Standard Incorporation Is Only the Starting Point

A crypto or blockchain company generally registers as an LTD or A.Ş. following the standard process — see our LTD formation guide — but a company whose activity involves operating as a crypto-asset service provider (an exchange, custody service, or similar regulated activity) faces licensing and compliance requirements from Turkish financial regulators that a pure blockchain technology or software development company does not. Confirm exactly which category your planned activity falls into before assuming standard company registration alone is sufficient.

Crypto-Asset Service Provider Licensing

Turkey has moved toward a formal licensing framework for crypto-asset service providers, including capital requirements, know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money-laundering (AML) obligations, and reporting to financial regulators — this is a materially heavier compliance burden than general company formation and continues to evolve, so verify the current licensing requirements directly with a lawyer specialised in this specific area before committing to an exchange or custody business model, rather than relying on older information about the sector's regulatory status.

Banking Relationships Remain a Genuine Challenge

Turkish banks have historically been cautious about opening accounts for crypto-related businesses due to AML compliance concerns, and a crypto company should expect this to be one of the more difficult steps in its setup — see our bank account opening guide for the general process, and budget realistic time for a bank's enhanced due diligence on a crypto-sector applicant specifically.

Tax Treatment of Crypto Activity

Corporate tax treatment of a company's crypto-related revenue follows Turkey's standard corporate tax framework (currently 25% standard rate) — see our tax system guide — but the specific VAT and reporting treatment of different crypto activities (trading, custody, blockchain development services) can differ, and this is an area where formal guidance continues to develop. Get current, specific advice from an accountant experienced with crypto-sector clients rather than assuming general company tax rules apply without modification.