Turkish product managers are rapidly gaining traction in international markets. Whether working remotely for SaaS startups, coordinating agile teams, or launching digital platforms, they often navigate a web of client contracts, currency transfers, and tax reporting. The challenge: managing a global freelance or consulting career through Turkey’s local systems isn’t always efficient.
Estonia’s e-Residency program offers a way out of this operational bottleneck. With e-Residency, Turkish professionals can open and run a fully compliant EU-based company online without moving abroad or dealing with Turkish trade bureaucracy. It’s fast, legal, and surprisingly affordable.
Common challenges faced by Turkish product managers
Complex business registration and bureaucracy
Starting a business in Turkey typically involves registering as a Şahıs Şirketi (sole proprietorship) or a Limited Şirket (LTD). Both require local paperwork, Turkish-language documentation, and engagement with MERSIS (the central business registration system) and Ticaret Sicil Müdürlüğü (trade registry office).
For LTDs, you’ll need a notary, a tax office appointment, and to open a Turkish commercial bank account, which can be restrictive for digital nomads or remote freelancers.
Mandatory social security contributions
Whether you’re self-employed or run an LTD, you’ll be liable for monthly Bağ-Kur payments (Turkish social security for the self-employed), which are required even if your income is low or variable.
These fees typically range from TRY 4,000–7,000/month depending on income and sector. There’s no opt-out, even if you already have health insurance elsewhere.
VAT and e-Fatura system
Turkish companies are subject to KDV (Katma Değer Vergisi – VAT) at a rate of 20%. Businesses must register for e-Fatura (electronic invoicing) and comply with frequent filings and audits through the Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı (GİB) portal. B2B cross-border invoicing often requires additional declarations and forms.
Restrictions on Fintech and global payments
Turkish businesses face challenges accessing Stripe, PayPal, and other international payment gateways. Many Turkish founders resort to workaround solutions, which can delay client onboarding or limit scalability.
Currency volatility and banking limitations
Freelancers invoicing in foreign currencies must manage exchange rate risks, bank transfer fees, and limited multi-currency support from Turkish banks. Getting a business EUR IBAN or USD account often requires manual procedures and compliance checks.
Why Estonia (via Unicount) makes sense
Estonia’s reputation as the “Digital Republic” is well-earned. It was the first country to offer government-issued digital identities to non-residents, allowing entrepreneurs worldwide to run secure EU businesses remotely.
For product managers in Turkey, Estonia offers several clear advantages:
- Global trust – EU-based companies are favored in international contracts, especially for B2B software services.
- Tax transparency – Pay 0% tax on retained earnings.
- Fintech-friendly – Easily access EU banking through Wise, Revolut, Payoneer, and invoice clients in EUR or USD.
- Paperless registration – Skip the notaries and registry offices. Platforms like Unicount streamline business setup with no legal guesswork.
- Scalable for solo founders – Whether you’re managing product roadmaps or offering strategic consulting, Estonia supports your growth.
Who should consider an Estonian company?
Turkish professionals in the following categories would benefit from Estonia’s e-Residency:
- Product managers billing clients across Europe
- Tech consultants managing distributed teams or agile systems
- SaaS founders launching subscription products for global users
- Remote advisors offering growth, UX, or operations strategy
An Estonian company gives product-focused professionals a legal base, international branding, and infrastructure to scale.
Step-by-step: How to open an Estonian company from Turkey
Step 1: Apply for Estonian e-Residency
You don’t need to move to Estonia! E-residency is a digital identity issued by the Estonian government, allowing you to start and run a business in the EU remotely.
- Go to e-resident.gov.ee and apply online
- Choose a pickup location (Ankara or nearby embassies abroad)
- Once approved, you’ll get a digital ID card used to sign documents securely online
Step 2: Register your company online with Unicount
Once you have your digital ID, head to Unicount.eu and register your Estonian private limited company (OÜ) in just a few clicks.
- No paperwork
- No local directors required
- Automatically sets up your company for remote operation
- Choose business activity code: 7022 – Business and other management consultancy activities
Step 3 (optional): Apply for a VAT number
If you’re planning to work with EU clients or expect more than €40,000 in annual revenue, you can apply for a VAT number.
Step 4: Start invoicing & managing remotely
Once your company is live, you can:
- Invoice EU clients legally
- Sign contracts digitally
- Open business accounts with fintechs
- Use Unicount’s virtual office and accounting services
You run the business. Unicount handles the paperwork.
Ready to launch?
Estonia’s e-Residency is one of the fastest, most efficient ways for Turkish product managers to build an EU business. Whether you’re freelancing, consulting, or leading product development for global clients, forming an OÜ with Unicount ensures a transparent setup, international credibility, seamless access to modern fintech tools, and the freedom to manage your business remotely without bureaucracy.
Start your journey at Unicount.eu.
