Can a Foundation in Turkey Open a Branch Abroad?

Foreign Elements and International Activities

Prepared by: Constantinople

A Turkish foundation opening a branch or representative office abroad is assessed alongside its deed and purpose. The Foundations Law regulates international activities and cooperation; a relevant deed provision is important. Having that authority in Turkey does not mean that formation, permission or registration procedures in the destination country are complete. Likewise, a foreign foundation entering Turkey is not merely the reverse of the same procedure; a separate permission regime applies.

Gather the deed and amendments, draft administrative resolution, activity plan, destination country, budget and representative's details. The branch's work, contract signatory, fund-transfer method and records retained by the head office must be clear. A translated document alone does not establish compliance with every foreign-country requirement. The representative's authority and liability under local law are also assessed separately. An institutional cooperation agreement must not be confused with direct establishment of a branch.

Review compliance of Turkish resolutions with the deed, the representation chain and notification needs. If foreign transactions require local-law review, its scope is defined separately; the same solution is not promised for every country. For transfers abroad, distinguish aid, service fees and branch expenses.