Can You Get Turkish Residency by Starting a Company?

Turkey has long been a strategic bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—attracting global investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. One of the most common questions among foreigners looking to establish a presence in Turkey is: Can you get Turkish residency by starting a company?

The short answer is yes, but with conditions. Opening a company in Turkey can indeed be a valid path to legal residency, but the process must be done correctly and for genuine business purposes. In this blog, we’ll explore how company registration in Turkey works, how it relates to residency permits, and what steps you need to follow to turn your business ambitions into long-term residency benefits.

Why Turkey Attracts Foreign Entrepreneurs

Turkey offers a dynamic and growing economy, low setup and operational costs, and a relatively straightforward process for foreign company formation. Some of the main reasons people consider registering a company in Turkey include:

• Strategic location between Europe and Asia

• Access to large domestic and international markets

• Favorable tax rates and double taxation treaties

• Relatively low cost of living

• A pathway to temporary and eventually permanent residency

In addition, Turkish law allows foreign nationals to establish and own 100% of a company without needing a local partner, making it one of the more flexible business environments in the region.

Is Company Registration in Turkey Enough to Get Residency?

Starting a company is a legal basis for applying for a short-term residence permit in Turkey. This means that you can apply for Turkish residency as a foreign business owner, provided your company is active, compliant, and contributing to the economy.

However, simply registering a company in Turkey does not automatically grant you residency. You must go through a formal application process with the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM), and you must provide supporting documents showing that your business is real and operational.

This pathway is generally used by:

• Entrepreneurs launching startups or small businesses

• Freelancers offering services via a registered Turkish company

• Investors managing real estate, tourism, or import/export companies

Step-by-Step Guide: Opening a Company in Turkey

If you’re serious about registering a company in Turkey, here’s how the process works:

1. Choose a Legal Structure

The most common and foreigner-friendly option is the Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.). It requires only one shareholder and one director, who can be the same person. Other options include Joint Stock Companies and Sole Proprietorships, but Ltd. Şti. is the most flexible and practical for residency purposes.

2. Choose a Company Name and Address

You must choose a unique name and register an official company address. You can use a virtual office for registration, but physical presence is recommended if you plan to operate actively.

3. Draft and Notarize Articles of Association

The company’s Articles of Association (AoA) outline its business purpose, ownership structure, and operational details. These need to be notarized and submitted to the trade registry.

4. Deposit Capital in a Turkish Bank

The minimum required capital for a limited company is 10,000 TRY. However, only 25% of this needs to be paid at the time of registration; the rest can be deposited over the next 24 months.

5. Register with the Trade Registry

You’ll submit all required documentation to the MERSIS system and the local Chamber of Commerce. Once approved, your company will receive a registration number and tax ID.

6. Obtain Tax and Social Security Registration

After company formation, you must register with the Tax Office and Social Security Institution (SGK) to ensure compliance. If you plan to hire employees or pay yourself a salary, this step is mandatory.

7. Open a Corporate Bank Account

You’ll need your registration documents and tax number to open a bank account in the company’s name. This is where you’ll deposit capital and manage business operations.

Applying for Turkish Residency Through Your Company

Once your company is legally registered and operational, you can apply for a short-term residence permit based on business activity. Here’s what you need:

Required Documents:

• Valid passport and Turkish entry stamp

• Proof of company registration (Chamber of Commerce certificate)

• Tax registration certificate

• Bank statements showing financial activity

• Rental agreement or property title for your address in Turkey

• Health insurance valid in Turkey

• Proof of sufficient income (you must show financial capability to support yourself)

• Application form and biometric photos

You’ll submit these documents online via the e-ikamet system and later attend an in-person interview at the immigration office.

Also Read: Procedure for Online Company Registration in St. Kitts and Nevis

How Long Does the Residency Last?

A short-term residence permit based on company ownership is usually granted for 1 year, with the possibility to renew if your business remains active and compliant.

After five years of continuous legal residence, you may be eligible for permanent residency. Additionally, if you meet investment and other criteria, citizenship may also become a possibility under Turkey’s business or real estate investment programs.

Key Requirements to Maintain Legal Residency

Simply registering a dormant or inactive company is not enough. To retain your residency status, your company must:

• Conduct real business activities

• Pay taxes and file reports on time

• Maintain a real business address

• Employ at least five Turkish citizens (if you want to sponsor a work permit)

If your business is found to be inactive or fake, your residence permit may be revoked.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Language barrier: Most legal and business processes are conducted in Turkish. Hiring a bilingual lawyer or business consultant can save time and ensure accuracy.

Banking difficulties: Some banks may have strict requirements for foreign owners. A local representative or lawyer can help facilitate the process.

Residency documentation: The immigration office requires complete and consistent documentation. Missing papers or unclear financial records can delay or deny your application.

Compliance: Failure to pay taxes, file reports, or operate transparently may lead to fines or the closure of your company.

Is It Worth Starting a Company in Turkey for Residency?

For many entrepreneurs and remote workers, yes. Opening a company in Turkey is one of the most accessible legal pathways to residency, offering:

• A chance to live and work in a vibrant, affordable country

• Access to the Turkish healthcare and education systems

• Flexibility for family reunification under certain conditions

• A potential long-term pathway to permanent residency or citizenship

However, it requires commitment. Authorities are increasingly vigilant about fake or inactive companies. As long as your business is real, transparent, and operational, you can benefit from both commercial and residency advantages.

Also Read: Requirements to Start a Business in Germany for Non-residents

FAQs

1. Do I need a Turkish partner to register a company in Turkey?
No, foreign nationals can own 100% of a Turkish company. There is no legal requirement to have a local partner or shareholder.

2. How long does it take to register a company in Turkey?
With all documents prepared, company registration can typically be completed within 3 to 7 working days, especially if you work with a local legal advisor.

3. Can my family also get residency if I open a company in Turkey?
Yes, after receiving your residence permit, you can apply for family residence permits for your spouse and children under the age of 18.