Investment Office · International Investment
Foreign companies wishing to invest in Turkey operate on equal terms with domestic investors, protected by Law No. 4875. Correct advisory on IIC, free zone advantages and incentive package optimisation is decisive from the project's feasibility stage to operations.
Legal Basis
Law No. 4875
Direct Foreign Investments Law
Service Scope
Foreign natural and legal persons wishing to invest in Turkey have equal rights to domestic investors under Law No. 4875. This equality rests on a legal basis in the areas of land acquisition, access to incentive packages, profit transfer and property guarantee.
Akbaş manages the entire process for foreign investors — from the legal establishment process in Turkey to IIC application, from free zone preference to incentive package comparison. Since each project differs in country of origin, sector and scale, there is no template-based advisory.
Coordination advisory is also provided for large-scale projects requiring coordination with the Presidency Investment Office.
Incentive Tools
Foreign companies can obtain an IIC under Council of Ministers Decree No. 2012/3305 on the same terms as domestic investors. VAT exemption, customs duty waiver, tax reduction and SSI employer share support are included in the scope.
Foreign investors operating in Turkey's free zones benefit from full corporate income tax exemption, customs duty exemption and freedom to transfer profits.
Law No. 4875 provides legal guarantees to foreign investors regarding property rights, profit transfer and liquidation proceeds transfer. Fair value compensation is paid in the event of expropriation.
Foreign investors may apply to international arbitration mechanisms under Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) signed between Turkey and their home country.
Foreign-capital companies may employ foreign-national key personnel when certain conditions are met. Work permit processes are within the scope of advisory services.
Turkey's 6 incentive zones offer different support packages. Region and incentive type optimisation is performed based on sector, investment amount and employment plan.
Process Management
Foreign investment entering Turkey progresses on three main axes: legal establishment, incentive application and operational preparation. Local regulatory knowledge is decisive at every stage.
Sector, scale and region options are evaluated. Incentive package scenarios are compared. Alternative location analyses including free zones are conducted.
Company establishment in Turkey, foreign capital registration and relevant ministry permits are managed in a coordinated manner. Positions requiring work permits are planned simultaneously.
The investment incentive certificate application is prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Full management including objection and revision processes is provided.
Monitoring of incentive commitments, reporting obligations and completion visa coordination are provided. Accounting and tax compliance run in parallel throughout the investment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Law No. 4875 on Direct Foreign Investments guarantees foreign investors equal treatment with domestic investors. A foreign-capital company established in Turkey may apply for an investment incentive certificate under Council of Ministers Decree No. 2012/3305 and benefit from all approved incentive elements.
The two instruments offer advantages under different conditions. Free zones provide corporate income tax exemption and customs advantages for export-oriented production; however, there may be restrictions on domestic market sales. An IIC offers a more comprehensive support package for investments targeting the domestic market. A comparative analysis based on sector, region and sales strategy is required.
A legal entity in Turkey is required to benefit from IIC and incentive mechanisms. The establishment of a foreign-capital company takes place under the provisions of the Turkish Commercial Code and involves no additional barriers beyond minimum capital. Company formation and foreign capital registration are within the scope of advisory services.
No. Law No. 4875 guarantees foreign investors the transfer of net profit, dividends, capital, liquidation proceeds, licence fees and management fees abroad. Transfer can be made in foreign currency or Turkish lira.
The Investment Office serves as a single point of contact for large-scale foreign investments. It acts as a facilitator in the coordination of permit processes, strategic investment status applications and communication with public institution counterparts. For projects requiring this coordination, Akbaş manages the process jointly with the Office.
International Investment
We analyse the most suitable incentive structure, region and legal entity preferences for your investment in Turkey.
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At the intersection of foreign investment and local legislation, the right advisor is decisive in terms of process and cost. Let us evaluate your project together.