Liaison Office Establishment

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up a Liaison Office

1. How does a foreign company establish a liaison office in Turkey?
2. What documents are required to apply for a liaison office?
3. What are the main differences between a liaison office and a branch?
4. How long can a liaison office operate?
5. Does a liaison office have the authority to conduct commercial transactions?
6. Is a work permit required for employees of a liaison office?
7. Are notarization and apostille mandatory for the application?
8. How long does it take to set up a liaison office?
9. Does a liaison office have tax obligations?
10. Is legal assistance from a lawyer necessary to establish a liaison office in İzmir and Karşıyaka?
11. How is the liaison office application submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Technology?
12. How can the operating permit of a liaison office be extended?
13. What procedures are required to close a liaison office?
14. How many people can work in a liaison office on behalf of a foreign company?
15. How does K&L Legal Consultancy Services support the liaison office setup process?

Setting Up a Liaison Office

What is a liaison office for foreign companies in Turkey, and how is it established?

A liaison office is a special structure that allows foreign companies operating in Turkey to engage only in non-commercial activities such as market research, promotion, communication, and coordination. A foreign company that establishes a liaison office cannot directly engage in commercial transactions in Turkey but facilitates communication with potential business partners, develops investment plans, and analyzes the local market.

Foreign companies wishing to establish a liaison office must first prepare documents such as the main company’s incorporation documents, activity reports from the last three years, an application petition, and authorization documents for appointed persons. These documents must be notarized and apostilled. The application is submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Technology, which generally grants permission for three years. The operating permit can be extended upon expiration.

There is no tax liability during the establishment of a liaison office; however, social security registration and work permits for employees are required. In İzmir and Karşıyaka, professional legal consultancy with Karşıyaka lawyers, İzmir lawyers, citizenship application consultants, and foreign law attorneys ensures that procedures are conducted quickly and in compliance with the law.