 50,000 and TRY 100 on 250,000) | |
| E-signature and financial seal | About 4,500 – 5,500 in total | |
| Accountant formation service | 11,000 – 15,000 | 22,000 – 30,000 |
| Typical total range (excluding capital and office) | About 15,000 – 40,000 | About 20,000 – 90,000 |
⚠️ How to Read These Numbers
The low end of each range covers mostly the official items (notary, chamber, registry, gazette). The high end adds accountant and digital certificate services, which vary a lot between providers. Always ask what a quote includes before comparing, and confirm current fees with the notary, chamber and your accountant.
3. Costs Many Guides Leave Out
- Registered office: A real address is required. A virtual or shared office is cheaper than a leased unit, but must be accepted by the trade registry and tax office.
- Work permit and residence: Shareholding does not allow you to work or manage in Turkey. A foreign manager needs a work permit, which has its own fees and conditions.
- Monthly accounting: After registration, monthly bookkeeping, VAT and social security filings become a recurring cost.
- Bank account and capital transfer: Capital brought from abroad is transferred through a Turkish bank, and bank fees apply.
- Sector licenses: Regulated activities such as finance, energy, food or health require additional permits.
4. How the Process Works
- Choose the company type and prepare the articles of association.
- Register through MERSİS, the Ministry of Trade's central registry. Foreigners can log in with a passport or foreigner ID number.
- Sign at a notary (powers of attorney can be used if you are abroad).
- Pay the capital share required at registration into a bank account.
- Register with the trade registry and chamber.
- Complete tax office and social security registration, ledger certification and bank account opening.
For a full step-by-step explanation, see our A to Z company setup guide and the comparison of company types.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum capital to set up a company in Turkey in 2026?
For a limited liability company (Ltd.) the minimum capital is TRY 50,000, and for a joint stock company (A.Ş.) it is TRY 250,000 (TRY 500,000 for non-listed companies that adopt the registered capital system).
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Turkey?
In most sectors, yes. Foreign natural persons and legal entities can incorporate under the same rules as Turkish citizens. Some regulated sectors have their own licensing or ownership rules.
Do I have to pay the full capital when registering the company?
Not all at once. In a joint stock company at least one quarter of the capital is paid in before registration and the rest within 24 months after registration. An LLC is not subject to the same bank-blocking requirement at formation, and its capital can also be paid within 24 months. Confirm the rules for your exact structure.
Is the capital part of the formation cost?
No. Capital stays in the company's account and is used in its business. Formation costs are the one-off fees on top of it, such as notary, trade registry, chamber, gazette announcement and accountant fees.
Does owning shares allow me to work in Turkey?
No. Being a shareholder does not by itself give the right to work or manage the company in Turkey. A foreign manager or employee needs a work permit.
Conclusion
Budget for capital and formation expenses separately, and ask every provider exactly what their quote includes. The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest outcome if work permit, accounting or licensing steps are missing.
Koray Akdağ / Sistem Global Danışmanlık can prepare a company-specific cost estimate and handle formation, incentives and ongoing compliance from one point. Get in touch to discuss your project.
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Figures are indicative market estimates as of October 2026 and should be confirmed before you proceed.