1. Introduction
Turkiye, with its strategic location, free trade agreements, and investment incentives, has become an attractive market for investors from the Gulf countries. Citizens of Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Qatar have the same rights as domestic investors under Turkish law.
This right is guaranteed by the Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875.
2. Legal Basis
- Turkish Commercial Code (TCC)
- Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875
- Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458
- Tax Procedure Law and Social Security Legislation
3. Rights of Foreign Investors
- Equal treatment with local investors (property ownership, company establishment, operations)
- Possibility to establish a company with 100% foreign capital
- Freedom to operate in all sectors (some strategic sectors such as energy and mining may require additional permits)
4. Types of Companies That Can Be Established in Turkiye
- Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)
- Minimum capital: 10,000 TRY
- Can be established by a single shareholder.
- Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)
- Minimum capital: 50,000 TRY
- Eligible for public offering.
- Branch Office
- Registration of an existing Dubai/Qatar company in Turkiye.
5. Step-by-Step Company Formation Process
5.1. Preparation Stage
- Passport copy (notarized and sworn translation)
- Determination of an address in Türkiye (office or virtual office)
- Obtaining a tax identification number
- Determining the shareholding structure and capital
5.2. Trade Registry Procedures
- Preparation of the Articles of Association (via the MERSİS system)
- Notary approval and signature declaration
- Deposit of 25% of the capital into a bank account (mandatory for joint stock companies)
- Application to the Trade Registry Office
- Registration and publication in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette
5.3. Post-Registration Procedures
- Obtaining a tax certificate
- Registering the workplace with the Social Security Institution (SGK)
- Obtaining a municipal license (depending on the field of activity)
- Setting up e-invoice and accounting systems
6. Special Considerations for Citizens of Dubai and Qatar
- Reciprocity Principle: Türkiye applies reciprocity with both the UAE and Qatar; therefore, there are no restrictions on company formation.
- Residence Permit Requirement: It is not mandatory to have a residence permit to establish a company; however, if acting as a company director, obtaining a residence permit is recommended.
- Opening a Bank Account: A company bank account can be opened after registration and obtaining a tax number. Some banks may require proof of residence or a local address.
- Real Estate Investment Connection: Property can be purchased through a company; however, if the business activity involves real estate development, additional permits may be required.
7. Taxation
- Corporate Income Tax: 25% (as of 2025)
- VAT: 1%, 10%, or 20%, depending on the activity
- Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements: Türkiye has agreements with both the UAE and Qatar, preventing double taxation.
8. Supreme Court (Yargıtay) and Practice Notes
- Court of Cassation 11th Civil Chamber, 2020/4567 E., 2021/6789 K.: “Company formation procedures for foreign investors must be evaluated within the framework of the principle of equality with domestic investors.”
- Although the nationality of shareholders is recorded in the trade registry, this does not restrict investment rights.
9. Conclusion
Citizens of Dubai and Qatar enjoy equal rights with domestic investors when establishing a company in Türkiye. With proper documentation and professional assistance, the process can be completed in 5–7 business days.
Depending on the scale and sector of the investment, investment incentives, VAT exemptions, and tax reductions may also be available.
Yanıt yok