- August 4, 2025
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Blog
Introduction
Turkey has become a top destination for international education, not only as a study destination but also as a thriving hub for educational consultancy services. Whether it’s assisting students with university applications, offering language programs, or facilitating cultural exchange programs, establishing an educational consultancy in Turkey is a lucrative opportunity. But how do you set up such a business as a foreigner? What legal requirements must be met? How do taxes, language barriers, and business types impact your decision? This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully establish an educational consultancy in Turkey.
Why Turkey is Ideal for Educational Consultancy Businesses
Turkey hosts over 250 universities and a dynamic private education sector, attracting students from Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The country’s strategic location, cultural appeal, and growing internationalization of education make it ideal for launching consultancy services. Some additional reasons include:
- Increasing demand for international education pathways
- Affordable living and tuition costs compared to Europe and North America
- Government incentives for foreign investors
Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure
The first legal step is choosing your company type. In Turkey, foreign entrepreneurs typically choose between:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Joint Stock Company (JSC)
For small-to-medium educational consultancies, an LLC is the most practical due to lower capital requirements and simpler management structure. (see Types of companies in Turkey)
This choice will also impact your tax obligations, liability, and expansion capabilities.
Step 2: Company Registration Process
To launch your educational consultancy, you need to complete these steps:
- Obtain a potential tax number from the tax office.
- Reserve your company name via the Central Registration System (MERSIS).
- Draft and notarize Articles of Association.
- Open a temporary bank account and deposit capital.
- Register your company at the Trade Registry Office.
- Notify the Social Security Institution (SGK).
- Obtain a municipal business license.
(Company formation in Turkey) is governed by the Turkish Commercial Code and is accessible to foreigners with the right documentation.
Step 3: Legal Support and Language Barriers
Legal procedures can be complex, especially if you don’t speak Turkish. That’s why working with an English speaking lawyer in Turkey is highly recommended. They can help with documentation, liaising with authorities, and ensuring compliance.
You may also need certified translation services in Turkey for your contracts, marketing materials, and official filings. This ensures clear communication and avoids legal misunderstandings.
Step 4: VAT and Tax Obligations
Educational consultancy businesses are generally subject to VAT (KDV in Turkish) at a standard rate of 20%. However, some services (e.g., study-abroad programs under government cooperation) may be exempt.
Accounting and tax compliance are essential. Hire a financial advisor or accountant experienced with foreign-owned businesses to ensure timely reporting and avoid penalties. Learn more about your obligations around VAT in Turkey before starting operations.
Step 5: Building Partnerships with Local Institutions
Collaborating with Turkish universities, language schools, and online education platforms can give you credibility and access to broader student networks. Some successful strategies include:
- Signing MOUs with Turkish universities for student placements
- Offering joint programs in language training
- Partnering with dormitory providers and visa consultants
These alliances not only strengthen your service portfolio but also increase trust among your clients.
Step 6: Using Digital Tools to Scale Your Services
Leveraging modern platforms like Zoom, Moodle, or proprietary CRM tools allows educational consultancies to manage student applications, host webinars, and monitor performance.
Social media advertising and SEO-optimized content are especially effective in Turkey, where younger demographics spend significant time online. Your consultancy should invest in:
- SEO-driven blog content (such as this one)
- WhatsApp Business for direct inquiries
- Instagram and TikTok for campaign promotions
Step 7: Regulations Regarding Online and Remote Services
If you plan to offer remote educational counseling to clients outside Turkey, ensure your company is structured to accommodate cross-border services. Payment gateways like Iyzico and PayTR support international payments.
Check with your legal advisor whether your online offerings are subject to Turkish VAT.
Step 8: Cryptocurrency and Education Services
Some modern educational consultancies now accept crypto payments. While innovative, the regulatory environment around cryptocurrency in Turkey is still developing.
As of 2025, the Turkish Central Bank prohibits direct use of crypto for payments, but holding digital assets or using them via licensed platforms is allowed. Consult a legal expert before integrating crypto into your business model.
Final Thoughts
Launching an educational consultancy in Turkey offers an exciting gateway into a growing market with strong demand for quality academic guidance. However, success requires more than just knowledge of global education—it also demands local legal compliance, tax planning, and communication skills.
By selecting the right business structure, working with professionals, and leveraging digital tools, foreign entrepreneurs can establish a strong, competitive presence in Turkey’s education sector.
If you’re considering taking the leap, FO Consultancy can guide you through every step—from legal setup to cultural adaptation—ensuring your business starts on solid ground.