What is a Branch?

Branch vs. Subsidiary — understood.

Choosing the right structure for expansion matters. Here's the key distinction between a branch and a separate subsidiary.

Branch Office

Extension of the Parent

A branch is not a separate legal entity — it operates under the parent company's identity, shares its liabilities, and represents the same legal person in a different location.

✓No separate legal personality
✓Operates under parent company's name
✓Parent fully liable for branch obligations
✓No separate share capital required
✓Simpler governance structure
✓Faster and cheaper to establish

Subsidiary (for reference)

Separate Legal Entity

A subsidiary is a distinct legal company owned by the parent. It has its own legal personality, separate liability, and independent balance sheet.

→Separate legal personality
→Can operate under a different name
→Limited liability for parent
→Separate share capital required
→Full corporate governance
→More setup and compliance overhead

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Not sure which structure is right for you? A branch is typically the faster, lighter-weight option when you want to expand operations geographically without creating a new corporate entity. We'll advise you on the best fit for your specific goals.

Key Benefits

Why open a branch?

A branch office is the strategic choice when speed, simplicity, and operational continuity with the parent company matter most.

Faster to Establish

No new company formation required — the branch registration process is significantly faster than incorporating a new entity.

Geographic Reach

Serve customers in a new city or region while maintaining unified operations and brand identity under the parent company.

Unified Management

Branch operations are directed by the parent company. No separate board, no separate shareholder meetings required.

Consolidated Accounting

Branch financials are consolidated into the parent's books, simplifying reporting and reducing administrative overhead.

Flexible Closure

Closing a branch is simpler and faster than dissolving an independent company if the business need changes.

Brand Continuity

The branch operates under the parent company's name and reputation, maintaining consistent brand identity across locations.

How it works

The branch setup process.

We manage every step of the registration, from the parent company's internal resolution to full operational status.

1

General Assembly / Board Resolution

The parent company's authorized body (General Assembly for Ltd. Şti., Board of Directors for A.Ş.) passes a resolution to establish the branch, specifying its location and purpose.

Internal corporate resolution Notarized minutes ~ 1 business day

2

Branch Manager Appointment

A branch manager (Şube Müdürü) must be appointed and authorized to represent the branch. We prepare the appointment documents and the manager's notarized signature declaration.

Authorization letter İmza Beyannamesi Can be a foreign national

3

Trade Registry Application

We file the branch registration application with the Trade Registry Office (Ticaret Sicili Müdürlüğü) in the city where the branch will operate, along with all supporting documents.

MERSİS online filing Trade Registry approval ~ 1–2 business days

4

Tax Office Registration

The branch is registered with the local Tax Office to obtain its own tax identification number. The branch will file separate VAT returns while remaining part of the parent's corporate tax return.

Separate branch TIN VAT registration ~ 1 business day

5

Social Security Registration

If the branch will employ staff, it must be registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK) as a separate workplace (işyeri) under the parent company's employer registration.

SGK workplace code Separate payroll setup Required before first hire

6

Operational Launch

Your branch is officially registered, has its own signage identity, and is ready to operate — invoice, hire, and enter contracts — as an extension of your company.

Trade Registry certificate issued Gazette publication Branch fully operational ✓

Documents Required

What you'll need to provide.

Most documents are produced by the parent company. We'll guide you through each one and prepare the filings on your behalf.

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Board / GA Resolution

Notarized resolution of the parent company's authorized body approving the branch establishment and manager appointment.

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Current Trade Registry Excerpt

Up-to-date Trade Registry excerpt (Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi) of the parent company showing current registered details.

📑

Articles of Association

Most recent version of the parent company's Articles of Association (Ana Sözleşme) as registered with the Trade Registry.

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Branch Manager's ID

Passport or national ID card of the appointed branch manager, plus notarized signature declaration (İmza Beyannamesi).

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Branch Office Address

Lease agreement or proof of address for the branch location. We can assist with virtual office arrangements if needed.

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Power of Attorney

If the parent company's authorized signatory cannot attend in person, a notarized PoA authorizing our team to act on their behalf.

Open a Branch Office for Your Turkish Company