Company Establishment Under the Tech Visa Program in Turkey

International tech entrepreneurs aiming to expand into Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia increasingly see Türkiye as a strategic hub.

While Türkiye does not have a stand-alone “Tech Visa” program, foreign entrepreneurs can establish a company, operate lawfully, and obtain a 3-year work permit without any separate residence permit requirement.

As a result, Türkiye is among the top destinations for launching technology-driven startups in 2025.

Why Launch a Tech Company in Türkiye?

Türkiye offers a unique combination of geographic advantage, market potential, and supportive policies:

• Strategic location between Europe and Asia

• Over 85 million consumers and a growing digital economy

• Young, educated population driving innovation

• Government-backed tech and startup policies

For international founders, the company formation process is straightforward, affordable, and fully open to 100% foreign ownership.

By registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC), entrepreneurs can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor for a 3-year work permit as a company owner. No additional residence permit is required.

Key Advantages to open a Tech Company in Türkiye for Foreign Tech Founders

• 100% foreign-owned company structure

• Fast and cost-effective company formation

• 3-year work permit for founders without extra residency requirements

• Access to Technoparks and incubator centers like Synergia

• Eligibility for tax incentives, university collaborations, and innovation infrastructure

Technoparks and Incubation Centers in Türkiye

Foreign entrepreneurs can establish companies within Technoparks, officially approved by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

These hubs focus on sectors like software, AI, biotech, energy, and robotics, offering startups a strong ecosystem.

Benefits of operating in a Technopark include:

• Corporate tax exemption for R&D-related income

• VAT and customs duty exemption on equipment and software

• Income tax exemption for R&D staff salaries

• Social security premium support

• Networking and mentorship opportunities with universities and tech institutions

Startups can also establish their companies in incubator centers like Synergia, gaining access to collaborative workspaces, local expertise, and acceleration programs.

Work Visa and Legal Residency for Entrepreneurs in Türkiye

Once a foreign entrepreneur establishes a tech company in Türkiye, they can apply for a 3-year work permit as a shareholder and managing director.

This permit allows the founder to live and work in Türkiye legally without first obtaining a short-term residence permit.

Although there is no separate “tech visa,” this fast-track work permit process effectively serves the same purpose for international tech founders.

Türkiye is rapidly building one of the most inclusive and innovation-friendly startup ecosystems in its region.

With government-supported frameworks, tax-free innovation zones, direct work permit pathways, and vibrant Technoparks, it provides everything international founders need to transform ideas into global businesses.

For foreign tech entrepreneurs, 2025 is the perfect time to establish a company in Türkiye and access a market that bridges Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.