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Business Visa and Residency in Turkey: What Entrepreneurs Should Know

For entrepreneurs looking to expand into new markets, Turkey stands out as one of the most strategic destinations in Eurasia — a bridge between East and West with a dynamic economy and investor-friendly environment. However, before establishing or managing a business in Turkey, understanding the country’s visa and residency framework is essential. Whether you’re planning to set up a company, open a branch office, or simply explore business opportunities, the right visa and residency pathway will determine how seamlessly you can operate. Transitioning from Business Visa to Residence Permit After entering Turkey on a valid business visa, foreign entrepreneurs who wish to live and operate locally must apply for a residence permit. The Short-Term Residence Permit for Business Purposes is the most common pathway. This permit enables individuals to reside in Turkey for up to one year, renewable annually, provided that they continue engaging in legitimate commercial activities. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, provide proof of accommodation, and maintain valid health insurance. Once a company is registered and actively trading, residency renewal becomes more straightforward — especially if the company employs local staff, contributes to exports, or operates within a Technopark or other government-supported zones. The Investment-Based Residency Pathway For entrepreneurs planning significant capital investment, Turkey’s Investor Residence Permit offers a more permanent solution. This pathway caters to those investing in Turkish companies, real estate, or job creation projects. In many cases, investors who meet the government’s financial thresholds may later qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment. The program encourages high-value entrepreneurship and innovation by providing stability and long-term residence rights. For business founders, this means not only operational continuity but also personal mobility — the ability to manage their company, travel in and out of Turkey freely, and integrate more deeply into local markets. How Company Formation Strengthens Residency Applications Registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Joint Stock Company (JSC) in Turkey significantly strengthens residency applications. Company ownership demonstrates tangible economic engagement, which immigration authorities view favorably. Entrepreneurs who register a business in Turkey can apply for a residence permit under the status of company partner or self-employed business owner, making it easier to obtain multi-year renewals. Moreover, companies operating in free zones or technoparks often enjoy additional advantages. These include income tax exemptions, reduced import duties, and streamlined work permit procedures for foreign directors. Establishing a company through trusted advisory partners like IncorpTurkey ensures all corporate documents — including Articles of Association, tax registration, and trade registry certificates — are properly aligned with immigration requirements. Work Permits for Business Owners and Key Staff In addition to residency, foreign entrepreneurs often need a work permit to legally manage or work within their Turkish company. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security oversees these permits, assessing each application based on the company’s capital structure, employment of Turkish nationals, and commercial performance. Owners of newly formed companies can apply for a Founders Work Permit, typically valid for one year and renewable. For larger operations, IncorpTurkey assists in structuring the company to meet ratio requirements — such as employing at least five Turkish citizens per foreign staff member — ensuring full compliance with labor regulations. How IncorpTurkey Simplifies Visa and Residency Procedures Navigating the Turkish immigration framework can be complex without local guidance. IncorpTurkey acts as a strategic partner throughout the entire process, from preparing business invitations for visa applications to organizing residence permit documentation and coordinating work permit approvals. The firm also provides end-to-end corporate support — from Turkey company registration to tax setup, address registration, and bank account opening — ensuring that each legal and immigration step is synchronized with business objectives. By combining deep knowledge of Turkish business law, immigration policy, and investment incentives, IncorpTurkey enables entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than bureaucracy. Whether establishing a new startup, expanding an international subsidiary, or relocating key executives, clients gain both legal certainty and operational efficiency. Conclusion: Building a Long-Term Entrepreneurial Presence in Turkey A well-structured visa and residency strategy is not just a formality — it is the foundation of sustainable business presence in Turkey. The country’s pro-investment policies, diverse economic ecosystem, and growing international trade network create ideal conditions for entrepreneurs seeking long-term stability. With expert guidance from IncorpTurkey, business owners can navigate the entire process seamlessly, from the first business visa to full operational residency, turning initial opportunities into enduring success.

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Incentives for Game Export and Technopark Advantages in Turkey

