Commercial and Corporate Law

Commercial and Corporate Law

Corporate Lawyer and Commercial Law Attorney Services

Legal support from a commercial law attorney is critical for businesses at every stage of their operations. From incorporating a company to managing it, from structuring partnerships to dissolution, from capital changes to mergers and acquisitions, and through the resolution of commercial disputes — every process carries legal risk. Managing these risks from the outset protects both the continuity of your business and your commercial reputation.

Keleş Law and Consultancy Office operates as a corporate lawyer and commercial law attorney in Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya, providing comprehensive legal counsel to entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and foreign investors seeking to establish a presence in Turkey, in accordance with the Turkish Commercial Code and related legislation. Our firm manages clients' commercial and corporate legal processes from incorporation through to liquidation.

Types of Companies in Turkey

The Turkish Commercial Code recognises five main types of companies. Which type is right for you depends on your partnership structure, capital size, field of activity, and long-term objectives.

Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.)

The most widely preferred company type in Turkey. It can be established with as little as one shareholder and a minimum capital of TRY 10,000. Shareholders' liability is limited to their subscribed capital contribution. Ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as foreign investors.

Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)

Preferred by larger-scale businesses, those planning a public offering, and those seeking institutional investment. Requires a minimum capital of TRY 50,000. Companies whose registered capital exceeds a certain threshold are legally required to retain a contracted lawyer.

General Partnership (Kolektif Şirket)

A structure in which all partners are jointly and severally liable for the company's debts without limitation. May be preferred by small family businesses and partnerships based on mutual trust; however, it has limited practical use today.

Limited Partnership (Komandit Şirket)

Combines general partners with unlimited liability and limited partners whose liability is restricted to their capital contribution. An extremely rare choice in practice.

Cooperative (Kooperatif)

Entities formed by members who come together on the basis of mutual assistance to achieve shared economic objectives. Widely used in agriculture, housing, and consumer sectors.

Determining the most suitable company type for your business is the first and most critical step of incorporation. An incorrect structure can lead to serious difficulties down the line in terms of tax burden, liability exposure, and management complexity.

→ For a detailed discussion of company types in Turkey, their advantages, and which one suits your needs, please visit our blog post.

Our Practice Areas

We work with you to identify the most appropriate company type for your business and manage the entire incorporation process — from drafting the articles of association to registering with the Trade Registry and opening a tax file. The right legal decisions made at the incorporation stage, with the support of a corporate lawyer, prevent costly problems from arising later.

1. Company type selection and legal risk analysis (limited liability company, joint stock company, general partnership, cooperative)
2. Drafting of articles of association and shareholders' agreements
3. Trade Registry registration and tax office registration procedures
4. Establishment of branch offices and liaison offices
5. Ongoing legal follow-up of all corporate matters following incorporation

Changing the capital structure of your company or converting it from one legal form to another during periods of growth or restructuring are processes that demand considerable legal precision. Under the Turkish Commercial Code, procedural errors in these transactions can adversely affect Trade Registry records and shareholder rights.

1. Capital increases in joint stock and limited liability companies (cash and in-kind)
2. Capital reductions and conversion of receivables into capital
3. Conversion of a limited liability company into a joint stock company
4. Legal assessment of tax implications arising from type conversions
5. Document preparation and management of Trade Registry procedures prior to registration

Turkey grants foreign investors equal rights to those of domestic investors under Law No. 4875 on Direct Foreign Investment. This makes Turkey one of the most attractive markets for international capital.

We provide legal guidance to foreign investors at every stage of the process — including company type selection, obtaining a tax identification number, opening a bank account, residence and work permit procedures, and sector-specific licensing requirements. Our services are available in Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, and Persian.

For detailed information on the process of establishing a company in Turkey as a foreign national, please visit our blog post.

As of 2026, joint stock companies with a registered capital of TRY 1,250,000 or above are required to retain a contracted lawyer under Article 35/3 of the Turkish Bar Association Law. Companies that fail to comply with this obligation may face administrative sanctions. We provide contracted legal services and compliance consultancy for your joint stock company.

