Changing the registered address of an existing company in Turkey requires the same discipline as the initial incorporation. Whether the trigger is a rent increase, office relocation, downsizing or a switch to a virtual office, the Trade Registry, tax office, Social Security Institution (SGK), banks, customer contracts and invoicing systems must all be updated in a connected sequence. Skipping one step means a surprise penalty next month or notifications going to the old address. This guide answers in 5 minutes: how is a company address change performed in Turkey, which documents are required, what differs between sole proprietorship, Ltd. and joint stock, and how is the change completed within 30 days? Mid-article you will find an interactive 7-step planner you can use to track your own status. Based at Tekstilkent Koza Plaza in Esenler, Istanbul, Micro Office has managed the address-change process for over 500 companies in 18 years; this guide distills that experience.
Important note: Trade Registry fees, MERSİS charges and CPA service fees are updated annually. The figures below are 2026 estimates; always consult your Turkish CPA (mali müşavir) before making decisions. This guide is general information and does not replace personalized financial advice.
What Is a Company Address Change in Turkey?
A company address change is the legal relocation of the registered "headquarters address" on file with the Trade Registry and the Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB). The definition appears in Article 40 of the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC, No. 6102) and Article 157 of the Tax Procedure Code (VUK, No. 213). In practical terms the process covers three elements: first, the new address must be legally suitable (lease agreement or title, activity-code compatibility); second, the change must be notified to all relevant public agencies and private parties (Trade Registry, tax office, SGK, banks, contracted clients) on time; third, steps must eliminate the risk of receiving notifications at the old address. The change is initiated via MERSİS (the Central Registry System) and, once filed, is published in the Trade Registry Gazette. After the new address is registered, the company must notify other agencies within 30 days; failing the deadlines triggers administrative penalties.
"Merchants must notify the relocation of their commercial enterprise to the Trade Registry within fifteen days of the registration date." - Turkish Commercial Code Articles 40 and 31
The new address must have an occupancy permit suitable for commercial activity, and the apartment management plan must not prohibit business use; for these reasons, a commercial or virtual office address is typically preferred over a home address.
When Is an Address Change Needed?
Five common scenarios occur in practice:
- Rent increase or office exit - Current rent is no longer sustainable; downsizing or switching to a virtual office.
- Growth and team expansion - Single office to open-plan, virtual office to serviced office.
- Location advantage - Relocating closer to client base or supplier network.
- E-commerce / remote work transition - Closing physical retail and switching to a virtual office address.
- Legal issue resolution - Apartment management complaints, occupancy permit issues or relocation after a failed tax inspection.
The legal process is identical regardless of the trigger.
Address Change by Company Type
The procedure varies slightly by company type.
Sole Proprietorship
For a sole proprietorship's registered-address change, no general assembly resolution is required; filing proceeds directly with a MERSİS petition, new-address documents and fee payment. Tax office notification is automatic (MERSİS system integration).
Limited Liability Company (Ltd.)
For an Ltd., a shareholders' resolution is required (TCC Art. 616). The resolution does not need notarization but is required for the Trade Registry filing. The MERSİS application is filed with the resolution attached.
Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)
For an A.Ş., a board resolution is taken (TCC Art. 408). If the registered address is written in the articles of association as a specific clause, an amendment requires a general assembly resolution and notarization. Practical tip: writing the registered address in the articles only as "Istanbul" allows district or neighborhood changes later without a new general assembly resolution.
| Attribute | Sole Prop. | Ltd. | A.Ş. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decision body | None | Shareholders | Board (and general assembly) |
| Notarization | No | No | Yes (if articles change) |
| Trade Registry filing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tax office notification | Automatic (MERSİS) | Automatic | Automatic |
| SGK update | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Estimated total cost | 2.000-4.000 TL | 4.000-8.000 TL | 6.000-12.000 TL |
| Estimated duration | 5-10 business days | 7-15 business days | 10-20 business days |
Total cost estimates are 2026 projections; fees, gazette charges and CPA fees vary. Get a quote from your CPA for exact figures.
