Opening a Company in Antalya as a Foreigner: Legal Steps Explained

25 November 2025

Opening a company in Antalya is a structured legal process governed by the Turkish Commercial Code and the Foreign Direct Investment Law. If you plan to open a company in Antalya, understanding each legal step in advance will help you avoid delays and compliance risks.

Under Turkish law, foreign investors are generally treated in the same way as Turkish nationals when establishing a company, subject to a few sector-specific restrictions. If you are considering business setup in Turkey as a foreign investor, this guide explains the key procedures, documents, and legal checks involved.

In this article, we outline the main stages of company formation in Antalya, from drafting the Articles of Association to tax registration and ongoing compliance.

Legal Framework and Market Context for Foreign Investors in Antalya

Foreign investors may establish companies in Turkey under the same conditions as Turkish nationals, as set out in Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875. This equal treatment principle applies to all standard company structures, including limited liability companies and joint-stock companies, which remain the most common choices for company formation in Antalya.

Antalya’s economic profile is another practical consideration for international entrepreneurs. The province attracts significant foreign activity in tourism and service industries. According to TÜİK, Antalya received more than 16 million foreign visitors in the first ten months of 2025, highlighting its role as one of Turkey’s busiest commercial and tourism centres.

For a broader national perspective on company structures and procedures, you may wish to review our page on Company Formation in Turkey.

Step-by-Step Company Establishment Process in Antalya

1. Choosing the Company Type and Drafting the Articles

The first step is to select the company type and define the scope of your activities. Your chosen activity (for example, real estate brokerage, tourism agency, or consultancy) will determine whether additional licences are needed and forms part of the legal requirements to start a company in Turkey.

The Articles of Association must include at least:

• The company name and registered office address in Antalya
  
  
  

• Shareholder details and share capital
  
  
  

• The list of business activities (NACE codes)
  
  
  

• Management and representation structure
  
  
  

Preparing this document with legal support helps ensure compliance with the Turkish Commercial Code and reduces the risk of later amendments.

If you are abroad, you may authorise a lawyer by a notarised and apostilled power of attorney so that most steps of company formation in Antalya can be completed without your personal presence.

2. MERSİS Pre-Application and Document Preparation

Turkey uses a central electronic system called MERSİS (Central Registration System) to handle trade registry processes and company data. Your company details are entered into MERSİS before any appointment at the Antalya Trade Registry Office.

Typical documents include:

• Passport copies of individual shareholders and directors
  
  
  

• Proof of address for shareholders (and, where relevant, for directors)
  
  
  

• The Articles of Association
  
  
  

• Signature declarations of authorised signatories
  
  
  

• Corporate documents for any shareholder companies
  
  

Foreign-language documents require notarised Turkish translations.

3. Registration at the Antalya Trade Registry

Once the MERSİS application is approved, an appointment is arranged at the Antalya Trade Registry. At this stage, the company acquires legal personality upon registration in the Trade Registry. In a standard case:

• Registry officers review the submitted documents.
  
  
  

• If everything is in order, the company is registered.
  
  
  

• The registration is published in the Trade Registry Gazette.
  
  
  

• Relevant institutions, such as the tax office and Social Security Institution, are notified electronically
  
  
  

In practice, where documentation is complete, opening a company in Antalya is often finalised within several business days. Timelines vary depending on sector licences and bank procedures.

4. Capital Requirements and Payment

As of 1 January 2024, the minimum capital requirements for company formation in Turkey have been updated. The minimum share capital for a limited liability company is 50,000 TRY, while a joint-stock company must now have at least 250,000 TRY. Higher thresholds may apply for companies operating under the registered capital system.

For joint-stock companies, at least 25% of the cash capital must be deposited before registration, with the remaining balance payable within 24 months. For limited liability companies, the capital can typically be paid within 24 months after registration, in accordance with the Turkish Commercial Code and the company’s Articles.

