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Limited Liability Company (Ltd Şti)

Limited Şirket

Unternehmensgründung in Turkey

Best Answer

The Ltd Şti is best suited for: Small and medium-sized enterprises targeting the Turkish market, Trading and logistics companies using Turkey as a geographic hub, Foreign entrepreneurs seeking a straightforward Turkish entity, Consulting, technology, and service businesses. Ltd Şti companies pay 25% corporate income tax on worldwide income. VAT (KDV) applies at 20% standard rate, with reduced rates of 10% and 1% for certain goods. Dividend distributions to non-resident shareholders are subject to 15% withholding tax, reducible under applicable double tax treaties. Quarterly advance corporate tax payments are required. Companies must maintain statutory books in Turkish and file annual corporate tax returns by the end of April.

Who this is for

Small and medium-sized enterprises targeting the Turkish market
Trading and logistics companies using Turkey as a geographic hub
Foreign entrepreneurs seeking a straightforward Turkish entity
Consulting, technology, and service businesses

Eckdaten

Gesellschafter min.1

Gesellschafter max.50

Geschäftsführer min.1

MindestkapitalTRY 10,000 (~$300 at current rates)

HaftungLimited liability

Gründungszeitraum3–5 business days

Jährliche KostenTRY 30,000 – 80,000 depending on activity and accounting fees

Schritt-für-Schritt-Gründungsprozess

Register on the Central Registry Agency (MERSIS)

Create a MERSIS account and prepare the draft articles of association online. MERSIS is the electronic platform through which all Turkish company registrations are initiated.

Prepare and notarise the articles of association

Draft the articles of association including company name, registered address, share capital, and shareholder details. Have them notarised at a Turkish notary public. Foreign shareholders may need apostilled passport copies.

Deposit share capital

Deposit at least 25% of the share capital (minimum TRY 2,500) into a bank account opened in the company name at a Turkish bank. The remaining capital must be paid within 24 months.

Apply to the Trade Registry Office

Submit the notarised articles, MERSIS application, bank deposit receipt, and director signature declarations to the relevant Trade Registry Office. The registration is published in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.

Obtain tax registration and commence operations

Register with the local tax office to receive a tax identification number. Register for VAT if applicable. The company can begin trading once the trade registry publication is complete.

Erforderliche Dokumente

Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (apostilled if foreign)
Notarised articles of association
MERSIS application printout
Bank deposit receipt for share capital
Director signature declarations (notarised)
Registered office lease agreement
Power of Attorney if applying through a representative (notarised and apostilled)

Kostenübersicht

Cost Breakdown (USD)

Jährliche Kosten

TRY 30,000 – 80,000 depending on activity and accounting fees

Gründungskosten

TRY 15,000 – 60,000 ($500 – $2,000)

Steuerliche Behandlung

Ltd Şti companies pay 25% corporate income tax on worldwide income. VAT (KDV) applies at 20% standard rate, with reduced rates of 10% and 1% for certain goods. Dividend distributions to non-resident shareholders are subject to 15% withholding tax, reducible under applicable double tax treaties. Quarterly advance corporate tax payments are required. Companies must maintain statutory books in Turkish and file annual corporate tax returns by the end of April.

Vor- und Nachteile

Advantages

Low minimum capital requirement — TRY 10,000 makes entry accessible
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Fast setup via MERSIS digital platform — 3–5 days typical
Access to Turkey's 85 million consumer market
Strategic geographic position bridging Europe and Asia
Customs union with the EU for manufactured goods

Disadvantages

Turkish Lira volatility creates significant currency risk for foreign investors
Corporate tax rate of 25% is not competitive by regional standards
Bureaucratic processes can be slow outside Istanbul and Ankara
Accounting and tax compliance requirements are extensive
Maximum 50 shareholders limits scalability for larger ventures

Andere Rechtsformen in Turkey

Joint Stock Company (AŞ)

Bereit zur Gründung einer Ltd Şti in Turkey?

Erhalten Sie eine individuelle Kostenschätzung und die nächsten Schritte.

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This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.