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HOW TO ESTABLISH AN IMPORT EXPORT COMPANY? COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Basic Steps and Points to Consider

The first step to establishing an import-export company is to determine the structure of your business. You should decide whether you will prefer a single-person or partnership structure. This decision will affect your company's management style, capital structure and legal responsibilities. You should prepare the necessary financial resources to cover the costs you will encounter during the company establishment process. Here are the important points to consider when establishing an import-export company:

• Working with an experienced customs consultancy firm for customs procedures is of great importance. Choosing the right firm will ensure that your customs processes are managed smoothly and efficiently.
• Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates are an important factor in import and export transactions. You should analyze the effects of exchange rate differences well and make your financial planning accordingly. You should especially consider the effect of exchange rate difference gains obtained in exports on the tax base.
• Due to the complex nature of international trade, it is extremely important for accounting transactions to be managed by a professional team. Working with a team of experts in foreign trade accounting will ensure that your financial records are kept accurately and comply with legal regulations.
• When determining your company structure, you should decide whether you will establish a sole proprietorship or a capital company. This choice should be made in accordance with your business plan and long-term goals, as it will affect factors such as taxation, liability limits, and growth potential.
• If you are planning to establish a partnership structure, you should clearly state all critical details in the company agreement. These details should include each partner’s capital contribution, job responsibilities, profit sharing ratios, and management task distribution. It is vital that the agreement covers all these issues to prevent future disputes and ensure the smooth operation of the company.

Choosing a Company Type for Import and Export Companies: Capital and Sole Proprietorship Comparison

Entrepreneurs who aim to open up to international markets by importing or exporting can establish their businesses as capital or sole proprietorships. Considering the extensive commercial transactions of import and export activities, establishing a capital company may be more advantageous. As a capital company, you can establish a limited or joint stock company with a single person or partnership structure. This choice will be shaped depending on the scale of your business, your financial goals and your management structure.

If you plan to establish and manage your import and export company on your own and have the necessary capital, you can establish it as a sole proprietorship. This option offers a simpler and faster process for entrepreneurs in the early stages. In accordance with today's flexible working conditions, it is possible to establish a sole proprietorship using a home office or [virtual office](https://mukellef.co/tr/sanal-ofis/). This reduces your start-up costs and gives you the flexibility to run your business from anywhere.

If you prefer the capital partnership model, you can choose between the corporation or limited company types. The option to establish a limited company is available in both single-person and partnership structures. If you are considering establishing with two or more partners, you can establish a limited company for import and export activities by investing capital and preparing a detailed articles of association. This type of company is ideal for medium-sized businesses, offering the advantages of management flexibility and limited liability.

A joint-stock company is an option for those who aim to conduct extensive activities in the field of import and export. However, joint-stock companies are generally preferred for large-scale, high-income commercial enterprises. When choosing this type of company, you should carefully plan your capital structure and partnership structure. The majority-based management structure of joint-stock companies significantly affects decision-making mechanisms and the distribution of business responsibilities. Clearly defining the authorities and responsibilities of the individuals who will take part in the management of the company is critical to preventing potential disputes in the future.

Cost of Establishing an Import-Export Company: Limited and Joint-Stock Company Comparison

The cost of establishing an import-export company varies depending on the type of company preferred. This cost is directly related to legal obligations, capital requirements, and administrative procedures. If you are planning to establish a limited or joint-stock company, you should consider that the costs will be higher.

In the establishment of a limited company, the obligation to register with the chamber of commerce brings additional costs. As of 2024, the minimum capital required for a limited company is 50,000 TL. This type of company is subject to a 25% corporate tax. In partnership establishments, each partner contributes to the costs in proportion to his or her own share, which ensures that the financial burden is shared.

Joint stock companies are preferred for larger scale and high profit activities. They offer access to capital markets and corporate governance advantages, but their establishment costs are also high. The minimum capital requirement for 2024 is 250,000 TL.

As a result, entrepreneurs planning to establish an import-export company should evaluate long-term financial liabilities, tax advantages and growth potential as well as start-up costs when choosing a company type. Choosing the right company structure is one of the cornerstones of success in international trade.

