Turkey Business Visa
Set up a company in a fast-growing economy that links Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Migrate Way guides foreign founders through company formation and the work permit that lets you live and run your business in Turkey.
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How Foreign Founders Live and Work in Turkey
Turkey does not issue a standalone business visa for founders. Instead, foreigners set up a Turkish company, and the company then applies to the Ministry of Labour for a work permit, which also serves as your right to live in the country.
If you want to run a business in Turkey and benefit from its large consumer market and growing industry, this company-and-work-permit route is the practical way to do it legally.
Why Start a Business in Turkey?
A large, young market with a strategic location and a clear legal route.
A Large Consumer Market
Turkey has a population of more than 85 million, with a young, increasingly digital and urban workforce.
A Strategic Trade Hub
Located between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a natural base for trade, logistics and manufacturing across several regions.
EU Customs Union Access
Turkey’s customs union with the EU gives many industrial goods duty-free access to the European market.
Competitive Costs
Labour and operating costs are competitive for many industries, which suits export-oriented businesses.
Remote Company Setup
You can complete much of the formation process from abroad through a power of attorney.
Residence Through Work
A valid work permit in your company gives you a legal basis to live in Turkey as long as it remains in force.
What You Need to Qualify
The route has two layers: setting up the company, then obtaining the work permit that lets you operate it.
A Turkish Company
Foreigners can set up a limited liability company or a joint stock company. The legal minimum capital is TRY 50,000 for a limited company and TRY 250,000 for a joint stock company.
TRY 500,000 Paid-In Capital
To support a work permit as a foreign shareholder, the company generally needs paid-in capital of at least TRY 500,000 under the 2026 rule.
Tax Number and Passport
A valid passport and a Turkish tax number are the starting point for registering your company.
A Turkish Bank Account
A local bank account is needed to deposit the company’s capital, which is a mandatory step.
A Business Address
A registered office address for your company, supported by a lease or ownership document.
Employment Rules
Work permit rules include ratios of Turkish employees per foreigner, with exemptions for some shareholders. We review your structure.
From Company to Work Permit to Long-Term Status
The work permit is the key document, so it pays to plan the company structure around it.
- The company applies for your work permit through the Ministry of Labour’s online system
- The work permit serves as your residence basis while it remains valid
- Foreign ownership is generally allowed in most sectors
- After several years of lawful work and residence, you may qualify for an independent work permit
- Long-term residence is a separate step with its own conditions
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Fiscal Initiation
We obtain a tax number for each foreign shareholder, which establishes your legal footprint in Turkey.
Articles and Notarisation
We draft the company’s articles of association and arrange notarisation of the official documents, including certified passport translations.
Capital Deposit
You deposit the company’s share capital into a blocked Turkish bank account, a mandatory step for finalising incorporation.
Trade Registry
We finalise your registration at the Trade Registry, which gives your company legal personality and activates your chamber membership.
Work Permit Application
We prepare your business details for the work permit application, so that you can live and operate as an authorised manager in Turkey.
What We Handle for You
Company setup and immigration are detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Structure Assessment
An honest view of which company type and capital level suit your goals.
Company Formation
Coordination of registration with local lawyers, accountants and notaries.
Remote Setup
Help managing the process from abroad through a power of attorney.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents, translations and notarisations.
Work Permit Review
A final check of your work permit file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Setup Support
Help with banking, tax registrations and settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about starting a business in Turkey.
Can I start a company in Turkey without a residence permit?
Yes. Foreigners can establish a company using a valid passport and a tax number, without already holding a residence permit. However, to work in the company as a manager or employee, you need a work permit.
Is there really a Turkey business visa?
Turkey does not have a standalone business visa for founders. The practical route is to form a Turkish company and then obtain a work permit through it, which also provides your right to live in the country.
What are the requirements for short business visits?
Short visits for meetings and exploring opportunities depend on your nationality, since some nationals can enter visa-free or with an e-Visa. Short visits do not allow you to work, so we check the rules that apply to you.
How long does company formation take?
Company registration can often be completed in a short time once your documents, tax number and capital deposit are ready. The work permit stage takes additional time, and we give you a realistic estimate.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Turkish company?
Foreign ownership is generally allowed in most sectors, including full ownership. A few regulated sectors have limits, so we check your activity.
Can I get long-term status?
After several years of lawful work and residence, you may qualify for an independent work permit and later for long-term residence. We can explain the long-term picture for your situation.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Turkish authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Turkish capital thresholds and work permit rules change often, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash: Spenser Sembrat and Oskar Kadaksoo.
Ready to Start Your Business in Turkey?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which route fits and what your next steps should be.