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Business Immigration

Here is a detailed breakdown of

Turkey active business immigration options, including eligibility criteria, requirements, step-by-step application procedures, processing times, and associated costs for each program.

Types of Business Immigration Pathways in Turkey

  • Turkish Businessperson Visa: This visa allows businesspeople to establish, manage, or participate in a business in Turkey.
     

  • Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Through real estate, business, or financial investment.
     

  • Company Formation Visa: For individuals who wish to establish a legal entity and operate their business.
     

  • Startup Visa Pathways: Emerging pathways and government support schemes for startups and innovative businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Turkish Businessperson Visa
 

  • Business Plan: Applicants must present a viable business idea or existing business.

  • Proof of Business Activity: Evidence such as company registration, contracts, or business bank statements.

  • Financial Requirements: Show sufficient funds for operating the business and self-maintenance.

  • Local Job Creation: Businesses creating jobs or contributing to the local economy are advantageous.

  • Residency Permit: Must have or be eligible for a temporary residency permit to engage in business.
     

2. Turkish Citizenship by Investment
 

  • Real Estate Investment: Minimum investment of $400,000 in real estate.

  • Capital Investment: Minimum investment of $500,000 in Turkish companies, government bonds, or other specified areas.

  • Job Creation Requirement: Employing a minimum of 50 Turkish nationals (if applying through business establishment).

  • Bank Deposit: Depositing a minimum of $500,000 in Turkish banks for a fixed period.
     

3. Company Formation and Startup Pathways
 

  • Company Registration: Must register with the Turkish Trade Registry and provide a comprehensive business plan.

  • Proof of Capital: The minimum capital requirement varies depending on the business type (e.g., 10,000 TRY for a limited liability company).

  • Sector-Specific Requirements: Some industries may have stricter regulations, including licenses and permits.

Requirements

  • Proof of Capital and Financial Stability: Bank statements showing sufficient funds to support the business and personal living expenses.
     

  • Business Plan: Detailed, outlining how the business will benefit Turkey's economy and employment market.
     

  • Health and Character Requirements: Must meet health and character standards, including background checks.
     

  • Company Registration Documents: For company formation visas, including articles of association and proof of business premises.

Timeline and Process Overview

1. Initial Business Concept and Market Research (1-3 Months):
 

  • Conduct research and develop a detailed business or investment proposal.

  • Engage local experts, if necessary, to navigate Turkish business laws.
     

2. Application Preparation (1-2 Months):
 

  • Gather all necessary documents (proof of financial resources, business plan, etc.).

  • Register your company (if applicable) with the relevant Turkish authorities.
     

3. Visa Application Submission and Processing (1-6 Months):
 

  • Submit your application to the Turkish consulate or relevant government body.

  • Processing times vary based on business type and location.

 

4. Entry and Business Operations Setup:
 

  • Upon visa approval, establish your business operations, adhere to regulatory compliance, and create jobs if required.

Costs Breakdown

Visa Application Fees:

  • Typically around $60-$80 depending on nationality.
     

Investment Costs:

  • Real Estate: Minimum $400,000 investment.

  • Business Capital Investment: Minimum $500,000 (for citizenship).
     

Legal and Administrative Costs:

  • Fees for company registration, notarization, translations, and ongoing compliance costs.
     

Additional Costs:

  • Health insurance, professional fees (lawyers/accountants), and local taxes.

Investment & Bank Statement Requirements

  • Proof of Funds: Clear evidence of sufficient funds to cover investment, business operations, and personal living expenses.

  • Bank Statements: Typically covering recent financial history to demonstrate liquidity and solvency.

  • Lawful Source of Funds: Must prove that funds used for investment or business were acquired legally.

Company Sustainability for Permanent Residency and Citizenship

  • Business Viability: Ongoing compliance with tax and business regulations, job creation, and positive contributions to the local economy.

  • Residency Requirements: For citizenship by investment, permanent residency requirements may include proof of continuous legal stay and operation of a business.

Start-Up Business Support (Angel Investors/Incubators)

  • Startup Ecosystem Support: Turkey has growing support networks, including angel investors, incubators, and venture capital, often clustered in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

  • Tech Development Programs: Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas can gain access to mentorship and funding through government-supported incubators.

Licenses and Self-Dependent Visa Requirements

  • Business Licenses: Depending on the sector (e.g., healthcare, retail), specific operating permits or sector-specific licenses may be required.

  • Self-Sponsorship: Establishing a business under the Turkish businessperson visa or investment pathways can act as a form of "self-sponsorship."

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