Accounting and bookkeeping
services in Turkey.
Bilgidepom is a certified public accounting (SMMM) practice in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, in continuous operation since 1971. We handle bookkeeping, tax filing, payroll and company formation for businesses in Turkey — including foreign-owned companies whose owners never set foot in the office. Fees and tax rates are set out on this page rather than hidden behind a form.
Services
Everything a business in Turkey is legally required to keep, file and report — handled end to end, digitally, so you do not need to visit the office.
Bookkeeping
Statutory books, e-ledger and e-invoice compliance, monthly reconciliations and management reporting.
Tax Filing
VAT, withholding, provisional and annual corporate or income tax returns prepared and filed on time.
Company Formation
Sole proprietorship, limited (LLC) or joint-stock company — incorporation, tax registration and e-signature.
Payroll & Social Security
Employment registration, monthly payroll, SGK declarations, severance and termination calculations.
Advisory
Entity structure, incentives, VAT refunds, cross-border invoicing and day-to-day compliance questions.
Virtual Office
A registered business address in Istanbul with mail handling, for founders without a physical office.
Setting Up a Company in Turkey
Foreign nationals may own 100% of a Turkish company. There is no requirement to have a Turkish partner. Most of our clients complete the process in a few working days.
You obtain a Turkish tax identification number — this can be done with your passport.
Articles of association, notarised signatures and translated passport copies are prepared.
The company is registered with the Trade Registry and announced in the trade gazette.
Tax office registration, e-signature, e-invoice setup and your books are opened.
| Structure | Minimum capital | Liability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | Unlimited, personal | Freelancers, small traders |
| Limited company (LLC) | TRY 50,000 | Limited to capital | Most SMEs and foreign founders |
| Joint-stock company | TRY 250,000 | Limited to capital | Investment, share transfers, scale |
Figures are the statutory minimums in force for 2026. Capital requirements and registration fees are updated periodically — we confirm current amounts before you commit to a structure.
What a Turkish Company Pays
Two separate things are often confused: the taxes your company owes the state, and the fee you pay an accountant to keep the company compliant. Here is both, with 2026 figures.
Taxes
| Tax | Rate | Filed |
|---|---|---|
| VAT (KDV) | 20% standard; 10% and 1% on listed goods | Monthly, by the 26th |
| Corporate income tax | 25% general rate | Annually, by end of April |
| Provisional (advance) corporate tax | Paid against the annual liability | February, May, August, November |
| Withholding tax and social security | Depends on payment type | Monthly, by the 26th |
A sole proprietorship pays progressive personal income tax instead of corporate tax, with the annual return due at the end of March.
Accountancy fees
Professional fees in Turkey are not invented per client: the Istanbul Chamber of Certified Public Accountants publishes a minimum tariff each year and members may not charge below it. For 2026, in Istanbul, excluding VAT:
| Service | Fee from |
|---|---|
| Monthly bookkeeping, balance-sheet basis (LLC / JSC) | TRY 7,985 / month |
| Monthly bookkeeping, sole proprietorship without employees | TRY 3,593 / month |
| Sole proprietorship formation | TRY 2,240 |
| Limited company (LLC) formation | TRY 9,090 |
| Joint-stock company formation | TRY 11,230 |
These are professional fees only. Official costs — notary, trade registry, chamber of commerce registration, competition authority contribution — are paid separately and typically bring total LLC incorporation to roughly TRY 25,000–35,000, and a joint-stock company to roughly TRY 35,000–45,000. The final monthly fee depends on document volume, payroll headcount and whether you need VAT refunds or foreign-currency reporting. The Turkish tariff page is here.
A Month With Us
Most foreign founders ask what happens after incorporation. This is the recurring cycle, and it runs without you having to chase it.
Invoices, bank statements and payroll changes reach us by e-mail, WhatsApp or a shared folder. No courier, no office visit.
Entries are booked to the statutory e-ledger, bank and current accounts are reconciled, and anything missing is requested from you before the deadline, not after.
VAT and withholding returns by the 26th, social security declarations on time, provisional tax each quarter, the annual return in spring — all submitted electronically on your behalf.
A monthly summary of what was filed, what is payable and by when, in English, plus answers to questions as they come up.
A Practice, Not a Portal
Half a century of practice
Founded in 1971 in Bahçelievler, Istanbul. The same firm, the same standards, across three generations of tax legislation.
Communication in English
Turkish tax rules are detailed and change often. We explain what applies to you, in plain English, before deadlines rather than after.
Fully digital
e-Invoice, e-ledger, e-signature and remote onboarding. Clients abroad run their Turkish entity without travelling for paperwork.
Frequently Asked
Can a foreigner own a company in Turkey outright?
Yes. Foreign individuals and foreign companies may hold 100% of the shares of a Turkish company. A Turkish shareholder or director is not required, though a Turkish tax number is needed for each shareholder.
Do I need to be in Turkey to incorporate?
Not necessarily. The process can largely be completed through a notarised power of attorney, prepared either in Turkey or at a Turkish consulate abroad. Some banking steps may still require personal attendance.
How long does incorporation take?
A sole proprietorship can be registered in one business day. A limited or joint-stock company normally takes two to three business days once the documents, translations and notarisations are ready. Gathering those documents, not the registration itself, is what usually sets the timetable.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Turkey?
For 2026, our professional fee is TRY 9,090 for a limited company and TRY 11,230 for a joint-stock company, excluding VAT. Official costs such as notary, trade registry and chamber registration are paid separately and typically bring the total to roughly TRY 25,000 to 35,000 for a limited company. A sole proprietorship is considerably cheaper.
What does monthly bookkeeping cost?
Minimum fees are set by the Istanbul Chamber of Certified Public Accountants and members may not charge below them. For 2026 in Istanbul, monthly bookkeeping on the balance-sheet basis starts at TRY 7,985 excluding VAT, and a sole proprietorship without employees starts at TRY 3,593. The final figure depends on document volume, payroll headcount and reporting requirements.
What taxes will my Turkish company pay?
The standard VAT rate is 20%, with reduced rates of 10% and 1% on listed goods and services. Corporate income tax is charged at a general rate of 25% on company profit, with provisional tax paid quarterly against it. Payroll brings withholding tax and social security contributions. A sole proprietorship pays progressive personal income tax instead of corporate tax.
What are the ongoing obligations after incorporation?
A Turkish company files VAT and withholding returns monthly, provisional tax quarterly and a corporate tax return annually, alongside payroll and social security declarations if it employs staff. Statutory books must be kept electronically.
Do you work with clients based outside Turkey?
Yes. A significant part of our work is remote. Documents are exchanged digitally and filings are made electronically on your behalf, so a client abroad can run a Turkish entity without travelling for paperwork.
Do you speak English, and who will I be dealing with?
Yes. Correspondence, reporting and explanations are handled in English. You deal with the same people each month rather than a call centre; we are a seven-person practice in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, in continuous operation since 1971.
Tell us what you are planning
A short first conversation is free. Write to us in English and we will reply within one business day with the concrete next steps and what they cost.
Office
Şirinevler, Saray Cd. No:1/A
34188 Bahçelievler/Istanbul
Turkey
Phone & WhatsApp
muhasebe@bilgidepom.net
Monday–Friday, 09:00–18:00 (GMT+3)