Doing business in Turkey

Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a strategic location for businesses looking to expand into new markets. The country has a diverse economy with a well-established industrial sector, a thriving services industry, and a rapidly growing technology sector. Doing business in Turkey can offer many advantages, but it also presents several challenges that businesses need to navigate.

One of the biggest advantages of doing business in Turkey is its large and growing consumer market. With a population of more than 82 million people, Turkey is the world's 17th largest economy and the sixth largest economy in Europe. The country has a young, tech-savvy population that is increasingly interested in new products and services, making it an attractive market for businesses looking to expand.

Turkey is also strategically located between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, making it a key transit point for trade and commerce. The country has well-developed transportation infrastructure, including airports, ports, and highways, which makes it easy for businesses to transport goods and raw materials to and from their operations.

Another advantage of doing business in Turkey is its highly skilled workforce. The country has a large pool of well-educated and experienced professionals who are proficient in a variety of languages, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to set up regional headquarters or expand their operations.

However, doing business in Turkey also presents several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the country's bureaucracy and regulatory environment, which can be difficult for foreign businesses to navigate. The country's legal system is also complex, and corruption can be an issue in some sectors.

Another challenge is the country's geopolitical situation. Turkey is located in a region that is prone to political instability and security risks, which can pose a threat to businesses operating in the country. Finally, Turkey's currency, the Turkish lira, can be volatile, which can make it difficult for businesses to manage their finances and investments.

Overall, doing business in Turkey can be both rewarding and challenging. Businesses that are willing to navigate the country's complex regulatory environment and geopolitical risks can find many opportunities for growth and expansion in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.


Advantages of Doing Business in Turkey

✔ Strategic location: Turkey is a hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it a strategic location for businesses looking to expand their markets.

✔ Large domestic market: Turkey has a population of around 83 million, which provides a large domestic market for businesses to tap into.

✔ Favorable tax policies: Turkey has a competitive tax system, with relatively low corporate tax rates, which makes it attractive for businesses looking to set up operations.

✔ Skilled workforce: Turkey has a well-educated and skilled workforce, which can help businesses operate efficiently and effectively.

✔ Pro-business environment: The Turkish government has implemented various measures to support businesses and attract foreign investment, including offering incentives and subsidies.


Disadvantages of Doing Business in Turkey

✖ Bureaucratic red tape: Setting up a business in Turkey can be a time-consuming process due to bureaucratic red tape, which can delay operations and increase costs.

✖ Political instability: Turkey has experienced political instability in recent years, which can make it challenging for businesses to operate.

✖ Language barriers: The official language of Turkey is Turkish, which can pose a challenge for businesses operating in the country, especially for those that require bilingual employees.

✖ Inadequate infrastructure: Infrastructure in some parts of Turkey, particularly in rural areas, is inadequate, which can impact the smooth operation of businesses.

✖ Corruption: Turkey has been ranked poorly in terms of corruption by various organizations, which can affect the business environment and increase operational risks.


There are several types of business organizations in Turkey, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of business organizations in Turkey include:

► Individual company (Şahıs şirketi): This is a sole proprietorship, where the business is owned and operated by a single individual.

► Limited company (Limited Şirketi): This is a type of private company where shareholders have limited liability for the company's debts.

► Joint-stock company (Anonim Şirketi): This is a type of public company where shares are publicly traded, and the shareholders have limited liability for the company's debts.

► Commandite company (Komandit Şirketi): This is a type of partnership where there are two types of partners: the general partner, who is responsible for the management of the company and has unlimited liability, and the limited partner, who is liable only up to the amount of their investment.

► Cooperative company (Kooperatif Şirketi): This is a type of company where members come together to pool their resources for a common purpose.

► Joint venture company (Ortak Girişim Şirketi): This is a type of company where two or more businesses come together to undertake a specific project or venture.

► Consortium company (Konsorsiyum Şirketi): This is a type of company where multiple companies come together to work on a specific project or bid for a contract.