Corporate & Compliance

Establishing and Operating a Business in Turkey

Turkey sits at the intersection of European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian markets, and its corporate law framework reflects this position. The Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102) governs company formation, corporate governance, and commercial transactions. For foreign investors, the process of establishing a Turkish entity involves interaction with the Trade Registry, the Tax Office, and often sector-specific regulators.

We handle the full lifecycle of corporate engagements: selecting the appropriate legal entity (limited liability company, joint stock company, or branch office), drafting articles of association, registering with the relevant Trade Registry, and obtaining the necessary tax and social security registrations. Our work extends beyond formation to the ongoing governance obligations that many firms overlook until problems arise.

Corporate Governance and Maintenance

Turkish law imposes specific obligations on company directors and shareholders that differ materially from common-law jurisdictions. Annual general meeting requirements, capital maintenance rules, and director liability provisions under the TCC require careful attention. We prepare board resolutions, amend articles of association, manage capital increases and decreases, and advise on profit distribution in compliance with both statutory requirements and any applicable double tax treaties.

Compliance and Regulatory Advisory

Additionally, to ensure corporate compliance and alignment with corporate standards, we closely monitor all legislative changes in the field of corporate law and prepare information notes for the companies we provide consultancy services to. We also offer legal services related to compliance with regulations specific to the industries in which our clients operate. Furthermore, as part of our consultancy services, we offer customized training programs on corporate law and corporate governance principles according to the specific needs of our clients.

Cross-Border Structuring

Many of our corporate clients are structuring investments into Turkey from jurisdictions with bilateral investment treaties or double taxation agreements. We advise on holding structures that account for Turkish withholding tax rates, transfer pricing rules, and the requirements of Turkey’s bilateral investment treaties. Our goal is practical: structures that work on paper and hold up to scrutiny from the Revenue Administration (GIB) and, where relevant, from the BRSA or CMB.