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Who Is This Guide For?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe guide has been prepared for:<\/p>\n
\n- Foreign companies considering entry into the Turkish market<\/li>\n
- International groups planning to establish a subsidiary, branch or liaison office<\/li>\n
- Investors evaluating the acquisition of, or investment in, a Turkish company<\/li>\n
- Founders and executives establishing business operations in T\u00fcrkiye<\/li>\n
- In-house legal teams coordinating Turkish law matters<\/li>\n
- Foreign law firms requiring a practical overview of the Turkish legal framework<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is intended to help decision-makers identify the legal questions that should be addressed before a proposed structure or transaction is finalised.<\/p>\n
What Does the Guide Cover?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe guide examines five areas that commonly arise when foreign companies enter or operate in the Turkish market.<\/p>\n
Corporate establishment and foreign investment<\/strong><\/h3>\nForeign investors may generally establish and own companies in T\u00fcrkiye under the same rules applicable to domestic investors, subject to certain sector-specific restrictions.<\/p>\n
The guide explains the main market-entry options available to foreign investors:<\/p>\n
\n- Joint stock companies<\/li>\n
- Limited companies<\/li>\n
- Turkish branches of foreign companies<\/li>\n
- Liaison offices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It also outlines the incorporation process, corporate governance requirements, shareholder liability and the principal differences between these structures.<\/p>\n
For further information, see our Corporate and Commercial Law<\/a> services.<\/p>\nEmployment and foreign personnel<\/strong><\/h3>\nCompanies establishing operations in T\u00fcrkiye should consider their employment structure at an early stage.<\/p>\n
The guide provides an overview of employment contracts, probationary periods, working hours, annual leave, changes to working conditions and the termination of employment. It also introduces the principal work-permit requirements applicable to foreign nationals employed in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Intellectual property ownership<\/strong><\/h3>\nProtecting a company\u2019s brand, technology and creative output require more than registration alone.<\/p>\n
The guide considers trademark protection and the ownership of intellectual property created by employees or commissioned from third parties. Under Turkish law, paying for the development of a work does not necessarily result in the automatic transfer of all intellectual property rights.<\/p>\n
Companies should therefore review their employment, development, consultancy and assignment agreements to ensure that the intended ownership and use rights are properly documented.<\/p>\n
Further information is available on our Intellectual Property Law<\/a> page.<\/p>\nPersonal data protection<\/strong><\/h3>\nBusinesses operating in T\u00fcrkiye may be subject to the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law, commonly referred to as the KVKK.<\/p>\n
The guide introduces the fundamental principles governing the processing of personal data, legal grounds for processing, special categories of personal data, registration with the Data Controllers\u2019 Registry and international data transfers.<\/p>\n
Foreign companies should assess their Turkish data-processing activities separately rather than assuming that GDPR documentation will automatically satisfy all requirements under Turkish law.<\/p>\n
Our Turkish Data Protection Law and GDPR Advisory<\/a> practice assists international businesses with data mapping, privacy documentation, data-processing agreements, international transfers and the operational implementation of compliance programmes.<\/p>\nMergers and acquisitions<\/strong><\/h3>\nForeign investors may enter the Turkish market by acquiring an existing business, purchasing shares in a Turkish company or establishing a strategic partnership with local shareholders.<\/p>\n
The guide provides an introduction to:<\/p>\n
\n- Share and asset acquisitions<\/li>\n
- Principal transaction documents<\/li>\n
- Foreign investment rules<\/li>\n
- Sector-specific approval requirements<\/li>\n
- Turkish merger-control considerations<\/li>\n
- Competition Board clearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The appropriate transaction structure will depend on the target company, the assets or rights being acquired, the regulated status of the business and the level of control obtained by the investor.<\/p>\n
For transaction-specific information, see our Mergers and Acquisitions in T\u00fcrkiye<\/a> services.<\/p>\nChoosing the Appropriate Market-Entry Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere is no single structure suitable for every foreign investor.<\/p>\n