Because capital rules have undergone recent changes, it is advisable to obtain up-to-date legal advice tailored to your business plan.

5. Tax Registration, Address Verification, and Bank Account

After the Trade Registry registration is completed, the company is assigned a tax number by the local tax office. In many cases, a tax officer may conduct a visit to the registered office address to confirm that the premises are active and accessible for official correspondence.

Opening a corporate bank account in Antalya typically requires the Trade Registry registration documents, the signature circular showing authorised signatories, and the company’s tax number and basic information. Many banks request the physical presence of at least one authorised signatory, and some branches in Antalya offer foreign-language support for international clients.

If you will be leasing or purchasing office premises for your new business, obtaining legal advice can help ensure the transaction is compliant with Turkish property and commercial regulations.

Foreign Shareholders, Directors, and Work/Residence Status

Foreign nationals may hold 100% of the shares in a Turkish company, unless a specific regulated sector requires a different structure. There is no general obligation under Turkish company law to have a Turkish partner.

Where a foreign national acts as a director or manager and wishes to live and work in Turkey, immigration rules become relevant. In many cases, a work permit or residence permit will be required if the foreign director is actively involved in day-to-day management in Turkey, rather than acting purely as a passive shareholder or a non-resident board member.

Foreign investors in Antalya often establish the company first and then apply for a residence or work permit based on their role in that company. The exact permit route depends on the person’s position, salary level, shareholding structure, and overall business plan.

If your relocation plans also involve purchasing residential property, you may find our guide on Residence Permit in Turkey After Buying Property helpful for understanding how property ownership can support your residence process.

Sector-Specific and Practical Considerations in Antalya

Antalya’s economy is heavily oriented towards tourism, hospitality, and real estate services. Common company types established by foreign investors include:

• Property management and rental businesses
  
  
  

• Travel agencies (subject to licensing through TÜRSAB)
  
  
  

• Import–export and logistics companies
  
  
  

• Consultancy and service-based businesses
  
  
  

Where your planned activity is regulated (for example, travel agency, real estate brokerage, or financial services), additional ministry approvals or licences may be required after incorporation. These requirements form part of the broader legal requirements to start a company in Turkey in a compliant way.

Local institutions in Antalya — such as the Chamber of Commerce, notaries, and banks — regularly handle applications from foreign investors, including those from the UK and EU. This practical experience can make procedures more predictable for newcomers.

From a compliance perspective:

• All companies are required under Turkish tax legislation to keep statutory books and file periodic tax returns. In practice, this is handled through a certified public accountant.
  
  
  

• Even if your company has no activity at first, accounting and tax filings still need to be maintained on schedule.
  
  
  

FAQ

Do foreigners need a Turkish partner to open a company in Antalya?

In most sectors, no. Foreign investors can own 100% of an LLC or JSC in Turkey, provided they comply with standard company law and any sector-specific regulations.

Can I open a company in Antalya without travelling to Turkey?

Many steps can be completed remotely through a notarised and apostilled power of attorney granted to a lawyer or representative. Some banks and certain regulated sectors may still require your physical presence, so advance planning is recommended.

What type of company is most suitable for foreign investors?

For small and medium-sized projects, a limited liability company is often preferred due to its simpler governance and lower minimum capital compared with many joint-stock structures. The best option depends on your sector, investor profile, and growth plans.

Summary 

Opening a company in Antalya as a foreign investor involves several defined legal stages, including selecting the appropriate company type, drafting compliant Articles of Association, registering through MERSİS and the Antalya Trade Registry, meeting updated capital rules, and completing tax and banking formalities. With the right preparation and accurate documentation, the company formation process in Antalya can proceed smoothly in most cases.

Based in Fethiye and active across Antalya, Muğla, Istanbul, and the rest of Turkey, we assist foreign clients with all stages of company formation, including sector-specific licensing and residence or work permit considerations.

For professional legal guidance on company formation in Antalya or other investment processes in Turkey, you may contact Gokalp Legal.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.