Company banking & capital
Company account, capital payment and transfers from China: we complete them all together at a Turkish bank
When opening a company account in Türkiye, paying in capital and transferring money from China, the bank asks at every step for complete company documents and ultimate beneficial owner information. The Yeni İpekyolu (New Silk Road) team, together with the licensed certified public accountant (SMMM) in our team, prepares all documents and translations the bank requires in advance, and our Chinese-speaking consultant accompanies you at the bank; we also handle the post-payment capital recording and the foreign capital notification.
Bank accounts and capital at a Turkish bank for foreign-owned companies
Why does a Turkish bank want to see the ultimate beneficial owner?
When opening an account for a foreign-owned company, Turkish banks apply a strict "know your customer" (KYC) process. In addition to the Turkish company's registration documents, tax number, signature circular and articles of association, the bank usually wants to see the parent company's trade registration and shareholding structure, all the way up to the ultimate individual shareholder. For Chinese clients, this means the parent company's documents in China must also be prepared, apostilled and given a sworn translation.
Different banks, and even different branches of the same bank, may ask for slightly different document lists. We first confirm the current list with the target bank, then match the Chinese documents with the Turkish documents one by one; the company name, unified social credit code and shareholder names are identical across all translations. When the file is complete the first time, the bank meeting goes much more smoothly.
The difference between committing capital and paying it in
When a company is set up in Türkiye, the shareholders first commit capital in the articles of association, and then actually pay it in the manner and within the period specified by law and the articles. Depending on the company type, part of the capital may need to be deposited into a blocked capital account at the bank during registration, with the remainder paid within the set period. Ratios and deadlines may vary by company type and legislation; we clarify them for you according to current legislation.
When capital is sent from China, the transfer description, sender name and purpose must be consistent with the shareholder's identity and the "capital" purpose; the foreign exchange purchase document or credit receipt issued by the bank is the basis for the subsequent accounting entry and the foreign capital notification. The licensed accountant (SMMM) in our team tells you before the transfer how to word the description, records the payment on time once the money arrives, and prepares the documents relating to the capital payment.
Chinese-speaking support at the bank: every page explained before you sign
At the account opening meeting, the relationship manager asks about the company's field of activity, expected business volume, source of funds and main countries of operation, and asks the company's authorized signatory to sign many Turkish forms and contracts in person. Our Chinese-speaking consultant is by your side from start to finish, translating questions and clauses one by one and helping you describe your business in the way the bank is used to, so communication is accurate and quick.
After the account is opened, we help activate internet and mobile banking, and explain how foreign currency accounts, tax payments and salary payments work. After the capital is paid in, our team makes the notifications and records relating to foreign capital in line with legislation. From then on, our accountant records every payment coming from China correctly according to its nature.
Chinese companies needing an account, capital payment or transfers
Chinese investors setting up a company in Türkiye
During formation, a blocked capital account or company account must be opened first. We prepare the formation and account documents together, so the same document is not translated twice. If shareholders are not in Türkiye, the process can proceed by power of attorney.
Foreign-owned companies bringing capital from China
When capital is paid in installments or increased, the form and documentation of the transfer directly affect the accounting entry. Before the transfer, we explain the description, currency and receiving account requirements. When the money arrives, our licensed accountant (SMMM) makes the entry and the related notifications.
Companies asked for additional documents or looking for a new bank
When the bank asks for parent company documents or an explanation of the source of funds, we prepare an orderly file and translations. If an account is to be opened at another bank, we rebuild the file according to that bank's list. The account becomes usable as soon as possible.
Chinese companies opening a branch or liaison office
The account of a branch or liaison office relies largely on the documents of the parent company in China. We determine in advance which documents need to be certified in China and complete the sworn translations. We also explain the rules on how a liaison office may use its funds.
Banking tasks from the KYC file to the foreign capital notification
Confirming the bank's document list
We confirm with the target bank the current document list for a foreign-owned company account. We list the documents to be prepared on the Chinese and Turkish sides according to your company structure. We add an explanation in Chinese for each item.
Certification and translation of parent company documents
The trade registration, articles of association, share register and board resolution are notarized and apostilled in China. When they arrive in Türkiye, our sworn translators translate them and we obtain notarization. The company name and credit code stay identical everywhere.
Blocked capital account and capital payment
Depending on the company type, we plan the opening of the blocked capital account and the deposit at the registration stage. We then track payment of the remaining capital within the period set in the articles of association. The bank document for every payment is kept on file.
Guidance on international transfers
We explain how to fill in the description, currency, sender and recipient details when sending from China. If the nature of the funds differs (capital, shareholder loan, payment for goods), the treatment differs too. Our accountant confirms with you before the transfer.
