Why Turkey
Turkey sits between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, with a young, mobile-first population and a large e-commerce market. It is also one of the world's biggest tourism markets: almost 64 million visitors in 2025 and a record 65.2 billion US dollars in tourism revenue, according to TurkStat figures reported in January 2026 (Turkish Minute, 30 January 2026). For many online businesses, that means local buyers and international ones.
OUNTERNET has an office in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, and has worked with Turkish and international brands since 2018. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Always check with a Turkish lawyer and accountant before you register.
- Step 1Choose a company type
- Step 2Register the company
- Step 3Set up payments and e-commerce compliance
- Step 4Build the website
- Step 5Choose where to sell
- Step 6Get your first customers
Step 1: Choose a company type
The two common choices for online businesses (Mondaq, 2026 guide):
| Limited company (Ltd. Şti.) | Joint stock company (A.Ş.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | 50,000 TRY, payable within 24 months | 250,000 TRY, at least 25% paid before registration |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Best for | Most small and medium online businesses | Larger ventures, investors, share transfers |
Sole proprietorships exist too, but a company is usually better for payments, marketplaces and foreign partners.
Step 2: Register the company
Typical steps:
- Prepare documents: passport copies (notarised translations for foreigners), tax numbers, articles of association.
- Submit the articles of association through the online trade registry system (MERSİS).
- Register with the local chamber of commerce.
- Notarise the company's legal books.
- Register with the tax office and complete the tax inspection.
- Open a corporate bank account and deposit capital as required.
An accountant (mali müşavir) usually handles most of this and your monthly filings.
Step 3: Set up payments and e-commerce compliance
- Payment providers: use providers licensed in Turkey. Many international payment platforms are limited for Turkish companies, so check before you build.
- E-invoicing: depending on size and sector, you may need to issue e-invoices (e-Fatura / e-Arşiv).
- Consumer law: clear terms, distance-selling contract, returns policy and KVKK (Turkish data protection) notices on your site.
Step 4: Build the website
Your site is your shop, your salesperson and your proof. Priorities:
- Fast on mobile. Most Turkish shoppers buy on their phones.
- Clear prices, delivery times and returns.
- Turkish and English versions if you sell to both.
- Trusted payment and delivery logos, real company details, a WhatsApp contact.
We build sites and Shopify stores in Istanbul and the UK. See web design.
Step 5: Choose where to sell
- Your own store: most control and margin, needs traffic.
- Turkish marketplaces: big audiences, higher fees and competition.
- International marketplaces like Amazon: a way to reach Europe and beyond. See Amazon and marketplaces.
Many businesses start on a marketplace and move repeat buyers to their own store.
Step 6: Get your first customers
- Google Ads and Meta ads for demand you can measure from day one. See performance marketing.
- SEO and AI visibility so you are found, and recommended by AI assistants, without paying for every click.
- Instagram and TikTok for discovery, especially in fashion, beauty and food.
- Tracking from the start: GA4, conversion tracking and consent set up before you spend.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a payment provider after the site is built.
- Copying a European site without adapting language, trust signals and delivery expectations.
- Spending on ads before tracking works.
- Ignoring KVKK and consumer law.
How OUNTERNET helps
From our Istanbul office we help founders build the site, set up tracking and run the first campaigns. Contact us or apply for a call.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own a company in Turkey?
Yes. Both limited and joint stock companies can be 100% foreign owned.
What is the minimum capital for a limited company in Turkey?
50,000 TRY, which can be paid within 24 months of registration.
Do I need a Turkish accountant?
In practice, yes. Monthly tax filings and bookkeeping are usually handled by a licensed accountant.
Is this legal advice?
No. Rules change. Confirm your setup with a Turkish lawyer and accountant.