In Türkiye, establishing a sole proprietorship (Şahıs Şirketi) is a common and relatively simple process, especially for small entrepreneurs, refugees, and foreign residents. However, many people only focus on the initial setup cost and overlook the ongoing legal and financial obligations.
In reality, even if the company has zero income, several mandatory monthly and annual expenses still apply. Ignoring these obligations may lead to tax penalties, accumulated debt, and legal restrictions such as bank account blocks.
This article outlines the minimum real costs of maintaining a sole proprietorship in Türkiye in 2026.
1. Company Registration Cost (One-Time)
Setting up a sole proprietorship is relatively inexpensive:
- Company registration (tax office + setup procedures): ₺5,000
2. Electronic Signature (E-Signature)
Required for all official digital government and tax transactions:
- Annual cost: ₺2,000
3. Certified Accountant (Financial Advisor)
Working with a certified accountant is effectively mandatory in Türkiye due to complex tax reporting requirements.
Based on current market rates:
- Monthly accountant fee: ₺3,000 – ₺5,000
- Annual cost: ₺36,000 – ₺60,000
Accountants are responsible for tax declarations, financial reporting, and compliance with tax authorities.
4. Bağ-Kur (Mandatory Social Security Contribution)
All sole proprietorship owners who are not otherwise insured must pay Bağ-Kur contributions.
Current fixed rate:
- Monthly Bağ-Kur: ₺1,016
- Annual total: ₺12,192
Failure to pay may result in:
- Accumulated SGK debt
- Late payment interest
- Enforcement procedures and bank account restrictions
5. Stamp Tax & Tax Declarations
Even if the business has no activity, tax declarations must still be submitted regularly.
Common filings include:
- VAT (KDV) declarations
- Withholding tax (Muhtasar)
- Temporary tax returns
- Annual income tax return
Minimum annual total:
- ₺5,000
6. Legal Bookkeeping & Certification Costs
Company books must be certified annually:
- Average annual cost: ₺2,000
7. Banking and Operational Fees
- Bank transaction fees
- EFT / transfer charges
- POS and digital banking services
Minimum annual estimate:
- ₺2,000
What If There Is No Income at All?
This is one of the most important points:
Even if a sole proprietorship earns zero income, the following costs still apply:
- Accountant fees
- Bağ-Kur contributions
- Tax declarations and stamp duties
- Legal bookkeeping obligations
In other words, inactivity does NOT cancel financial obligations.
Minimum Annual Cost of Running a Sole Proprietorship (2026)
| Expense Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Accountant | ₺36,000 – ₺60,000 |
| Bağ-Kur | ₺12,192 |
| Tax declarations (stamp duties) | ₺5,000 |
| Bookkeeping certification | ₺2,000 |
| Banking & operational costs | ₺2,000 |
| E-Signature | ₺2,000 |
| Company registration (one-time) | ₺5,000 |
| Total (First Year) | ₺64,192 – ₺88,192 + setup cost |
???? From the second year onward (excluding setup cost):
- Approximately ₺59,000 – ₺83,000 per year
Important Note
This calculation is based on:
- Minimum real market costs in 2026
- No office rent included
- No employee salaries included
- No income tax on profits included
- No sector-specific licensing costs included
Recommendation
Before registering a company in Türkiye, it is essential not to focus only on the initial setup cost.
We strongly recommend:
- Calculating fixed monthly expenses in advance
- Preparing at least 6–12 months of financial capacity
- Understanding that costs continue even without income
- Consulting a certified accountant before registration
A sole proprietorship can be a strong opportunity when planned properly — but without financial preparation, it may quickly become a financial burden.
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