Standard Incorporation, Then Sector-Specific Layers

Most construction companies register as a limited company (LTD) or joint-stock company (A.Ş.) — see our LTD formation guide for the general incorporation steps. On top of that, the company needs registration with the relevant Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and, for larger public or private commercial projects, a contractor qualification classification issued based on the company's technical staff, completed project history and financial capacity.

Contractor Classification (Yeterlik Belgesi) for Public Tenders

Bidding on public infrastructure or building tenders in Turkey requires a contractor qualification certificate classified by project size and type, which is assessed based on the company's prior completed work, equipment, and technical personnel — a newly formed company without a completed project track record generally cannot bid on larger public tenders regardless of its shareholders' international construction experience elsewhere. Building a track record with smaller private projects first is the realistic path for a new entrant.

Permits Required Before Breaking Ground

Each construction project needs its own building permit (yapı ruhsatı) tied to the specific plot's zoning status, and a habitation/occupancy permit (iskan) before the finished structure can be legally used or connected to utilities — see our land investment guide for how zoning status determines what can be built at all. These are project-level permits separate from your company's general business licence, covered in our business licences guide.

Labour and Site Safety Compliance

Construction carries specific occupational health and safety (İSG) requirements beyond standard employment law — a designated safety specialist, site-specific risk assessment, and mandatory safety training for site workers are legally required, not optional best practice, and non-compliance carries both regulatory penalties and serious liability exposure in the event of a workplace accident.