In recent years, Turkey has become a significant player in the global gaming market. Local developers producing mobile, PC, and console games have achieved notable success not only in the domestic market but also across Europe, America, and Asia. Game exports have evolved into a key component of Turkey’s digital economy, driving both revenue growth and employment. The increasing visibility of Turkish-made games in international rankings reflects the country’s growing expertise in gaming technologies. With a young and dynamic population, a strong software infrastructure, and an expanding investment ecosystem, Turkey is rapidly positioning itself as a regional hub for game development and export. Government Incentives and Grant Programs for Game Export Recognizing the gaming industry as a strategic sector, the Turkish government provides a wide range of incentives and financial support programs for game developers and exporters. The Ministry of Trade’s “Overseas Promotion and Marketing Support” program covers the participation costs of gaming companies in international fairs, advertising campaigns, and digital marketing activities. In addition, TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB offer grants and interest-free loans to support R&D-driven and innovation-focused gaming projects. Game export companies also benefit from major tax advantages, including VAT exemptions and income tax relief. These incentives enable developers to channel their resources into new projects, technology development, and international expansion. Advantages of Establishing a Game Company in a Technopark Technoparks play a crucial role in the growth of Turkey’s gaming ecosystem. They provide companies with modern infrastructure, tax exemptions, and access to collaborative research environments that accelerate both innovation and export capacity. Companies operating within Technoparks are exempt from corporate and income taxes, while social security premiums for R&D personnel are covered by the government. Additionally, VAT exemptions apply to revenue generated through game exports. Beyond financial benefits, Technoparks foster an environment where game studios can collaborate with universities, connect with investors, and develop joint projects. This ecosystem supports creative production while helping gaming companies scale faster in both domestic and global markets. Developing the Right Strategy for Export-Focused Game Companies Success in game exports depends not only on producing high-quality content but also on building the right corporate and operational foundation. Entrepreneurs looking to establish a game company in Turkey must carefully plan key aspects such as company structure (Limited or Joint Stock), tax strategy, Technopark application, and incentive compliance. Long-term sustainability also requires strategic management of international distribution channels, intellectual property protection, and contractual processes. IncorpTurkiye’s Strategic Support for Game Companies IncorpTurkiye provides end-to-end consultancy for entrepreneurs who wish to establish game companies in Turkey, benefit from Technopark advantages, and access export incentives. Incentive and Support Management All post-incorporation processes — including grant applications, government supports, and tax exemptions — are managed by IncorpTurkiye’s experts. This ensures financial efficiency and allows founders to focus on product and growth. Export Support Applications IncorpTurkiye professionally handles all application and reporting processes for the Ministry of Trade’s export support programs designed for digital gaming companies. This helps clients strengthen their competitive edge in global markets. Operational Consultancy From tax planning and accounting to legal documentation and Technopark admission, IncorpTurkiye offers operational support throughout every stage of a company’s growth. Technopark Selection and Project Presentation The team identifies the most suitable Technopark for each gaming business, prepares the required project documentation, and manages the admission process to ensure a fast and successful entry into the Technopark ecosystem. Time and Process Management All incorporation, Technopark, and incentive stages are streamlined to ensure companies become operational and start benefiting from supports in the shortest time possible. Through this comprehensive approach, IncorpTurkiye acts not just as a setup partner but as a long-term strategic ally for sustainable growth, investment, and export success. The Key to Success: Professional Guidance in Technopark and Export Processes Launching a successful game company requires more than a creative idea — it demands a solid foundation in legal, financial, and operational management. While Turkey offers strong incentive mechanisms, navigating the application and compliance processes effectively requires professional expertise. IncorpTurkiye enables entrepreneurs to save both time and resources by managing the entire incentive and Technopark application cycle efficiently. With the right Technopark selection, tailored incentive strategies, and export planning, companies can begin benefiting from available supports quickly and effectively. Conclusion: Turkey’s Growing Role as a Regional Hub for Game Exports With its young talent pool, strong technological infrastructure, and government-backed incentives, Turkey holds great potential to become a regional center for game exports. The Technopark ecosystem, investor networks, and expanding international markets offer a fertile ground for gaming startups to scale. IncorpTurkiye stands as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs ready to realize this potential. By providing expert guidance in company formation, Technopark admission, incentive management, and export strategy, IncorpTurkiye helps gaming companies secure a solid position in the global market.

