A Tourism Business Certificate in Turkey is required for companies operating in the country’s tourism sector., including hotels, guesthouses, travel agencies, tour operators, guiding service providers, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities. This certificate ensures that businesses comply with industry regulations and meet quality standards set by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

This guide outlines the required documents, application process, and compliance requirements for obtaining a Tourism Business Certificate in Türkiye.

1. Application Process for a Tourism Business Certificate

Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism via the e-Government (e-Devlet) portal by an authorized company representative or an appointed proxy.

📌 Processing Time: If all documents are complete and accurate, the certificate is issued within 60 days.

2. Required Documents for Legal Entities Applying for a Tourism Business Certificate

The following documents must be submitted:

• Application Petition (Annex 1 – Annex 2)
• Facility Introduction Report
• Capacity Information
• Workplace Opening and Operating License (obtained from the Municipality)
• Trade Registry Gazette
• Signature Circular
• Name Registration Certificate
• Tax Certificate
• Conceptual Project
• Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Board Decision
• Reference Letter
• Ministry of Health Approval Letter
• Residential or Commercial Usage Certificate

📌 Note:

• The Workplace Opening and Operating License must not include terms like “temporary” or “conditional.”
• The business activity in the license must match the type of tourism operation.
• If there has been a capacity change, a confirmation letter from the issuing institution is required.

3. Types of Facilities Requiring a Tourism Business Certificate in Turkey

1️⃣ Hotels

Hotels are classified from one-star to five-star based on the Regulation on the Qualifications of Tourism Facilities. The hotel license is issued by the Licensing and Inspection Department of the Municipal Police Directorate.

Required Permits for Hotels:

• Sanitary Establishment Opening License
• Public Rest & Entertainment Venue License
• Fire Department Inspection Report
• Chamber Registration Certificate
• Responsible Manager Declaration
• Alcohol Sales Permit (if applicable)

2️⃣ Holiday Villages

These nature-oriented facilities must meet special architectural and environmental standards.
📌 Requirement: At least 60 rooms and buildings no higher than three stories.

3️⃣ Boutique Hotels

These high-standard accommodations offer personalized services and must employ trained personnel.
📌 Requirement: Between 10 and 60 rooms, and 50% of guest capacity staff must be professionals.

4️⃣ Special Accommodation Facilities

These include hotels with unique architecture, historical importance, or cultural heritage value.

5️⃣ Motels

Designed for travelers on highways, motels must have at least 10 rooms.

6️⃣ Guesthouses

📌 Requirement: Between 3 and 25 rooms, with dining services or kitchen access.

7️⃣ Aparthotels

📌 Requirement: At least 10 self-contained apartments with kitchen facilities.

8️⃣ Bungalows & Campsites

Bungalows are classified under camping facilities and must:

• Be located in scenic natural areas (beaches, mountains, forests).
• Provide eco-friendly, single-story housing.
• Allocate 80 m² per unit for at least two guests.

4. Public Entertainment & Recreational Businesses (Cafés, Wedding Halls, Spas, Pools, etc.)

📌 Businesses such as cafes, wedding halls and spas must obtain a Tourism Management Certificate in Turkey before they can operate.

Mandatory Documents:

• Occupancy Permit (İskan)
• Approval from District Police Department
• Criminal Record Certificate
• Health Report for Employees
• Lease Agreement
• Tax Certificate
• Fire Safety Report
• Property Tax Declaration
• Business Address Confirmation

📌 Additional Documents for Valet Service Providers:

• Valet Service Agreement
• Garage Insurance Policy
• Third-Party Liability Insurance

🚨 Important: Businesses must not be located:

• Near hazardous material storage facilities.
• In locations that restrict law enforcement oversight.
• Within 100 meters of educational institutions.

5. Requirements for Non-Sanitary Establishments (Food Production, Warehouses, Workshops, etc.)

📌 Industrial businesses require an Occupancy Permit (İskan) before operation.

Required Documents for 2nd & 3rd Class Non-Sanitary Establishments:

• Occupancy Permit
• Lease Agreement
• Property Title Deed Copy
• Tax Certificate
• Apartment Owners’ Approval Letter
• Fire Safety Report
• Environmental Impact Permit

🚨 Note: Food production businesses (e.g., bakeries) must first obtain a Non-Sanitary Establishment License before applying for a Production Activity Permit from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture.

6. Compliance with Environmental and Hygiene Regulations

• Zoning Compliance: Businesses must align with the municipal zoning plan.
• Environmental and hygiene compliance is essential for securing a Tourism Business Certificate in Turkey environmental impact laws.
• Tax Debt & Penalties: Applicants must have no outstanding tax liabilities.

📌 Failure to comply may lead to application rejection or license revocation.

7. Tourism Business Certification Rejection & Resubmission

🚨 If an application is rejected in two consecutive inspections, a new application can only be made after six months from the last rejection notice.

Conclusion

Successfully obtaining a Tourism Business Certificate in Turkey requires full compliance with the regulations set by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, municipal approvals, and environmental laws, municipal approvals, and environmental laws. Businesses must ensure all permits, licenses, and registrations are completed before starting operations.

For expert guidance on obtaining your Tourism Business Certificate in Turkey, as well as support with tax compliance and permits, contact Özbek CPA today.