Istanbul Free Zones: Tax Benefits and Investment Guide
Istanbul’s free zones offer foreign investors significant tax advantages, simplified customs procedures, and a strategic base for manufacturing, trading, and export-oriented businesses. This guide explains what a Turkish free zone is, which zones are accessible from Istanbul, and what benefits they provide — including corporate tax exemptions, VAT exemptions on transactions within the zone, and duty-free import of raw materials and equipment. We cover the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the sectors that benefit most, from electronics assembly to textile production and re-export trading. We also compare free zone operations with standard business setups to help you decide which structure is better for your specific business model and growth plans.