Corporate & Commercial Law in Turkey | Business Setup & Litigation
Strategic legal solutions for foreign investors in Turkey. From company formation to complex litigation, we secure your business interests.
Turkey offers immense opportunities for global businesses, but its legal landscape is complex and constantly evolving. Success requires more than just legal compliance; it demands strategic foresight.
As Istanbul Attorneys, we act as your external legal department. We combine deep knowledge of the Turkish Commercial Code (TTK) with international business standards. Whether you are entering the Turkish market for the first time or managing a large-scale operation, our expert team ensures your business remains compliant, protected, and ready for growth.
Comprehensive Legal Solutions for Businesses
We provide a full spectrum of legal services designed to support your business at every stage of its lifecycle. Whether you are entering the Turkish market for the first time or expanding an established enterprise, our team ensures your operations are legally sound, commercially viable, and fully compliant with Turkish regulations.
Company Formation & Market Entry
Starting a business in Turkey starts with choosing the right legal structure. We guide you through every step of the establishment process, ensuring tax efficiency and operational flexibility.
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Limited Liability Company (LLC - Ltd. Şti.): The most preferred structure for small to medium enterprises.
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Joint Stock Company (JSC - A.Ş.): Ideal for large-scale operations and investors requiring a prestigious corporate structure.
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Liaison Offices & Branches: Setting up representative offices for foreign parent companies.
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Post-Incorporation Support: Managing tax registration, opening bank accounts, and obtaining necessary activity licenses.
Commercial Contracts & Agreements
In the business world, ambiguity is a risk. We draft, review, and negotiate watertight commercial contracts that protect your rights and minimize future disputes.
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Shareholders Agreements (SHA): Defining the relationship and rights between business partners to prevent deadlock scenarios.
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Sales & Distribution Agreements: Securing your supply chain and sales channels in Turkey.
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Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA): Protecting your trade secrets and intellectual property.
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Service & Employment Contracts: Compliant agreements for your workforce and vendors.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Expanding your business through acquisition requires precise legal navigation. We manage domestic and cross-border M&A transactions with a focus on risk elimination.
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Due Diligence Reports: Before you sign, we investigate the target company’s hidden debts, lawsuits, and liabilities. Know exactly what you are buying.
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Share Purchase Agreements (SPA): Drafting robust agreements to secure the transfer of shares and assets.
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Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the merger meets all requirements of the Turkish Competition Authority and relevant ministries.
Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution
When business disputes arise, you need aggressive and strategic representation. We prioritize resolving conflicts efficiently to minimize disruption to your operations.
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Debt Recovery & Enforcement: Fast legal action to collect unpaid receivables from Turkish debtors.
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Breach of Contract: Litigation for damages resulting from unfulfilled commercial obligations.
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Shareholder Disputes: Resolving internal conflicts between partners to prevent corporate deadlock.
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Mediation & Arbitration: Alternative dispute resolution methods for faster, confidential settlements outside the courtroom.
Building a Solid Legal Foundation: The Pillars of Corporate Success
1. Strategic Company Formation
Success starts with the right structure. We don't just register your company; we advise on the optimal legal entity (LLC vs. JSC) to maximize tax efficiency and minimize liability under the Turkish Commercial Code.
2. Airtight Commercial Contracts
Ambiguity creates risk. We draft robust Shareholders Agreements (SHA), Sales Contracts, and NDAs that protect your intellectual property and trade secrets, preventing disputes before they happen.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
Navigating Turkey’s complex regulatory landscape requires expertise. We ensure your business operations fully comply with local labor laws, data protection (KVKK), and industry-specific regulations to avoid costly penalties.
4. Aggressive Dispute Resolution
When conflicts arise, you need a strong defense. From debt recovery to complex shareholder disputes, our litigation team fights to protect your assets and commercial interests in Turkish courts.
The Legal Framework: Business & Investment Environment in Turkey
Turkey offers one of the most liberal and investor-friendly legal environments in the OECD. The primary legislation governing corporate activities is the Turkish Commercial Code (TTK) No. 6102, which was overhauled in 2012 to fully align with European Union standards and corporate governance principles.
Equal Treatment Principle: According to the Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, international investors are subject to the same treatment as domestic investors. This means you can establish a business with 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local Turkish partner. Your company possesses the same rights, exemptions, and legal protections as any local Turkish entity.
Protection of Rights: The legal framework guarantees the free transfer of profits, dividends, and capital out of Turkey. Furthermore, Turkey is a signatory to the New York Convention, meaning foreign arbitral awards are recognized and enforceable. With Double Taxation Prevention Treaties signed with over 80 countries, your financial interests are safeguarded against dual tax liabilities.
Turkey’s robust legal infrastructure is globally recognized. Ranked #33 out of 190 economies in the World Bank Doing Business report, Turkey offers a highly competitive and streamlined regulatory environment. Furthermore, the OECD identifies Turkey as having one of the most open statutory FDI regimes, allowing 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local partner.
Whether you are incorporating a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Joint Stock Company (JSC), the Turkish legal system provides a transparent, modern, and secure foundation for your commercial growth.
Why Choose Istanbul Attorneys for Your Business?
We are not just lawyers; we are your strategic business partners in Turkey.
Commercial Awareness
We understand that legal advice must make business sense. Our solutions are designed to save you time and money.
English-Speaking Excellence
No language barriers. We negotiate, draft, and litigate in fluent English, ensuring you are never lost in translation.
Proactive Risk Management
We don’t just fix problems; we prevent them. Our "preventive law" approach stops legal issues before they become lawsuits.
Your Dedicated Corporate Counsel in Turkey
Led by senior partners with deep expertise in the Turkish Commercial Code (TTK), our corporate practice group acts as strategic advisors for market entry, mergers, and regulatory compliance.
Trusted by Global Clients in Complex Disputes
Export Manager, Logistics Company (Germany) 🇩🇪
We faced a tough commercial dispute with a local supplier. The litigation team at Istanbul Attorneys protected our interests aggressively and achieved a favorable settlement. Highly recommended for international businesses.
CEO, Tech Start-up (UK) 🇬🇧
We needed to set up our subsidiary in Turkey urgently. Istanbul Attorneys handled the entire incorporation process remotely via Power of Attorney. Their communication in English was flawless, and we were operational in just a few days.
Managing Director, Real Estate (UAE) 🇦🇪
Navigating Turkish regulations can be complex for foreign investors. This team didn't just draft our contracts; they advised us on potential risks and tax structures. Truly a top-tier corporate law firm acting as a strategic partner.