Updated: 8 October 2026
If you have an innovative idea and are looking for a place to develop it, establishing a startup in Türkiye is an option worth exploring. Public support programmes, an active technopark ecosystem and Türkiye Tech Visa offer opportunities for technology entrepreneurs.
This guide explains the formation process, the main conditions attached to support programmes and how VALA Business Academy can assist. Legal and administrative information draws on the relevant official sources.
Why consider Türkiye for your startup?
- Türkiye offers several advantages that founders can assess together:
- A young, educated workforce: Access to specialist talent at competitive costs.
- Geographic reach: Transport connections that support access to Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
- Public support: Financing, advisory services and technology-related tax incentives for eligible projects.
- Technoparks: Workspace, professional networks and opportunities to collaborate with universities.
- A substantial domestic market: A customer base for testing products and assessing growth before international expansion.
Company formation: The first legal step
A startup is not a separate company type under the Turkish Commercial Code. Founders commonly consider a limited liability company (Limited Şirket) or a joint-stock company (Anonim Şirket).
A limited liability company may suit initial operating needs. A joint-stock structure may be relevant where fundraising and shareholding arrangements are priorities. Statutory minimum capital requirements apply to both. Foreign investors generally face the same incorporation conditions as domestic investors.
Choosing a structure is a strategic decision and should be reviewed with a legal adviser before incorporation.
Türkiye Tech Visa: A programme for technology ventures
Türkiye Tech Visa is run by the Ministry of Industry and Technology to attract innovative technology ventures and specialist talent to the country’s technology ecosystem. It has a separate application route for startups. Accepted applicants may access the following opportunities, subject to the relevant conditions:
- A programme-specific three-year work permit opportunity for eligible applicants.
- Simplified residence permit procedures for family members.
- Advisory support on company formation, taxation and legal matters.
- Office opportunities in technoparks and incubation centres.
- Access to financing and public support programmes, with mentoring.
- Healthcare access under the programme’s conditions.
Applications are submitted through the official system. The process includes preliminary screening, technopark assessment and the programme’s decision procedure. The quality and presentation of the business plan matter; acceptance, support and permits are not automatic for every applicant or team member.
Technoparks and tax incentives
- Operating in a technology development zone is one of the significant opportunities available to technology ventures. Current legislation provides incentives through 31 December 2028 for qualifying activities:
- Income and corporate tax exemptions: For profits from qualifying software, design and R&D activities carried out in the zone.
- VAT exemption: For supplies of certain software produced in the zone and covered by the legislation.
- Payroll-related incentives: For qualifying R&D, design and support personnel, within statutory conditions and limits.
These incentives are not automatic. Eligibility depends on the project, activity and personnel. Work outside the zone and remote working may be subject to specific rules. Admission to a technopark requires project assessment.
Teknogirişim Rozeti: Certification for technology ventures
Introduced under a regulation that took effect in 2025, the Teknogirişim Rozeti certifies technology- and innovation-driven ventures with scalable business models. It may assist access to support and investment processes, depending on each programme’s rules.
Applications are assessed against current criteria, including establishment in Türkiye, SME status and a technology-based business model. Being located in a technopark does not, by itself, guarantee certification.
Key steps in establishing a startup in Türkiye
- Assess the idea and market: Review innovation, scalability and demand in Türkiye and the region.
- Consider residence and work arrangements: Examine Türkiye Tech Visa or other suitable residence and work permit routes.
- Form the company: Select a structure, prepare constitutional documents and plan statutory capital requirements.
- Apply to a technopark: Prepare a suitable R&D or software project and business plan.
- Assess certification: Consider the Teknogirişim Rozeti process if your venture meets the requirements.
- Develop the business: Work on branding, digital marketing and access to export markets.
Develop your startup with VALA Business Academy
VALA’s team of specialists in legal and commercial matters in Türkiye supports different stages of the startup journey. We assess your needs across company formation, commercial law, target market analysis, digital marketing, data analytics and the use of AI in business.
Contact our office in Şişli, Istanbul, to discuss your venture and its next steps.
Frequently asked questions about startups in Türkiye
Can foreigners establish a startup in Türkiye?
Yes. Foreign investors can generally incorporate on the same terms as domestic investors. A Turkish partner is not generally required for company formation, although activity-specific rules must be checked separately.
What does Türkiye Tech Visa offer?
For accepted applicants who meet the relevant conditions, the programme offers a three-year work permit opportunity, simplified family residence procedures, advisory support and technopark opportunities. Acceptance and permits are not automatic.
Are startups in Türkiye exempt from tax?
There is no blanket tax exemption for all startups. Qualifying software, design and R&D activities in technoparks may benefit from specific exemptions. Other activities follow normal tax rules or any separate incentives that apply.
Which company structure is best for a startup?
The choice depends on your growth and investment plans. Limited liability and joint-stock structures should be assessed against governance, ownership, costs and financing needs. VALA can help you review the options.
Official sources
- Türkiye Tech Visa
- Invest in Türkiye — Company Formation
- Invest in Türkiye — Technology Development Zones
- Resmî Gazete
This guide is for information purposes. It reflects published information available as of October 2026; check current conditions and requirements specific to your application before making decisions.