Companies incorporated in Türkiye before 1 January 2024 should review their registered share capital without delay. Recent amendments to the Turkish Commercial Code require thousands of existing companies to increase their capital to the new statutory minimums before 31 December 2026.
Businesses that fail to comply within the prescribed period may face serious legal consequences, including the risk of being deemed dissolved under Turkish law.
For foreign investors with subsidiaries in Türkiye, this deadline represents an important corporate governance obligation that should be addressed well before the end of 2026.
At Azkan Group, we assist international companies throughout the capital increase process while ensuring full compliance with Turkish corporate regulations.
Why Were the Minimum Capital Thresholds Increased?
The Turkish government increased the minimum capital requirements in order to strengthen the financial structure of commercial companies and improve the overall resilience of the corporate sector.
The new thresholds initially applied to companies incorporated from 1 January 2024. Subsequent legislative amendments extended the obligation to companies that had already been established before that date, granting them a transition period ending on 31 December 2026.
Current Minimum Share Capital Requirements
The revised minimum capital levels are now as follows:
| Company Type | Minimum Capital |
|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.) | TRY 50,000 |
| Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.) | TRY 250,000 |
| Non-public Joint Stock Company using the Registered Capital System | TRY 500,000 |
Companies whose registered capital remains below these thresholds should initiate the necessary corporate procedures before the statutory deadline.
Which Companies Are Affected?
The rules primarily concern companies incorporated before 1 January 2024 whose registered capital still reflects the former statutory minimums.
This includes numerous subsidiaries established by foreign investors several years ago that have never modified their articles of association following incorporation.
Even profitable businesses are concerned if their registered capital remains below the new legal thresholds.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Failure to increase the registered capital before 31 December 2026 may have significant legal consequences.
For most joint stock companies and limited liability companies, Turkish legislation provides that companies remaining below the required minimum capital may be deemed dissolved.
For certain non-public joint stock companies operating under the registered capital system, failure to comply may result in the loss of eligibility to remain within that system.
These consequences highlight the importance of completing the necessary formalities well before the end of the year.
How Is a Capital Increase Carried Out?
Increasing the registered share capital generally involves several corporate and administrative steps.
Depending on the company structure, the process may include:
- preparing board or shareholders’ resolutions;
- amending the Articles of Association;
- updating the MERSİS registration;
- filing documentation with the Trade Registry;
- completing any required bank formalities;
- publishing the registration where applicable.
The exact procedure varies according to the legal form of the company and the source of the capital increase.
Why International Investors Should Act Early
Foreign shareholders frequently need additional time to complete corporate approvals.
International documentation may require:
- notarisation;
- apostille certification;
- sworn translation;
- powers of attorney;
- coordination between several jurisdictions.
Beginning the process early helps avoid delays caused by international administrative formalities.
How Azkan Group Supports Foreign Companies
Azkan Group provides comprehensive assistance throughout the capital increase process for subsidiaries operating in Türkiye.
Our services include:
- review of statutory compliance;
- preparation of corporate documentation;
- coordination with accountants and legal advisers;
- Trade Registry formalities;
- MERSİS procedures;
- post-registration corporate compliance;
- ongoing administrative support.
By combining legal coordination, accounting expertise and corporate administration, we help international businesses complete the process efficiently and in accordance with Turkish legislation.
Recommendations for Companies
Businesses established before 2024 should review their corporate records without delay.
Key questions include:
- Does the registered capital satisfy the new statutory minimum?
- Are the Articles of Association up to date?
- Are shareholder approvals required?
- Is sufficient time available to complete all registrations before the deadline?
An early assessment allows companies to avoid unnecessary compliance risks.
The 31 December 2026 deadline is a major corporate milestone for companies incorporated before the increase in Türkiye’s minimum capital requirements.
Businesses whose registered capital remains below the statutory thresholds should begin preparing the necessary corporate procedures as soon as possible.
With extensive experience supporting foreign investors in Türkiye, Azkan Group assists clients in reviewing their corporate structure, preparing capital increases and ensuring full compliance with Turkish company law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies must increase their share capital?
The obligation mainly applies to joint stock companies and limited liability companies established before 1 January 2024 whose registered capital remains below the current statutory minimums.
What is the deadline?
The current compliance deadline is 31 December 2026. Turkish legislation also authorises the Ministry of Trade to grant extensions under specific circumstances, although no extension has been announced to date.
What happens if a company does not comply?
Companies that fail to increase their registered capital before the applicable deadline may face significant legal consequences, including being deemed dissolved or, for certain companies, losing access to the registered capital system.
How can Azkan Group help?
Azkan Group supports international investors with capital increases, company law compliance, Trade Registry procedures, accounting coordination, Employer of Record (EOR) services, payroll outsourcing and broader corporate administration throughout Türkiye.
