How to Start a Company? 2026 Guide to Company Types

Establishing a business in Turkey is not as complicated and intimidating as it is believed to be. If you have the right information and follow the steps step by step, you can largely manage the process yourself.

Especially establishing a sole proprietorship can be completed within a few hours through e-Government. However, if you plan to establish a limited or joint stock company; getting expert support during the Chamber of Commerce registration process reduces the risk of errors due to details such as the main contract, partnership structure, and management bodies.

What’s in This Guide?

• Steps to company formation are summarized

• Current costs for 2026 are shared

• The question "Which type of company suits me?" is sought to be answered

• Confusion about capital and liability is cleared

In Brief:

• If you want to start quickly → Sole proprietorship

• If you aim for partnership and growth → Limited company

• If you want to receive investment or establish a scalable structure → Joint stock company

1. Preparation for Establishment (For All Types)

Necessary Preparations:

Field of activity → Determine the NACE code.

• Company name → Check with MERSIS, make sure it is unique.

• Address → Can be home or office; a contract or title deed is required.

• Capital plan

  • Sole: Not required

  • Limited: Min. 50,000 TL (paid within 24 months)

  • Joint stock: Min. 250,000 TL (25% blocked)

• Digital tools

  • e-Signature

  • KEP address

  • Interactive Tax Office (IVD) password

2. Comparison of Company Types (Table)

* Average expenses (Istanbul 2026): notary, chamber fees, e-signature, financial seal, etc.

** The pledged capital can be used freely.

*** In public receivables, managers can be held personally accountable.

3. Sole Proprietorship Establishment (Step by Step)

Required Information and Documents:

• NACE code

• Identity & residence document (can be obtained from e-Government)

• Address document:

  • If you own the home: Deed

  • If you are a tenant: New lease agreement + 20% withholding

  • If you want an office: Agreement with a virtual office can be made

Application Process (Via e-Government / IVD):

1. Enter dijital.gib.gov.tr

2. Click the “User Login” button

3. Log in with e-Government

4. Enter address, activity, and tax office information

5. Apply for e-Invoice optionally

6. Approve the application → Get a reference number

7. Download the “Inspection Request Form”

8. Create and save your tax plate

Post-Establishment Tasks:

• Have a stamp made

• Notary: Signature declaration

• CPA proxy

• Address inspection (officer visit)

4. Establishment of Limited and Joint Stock Companies

Professional support is recommended for these types (e.g., with Üstad). The process works in two ways:

Documents Required from Partners:

• Identity & residence documents

• Notary proxy

• Lease contract or deed

• Partnership/authority table

• Activity subject (max 5 lines)

Process Conducted by Üstad:

• Company establishment consultancy

• Preparation of main contract

• Notary/Chamber of Commerce documents

• MERSIS application

• Post-registration processes:

  • Tax office registration

  • SGK notification

  • e-Document applications

• Service fee: 12,000 TL + VAT (excluding fees)

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Who is obliged to keep e-Ledger / e-Invoice?

Obligations for ledger and e-document vary depending on the type, establishment date, and activity field of the business. For example, from January 1, 2026, it has been made mandatory for certain companies to keep certain commercial books electronically; those outside the scope of obligation can transition voluntarily.

To review the current scope, exemptions, and transition details:

Learn who needs to transition to the e-Ledger system

Can I convert my sole proprietorship to a limited company?

Yes; but generally, it is more practical to close and set up a new company.

How long does the establishment process take?

• Sole Proprietorship Establishment: Same day

• Limited/Joint Stock Company Establishment: 2–3 business days

Tasks to be done within the first 15 days after establishment:

• Notification to the tax office

• SGK notification

• Trade Registry Gazette distribution

• e-Invoice/e-Ledger activation

• If any, employee entry notification

Support and Contact

📩 support@ustad.co💬

WhatsApp: +90 216 706 76 00

Fast, Digital, and Secure Solution for Company Establishment with Üstad

You can set up your company in just 4 steps with Üstad, and digitally manage all your incorporation and accounting processes from a single platform. Üstad allows you to start all incorporation processes digitally, from sole proprietorship to joint stock company. By combining income-expense tracking, document sharing, notification, and process management in one panel, it simplifies the operation between financial advisors and taxpayers.

It makes it easier for businesses to track their financial and administrative processes through a single platform; it helps accounting and social security processes to progress more orderly and traceably.

To establish your company now, start the establishment process with Üstad.

Note: This guide is prepared for general information purposes. Document lists and application steps may change over time. Contact us for current information before making transactions.