A joint stock company may provide greater flexibility for investments, future share transfers and corporate governance arrangements. A limited company may be suitable for a more closely held operation but is subject to different transfer formalities and liability considerations.<\/p>\n
A branch allows the foreign company to operate directly in T\u00fcrkiye without incorporating a separate legal entity. A liaison office may be used for limited non-commercial activities, such as market research or representation, but cannot generate income in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
The decision should be based on the investor\u2019s proposed activities, ownership plans, financing structure, regulatory position, employment requirements and exit strategy.<\/p>\n
Legal Support for Foreign Investors in T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/h3>\nHarvey Arasan advises foreign companies, investors, founders and international legal teams on establishing, acquiring and operating businesses in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Our work includes:<\/p>\n
\n- Advising on the appropriate corporate and investment structure<\/li>\n
- Incorporating Turkish companies and registering branches<\/li>\n
- Preparing articles of association and shareholders\u2019 agreements<\/li>\n
- Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts<\/li>\n
- Advising on employment matters<\/li>\n
- Reviewing intellectual property ownership and contractual arrangements<\/li>\n
- Supporting KVKK and international data-transfer compliance<\/li>\n
- Conducting legal due diligence<\/li>\n
- Advising on acquisitions, investments and joint ventures<\/li>\n
- Coordinating Turkish law matters with foreign counsel and international transaction teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Our lawyers work in Turkish, English and French and provide advice that takes account of both Turkish legal requirements and the commercial objectives of international clients.<\/p>\n
Download the Guide<\/strong><\/h3>\nDownload Doing Business in T\u00fcrkiye: Key Legal Considerations for Foreign Investors<\/strong> for a practical overview of the Turkish legal framework applicable to market entry, company establishment, employment, intellectual property, data protection and M&A transactions.<\/p>\n
It is intended to help decision-makers identify the legal questions that should be addressed before a proposed structure or transaction is finalised.<\/p>\n
What Does the Guide Cover?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe guide examines five areas that commonly arise when foreign companies enter or operate in the Turkish market.<\/p>\n
Corporate establishment and foreign investment<\/strong><\/h3>\nForeign investors may generally establish and own companies in T\u00fcrkiye under the same rules applicable to domestic investors, subject to certain sector-specific restrictions.<\/p>\n
The guide explains the main market-entry options available to foreign investors:<\/p>\n
\n- Joint stock companies<\/li>\n
- Limited companies<\/li>\n
- Turkish branches of foreign companies<\/li>\n
- Liaison offices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It also outlines the incorporation process, corporate governance requirements, shareholder liability and the principal differences between these structures.<\/p>\n
For further information, see our Corporate and Commercial Law<\/a> services.<\/p>\nEmployment and foreign personnel<\/strong><\/h3>\nCompanies establishing operations in T\u00fcrkiye should consider their employment structure at an early stage.<\/p>\n
The guide provides an overview of employment contracts, probationary periods, working hours, annual leave, changes to working conditions and the termination of employment. It also introduces the principal work-permit requirements applicable to foreign nationals employed in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Intellectual property ownership<\/strong><\/h3>\nProtecting a company\u2019s brand, technology and creative output require more than registration alone.<\/p>\n
The guide considers trademark protection and the ownership of intellectual property created by employees or commissioned from third parties. Under Turkish law, paying for the development of a work does not necessarily result in the automatic transfer of all intellectual property rights.<\/p>\n
Companies should therefore review their employment, development, consultancy and assignment agreements to ensure that the intended ownership and use rights are properly documented.<\/p>\n
Further information is available on our Intellectual Property Law<\/a> page.<\/p>\nPersonal data protection<\/strong><\/h3>\nBusinesses operating in T\u00fcrkiye may be subject to the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law, commonly referred to as the KVKK.<\/p>\n
The guide introduces the fundamental principles governing the processing of personal data, legal grounds for processing, special categories of personal data, registration with the Data Controllers\u2019 Registry and international data transfers.<\/p>\n
Foreign companies should assess their Turkish data-processing activities separately rather than assuming that GDPR documentation will automatically satisfy all requirements under Turkish law.<\/p>\n
