Turkey’s largely free-market economy is increasingly driven by its industry and service sectors, although its traditional agriculture sector still accounts for about 25% of employment. An aggressive privatization program has reduced state involvement in basic industry, banking, transport, and communication, and an emerging cadre of middle-class entrepreneurs is adding dynamism to the economy and expanding production beyond the traditional textiles and clothing sectors. 

Turkey is one of the largest upper middle-income partners of the World Bank Group (WBG).  With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $ 799.54 billion, Turkey is the 17th largest economy in the world. 

Doing Business 2016. THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Like many emerging markets, Turkey presents a range of challenges to doing business, including turbulent politics, occasional civil demonstrations, regional instability, complex bureaucracy, onerous terms and conditions in government contracts, a weakened judicial system

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Turkey.

Guidelines from the Turkish Commercial Code

The main company types in Turkey are Private Limited, Joint Stock companies, Commandite and Collective Companies. Foreign businesses can also open a Liaison Office or a Branch in Turkey.On this site, you can find an overview of these companies in Turkey, access their registration procedure and documentary requirements, or go to the section of a particular company type for further information.

The limited liability company and thejoint stock company are the most common types of legal entities.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Turkey stands at 35 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Turkey averaged 35.45 percent from 2004 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 40 percent in 2004 and a record low of 35 percent in 2005. Personal Income Tax Rate in Turkey is reported by the Revenue Administration, Government of Turkey.

Non-residents earning income in Turkey through employment, ownership of property, carrying on a business or other activities providing an income are also subject to taxation, but only on their income derived in Turkey.

The Sales Tax Rate (VAT) in Turkey stands at 18 percent.

The VAT (KDV in Turkish) rates vary between 1% – 18% but it’s generally applied as 18%

The Corporate Tax Rate in Turkey stands at 20 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Turkey averaged 24.95 percent from 1997 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 33 percent in 2000 and a record low of 20 percent in 2006. Corporate Tax Rate in Turkey is reported by the Revenue Administration, Government of Turkey.

Whether a company is subject to full or limited tax liability depends on its status of residence.

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was launched on 17 April 2013 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. This system allows visitors travelling to Turkey to easily obtain their e-Visas online (www.evisa.gov.tr), in approximately three minutes. 

Visitors to Turkey must obtain a visa from one of the Turkish diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the 120 countries and territories that are either visa exempt or whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival.

A summary of all forms of public transportation in Turkey

Telecommunications liberalisation in Turkey is progressing, but at a slow pace. The Telecommunication Authority (now renamed Bilgi İletişim ve Teknolojileri Kurumu or BTK), while technically an independent organization, is still controlled by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Turkey’s Telecommunication Leader

Thias iste provides tips on travel in Turkey by plane, bus, car,train, ship & ferry.

A summary of labor laws in Turkey

on this site the author touched on the basic principles governing the Turkish employment relations. 

A Q&A guide to employment and employee benefits law in Turkey.

Foreigners who are legally resident and working in Turkey are entitled to unemployment benefits under certain conditions

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

Expats will find the cost of living in Turkey more reasonable than in neighbouring European destinations.

A summary of the education system in Turkey from Columbia University

Turkish education system is under the supervision and control of the state, namely the Ministry of National Education. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, everyone has the right to receive education.

National and public holidays and observances

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in Turkey

Remember that Turks respect age, as it is a sign of wisdom. They also respect rank and education. Always pay proper respect to senior members of a company.

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Turkish government

Turkey is not only friendly, it is, in many ways, as safe as Europe and North America.

Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, there are significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal regions enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau experiences a dryer climate with hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfa ll.

With such a large landmass, Turkey enjoys a variety of climates, earning the country the nickname ‘the land of four seasons’ (dort mevsim).

It’s always a good idea to check out Turkey’s and Istanbul’s official, public, national, regional and religious holidays before planning a trip

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

The CIA fact book on Turkey

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

Preferential Trade Agreements

This site provides key information on Turkey’s participation in the WTO. Turkey has been a member of WTO since 26 March 1995 and  a member of GATT since 17 October 1951.

Import and export procedures and restrictions from Turkish customs

Turkey Hotels, Hostels & Accommodation

In modern Turkey, the legacy of centuries of history coexists with progressive and contemporary culture. Its exciting capital, Istanbul, spans Europe and Asia: here, upscale eateries and swanky nightclubs are squeezed between Byzantine and Ottoman structures, with calls-to-prayer from city mosques sounding above the city. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts mix ancient Roman ruins with stunning beaches and resorts.

A complete travel guide from an expert on Turkey