TÜRKİYE TECH VISA NEDİR? TEKNOLOJİ GİRİŞİMCİLERİ İÇİN KAPSAMLI REHBER

WHAT IS TÜRKİYE TECH VISA? A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR TECH ENTREPRENEURS

What is the Türkiye Tech Visa?

The Türkiye Tech Visa is a special invitation program aimed at attracting technology professionals and tech startups with innovative business models to Türkiye. Initiated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, the program aims to integrate global talent into the Turkish ecosystem more quickly and effectively by accelerating bureaucratic processes.

The main objective of the program is to contribute to making Türkiye a global hub in technology and innovation. In this regard, while offering qualified foreign professionals and entrepreneurs the opportunity to live and work in Türkiye, it also aims to increase the capacity of the local tech ecosystem.

The Türkiye Tech Visa includes two different application panels tailored for two distinct profiles: individual technology professionals and startups. Therefore, applications must be submitted through the panel that matches the candidate's profile.

Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, expressed the purpose of the program with the following words:

How to Apply for the Tech Visa?

The Türkiye Tech Visa offers participants a special three-year work permit, providing the opportunity to make a more predictable and plannable start in Türkiye. This period does not only mean residency rights; it also offers the opportunity to build a long-term structure within Türkiye's large domestic market and international trade networks.

To properly manage the application process and reduce the risk of bureaucratic delays from the very beginning, it is important to follow the steps below in order:

1. Work Permit Exemption Application: In the first stage of the process, candidates must first complete the work permit exemption application. This step is a critical starting point for the subsequent processes to progress more quickly.
2. Three-Year Work Permit Application: Once the exemption is approved, the process moves on to the three-year work permit stage in accordance with the program's operation. Preparing the required documents and declarations completely at this stage can directly affect the evaluation process.

If you are planning to establish a tech company in Türkiye, decisions such as company type selection (e.g., limited liability or joint-stock company) will also arise as the process progresses. Therefore, it would be beneficial to clarify your establishment plan and the legal/financial preparations you will need in advance, in parallel with your application.

Tax Exemptions and Financial Support

Türkiye not only offers incentives but also provides a comprehensive infrastructure that supports the growth of startups. The 101 technoparks spread across the country and the more than 8,000 companies operating within them create a ready-made networking, collaboration, and growth environment for startups newly arriving in Türkiye. This structure can address various needs from the early stage to the scaling period with elements such as R&D, access to investors, mentorship programs, and incubation centers.

Another prominent element in this ecosystem is the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge. The techno-entrepreneurship badge is an official certification system created for startups developing technology and innovation-oriented business models to benefit more effectively from public support and the investment ecosystem. By making the startup's innovative capacity and technology focus visible, this badge can serve as a "trust/quality" indicator for stakeholders (technoparks, investors, and public programs).

The main financial advantages that help reduce the cost burden of startups, especially during the scaling phase, are as follows:

• Tax exemptions: Income and corporate tax exemptions provided under certain conditions in technology development zones.
• Access to venture capital: Direct investment and financing opportunities through mechanisms such as the Technology and Innovation Fund.
• Operational support: Office space, mentorship, training, and professional consultancy services in incubation centers.
• Turcorn 100: Support that accelerates the expansion into global markets for startups with high growth potential.

Public support in Türkiye is not limited solely to technology development zones. Depending on your startup's sector and stage, it may also be possible to benefit from different programs such as KOSGEB entrepreneurship support. Therefore, before applying, clarifying which incentives are more suitable in line with your targeted city/technopark, field of activity, and planned growth schedule will accelerate your process.

Türkiye Tech Visa Application Rates

Investment data provides a strong indicator for evaluating Türkiye's position in technology entrepreneurship. Türkiye ranks 10th in Europe and 2nd in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region in startup investments. The emergence of 2 decacorns and 4 unicorns from this ecosystem to date also demonstrates the capacity to produce scalable business models.

There is a significant demographic advantage behind this success. A population of 85 million and an average age of 32 mean a large domestic market where startups can test their products and a user base that quickly adapts to innovations.