The Legal Process: 7-Step Roadmap
Use the interactive planner below to mark your current status and identify any remaining steps:
COMPANY ADDRESS CHANGE PLANNER
0/7 completedSeven mandatory steps for company address change. Runs in your browser, no data saved.
Just getting started. If you use a virtual office, share this list with your provider.
Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D / Cmd+D) to finish the list later.
Each step explained:
1. Collect New-Address Documents (First 1-3 Days)
Lease agreement (notarized or, if exempt, original), title deed copy (if owned by you or your company), occupancy permit, apartment management plan compliance letter (if needed). If you use a virtual office provider, all of these are included in a single package.
2. Prepare the Resolution Document (3-5 Days)
Not required for sole proprietorship. For Ltd., a shareholders' resolution; for A.Ş., a board resolution (and, if needed, a notarized general assembly resolution). Your CPA typically provides the template.
3. MERSİS Application and Trade Registry Filing (5-15 Days)
File the address-change application via MERSİS (Central Registry System). Upload the resolution and new-address documents, pay the fee. The Trade Registry Office reviews; if complete, it is registered. Once filed, it is published in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.
4. Tax Office Notification (Automatic and Manual Verification)
After MERSİS filing, the Turkish Revenue Administration record updates automatically. The new address becomes visible within 3-7 business days; during this period, track notifications coming to the old address. After completion, verify the new address has been processed via the Internet Tax Office.
5. SGK Workplace Registration Update (Within 15 Days)
Workplace registration must be filed manually with SGK under Law No. 5510. Submit a "workplace transfer" application via e-Bildirge. If you have employees, the old workplace number is closed and a new one is opened.
6. Update Banks, Contracts and Invoicing (First 30 Days)
Notify bank branches, suppliers, contracted clients and the invoicing system (e-Invoice, e-Archive) of the new address. The address field in your accounting software must also be updated, or invoices will continue to be issued with the old address.
7. Tax Inspection (Yoklama) at the New Address (Within 30 Days)
After the address change, a tax officer conducts a yoklama at the new address (Tax Procedure Code Art. 127). Signboard, tax certificate and activity compliance are checked. If unprepared, your registration may be suspended. For detailed preparation, read our Tax Office Inspection (Yoklama) Guide.
Choosing a Virtual Office for the Address Change
Choosing a virtual office for a company address change makes practical sense for three reasons. First, the virtual office provider issues an annual-term lease agreement and authorization letter, so Trade Registry and tax office procedures are completed in a single package; you do not collect separate documents. Second, it costs 5-10 times less than a physical office (virtual office 1.250-2.083 TL/month range, central Istanbul physical office 15.000-50.000 TL/month). Third, reception support and CPA coordination during yoklama are included, so the process runs smoothly; alone at the office, waiting for the inspector with missing documents risks a negative report. When selecting a virtual office, three criteria matter: 5+ years of operational track record, MERSİS-compliant document discipline and on-site yoklama support. At Micro Office in Esenler Tekstilkent Koza Plaza we have offered these three services as a standard package for 18 years.
Looking for a legal address for your Turkish company? Micro Office's Esenler Tekstilkent Koza Plaza address has been accepted by tax offices and Trade Registries for 18 years. Annual lease, authorization letter and reception support during inspection are included. Annual plans start at the equivalent of 1.250 TL/month. Explore Virtual Office Packages.
