Setting up a limited company in Istanbul in 2026
Documents, steps, timing and official cost items; when is the capital paid, and what needs doing in the first month after formation?
The limited company (Ltd. Şti.) is the most common form for small and mid-sized businesses in Türkiye. In 2026 the minimum capital is TRY 50,000; it is not blocked at formation and can be paid within 24 months of registration. A single partner is enough.
Decisions before formation
| Topic | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Trade name | Checked for similarity in MERSİS and the Trade Registry Gazette; the business purpose and "Limited Şirketi" appear in the name |
| Business purpose and NACE code | Affects the SGK hazard class, VAT rate consistency and licences. Choosing a NACE code |
| Partners and manager | At least one partner must be a manager; a partner-manager is insured under Bağ-Kur |
| Capital | Can be set above the minimum; unpaid capital is tracked in the partners' current account |
| Address | A usable address is needed for licences and the tax office inspection |
Steps
- Decide the trade name, business purpose, partners and capital.
- Prepare the articles of association in MERSİS and submit them for approval.
- Book an appointment with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce; sign, pay the fees and register the company.
- Complete the tax office inspection and applications for e-signature, financial seal, e-Notification, registered e-mail (KEP) and, where required, e-Invoice and e-Ledger.
- Open a bank account; if staff will be hired, check the SGK workplace registration.
How long does it take?
With complete documents, registration usually takes 3–4 business days. Being ready to invoice, including the bank account and e-document setup, usually takes 1–2 weeks.
Official cost items (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trade registry formation fee | Exempt |
| İTO formation service fee | TRY 2,160 |
| Certification of formation books | TRY 2,760 |
| Trade Registry Gazette formation notice | TRY 2.48 per word |
| Competition Authority share | 0.04% (four per ten thousand) of capital |
| Chamber registration fee | Depends on capital and professional group; TRY 3,305 in the TRY 50,000 capital example |
Notary, e-signature, financial seal and accounting fees are not included. See the total for your own capital: Company formation cost. As official fees can change during the year, we confirm the exact amount in writing before formation.
The first month after formation
- Check that the tax plate, e-Notification and KEP address are active.
- Before the first invoice, confirm the e-Invoice obligation and VAT rate. VAT calculator
- Add the partner-manager's Bağ-Kur registration and premium due date to the calendar.
- File the SGK notification at least one day before the first employee starts. Salary calculator
More on our company formation and limited company formation pages.
Sources: Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 arts. 573–644; Law on Fees No. 492; İTO trade registry fee tariff (2026).