A Complete Checklist for Foreign Investors Starting a Business in Turkey

Turkey has become an attract

Turkey offers excellent opportunities for international entrepreneurs looking to establish a company in a strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

One of the first questions foreign investors ask is:

“What documents are required to establish a company in Turkey?”

The required documents may vary depending on the company type, shareholder structure, and the investor’s country. However, most foreign entrepreneurs need to prepare several essential documents before starting the registration process.

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1. Valid Passport Copy

A valid passport copy is one of the most important documents required for foreign shareholders.

The passport generally needs:

• A clear copy of the identification page
• Certified Turkish translation
• Notary approval (when required)

Proper preparation of identity documents helps avoid delays during the company registration process.

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2. Power of Attorney (If Applicable)

Foreign investors who cannot personally complete the establishment procedures in Turkey may authorize a lawyer or representative through a Power of Attorney.

The Power of Attorney may include authority for:

• Company registration procedures
• Tax registration
• Trade registry applications
• Official correspondence

Depending on the country of issuance, apostille certification or consular legalization may be required.

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3. Shareholder and Company Information

Investors should provide basic information related to their future company, such as:

• Proposed company name
• Business activity field
• Company address
• Shareholder details
• Capital structure
• Management structure

Choosing the correct company structure from the beginning helps create a stronger legal and financial foundation.

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4. Address and Contact Information

Foreign shareholders may be asked to provide:

• Residential address information
• Contact details
• Email and telephone information

Accurate information is necessary for official records and communication.

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5. Additional Documents for Foreign Corporate Shareholders

If the shareholder is a foreign company rather than an individual, additional documents may be required, including:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Company registration documents
• Board resolutions
• Authorized representative documents

These documents generally require official translation and legalization procedures.

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Common Document Mistakes Foreign Investors Should Avoid

Many investors experience delays because of documentation errors.

Common problems include:

❌ Missing apostille procedures
❌ Incorrect translations
❌ Incomplete Power of Attorney authorities
❌ Inconsistent shareholder information
❌ Incorrect company activity descriptions

Preparing documents correctly before the application can save significant time and cost.

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How Long Does Document Preparation Take?

The preparation period depends on the investor’s country and the required legalization procedures.

Factors affecting the timeline include:

• Translation process
• Notary procedures
• Apostille approvals
• International document delivery

Working with experienced advisors can significantly speed up the process.

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Professional Assistance for Foreign Investors in Turkey

At What Is Your Request, we help foreign entrepreneurs prepare all required documents and manage the entire company formation process in Turkey.

Our professional services include:

✔ Document Review & Preparation
✔ Company Formation Services
✔ Legal Consultancy
✔ Tax & Accounting Support
✔ Trade Registry Assistance
✔ Foreign Investor Guidance

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Establish Your Company in Turkey Without Complications

Preparing the right documents is the first step toward a successful investment in Turkey.

Our experienced legal and financial team ensures that your company formation process is completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Turkish regulations.

Contact What Is Your Request today and start your business journey in Turkey with confidence.