Cost of Address Change
Estimated 2026 cost items (actual amounts vary with fee changes; request a quote from your CPA):
| Item | Sole Prop. | Ltd. | A.Ş. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Registry fee | ~500 TL | ~1.000 TL | ~1.500 TL |
| MERSİS transaction fee | ~200 TL | ~300 TL | ~500 TL |
| Trade Registry Gazette ad | ~400 TL | ~600 TL | ~1.000 TL |
| Notarization (A.Ş. only) | - | - | ~1.500 TL |
| CPA service fee | ~1.000-2.000 TL | ~2.000-4.000 TL | ~3.000-6.000 TL |
| TOTAL ESTIMATE | ~2.000-3.500 TL | ~4.000-6.000 TL | ~7.000-11.000 TL |
If using a virtual office, the lease and authorization letter are included so no separate cost arises. CPA support fees may also be reduced because document collection is handled by the provider.
The Yoklama Process and Preparation
A tax officer conducts a yoklama at the new address within 1-30 days after the address change. This visit verifies the closure of the registration at the old address and the opening of the new one. Preparation checklist:
- Signboard / door plate is up and legible
- Tax certificate printed with the new address and displayed visibly
- Lease agreement or title deed for the new address ready
- Authorization letter (if using a virtual office) ready
- CPA reachable by phone
- A representative is present at the address during inspection hours
For detailed yoklama preparation, read our Tax Office Inspection (Yoklama) Guide. For first-30-day steps of tax registration, see our Tax Registration in Turkey: Who Must Register? guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a company address change take?
5-10 business days for sole proprietorship, 7-15 for Ltd., 10-20 for A.Ş. on average. If your CPA prepares the documents completely, the time shortens; missing paperwork triggers Trade Registry corrections and extends the timeline.
What if I keep operating at the old address without updating?
Operating at a new address without notifying the Trade Registry is an irregularity under TCC No. 6102 and VUK No. 213. Notifications continue to go to the old address; this means missing legal notifications. If detected, irregularity penalties are assessed.
Can I switch to a virtual office address via an address change?
Yes. As long as the virtual office provider issues an annual lease and an address-authorization letter, Trade Registry Offices and tax offices accept the change. In our 18-year experience, all address changes to Micro Office's virtual office address have been completed without issue.
If I move to a different floor or unit within the same building, do I still need an address change?
Yes. If the floor or unit number changes, the address record at the Trade Registry must be updated. Any change in the registered full address - not just the building or neighborhood - is in scope.
What should I do with notifications coming to the old address?
Track notifications coming to the old address within 30 days after filing. Stay in contact with the old-address holder; if possible, file an address change with PTT (postal service). Send written notifications individually to key parties (tax office, banks, contracted clients).
What happens to my employees' SGK records during an address change?
The old workplace SGK number is closed and a new one is opened. A "workplace transfer" application is submitted via e-Bildirge. Your employees' 4A declarations continue under the new number; SGK premiums continue without interruption.
Do e-Invoice and e-Archive systems get affected by the address change?
Yes. e-Invoice and e-Archive systems are integrated with the GİB registry; the new address is reflected automatically after the MERSİS update. You must also manually update the address field in your accounting software, otherwise invoices will continue to be issued with the old address.
Conclusion: Address Change Is a Quiet but Effective Operation
A company address change requires the same discipline as the initial incorporation; the 7 steps, done in the right order, complete within 5-20 business days, while missed or late notifications come back later as lost mail or administrative penalties. The process starts with MERSİS, gains formality with the Trade Registry filing, automatically updates the tax office record, is manually filed with SGK, and is separately notified to banks and contracted clients. A yoklama at the new address takes place within 30 days; if you are prepared, it concludes smoothly.
Micro Office in Esenler Tekstilkent Koza Plaza has managed the address-change process of over 500 companies in 18 years. Our virtual office package includes an annual lease, MERSİS-compliant authorization letter, mail handling, on-site reception during yoklama and CPA coordination. If you would like to move your company address to a professional point in the heart of Tekstilkent, you can reach us.
Apply for Virtual Office · Explore Pricing · WhatsApp Us
If you would like to return and finish this guide later, bookmark this page (Ctrl+D / Cmd+D). Your progress in the 7-step planner is not stored in your browser - it resets on each visit, protecting your privacy.
Related guides:
