Free Zones in Turkey (FZs) are special economic areas designed to stimulate export-oriented investments, promote international trade, and attract foreign direct investments in Turkey (FDI). These zones, while physically located in Turkey, are treated as being outside the customs territory, providing businesses with tax advantages, simplified customs procedures, and a more flexible regulatory framework.
Free Zones are established to create a business-friendly environment offering numerous financial and operational benefits. Companies operating in these zones can enjoy tax exemptions on income, corporate taxes, and operations, simplified trade procedures for importing and exporting goods, modern infrastructure with state-of-the-art logistical support, unrestricted profit transfers, and foreign exchange operations. Currently, there are 19 Free Zones in Turkey, 18 of which are operational and strategically located near major ports and trade routes to connect businesses with European, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets.
Extensive Tax Benefits
Businesses benefit from customs duties exemptions, no corporate income tax for manufacturers, VAT exemptions on goods and services, no stamp duty, and income tax exemptions for employees of companies exporting at least 85% of their production.
Operational Flexibility
Goods can be stored indefinitely, profits can be transferred freely, and businesses face no restrictions on operating hours, ensuring maximum operational efficiency.
Trade Benefits
Goods traded in Free Zones enjoy customs-free movement into Turkey or the European Union if they meet origin criteria. Suppliers to Free Zones can also benefit from export incentives.
Infrastructure and Location
Strategically positioned near ports on the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas, Turkey’s Free Zones provide modern facilities, including logistics, warehousing, and utilities such as electricity, water, and natural gas.
Semi-Private Free Zones in Turkey operate on state-owned land and are managed by operating companies that rent spaces to investors.
Private Free Zones in Turkey are entirely owned and managed by private companies, allowing investors to rent or purchase facilities directly.
Businesses can engage in manufacturing export-oriented goods, assembly and disassembly operations, global trade, and value-added services such as logistics and warehousing.
Obtain an Operating License by completing the application form, paying the required fee, and submitting necessary documents. Companies can then proceed to register, sign a rental contract, complete tax registration, and open a bank account in the Free Zone.
Free Zones have contributed over $200 billion to Turkey’s trade volume, created more than 50,000 jobs, attracted high-tech investments, and facilitated technology transfer. These zones serve as a launchpad for international investments, boosting Turkey’s global trade position.
Turkey’s Free Zones offer a tax-free business environment, strategic access to global markets, simplified trade rules, long-term operational security with licenses valid for up to 45 years, and minimal bureaucracy. These factors make them an attractive destination for investors, exporters, and businesses seeking to expand their global footprint.
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