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Establishing a Game Company in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Turkey has shown remarkable growth in the gaming industry in recent years. Entrepreneurs engaged in mobile, PC, and console game development can enter the market quickly with the right strategy and professional guidance. The young population and increasing digital consumption habits make the gaming industry an attractive investment field. IncorpTürkiye offers professional support to entrepreneurs who wish to establish a game company in Turkey — from legal procedures to investment planning. This article explores in detail the advantages of founding a game company in Turkey, the setup processes, and the investment opportunities available in this fast-growing sector. Advantages of Establishing a Game Company in Turkey The advantages of establishing a game company in Turkey arise from a combination of government incentives and market opportunities. Since game development and digital content production are recognized as R&D activities, companies can benefit from income and corporate tax exemptions. Support from TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB makes financing new projects easier, while social security premium incentives reduce personnel costs — an essential advantage for start-ups. Turkey’s rapidly expanding gaming market provides companies with opportunities to reach both local and international audiences across mobile, PC, and console platforms. Furthermore, the availability of talented software engineers, game designers, and graphic artists enables companies to bring projects to life efficiently. Industry events, hackathons, and networking opportunities also strengthen collaboration and attract potential investors. All these factors make Turkey an attractive and sustainable hub for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a game company. Tax Incentives and R&D Support Game development, software, and digital content production fall under the Research and Development (R&D) category. This allows companies to enjoy income and corporate tax exemptions. R&D grants provided by TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB significantly support the financing of new game projects. In addition, social security premium incentives can help lower personnel costs, which is particularly beneficial for start-ups. These tax advantages accelerate return on investment and make business growth more sustainable. A Rapidly Growing Gaming Market Turkey’s gaming sector continues to expand with an impressive annual growth rate. The number of mobile gamers has reached millions, and interest in PC and console games is rising rapidly. This growing market enables game companies to reach larger audiences and generate faster revenues. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of this trend by producing both localized Turkish content and globally targeted games. Skilled Workforce and Creative Ecosystem Turkey offers a rich talent pool of software engineers, graphic designers, and game developers. Newly graduated young professionals from universities contribute significantly to start-ups and gaming projects. Moreover, the country’s dynamic game development ecosystem — through events, hackathons, and industry meetups — facilitates collaboration and helps entrepreneurs connect with potential investors and partners. Game Company Establishment Process For entrepreneurs aiming to establish a game company in Turkey, the procedural steps are clear and relatively fast. Each phase can be completed smoothly with the right planning and expert guidance. IncorpTürkiye, with its expertise in the gaming industry, provides professional assistance at every stage of the process to ensure entrepreneurs proceed confidently. Choosing the Company Type Selecting the appropriate company type is crucial both operationally and financially. In Turkey, game companies are typically established as Limited Liability Companies (Ltd. Şti.) or Joint Stock Companies (A.Ş.). Limited Liability Companies are suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they are cost-effective and easier to manage — ideal for businesses targeting the local market. On the other hand, Joint Stock Companies are preferred for larger-scale operations, public offerings, or attracting international investors. The chosen company type directly impacts tax planning, ownership structure, and investor negotiations. Therefore, making the right choice at this stage is a strategic step toward long-term growth and sustainability. Trade Registry and Tax Registration One of the essential steps in establishing a company is registering with the trade registry and obtaining a tax number. The trade registry process legally recognizes the company as a corporate entity, enabling the issuance of official documents. Tax registration is mandatory for conducting financial operations, opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and carrying out official payments. IncorpTürkiye assists entrepreneurs in preparing all required documents accurately and completely, helping them avoid unnecessary delays or errors. Proper tax planning during incorporation also helps optimize future operational costs. Licenses and Permits Certain game development activities require special licenses and regulatory approvals. For example, online games, mobile applications, and digital distribution platforms may require authorization from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) and other relevant institutions. The licensing process may vary depending on the type of game, distribution method, and target market. For mobile games, app store compliance and approval processes are essential, while online games require attention to server hosting and data protection regulations. IncorpTürkiye provides expert support to ensure all licensing steps are handled efficiently and in full legal compliance, allowing game companies to enter the market smoothly and confidently. Funding and Investment Opportunities for Game Companies For a game company to achieve long-term success, financial strategy is just as important as creative development. Effective financial planning ensures sustainable growth and enables projects to be completed on schedule. Entrepreneurs can bring their games to market by managing their own capital effectively and securing external funding sources. Given that Turkey’s gaming sector continues to attract strong investor interest, companies can gain a competitive edge with the right financial approach. Angel Investors and Venture Capital Turkey’s gaming industry is an attractive field for angel investors and venture capital (VC) funds looking to invest in innovative projects. These investors provide not only financial support but also strategic mentorship, industry expertise, and professional connections. While angel investors typically fund early-stage ideas, venture capital funds focus on more mature projects with high growth potential. Such investments enable gaming companies to accelerate development, expand their teams, and execute effective marketing campaigns. Crowdfunding and International Investment Today, many game projects are successfully funded through global crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This model is especially valuable for independent game developers, as it provides both funding and early audience engagement before a game’s official release. Collaborating

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Establishing a Company in a Technopark: A Guide for Technology-Focused Entrepreneurs