Our Turkish Data Protection Law and GDPR Advisory<\/a> practice assists international businesses with data mapping, privacy documentation, data-processing agreements, international transfers and the operational implementation of compliance programmes.<\/p>\nMergers and acquisitions<\/strong><\/h3>\nForeign investors may enter the Turkish market by acquiring an existing business, purchasing shares in a Turkish company or establishing a strategic partnership with local shareholders.<\/p>\n
The guide provides an introduction to:<\/p>\n
\n- Share and asset acquisitions<\/li>\n
- Principal transaction documents<\/li>\n
- Foreign investment rules<\/li>\n
- Sector-specific approval requirements<\/li>\n
- Turkish merger-control considerations<\/li>\n
- Competition Board clearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The appropriate transaction structure will depend on the target company, the assets or rights being acquired, the regulated status of the business and the level of control obtained by the investor.<\/p>\n
For transaction-specific information, see our Mergers and Acquisitions in T\u00fcrkiye<\/a> services.<\/p>\nChoosing the Appropriate Market-Entry Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere is no single structure suitable for every foreign investor.<\/p>\n
A joint stock company may provide greater flexibility for investments, future share transfers and corporate governance arrangements. A limited company may be suitable for a more closely held operation but is subject to different transfer formalities and liability considerations.<\/p>\n
A branch allows the foreign company to operate directly in T\u00fcrkiye without incorporating a separate legal entity. A liaison office may be used for limited non-commercial activities, such as market research or representation, but cannot generate income in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
The decision should be based on the investor\u2019s proposed activities, ownership plans, financing structure, regulatory position, employment requirements and exit strategy.<\/p>\n
Legal Support for Foreign Investors in T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/h3>\nHarvey Arasan advises foreign companies, investors, founders and international legal teams on establishing, acquiring and operating businesses in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Our work includes:<\/p>\n
\n- Advising on the appropriate corporate and investment structure<\/li>\n
- Incorporating Turkish companies and registering branches<\/li>\n
- Preparing articles of association and shareholders\u2019 agreements<\/li>\n
- Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts<\/li>\n
- Advising on employment matters<\/li>\n
- Reviewing intellectual property ownership and contractual arrangements<\/li>\n
- Supporting KVKK and international data-transfer compliance<\/li>\n
- Conducting legal due diligence<\/li>\n
- Advising on acquisitions, investments and joint ventures<\/li>\n
- Coordinating Turkish law matters with foreign counsel and international transaction teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Our lawyers work in Turkish, English and French and provide advice that takes account of both Turkish legal requirements and the commercial objectives of international clients.<\/p>\n
Download the Guide<\/strong><\/h3>\nDownload Doing Business in T\u00fcrkiye: Key Legal Considerations for Foreign Investors<\/strong> for a practical overview of the Turkish legal framework applicable to market entry, company establishment, employment, intellectual property, data protection and M&A transactions.<\/p>\n
Foreign investors may generally establish and own companies in T\u00fcrkiye under the same rules applicable to domestic investors, subject to certain sector-specific restrictions.<\/p>\n
The guide explains the main market-entry options available to foreign investors:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Joint stock companies<\/li>\n
- Limited companies<\/li>\n
- Turkish branches of foreign companies<\/li>\n
- Liaison offices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It also outlines the incorporation process, corporate governance requirements, shareholder liability and the principal differences between these structures.<\/p>\n
For further information, see our Corporate and Commercial Law<\/a> services.<\/p>\n
Employment and foreign personnel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Companies establishing operations in T\u00fcrkiye should consider their employment structure at an early stage.<\/p>\n
The guide provides an overview of employment contracts, probationary periods, working hours, annual leave, changes to working conditions and the termination of employment. It also introduces the principal work-permit requirements applicable to foreign nationals employed in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Intellectual property ownership<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Protecting a company\u2019s brand, technology and creative output require more than registration alone.<\/p>\n