Documents Required to Establish an Import-Export Company

During the process of establishing an import-export company, it is of great importance for the entrepreneur to meticulously prepare various official documents. Depending on the type of company - sole proprietorship, limited partnership or joint stock company - the documents to be prepared may differ. The basic documents required for the establishment of an import-export company are as follows:

• Capital deposit receipt: Official document showing that the company's establishment capital has been deposited into the bank
• Copy of the founder's ID: Current and approved ID copies of the company founder or partners
• Three photographs: Passport photos of the company founder or partners taken within the last 6 months
• Establishment notification form: Official form containing the basic information of the company and to be submitted to the relevant institutions
• Lease agreement: Document showing the legal right to use the address where the company will operate
• Petition: Official document containing requests and declarations to be submitted to the relevant institutions for the establishment of the company
• Chamber registration declaration: Form required for registration in the chamber of commerce or industry to which the company will be affiliated
• Residence document: Current address information of the company founder or partners official document
• Notarized contract: Articles of association prepared during the establishment phase of the company and approved by a notary

Preparing these documents completely and correctly will speed up the establishment process of your import-export company and prevent potential legal problems. It is important to be in contact with the relevant institutions and follow the current legal requirements, as additional documents may be required depending on the type of company and field of activity.

Permits Required to Establish an Import-Export Company

To establish a business that will operate in the import and export sector, various permits and procedures are required depending on the type of company. This process is relatively simpler and faster for sole proprietorships. Sole proprietorships can usually be established in a single day and only the registration process is sufficient. The necessary permits are completed by registering with the tax office, obtaining the relevant books and having them notarized.

On the other hand, the process is a bit more complicated and lengthy for import-export businesses established as limited or joint-stock companies. The establishment procedures for such companies can usually take 4 to 5 days. Steps such as registration with the tax office, application to the chamber of commerce and SGK business registration must be taken for registration. In addition, it is mandatory to obtain a business license from the municipality for the location where the business will operate. The process and requirements for obtaining this license may vary depending on the metropolitan municipality status of the city where the company will be established. These detailed procedures ensure that the legal and administrative infrastructure of the company is established in a solid manner.

Import Export Company Establishment Guide: The Road to Success in International Trade

Entrepreneurs must undergo a comprehensive preparation process to establish an import export company. The first step is to prepare all the necessary documents completely and correctly. These documents include official documents such as identity documents, address declaration, tax plate and trade registry gazette. In addition, the business location where the company will operate should be carefully selected and all legal requirements should be met. The residence address declaration and lease agreement are required to document the official address of the company. After all preparations, the company's articles of association must be approved by a notary and submitted to the relevant institutions along with other necessary documents.

In the next stage of the company establishment process, registration procedures are carried out with various official institutions. If personnel are to be employed, the business must be registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK). The company must be registered with the relevant tax office as a taxpayer. An application for membership must be made to the relevant professional chamber or Chamber of Commerce depending on the field of activity. Finally, the necessary work permit must be obtained from the local municipality for the business. After all these stages are completed, the establishment process of the import-export company ends with the official registration process and the company can legally begin its activities.

  Easily Establish and Manage Your Import Export Company with Ifasturk

Don't let the complexity and difficulty of establishing an import-export company worry you. Ifasturk is here to make this entire process easier and faster for you!

Ifasturk is a platform that specializes in establishing and managing import-export companies. It supports you in all processes from company establishment to obtaining the necessary permits, from customs procedures to accounting management.

• Fast and Easy Company Establishment: With Ifasturk, you can prepare all the documents required to establish your company online and complete your application quickly.
• Expert Consultancy: Our experienced experts in the field of import and export guide you on all issues from company type selection to tax planning.
• Ease of Customs Procedures: Thanks to Ifasturk's customs procedures module, you can manage your import and export processes without any problems.
• Integrated Accounting Solutions: You can easily handle complex transactions in foreign trade accounting with Ifasturk's user-friendly interface.

Establishing and managing your import and export company is now much easier with Ifasturk. Take advantage of the advantages offered by Ifasturk to take your place in global trade and start your international trade journey with confidence!

Visit Ifasturk now for detailed information and free consultancy and open the doors of international trade!

Mesut SENEL | Ifasturk CEO

Certified Public Accountant