Company types in Turkey

Four ways to be present

A foreign founder usually chooses among a limited company, a joint stock company, a branch of the foreign company, or a liaison office. They are not four names for the same filing. One can invoice customers. Another cannot. The formation steps start only after this choice is real.

Limited company

The limited company (Limited Şirket) is the usual operating company. Shareholders are liable up to their capital. It can sell goods or services, hire, and hold a bank account in its own name. One shareholder is enough in the common case, and that shareholder can be a foreign person or company, subject to the sector.

Joint stock company

The joint stock company (Anonim Şirket) suits a wider set of shareholders or a later investment. Governance is heavier: a board, registered shares, and more formal decisions. It is not automatically the better choice for a small first operation.

Branch

A branch is the foreign company itself, registered in Turkey. It is not a separate Turkish company. The parent remains responsible for the branch. It can trade. Accounts, a tax registration and a local representative still have to exist. Use it when the foreign company should be the contracting party, not when you want a ring-fenced local entity.

Liaison office

A liaison office is for representation: market research, contact with suppliers, and communication with head office. It is not a vehicle for issuing invoices or signing sales in Turkey. The permit is for a stated purpose and a stated period. If the work is commercial, a liaison office is the wrong file.

How the choice is made

We look at whether you will invoice in Turkey, who must own the shares, whether you need a structure that can take investment later, and whether a sector rule blocks foreign ownership or a particular form. Foreign founders and licenses change the answer. The proposal names one structure, not a menu left open.