The guide considers trademark protection and the ownership of intellectual property created by employees or commissioned from third parties. Under Turkish law, paying for the development of a work does not necessarily result in the automatic transfer of all intellectual property rights.<\/p>\n
Companies should therefore review their employment, development, consultancy and assignment agreements to ensure that the intended ownership and use rights are properly documented.<\/p>\n
Further information is available on our Intellectual Property Law<\/a> page.<\/p>\n
Personal data protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Businesses operating in T\u00fcrkiye may be subject to the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law, commonly referred to as the KVKK.<\/p>\n
The guide introduces the fundamental principles governing the processing of personal data, legal grounds for processing, special categories of personal data, registration with the Data Controllers\u2019 Registry and international data transfers.<\/p>\n
Foreign companies should assess their Turkish data-processing activities separately rather than assuming that GDPR documentation will automatically satisfy all requirements under Turkish law.<\/p>\n
Our Turkish Data Protection Law and GDPR Advisory<\/a> practice assists international businesses with data mapping, privacy documentation, data-processing agreements, international transfers and the operational implementation of compliance programmes.<\/p>\n
Mergers and acquisitions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Foreign investors may enter the Turkish market by acquiring an existing business, purchasing shares in a Turkish company or establishing a strategic partnership with local shareholders.<\/p>\n
The guide provides an introduction to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Share and asset acquisitions<\/li>\n
- Principal transaction documents<\/li>\n
- Foreign investment rules<\/li>\n
- Sector-specific approval requirements<\/li>\n
- Turkish merger-control considerations<\/li>\n
- Competition Board clearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The appropriate transaction structure will depend on the target company, the assets or rights being acquired, the regulated status of the business and the level of control obtained by the investor.<\/p>\n
For transaction-specific information, see our Mergers and Acquisitions in T\u00fcrkiye<\/a> services.<\/p>\n
Choosing the Appropriate Market-Entry Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n
There is no single structure suitable for every foreign investor.<\/p>\n
A joint stock company may provide greater flexibility for investments, future share transfers and corporate governance arrangements. A limited company may be suitable for a more closely held operation but is subject to different transfer formalities and liability considerations.<\/p>\n
A branch allows the foreign company to operate directly in T\u00fcrkiye without incorporating a separate legal entity. A liaison office may be used for limited non-commercial activities, such as market research or representation, but cannot generate income in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
The decision should be based on the investor\u2019s proposed activities, ownership plans, financing structure, regulatory position, employment requirements and exit strategy.<\/p>\n
Legal Support for Foreign Investors in T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Harvey Arasan advises foreign companies, investors, founders and international legal teams on establishing, acquiring and operating businesses in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Our work includes:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Advising on the appropriate corporate and investment structure<\/li>\n
- Incorporating Turkish companies and registering branches<\/li>\n
- Preparing articles of association and shareholders\u2019 agreements<\/li>\n
- Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts<\/li>\n
- Advising on employment matters<\/li>\n
- Reviewing intellectual property ownership and contractual arrangements<\/li>\n
- Supporting KVKK and international data-transfer compliance<\/li>\n
- Conducting legal due diligence<\/li>\n
- Advising on acquisitions, investments and joint ventures<\/li>\n
- Coordinating Turkish law matters with foreign counsel and international transaction teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Our lawyers work in Turkish, English and French and provide advice that takes account of both Turkish legal requirements and the commercial objectives of international clients.<\/p>\n
Download the Guide<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Download Doing Business in T\u00fcrkiye: Key Legal Considerations for Foreign Investors<\/strong> for a practical overview of the Turkish legal framework applicable to market entry, company establishment, employment, intellectual property, data protection and M&A transactions.<\/p>\n