Introduction Commercial contracts form the legal backbone of business operations in Turkey. Whether involving supply agreements, distribution arrangements, construction contracts, service agreements, agency relationships, or cross-border transactions, commercial contracts determine the allocation of risk, rights, and obligations between parties. Turkish contract law is primarily governed by the Turkish Code of Obligations (TCO), supported by the […]
Introduction Turkey has developed a dynamic startup ecosystem over the last decade, particularly in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, gaming, SaaS, artificial intelligence, and logistics technologies. Istanbul has become a regional innovation hub attracting venture capital funds, angel investors, and corporate investors. However, startup investments carry inherent legal risks, especially in emerging markets where regulatory […]
Introduction Turkey has long maintained a liberal foreign investment regime aimed at attracting international capital, promoting economic growth, and integrating with global markets. Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a vital role in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, finance, real estate, technology, infrastructure, and services. Unlike some jurisdictions that impose strict entry approvals or foreign ownership […]
Introduction Share transfers are among the most common corporate transactions in Turkey, occurring in contexts such as mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, venture capital financing, family business restructuring, and shareholder exits. Under Turkish Commercial Law, share transfer procedures differ significantly depending on the type of company involved—Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.) or Limited Liability Company […]
Introduction When establishing a business in Turkey, one of the most important strategic decisions investors must make is choosing the appropriate legal structure. The two most commonly used corporate forms are: Both structures provide limited liability protection, but they differ significantly in terms of capital requirements, governance rules, share transfer flexibility, regulatory oversight, and suitability […]
Introduction Turkey has become an increasingly attractive jurisdiction for foreign investors seeking access to regional markets spanning Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With a large domestic consumer base, developed banking infrastructure, and a relatively liberal foreign investment regime, Turkey offers significant business opportunities. One of the most common questions foreign entrepreneurs and investors ask […]
Introduction Competition law in Turkey plays a critical role in regulating market behavior, preventing anti-competitive practices, and overseeing mergers and acquisitions that may restrict competition. For both domestic and foreign investors, compliance with Turkish competition rules is not optional—it is a fundamental regulatory requirement. The Turkish Competition Authority (TCA) actively enforces merger control rules, investigates […]
Introduction Serving as a director in a Turkish company—particularly in a joint stock company (A.Ş.) or limited liability company (Ltd.)—carries significant legal responsibility. Turkish law imposes strict fiduciary duties and compliance obligations on directors, and failure to fulfill these duties may result in civil compensation claims, criminal prosecution, administrative fines, and tax liability. For foreign […]
Introduction Corporate governance has become a central pillar of Turkish company law, particularly after the enactment of the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) No. 6102 and the strengthening of Capital Markets Board (CMB) regulations. Turkish joint stock companies (Anonim Şirket – A.Ş.) are subject to detailed governance rules designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and investor protection. […]
Introduction Shareholders’ agreements play a crucial role in structuring corporate relationships in Turkey, particularly in joint ventures, private equity investments, family businesses, and startup ecosystems. While the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) regulates corporate governance through articles of association, shareholders often prefer to execute a separate contractual arrangement to govern their internal relationship. Under Turkish law, […]