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corporate law in Turkey

Corporate Law in Turkey: Expert Legal Support for Businesses

Corporate Law in Turkey: Expert Legal Support for Businesses. Whether you’re a multinational enterprise entering the Turkish market or a local startup aiming for growth, having a deep understanding of corporate law in Turkey is essential. The dynamic nature of Turkish commercial regulations, coupled with a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, makes Turkey an attractive business destination. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of Turkish corporate law, its key components, and how expert legal support can help businesses succeed in Turkey’s competitive environment.

Understanding Turkish Corporate Law

Understanding Turkish corporate law is critical for managing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Turkish corporate regulations are primarily governed by the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) No. 6102, the Turkish Code of Obligations, and the Capital Markets Law. These statutes establish a comprehensive framework for company formation, management, governance, and dissolution.

Core Objectives of Turkish Corporate Law

  • Ensuring transparency and accountability in corporate governance
  • Protecting the rights of shareholders and creditors
  • Regulating financial reporting and auditing standards
  • Setting legal obligations for directors and managers

To navigate these legal responsibilities efficiently, companies often rely on expert corporate lawyers who understand the nuances of Turkish commercial regulations.

Key Aspects of Turkish Corporate Law

Key aspects of Turkish corporate law touch upon various stages of a company’s lifecycle, from its establishment to operations and eventual liquidation. The following areas are especially relevant for foreign investors and business owners:

Company Formation and Registration

  • Preparation of Articles of Association
  • Company name reservation and notarization
  • Chamber of Commerce registration
  • Tax and social security registrations
  • Share capital deposit and share structure setup

Corporate Governance

Turkish corporate law mandates detailed internal governance rules, including general assemblies, board of directors, supervisory boards, and financial audits. Compliance with these rules is mandatory, especially for Joint Stock Companies (A.Ş.).

Shareholder Rights and Duties

Corporate law protects minority shareholders, regulates voting rights, dividend distribution, and establishes liability rules for shareholders and executives. Disputes among shareholders are handled under both civil and commercial litigation frameworks.

Commercial Contracts and Liability

From supplier agreements to joint ventures, corporate lawyers draft and enforce legally binding contracts that align with Turkish and international standards.

Merger, Acquisition, and Liquidation

Company restructuring, M&A due diligence, asset transfers, and liquidation procedures are all governed under strict legal timelines and disclosure obligations in Turkish corporate law.

What Does a Company Lawyer Do?

What does a company lawyer do? A company lawyer plays a vital role in managing legal issues related to business operations. In Turkey, company lawyers provide end-to-end support across commercial, employment, regulatory, and transactional matters.

Typical Responsibilities of a Company Lawyer

  • Advising on company establishment and structure
  • Drafting and reviewing commercial contracts
  • Ensuring compliance with local and international business laws
  • Representing companies in legal disputes and negotiations
  • Guiding corporate governance and board decisions

In high-stakes environments like cross-border investment or regulatory enforcement, a company lawyer becomes an indispensable part of your corporate team.

What Types of Companies Does Turkish Corporate Law Deal With?

What types of companies does Turkish corporate law deal with? Turkish legislation defines several legal structures that companies may adopt based on their size, scope, and capital. Each type comes with its own legal responsibilities, setup procedures, and tax implications.

Primary Company Types in Turkey

  • Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): Suitable for large-scale operations and public offerings
  • Limited Liability Company (LTD): Most commonly chosen structure for SMEs
  • Commandite and Collective Companies: Less common, used in niche sectors
  • Branch Offices: Extension of a foreign legal entity
  • Liaison Offices: For non-commercial representation and market research

Choosing the right company type is crucial for legal protection, tax optimization, and operational efficiency. An experienced company lawyer helps determine the optimal legal structure aligned with your business goals.

Essential Services Provided by Company Lawyers in Turkey

Essential services provided by company lawyers in Turkey go beyond registration and compliance. Lawyers ensure businesses are well-equipped to handle legal disputes, regulatory changes, and cross-border transactions.

Legal Services Offered Include:

  • Company formation and shareholder agreements
  • Corporate secretarial and governance advisory
  • Labor law compliance and employment contracts
  • Commercial litigation and arbitration
  • Tax planning and compliance support
  • Intellectual property registration and enforcement
  • M&A advisory, including due diligence and antitrust filings

These services are particularly valuable to foreign companies navigating the Turkish business ecosystem, where legal and cultural differences may otherwise lead to costly mistakes.

Why Choose Ongur & Partners to Be Your Strategic Partner?

Why choose Ongur & Partners to be your strategic partner? With decades of experience in Turkish corporate law, Ongur & Partners offers full-spectrum legal support to businesses operating or planning to invest in Turkey. Our bilingual team of attorneys provides personalized legal strategies, ensuring that your business remains protected and competitive.

Reasons to Work with Ongur & Partners:

  • Deep knowledge of Turkish and international corporate law
  • Proven success in complex commercial transactions and litigation
  • Strong ties with regulatory authorities and financial institutions
  • Multilingual legal support in English, Turkish, and French
  • Client-focused approach that prioritizes your commercial goals

Whether you are launching a new venture, expanding operations, or resolving a shareholder dispute, Ongur & Partners offers the expertise and dedication needed to succeed in Turkey’s dynamic business environment.

Contact Our Turkish Company Lawyers

Are you ready to start or grow your business in Turkey with the right legal partner by your side? Contact our Turkish company lawyers today for a personalized consultation. We’re here to help you navigate Turkish commercial regulations with confidence, clarity, and strategic foresight.

How to Reach Us

At Ongur & Partners, we believe that smart legal planning is the foundation of long-term business success. Let us help you build that foundation—starting today.

Conclusion

Corporate law in Turkey: expert legal support for businesses is more than a legal necessity—it’s a strategic asset. With a rapidly evolving legal framework and increasing global integration, having an experienced team of corporate lawyers is key to operating smoothly in the Turkish market. From understanding Turkish corporate law to selecting the right company type, managing legal risk, and pursuing growth, professional legal guidance makes all the difference.

Whether you’re forming a new company, entering a joint venture, or expanding into new regions, our team at Ongur & Partners is ready to assist you at every legal step. Contact our Turkish company lawyers today to begin your corporate journey with confidence and expert support.