 For details on the mandatory lawyer requirement, the current capital threshold, and applicable penalties, please visit our blog post.

Mergers, acquisitions, and demergers involve processes far more complex than a straightforward share or asset transfer. We represent multinational corporations, venture capital funds, private equity firms, and domestic and international SMEs at every stage of these transactions.

1. Legal due diligence and commercial risk analysis
2. Drafting of share purchase agreements, letters of intent, and confidentiality agreements
3. Negotiation and preparation of merger and demerger agreements
4. Competition Authority approval processes and notification obligations
5. Joint venture and consortium agreements
6. Angel investment, venture capital, and private equity transactions
7. Share transfer, share pledge, voting agreements, and control agreements
8. Employee share option plans and leveraged buyout transactions
9. Asset sales and structuring of private equity transactions
10. Preparation of financing agreements and debt transactions

Disputes between partners are among the most critical risks that can disrupt company operations. We provide full representation — including mediation and litigation — in disputes arising from shareholder agreements, profit distribution, management authority, share transfers, and exit and buy-out rights.

A poorly drafted contract can lead to losses that are difficult to recover from. We are by your side as a corporate lawyer at every stage of your commercial relationships:

1. Distribution, dealership, and franchising agreements
2. Supply chain and logistics agreements
3. Confidentiality and non-compete undertakings
4. E-commerce agreements and GDPR-equivalent disclosure texts under Turkish data protection law (KVKK)
5. Restructuring and financing agreements
6. Drafting and negotiation of all other commercially significant contracts

Cheque protests, promissory note objections, and bill of exchange disputes are among the most frequently encountered problems in commercial life. Under negotiable instruments law, we provide legal support for the collection of cheque and promissory note receivables, defence in dishonoured cheque proceedings, actions for negative declaration and restitution, and enforcement proceedings specific to negotiable instruments. Conducting these processes with an experienced commercial law attorney prevents the loss of creditor rights due to procedural errors.

1. Cheque protest procedures and dishonoured cheque proceedings
2. Enforcement proceedings based on promissory notes and bills of exchange
3. Actions for negative declaration and restitution
4. Interim attachment applications for cheque and promissory note receivables

We effectively represent our clients in debt recovery claims, unfair competition cases, breach of contract disputes, and other matters heard before commercial courts. We actively employ pre-litigation negotiation and mediation to help our clients save time and reduce costs.

1. Commercial debt and compensation claims
2. Unfair competition and trademark infringement cases
3. Disputes arising from company partnerships
4. Legal follow-up and collection of company receivables
5. Legal support during concordat (restructuring) proceedings
6. Advisory services in insolvency and liquidation proceedings

We provide ongoing legal support on matters including the operation of the board of directors, general assembly procedures, Trade Registry notifications, and regulatory compliance — ensuring that your company fulfils its legal obligations fully and on time.

1. Advisory services for board of directors and general assembly resolutions
2. Trade Registry amendment and notification procedures
3. Preparation of internal regulations and corporate policy documents
4. Contracted legal services (within the scope of the statutory obligation applicable to joint stock companies)

Why Keleş Law and Consultancy Office?

Commercial and corporate law is a field of expertise that requires a thorough understanding of both national legislation and the dynamics of international trade and corporate governance. As your corporate lawyer and commercial law attorney, the key strengths of our firm include:

1. Extensive experience serving both domestic and foreign clients — from one-off transactions to ongoing legal retainers
2. Multilingual services tailored for foreign investors: Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, and Persian
3. An approach that treats legal counsel not merely as a compliance requirement, but as an integral part of your business strategy
4. Value-added services including contract drafting, risk analysis, compliance monitoring, and pre-audit preparation
5. End-to-end representation in M&A transactions: from due diligence through to closing
6. An integrated solution approach drawing on a network of specialists in competition law, employment law, and tax law

Contact and Appointments

For legal support in the field of commercial and corporate law, you may apply to our offices in Ankara, Istanbul, or Antalya, or reach us through the following channels.

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