Where Does a Foreign Foundation Apply to Open a Representative Office in Turkey?

Foreign Elements and International Activities

Prepared by: Constantinople

A foundation headquartered abroad opening a branch or representative office in Turkey is not a court proceeding to establish a new Turkish foundation. According to Directorate General of Foundations guidance, these procedures are handled by the Directorate General for Relations with Civil Society under the Associations Law and Associations Regulation. Ministry of Interior permission, required institutional opinions and conditions specific to foreign foundations are examined. The foreign foundation's authority in its own country does not replace Turkish permission. The application authority and subsequent supervisory authority may also differ.

Prepare the foundation's formation document and statutes, competent body's resolution, details of the Turkish representative, activity plan and application attachments. Check which documents require certified translation and authentication against the official guide. Selecting a branch, representative office or specific activity model depends on what the organisation intends to do in Turkey. Statutes prepared for one model cannot be adapted indiscriminately to another. Documents concerning foreign representatives' residence or work status in Turkey are also considered within the specific role.

First examine whether existing permission covers the proposed work. Previous permission does not make review of duration and new activities unnecessary. Banking, staffing, contracts and notification obligations should be organised consistently with the permission plan. The limits of the lawyer's power of attorney must also match the foreign competent body's resolution.