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How to Start a Company? 2026 Guide to Company Types
Starting a business in Turkey is not as complex or intimidating as it may seem. If you have the right information and follow the steps one by one, you can carry out much of the process yourself.
In particular, setting up a sole proprietorship can be completed within a few hours via e-Government. However, if you plan to establish a limited liability company or a joint-stock company, getting expert support during the Chamber of Commerce registration process reduces the risk of errors due to details such as the articles of association, partnership structure, and governing bodies.
In Short:
If you want to start quickly → Sole proprietorship
If you are aiming for partnership and growth → LLC
If you want to raise investment or build a scalable structure → Joint-stock company
1. Preparation for Setup (All Types)
Required Preparations:
Business activity → Determine the NACE code.
Company name → Check it in MERSIS, and make sure it is unique.
Address → It can be a home or office; a contract or title deed is required.
Capital plan
Sole prop.: Not required
LLC: Min. 50,000 TL (paid within 24 months)
Joint-stock: Min. 250,000 TL (25% shown as blocked)
Digital tools
e-Signature
Registered e-mail address
Interactive Tax Office (IVD) password
2. Company Type Comparison (Table)
Sole Proprietorship | LLC | Joint-Stock | |
Setup Time | 1 day | 3–4 days | 3–4 days |
Total Cost* | ≈ 5,000 TL | ≈ 16–20,000 TL | ≈ 18–24,000 TL |
Capital Requirement** | None | ≥ 50,000 TL | ≥ 250,000 TL (25% blocked) |
Liability*** | Personal | Limited to capital | Limited to capital |
Investment/Share Transfer | -- | Possible | Possible (tax exemption applies) |
* Average expenses (Istanbul 2026): notary, chamber fees, e-signature, fiscal seal, etc.
** The committed capital can be used freely.
*** For public receivables, directors may be held personally liable.
3. Sole Proprietorship Setup (Step by Step)
Required Information and Documents:
NACE code
ID & residence certificate (can be obtained from e-Government)
Address document:
If you own the property: Title deed
If you are a tenant: New lease agreement + 20% withholding tax
If you want an office: An agreement can be made with a virtual office
Application Process (via e-Government / IVD):
Go to dijital.gib.gov.tr
Click the “User Login” button
Log in with e-Government
Enter the address, activity, and tax office information
Submit the e-Invoice application optionally
Approve the application → Receive a reference number
Download the “Inspection Request Form”
Generate and save your tax plate
Post-Setup Tasks:
Have a stamp made
Notary: Signature declaration
Certified public accountant power of attorney
Address inspection (officer visit)
4. Limited Liability and Joint-Stock Company Setup
Professional support is recommended for these types (e.g., with Üstad). The process works in two directions:
Documents Required from Shareholders:
ID & residence certificates
Notarized power of attorney
Lease agreement or title deed
Partnership/authority chart
Business activity scope (max 5 lines)
Process Managed by Üstad:
Company setup consulting
Preparation of the articles of association
Notary/Chamber of Commerce documents
MERSIS application
Post-registration tasks:
Tax office registration
SGK notification
e-Document applications
Service fee: 12,000TL + VAT (excluding fees)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who is subject to the ledger / e-Invoice requirement?
Ledger and e-document obligations vary depending on the type of business, the incorporation date, and the business activity. For example, for some companies established on or after January 1, 2026, keeping certain commercial ledgers in electronic form has become mandatory; those outside the mandatory scope may transition voluntarily.
To review the current scope, exceptions, and transition process details:
Find out who needs to move to the e-Ledger system
Can I convert my sole proprietorship into an LLC?
Yes; but in practice, closing it and establishing a new company is usually more practical.
How long does setup take?
Sole Proprietorship Setup: Same day
LLC/Joint-Stock Company Setup: 2–3 business days
Tasks to complete within the first 15 days after setup:
Notify the tax office
SGK notification
Trade Registry Gazette distribution
e-Invoice/e-Ledger activation
Employment start notification for any employee, if applicable
Fast, Digital, and Secure Company Formation with Üstad
With Üstad, you can set up your company in just 4 steps and manage all your formation and accounting processes digitally from a single platform. Üstad enables you to initiate the formation process digitally for everything from sole proprietorships to joint-stock companies. It simplifies the workflow between the financial advisor and the taxpayer by bringing revenue-expense tracking, document sharing, notifications, and process management together in one dashboard.
It makes it easier for businesses to track their financial and administrative processes through a single platform; it helps accounting and social security processes progress in a more organized and traceable way.
To set up your company, start the formation process with Üstad now.
Launch Your Company with Üstad
Start your business in 4 steps, manage all establishment and accounting processes digitally from a single platform.
Manage all organizational and accounting processes digitally from a single platform.
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Note: This guide is prepared for general information purposes. Document lists and application steps may change over time. Before taking action, contact us for the latest information.
Support and Contact
📩 destek@ustad.co💬
WhatsApp: +90 216 706 76 00
Author
Üstad