Can a foreigner open a business in Türkiye, and what is the process?
General information, not legal advice. For high-stakes decisions, confirm with the official institution in the next-step below, or consult a qualified Turkish lawyer.
Pending expert review. This fact is sourced but has not yet been reviewed by an independent legal expert. Treat as a starting point.
Yes, and the sequence is non-negotiable.
1. Establish the business first. Complete registration in Ticaret Sicil Gazetesi (for companies) or the relevant trade association or esnaf odası sicil gazetesi (for sole traders), and obtain a tax number.
2. Apply to CSGB for a work permit. Either a Süreli çalışma izni (if you're a workplace owner or partner) or a Bağımsız çalışma izni (for fully independent self-employment).
3. Apply to the local belediye for the operating licence (işyeri açma ve çalışma ruhsatı), using your CSGB work permit as evidence.
Rule worth knowing: municipalities cannot demand a separate Bağımsız Çalışma İzni from a foreigner who already holds a Süreli work permit as workplace owner or partner. The Süreli permit is sufficient for the operating-licence step.
Special case for Geçici Koruma (Syrian) holders: governed by a separate regulation (Resmî Gazete 29594, 15.01.2015). Same sequence — business registration, then work permit, then operating licence.
Watch-outs
- Starting business activity before the CSGB work permit is illegal and triggers penalties under Law 6735. The "I'll start trading while the permit is processing" workaround is the most common path to a fine.
- The sequence is not flexible. You cannot open the workplace before the work permit is in hand.
Next step
Engage a Turkish accountant or business consultant before starting. The company registration step has many sub-steps — notary, trade chamber, tax office — where local guidance saves weeks compared to figuring it out alone.
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