Foreign capital notification and accounting entry
After the capital is paid in, we make the notifications on foreign direct investment to the relevant authority in line with legislation. The capital payment is correctly recorded in the company's books. We archive the necessary documents in a single file.
Account opening with Chinese-speaking support
We book the bank appointment and our Chinese-speaking consultant accompanies you at the meeting, translating forms and contracts clause by clause. We help set up internet banking, mobile banking and foreign currency accounts. You can always reach us for subsequent bank correspondence too.
Service summary and requirements
| Support language | Chinese ⇄ Turkish |
|---|---|
| Responsible team | Chinese-speaking consultant + SMMM + sworn translator |
| Pricing | Quoted per procedure · bank and notary fees separate |
| Service languages | Chinese · Turkish · English |
| Cities served | Mainly Istanbul; also Ankara, Izmir and other cities |
The final price and timeline depend on your documents and scope; we send a clear quote within 2 hours.
What you need to provide
- The Turkish company's registration documents, tax number and signature circular
- The parent company's trade registration, articles of association and shareholding structure (notarized and apostilled in China)
- Passports and Turkish tax numbers of shareholders and authorized signatories
- Business summary and source of funds explanation (for bank KYC)
- If shareholders are not in Türkiye: a certified power of attorney
List, translation, meeting, capital: four links
- 1
Bank and document list
We recommend a bank that suits your business and company structure, and confirm its current list. We list the documents to be certified in China. We share the timeline.
- 2
Document certification and translation
Chinese documents are sent to Türkiye after notarization and apostille. We complete the sworn translation and notarization, and prepare the Turkish company's documents. The entire file is checked together.
- 3
Accompanied bank meeting
Our Chinese-speaking consultant goes to the bank with the authorized signatory and provides support during the meeting and signing. Questions on site are translated and explained instantly. Once the account is opened, we help activate internet banking.
- 4
Capital payment and notification
We guide the capital transfer from China; when the money arrives, our licensed accountant (SMMM) records it. Foreign capital notifications are made in line with legislation. Documents are organized and handed over to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do shareholders have to come to Türkiye to open an account?
The bank usually requires the company's authorized signatory to be present in person at account opening and signing. If shareholders are not in Türkiye, a manager or representative in Türkiye can be appointed as signatory with a certified power of attorney. We clarify the most suitable arrangement for you in advance based on the target bank's requirements.
Why does the bank want the documents of the parent company in China?
Turkish banks are required to identify the company's ultimate beneficial owner; this is a standard step under anti-money laundering legislation. That is why the parent company's trade registration, articles of association and shareholding structure are requested; the documents are notarized and apostilled in China and submitted in Türkiye with a sworn translation. We prepare this file completely in one go.
Must all the capital be paid at once?
Usually it does not have to be paid at once. Depending on the company type, part may need to be deposited into a blocked capital account at registration, with the rest paid within the period set in the articles of association and the law. We clarify the ratios and deadlines for you under current legislation and plan the transfer schedule together.
What should the description say when sending capital from China?
The description should clearly state that the transfer is capital for the Turkish company and include the company's full legal name; the sender must also be the same as the registered shareholder. Since the bank document is the basis for the accounting entry and the foreign capital notification, our licensed accountant (SMMM) sends you the exact wording before the transfer. That way the payment can be recorded as soon as the money arrives.
What is the foreign capital notification, and do we have to do it ourselves?
Foreign-owned companies notify the relevant authority of foreign direct investment information under the legislation after transactions such as capital inflows. Our team handles this; once the capital arrives, you only need to forward us the bank document. We prepare it according to current legislation and file it on time.
Can a yuan or US dollar account be opened?
Turkish banks usually open foreign currency accounts such as US dollar and euro accounts for companies alongside the Turkish lira account, and some banks also offer yuan-related services. The currencies available and how they can be used vary by bank. We recommend a suitable bank and account combination based on your business connections.
What happens if the bank asks for additional documents?
This is a common, routine step in account opening. We translate the bank's request into Chinese, explain what is being asked for and why, then prepare the documents and translations and submit them to the bank. Because the initial file is already neatly archived, additional documents are usually completed very quickly.
Is there a difference between a liaison office account and a limited company account?
Yes. A liaison office cannot engage in commercial activity; its expenses are usually covered by funds sent from headquarters in China, and the bank mainly reviews the parent company's documents. A limited company, on the other hand, involves capital payment and day-to-day commercial collections and payments. We explain how the account is used and the rules that apply based on your company type.
Tell us what you need in Türkiye
Our Chinese-speaking consultant reviews it for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
