International entrepreneurs may choose between ready-made companies and register an entity from scratch. This article presents information about shelf companies in Turkey. Our company formation agents in Turkey can represent clients in purchasing such an entity in 2026.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company | Limited liability company |
Time required for purchasing the company | A few days |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) | – bank account, – tax number, – trading name |
| The advantages of a shelf company | – fast purchase & ownership transfer, – rapid start of the activities |
| Appointing new directors | Yes |
| Capital increase allowed | Yes |
| Certificate of no commercial activities | No |
| Modify the objects of activity | Yes |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer (or representative) & seller |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | Depending on longevity of the shelf company & purchase fees |
| Who can buy a shelf company in Turkey? | Natural persons or legal entities |
Activity on the market | Not active, only registered |
Incorporation required | Already registered, no need to follow registration procedures imposed for a company in Turkey |
| Authorities in charge of shelf company modifications | – Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, – Turkish Companies Registrar |
| Due diligence required | Not mandatory, but recommended before purchasing a shelf company in Turkey |
| Accountant required for your ready-made company in Turkey | He/ she should be contracted before the business starts its activities. |
| Type of accounting services for shelf companies in Turkey | – bookkeeping, – payroll, – audits, – annual financial statements, etc. |
| What is a share transfer agreement? | A document that shows the shelf company has been transferred to the new owner. Such documents must the legalized at a public notary. |
| Possibility to change the business name | If the new owners consider so |
| Can a shelf company owner be the director of the firm? (YES/NO) | YES |
| Applying for a bank loan | Available option for shelf companies in Turkey |
| Sectors in which a ready-made company can activate | Any sector of interest in Turkey |
| Main reason to buy a shelf company in Turkey | Investors no longer need to pass through the formalities of opening a company in Turkey. |
| How can our Turkish agent help you? | Can manage the paperwork and prepare the ownership transfer of the selected shelf company for purchase, and can collaborate with relevant institutions for different company modifications. |
| Why choose the services of our firm in Turkey? | – experience in the business field, – professionalism, – open communication, – affordable costs |
What exactly is a shelf company in Turkey?
A pre-registered company without activities in Turkey.
How is a shelf company known?
Ready-made company or vintage company in Turkey.
Who can purchase ready-made companies in Turkey?
Anyone interested in starting a company in Turkey quickly, without passing through the formalities of registering a new one from scratch.
Are there nationality restrictions for buying a vintage company in Turkey?
No.
What are the proper legal entities for shelf companies in Turkey?
Limited liability company and joint stock company.
What are the features of a shelf company in Turkey?
It has:
- A Tax ID,
- Bank account,
- Clean history,
- No activities,
- Registered business address, etc.
What are the conditions to buy ready-made companies in Turkey?
- notarizing the ownership transfer agreement and updating the information with the Turkish Trade Register within a maximum of 30 days,
- presenting valid IDs/passports from the persons interested in buying a vintage company in Turkey.
How is the ownership transfer made for a shelf company in Turkey?
Fast, once the documents are presented.
Who is involved in the process of buying a vintage company in Turkey?
The seller (who can be a natural person or an entity in Turkey) and the buyer (who can be represented with a power of attorney by one of our Turkish agents).
What are the fees involved in buying a shelf company in Turkey?
For the vintage company and for our services.
Does a ready-made company have debts?
No.
Can I modify the company activities after purchase?
Yes, once the ownership transfer is done, the new shareholder can change the activities.
Can I change the business name for a ready-made company purchased in Turkey?
Absolutely!
Can a shelf company in Turkey have new directors?
Yes. This modification must be notified to the Turkish Trade Register.
Is it necessary to travel to Turkey to buy a shelf company?
No. Our Turkish agents can deal with all the paperwork on behalf of clients, with a POA.
Is it required to have a Certificate of “No Commercial Activities”?
No.
We invite you to watch a short video about buying a shelf company in Turkey:
Is company due diligence required when buying a ready-made company in Turkey?
It is recommended to ask for company due diligence before buying a ready-made company in Turkey.
Do I need a business license in Turkey when buying a shelf company?
Yes, a business license will be needed according to the types of activities that will be developed in Turkey once purchasing the vintage company.
Is a shelf company suitable for a bank loan in Turkey?
Yes. A vintage company presents credibility in front of Turkish banks when soliciting a loan.
Does a shelf company in Turkey have a VAT ID?
Yes, this is one of the main benefits when purchasing a vintage company in Turkey.
Can shelf companies issue invoices in Turkey?
Yes, right after the company starts the activities.
Is it better to buy a shelf company or to register a new one?
The procedure of starting a business in Turkey through any of the options depends on the hurry the investor is in.
Is it affordable to buy a shelf company instead of opening one in Turkey?
In terms of costs, a shelf company might be expensive compared to the costs of incorporating a new one. The main advantage is that with a purchased vintage company, the start of the activities is right away.
What is the time frame to buy a shelf company in Turkey?
In about 24 hours, if all the documents are accepted.
Ready to buy a shelf company in Turkey in 2026? Contact our specialists in company formation in Turkey and ask about the formalities involved.