Key facts
The legal scaffolding, in plain numbers.
- Two vehicle options
- Limited Şirket (LTD): 1 to 50 shareholders, ₺50,000 minimum capital, no upfront deposit. Anonim Şirket (A.Ş.): unlimited shareholders, ₺250,000 minimum capital, 25% paid at filing. Both qualify for every Turkish tax incentive.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Under Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreign individuals and entities can hold the entire equity of either vehicle. No local partner required, no sector restrictions relevant to software, mobile apps, or gaming.
- Timeline
- Two to four weeks from the apostilled power of attorney landing in Istanbul. Apostille at your end (typically a week or two depending on jurisdiction) is the most variable step.
- Capital payment schedule
- LTD capital is payable any time within 24 months of registration, useful for cash-light setups. A.Ş. requires 25% paid on the day of filing, with the remaining 75% within 24 months.
- Government duties
- Approximately USD 800 – 1,500 in trade-registry, notary, translation, and chamber fees, passed through at cost and itemised in the engagement letter.
- Same incentives, either vehicle
- Both LTD and A.Ş. qualify for the 100% service-export tax exemption (Article 10/1-ğ), Tech Development Zone placement (Law 4691), and R&D Centre status (Law 5746). The vehicle choice is about governance and cap-table mechanics, not tax.