Bookkeeping in Istanbul

When you need an accountant (mali müşavir) in Istanbul

In Turkey, running a business without an accountant (SMMM / mali müşavir) is not permitted — reporting is mandatory and made more complex by inflation. Russian speakers need one for: company registration (şahıs or limited), VAT (KDV), taxes, and inflation accounting.

Price reference: bookkeeping for a şahıs şirketi — $80–200/mo, limited — $150–400/mo. Initial consultation with SVOY accountants — free.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

• Income from clients in Russia/CIS. Turkey is convenient for receiving payments; an accountant will arrange invoices and legal status — which also serves as proof of income for your residence permit.
• How to bring money in. Turkish accounts and cards often work for CIS residents; USDT and international transfers are viable routes.
• Tax residency. If you spend 183+ days in Turkey, you become a tax resident; an accountant can help with residency status and crediting taxes paid in Russia.
• CIS documents. To register a company — apostille and notarized translation, all done remotely.

Taxes and business structures

• şahıs şirketi (sole trader) — simpler and cheaper to start; limited (LTD) — for growth and partnerships;
• taxes: KDV (VAT) 20%, progressive income tax (gelir vergisi), corporate tax (kurumlar vergisi) 25%;
• a vergi numarası (tax number) is required — you’ll need it for everything from opening a bank account to getting a tapu.

Inflation accounting — a Turkish peculiarity

Due to high inflation, enflasyon muhasebesi (inflation-adjusted accounting) has been in effect since 2024 — filing correctly without an accountant is impossible. There is also a prepayment tax (geçici vergi) and withholding (stopaj).

How to choose an accountant

• hire a licensed SMMM with experience working with foreign nationals;
• decide between şahıs and limited before registering;
• a Russian-speaking specialist will handle your status and document translations more precisely.

Looking for an accountant in Istanbul? Describe your situation — we’ll answer your questions for free, and a specialist will personally review your case.