As a foreigner in Turkey, can I register a limited company without a residence permit?

1. Sole Proprietorship (Şahıs Şirketi): The obstacle: This is generally not possible on a short-term visa. To register a sole proprietorship, the tax office requires a Foreigner ID Number (starting with 99), which is only issued with a Residence Permit (Ikamet).

2. Limited Liability Company (LLC/LTD): The solution: This is the most viable option. You do not need a residence permit to form an LLC.
Shareholder Status: You can be the 100% shareholder using only your passport and a 'Potential Tax Number.'
Work Permit Rule: As a shareholder, you can receive dividends without a work permit. However, if you want to be the active Director (Manager) of the company, a work permit is required. To start immediately without one, you can appoint a Turkish citizen or a foreigner with a valid permit as the Director.

Typical Steps:
1. Obtain a Potential Tax Number from the Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi).
2. Translate and notarize your passport.
3. Register the company at the Trade Registry Office (Ticaret Odası).
4. Open a bank account and complete the Tax Office registration.

1. Sole Proprietorship (Şahıs Şirketi): The Obstacle: This is generally not possible on a short-term visa. To register a sole proprietorship, the tax office requires a Foreigner ID Number (starting with 99), which is only issued with a Residence Permit (Ikamet). 2. Limited Liability Company (LLC/LTD): The Solution: This is the most viable option. You do not need a residence permit to form an LLC. Shareholder Status: You can be the 100% shareholder using only your passport and a "Potential Tax Number." Work Permit Rule: As a shareholder, you can receive dividends without a work permit. However, if you want to be the active Director (Manager) of the company, a work permit is required. To start immediately without one, you can appoint a Turkish citizen or a foreigner with a valid permit as the Director.