How long does company incorporation take in Istanbul?

Where the documentation is complete, incorporation of joint stock and limited liability companies is processed through the MERSİS system and registration with the trade registry is generally completed within a few business days. The timeline varies with company type, shareholding structure and field of activity.

Must a share transfer agreement be executed before a notary?

For limited liability companies, the share transfer agreement must be in writing with signatures certified by a notary — this is a statutory condition of validity. The transfer must also be approved by the general assembly and recorded in the share ledger.

Does ongoing corporate counsel also cover the conduct of litigation?

No. Ongoing legal counsel and the conduct of litigation or enforcement proceedings are separate legal relationships requiring different expertise. Ongoing counsel focuses on drafting and reviewing the agreements used in the company's daily commercial operations, regulatory compliance, legal review of corporate decisions and the prevention of risks before they become disputes. Litigation and enforcement, by contrast, is the activity of judicial representation carried out once a dispute reaches the courts or enforcement offices. In line with case law and Attorneys Act No. 1136, a separate written attorney fee agreement is concluded for each specific matter, distinguishing preventive services under an ongoing advisory relationship from the conduct of litigation and enforcement before the courts.

Practice Areas

Corporate and Commercial Law

Support at every stage of the corporate life cycle — from incorporation and share transfers to general assembly procedures and commercial disputes.

The pace of commercial life requires strategic decisions to be taken with the same momentum, yet built on predictable and legally sound foundations. Our approach to corporate law rests on integrated, continuing advice that begins with the structural choices made at incorporation and extends through growth, changes in shareholding, mergers and acquisitions, and the management of disputes.

Before Litigation: Preventive Law and Strategic Counsel

Severe sanctions and damage to commercial reputation usually stem from legal foundations that were built incompletely or incorrectly. Meeting the obligations of the Turkish Commercial Code and related legislation on time, in full and proactively prevents potential disputes before they arise. Through a preventive-law approach that eliminates commercial risk by proactive analysis, we build the groundwork for your company's sustainable growth and legal security.

During Litigation: Effective Representation and Advocacy

Where a dispute does reach the courts, our foremost priority is to prevent the process from harming your commercial reputation and financial position. At every stage of commercial disputes and proceedings, we defend your rights and interests before the courts to the highest standard, drawing on current case law, thorough knowledge of the legislation and a determined approach to representation.

Scope of Services

Structuring & Corporate Governance: Incorporation of joint stock and limited liability companies, conversion of type, liquidation, and the drafting and amendment of articles of association
Shareholding & Share Management: Share transfers, shareholders' agreements (SHA) and management agreements, strategic structuring of the ownership base
M&A and Legal Due Diligence: Detailed legal risk analysis in mergers, demergers, acquisitions and investments
Corporate Decision-Making: Preparation, conduct and legal review of general assembly and board resolutions
Contract Law: Drafting, risk analysis and negotiation of domestic and international commercial agreements
Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Effective conduct of proceedings and strategic representation in unfair competition, shareholder and commercial disputes
Ongoing Legal Counsel: Continuous preventive-law support for companies' day-to-day operational and strategic decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does company incorporation take in Istanbul?: Where the documentation is complete, incorporation of joint stock and limited liability companies is processed through the MERSİS system and registration with the trade registry is generally completed within a few business days. The timeline varies with company type, shareholding structure and field of activity.
Must a share transfer agreement be executed before a notary?: For limited liability companies, the share transfer agreement must be in writing with signatures certified by a notary — this is a statutory condition of validity. The transfer must also be approved by the general assembly and recorded in the share ledger.
Does ongoing corporate counsel also cover the conduct of litigation?: No. Ongoing legal counsel and the conduct of litigation or enforcement proceedings are separate legal relationships requiring different expertise. Ongoing counsel focuses on drafting and reviewing the agreements used in the company's daily commercial operations, regulatory compliance, legal review of corporate decisions and the prevention of risks before they become disputes. Litigation and enforcement, by contrast, is the activity of judicial representation carried out once a dispute reaches the courts or enforcement offices. In line with case law and Attorneys Act No. 1136, a separate written attorney fee agreement is concluded for each specific matter, distinguishing preventive services under an ongoing advisory relationship from the conduct of litigation and enforcement before the courts.

The explanations on this page are for general information only and do not constitute legal opinion. Every dispute must be assessed on its own facts.

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