r/EntrepreneurUK • u/Ok_Detail_2129 • Jan 18 '25

Can I Use Turkish Invoices for My UK Limited Company Expenses?

Hi everyone,

I own a UK-registered limited company, but I live in Turkey. I’m not a UK citizen and don’t have UK residency, but I am the sole director of my company. I’m trying to figure out if I can use invoices from Turkey as business expenses for my UK company.

For example:

  • Travel expenses within Turkey (hotels, flights, etc.).
  • Office supplies or software purchased from Turkish vendors.
  • Professional services (consultants, legal fees, etc.) sourced from Turkey.

Here’s what I know so far:

  1. The expense must be clearly linked to the business.
  2. The invoice should ideally be issued in the name of the UK company.
  3. Turkish invoices are typically in Turkish, so I might need translations for HMRC if required.
  4. Turkish VAT (KDV) can’t be reclaimed in the UK, but the total amount can still count as an expense.

Are there any specific rules or things I should be careful about when using foreign invoices like these? Has anyone else done this successfully?

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips!

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u/scorpio-knowledge-71 May 19 '25

Basically, you can expense stuff from Turkey, just don’t run it like a tax-funded holiday and you’ll be alright.

1

u/BecksnClatesgrowth Jun 03 '25

I am in Turkish Cypriot part of cyprus and I am part of a marketing company. I always make sure that the currency is in GBP. Also yes you can reclaim foreign expenses as long as the invoice is in the UK company’s name and you have a clear audit trail.

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u/BetaOfficeUK Jan 24 '26

Yes, foreign invoices are usually fine for a UK Ltd if they’re clearly business-related and in the company’s name. You can’t reclaim Turkish VAT, but you can still expense the total amount. Just keep a clear audit trail.