PayPal in Turkey
BannedHow to Get PayPal in Turkey with a US LLC
PayPal was banned in Turkey in 2016. The ban remains in effect with no resolution in sight. A US LLC is the only path to PayPal Business for Turkish entrepreneurs.
Quick Answer
PayPal has been banned in Turkey since June 2016 after PayPal refused to comply with Turkish banking regulations requiring a local license. The only way for Turkish entrepreneurs to get a PayPal Business account is to form a US LLC ($599), obtain an EIN, and open a US bank account. The process takes 4-6 weeks.
Is PayPal Available in Turkey?
No. PayPal ceased operations in Turkey in June 2016 after the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) revoked its license. The BDDK required PayPal to obtain a Turkish payment institution license, and PayPal chose to exit the market rather than comply.
The ban has been in effect for over 10 years with no indication of resolution. Turkish citizens cannot create PayPal accounts, send money, receive payments, or use PayPal as a merchant with Turkish credentials.
Combined with Stripe's absence from Turkey, this leaves Turkish entrepreneurs with very limited options for international payment processing. A US LLC resolves both restrictions simultaneously.
Last verified: 2026-03-31
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Get PayPal Business from Turkey
Form a US LLC to open a PayPal Business account. This also gives you Stripe access, since Stripe is also unavailable in Turkey.
Form a US LLC from Turkey
Register a Wyoming or Delaware LLC through StartGlobal. The process is 100% remote and takes 3-7 business days. You do not need a US visa or SSN.
Learn moreGet an EIN (Tax ID)
We apply for your Employer Identification Number with the IRS. No SSN required. Your EIN is typically issued within 2-4 weeks.
Open a US business bank account
Open a Mercury or Relay bank account online using your LLC documents and EIN. No US visit required. Most accounts are approved within 1-2 weeks.
Open a PayPal Business account
Sign up for PayPal Business using your LLC name, EIN, US registered agent address, and US bank account. Verification takes 2-5 business days.
Start sending and receiving payments
Send invoices, receive international payments, and integrate with e-commerce platforms. Transfer to Turkey via Wise for competitive TRY rates.
Requirements
What Turkish Founders Need for PayPal
Valid Passport
Your Turkey passport for identity verification during LLC formation and bank account setup.
US LLC
A registered US LLC in any state. Wyoming is recommended for international founders due to low fees and strong privacy.
EIN (Tax ID)
An Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This is your business tax ID, required for banking and payment platforms.
US Business Bank Account
A US bank account connected to your LLC. Mercury is the most popular choice for non-resident founders.
Turkish Kimlik or Passport
Your Turkish kimlik (ID card) or passport for identity verification during PayPal onboarding.
Comparison
PayPal Alternatives in Turkey vs. US LLC
Papara
Turkish digital wallet. TRY-only, domestic focus, no international merchant capabilities, not accepted by international clients or platforms.
Payoneer
Available in Turkey for receiving international payments. Higher fees, no buyer/seller protection, limited e-commerce integration. Does not replicate PayPal's marketplace ecosystem.
Wise
Available for international transfers but not a payment processor. Cannot accept credit cards, no invoicing for clients, no e-commerce checkout integration.
US LLC + PayPal
A US LLC with PayPal Business gives you full capabilities: send and receive globally, buyer/seller protection, PayPal Checkout, invoicing, and marketplace integration. The same LLC also gives you Stripe access, solving all payment platform restrictions at once.
Common Concerns
Questions Turkish founders ask about PayPal
Why is PayPal banned in Turkey?
Turkey's BDDK (Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency) required PayPal to obtain a local payment institution license in 2016. PayPal chose to exit the market rather than comply. The ban has been in effect since June 2016.
Is it legal for Turkish citizens to own a US LLC?
Yes. US LLCs are open to non-citizens and non-residents from Turkey. You do not need a US visa, Green Card, or Social Security Number. This is a standard business structure used by international entrepreneurs.
What is the total cost?
StartGlobal charges $599 for LLC formation, which includes registered agent (1st year), EIN application, and bank account setup assistance. There are no hidden fees. Ongoing costs are the state annual report ($50-60/year) and registered agent renewal.
How long does the entire process take?
From Turkey, the typical timeline is: LLC formation (3-7 business days), EIN (2-4 weeks), bank account (1-2 weeks). Most founders are fully operational within 4-6 weeks.
Simple Pricing
One price. Everything included.
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just everything you need to start.
What's included
- LLC Formation (any state)
- Registered Agent (1st year free)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Business Bank Account Setup
100% Refund Guarantee
Not satisfied? Get a full refund, no questions asked.
Accuracy Guaranteed
If we make an error, we'll fix it at no cost.
24-Hour Response
Our support team responds within 24 hours.
Everything you need to form your LLC and start your business.
After the first year, registered agent service is $99/year. Annual compliance starts at $299/year.
FAQ
PayPal in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Turkish founders need to know about accessing PayPal
PayPal ceased operations in Turkey in June 2016 after the BDDK revoked its operating license. The ban has been in effect for over 10 years.
Yes. Stripe is also unavailable in Turkey. A single US LLC gives you full access to both PayPal Business and Stripe. This is the standard solution for Turkish entrepreneurs who need international payment processing.
Yes. With a US LLC and PayPal Business account, you can receive payments from international clients on any platform that supports PayPal. This is widely used by Turkish freelancers on Upwork, Fiverr, and similar platforms.
PayPal deposits to your US bank account. Transfer to Turkey using Wise (competitive TRY rates), wire transfer, or other services. Many Turkish founders time their transfers to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.
PayPal suspended services in Turkey due to regulatory restrictions. The ban affects direct signups with Turkey addresses and bank accounts. However, Turkish entrepreneurs can access PayPal through a US LLC, which provides a legitimate US business entity.
There have been multiple announcements about restoring PayPal access in Turkey, but none have materialized. Rather than waiting, many Turkish founders form US LLCs to get immediate access to PayPal and other global payment platforms.
Not directly. PayPal does not support Turkey as a business country. However, Turkish founders can access PayPal by forming a US LLC, which gives them a legitimate US business entity to open an account with.
Yes. Forming a US LLC is a legitimate business practice used by international entrepreneurs worldwide. Your US LLC is a real US business entity, and PayPal accounts opened with valid US LLC credentials are fully compliant with their terms of service.
The typical timeline is 4-6 weeks: LLC formation (3-7 business days), EIN (2-4 weeks), bank account (1-2 weeks), then PayPal signup (1-2 business days). StartGlobal handles steps 1-3, then you sign up for PayPal directly.
PayPal typically requires your LLC Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter (IRS Letter 147C or CP575), operating agreement, and a US bank account. All of these are included in the StartGlobal formation package.
Form Your US LLC from Turkey
Get access to PayPal, US banking, and global payment processing. Join thousands of Turkish entrepreneurs who trust StartGlobal.
Get Started for $599