For technology-driven entrepreneurs from Turkey and around the world, expanding their business, entering global markets, and supporting their R&D projects have become more important than ever. At this point, Technoparks stand out with the advantages and incentives they offer. Establishing a company in a Technopark not only provides a prestigious business address but also allows you to strategically grow your business through tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and R&D support. At IncorpTürkiye, we provide professional guidance at every stage of the company establishment process in Technoparks, ensuring that entrepreneurs benefit from these opportunities to the fullest. What Is a Technopark and Who Is It For? Technoparks are campuses that operate in collaboration with universities and public institutions, offering dedicated spaces for technology-oriented businesses. Within these zones, software, hardware, R&D, and innovation projects are supported. Entrepreneurs who wish to operate in a Technopark must first apply with a project proposal and meet certain criteria. These include presenting a technology development-oriented business plan and aligning with the defined R&D objectives. Technoparks provide an ideal environment, particularly for startups, software companies, and innovative technology entrepreneurs seeking to grow in a supportive ecosystem. How to Establish a Company in a Technopark The process of establishing a company in a Technopark follows specific stages, and at IncorpTürkiye, we guide entrepreneurs through every step: 1. Project Application and Approval Process Applications are submitted to the Technopark administration with a project focused on R&D and innovation. During the evaluation, the business plan, project details, and the company’s technological capacity are reviewed. Once approved, the company is officially accepted into the Technopark and becomes ready to operate. 2. Company Formation Procedures After project approval, the company incorporation process begins. This stage includes selecting the company type, completing registration, and preparing the necessary documentation. IncorpTürkiye manages all legal and bureaucratic procedures on behalf of entrepreneurs, minimizing the risk of errors and delays. 3. Contract and Office Allocation An office or laboratory space within the Technopark is allocated to the company. Once lease agreements and administrative documents are completed, the company officially begins operations within the Technopark. During this process, IncorpTürkiye handles all coordination with the Technopark management. Advantages of Establishing a Company in a Technopark Tax Advantages Companies operating within Technoparks enjoy significant tax incentives, including exemptions from income and corporate taxes. This allows businesses to reinvest their profits, strengthen cash flow, and accelerate growth. For startups, these tax benefits provide critical financial flexibility, helping them scale quickly. In addition, R&D projects carried out within Technoparks can benefit from special government incentives and grants that reduce overall operational costs. Covering part of R&D expenses through such incentives shortens the return on investment and enhances competitiveness. Technopark companies also benefit from Social Security premium incentives, which reduce personnel costs and encourage the hiring of qualified employees. These combined advantages create a strong foundation for sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Investment and Funding Opportunities Companies operating in Technoparks gain access to various financial resources to support their growth and innovation goals. The entrepreneurship ecosystem in these zones fosters close connections with both local and international angel investors. Startups can participate in Technopark-organized investment events to present their projects and secure early-stage funding. Additionally, venture capital funds offer tailored programs for Technopark companies, providing not only financial support but also strategic mentorship and networking opportunities. This holistic support helps entrepreneurs gain both capital and expertise to expand and scale their businesses. Moreover, companies in Technoparks can benefit from government and private-sector grants designed to support R&D, innovation, and international collaborations. These grants reduce financial burdens and reinforce long-term growth strategies. The diversity of funding options makes operating within a Technopark especially advantageous for businesses in technology, software, and high-innovation industries. Modern Infrastructure Technoparks provide modern infrastructure that meets the operational needs of technology companies. Equipped office spaces, laboratories, meeting rooms, and co-working areas facilitate daily business activities. With access to advanced facilities and ready-to-use office solutions, companies can efficiently launch and manage their projects while maintaining high productivity. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities Technoparks foster ecosystems where entrepreneurs can interact with investors, academics, and other tech firms. This collaborative environment enables the development of joint projects, new business partnerships, and knowledge sharing. Through networking events, seminars, and workshops, entrepreneurs can stay updated with industry trends and directly engage with potential partners. R&D Support and Training Programs To promote innovation, Technoparks regularly offer R&D grants, training programs, and mentorship opportunities. Companies can enhance their teams’ technical skills through workshops and seminars, allowing them to adopt and implement new technologies efficiently. These initiatives help businesses generate innovative solutions and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries. Human Resources and Talent Access Technoparks offer significant advantages in accessing qualified talent. Companies operating in these zones can easily collaborate with engineers, software developers, and technology experts from nearby universities and research centers. Internship programs and project-based collaborations help companies identify and integrate top talent into their operations. Additionally, Technoparks are often closely linked with innovation centers and global entrepreneurship ecosystems. This provides companies with opportunities to engage with international academic and tech communities, accelerating their R&D processes and fostering breakthrough innovations. For firms in software, biotechnology, and advanced technology sectors, being located in a Technopark represents a strategic advantage for sustainable growth and success. Establishing a Technopark Company with IncorpTürkiye IncorpTürkiye provides full-scale support throughout the Technopark company establishment process—from project preparation to company registration. With professional assistance in legal, financial, and administrative matters, we eliminate bureaucratic barriers, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their businesses. Establishing a company in a Technopark is a strategic move for technology-oriented entrepreneurs. With tax incentives, R&D support, modern infrastructure, and strong networking opportunities, Technoparks create an ideal environment for innovation and growth. Through IncorpTürkiye’s expert guidance, the process becomes fast, smooth, and highly advantageous. If you are looking to position your business in a technology-focused ecosystem and gain a competitive edge in the global market, contact IncorpTürkiye today to learn more about how to establish your company in a

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