One of the strongest levers is human resources. Türkiye has one of the largest higher education pools in Europe with more than 8 million university students. The 1.2 million young people who graduate every year create a qualified talent pool at competitive costs for tech startups in critical areas such as software, engineering, and business development.

The program's appeal is also reflected in the application data. According to 2026 data, applications were received from 47 different countries for the Türkiye Tech Visa program, and 58 startups took their place in the program. This picture shows that Türkiye is increasingly becoming a more visible center of attraction for entrepreneurs, not only on a regional but also on a global scale.

Tech Visa Life and Health Package

When deciding to relocate, quality of life can often be even more decisive than the business model. Türkiye Tech Visa supports this transition with facilitated residence permit processes for the participants' families.

On the healthcare side, a clear and predictable financial model is applied: Although the services are not entirely free, for a low monthly premium, family members can benefit from the Turkish public healthcare system without any additional treatment costs. Compared to ecosystems where high healthcare expenses are common, this approach offers a significant life security advantage for founders.

Pitch Deck Rules for Tech Visa Application

One of the most determining rules of the program is the consistent use of brand language in the application. According to the application guide, the term "Turkey" must not be included anywhere in the application file; the country name must be used consistently as "Türkiye" everywhere. If this rule is not followed, applications may be eliminated without being evaluated.

On the presentation (pitch deck) side, a professional file standard that evaluators can read quickly and clearly is expected. Therefore, it is highly beneficial to pay special attention to the following technical points:

• Number of slides: The presentation should be structured to have a maximum of 10–15 slides.
• Narrative style: Avoid walls of text; support your message with icons, charts, and numerical data. A "single main idea" approach on each slide strengthens the narrative.
• File format: Submit all documents in PDF format.
• File organization and naming: Keep file names clear and consistent (e.g., StartupName_PitchDeck_EN_2026-07.pdf). Complex, incomplete, or randomly named files may pose a risk in terms of professional seriousness.

Finally, it is important to protect your brand identity not only during the application phase but also throughout your operations in Türkiye. To legally secure your brand, you can review our trademark registration service.

The Necessity of Establishing Your Company in Türkiye

After obtaining your work permit under the Türkiye Tech Visa, you may need to establish a company in Türkiye to run your operations sustainably. At this point, the type of company you choose will have a direct impact on your tax obligations, partnership structure, investment capacity, and scaling strategy, so it is important to clarify this decision at an early stage.

To look at the issue from a practical perspective, here are the two structures most frequently considered by tech startups:

• Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.): The liability of the partners is limited to the capital they have committed, and it can usually be established with a lower capital. Since establishment and management processes are simpler in most scenarios, it is frequently preferred for early-stage or partnered startups. For details, you can check our limited liability company formation page.
• Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): Thanks to its share structure, it is suitable for investor entry and more corporate management; it can provide advantages for startups planning share transfers, stock options, and different future investment rounds. It is an option frequently considered by teams targeting high growth and investment. For details, you can review our joint stock company formation page.

Lastly, when determining which structure is more suitable for you, evaluating criteria such as the planned investment schedule, number of partners, target markets, and cash flow projections together will increase the accuracy of your decision.

In summary;

• The Türkiye Tech Visa is a special invitation program aimed at rapid integration into Türkiye for technology professionals and startups, offering a 3-year work permit.
• The application process proceeds in two main steps: first, a work permit exemption, followed by a 3-year work permit application.
• Critical rules such as incentives/ecosystem (technoparks, support programs) and the mandatory use of "Türkiye" in the pitch deck affect the outcome of the process.

  The Easiest Way to Establish a Company in Türkiye: End-to-End Formation with IfasTurk

With the Türkiye Tech Visa, you can make a strong start to living and working in Türkiye. The next step brings the same question for most entrepreneurs: "How do I establish my company in the fastest and most seamless way?"

IfasTurk helps you manage the processes you will need from a single point, starting from company formation to the sustainable progression of operations. With IfasTurk, you can:

• Determine the right structure regarding your company type selection (LLC / JSC),
• Plan and track your company formation procedures in a more organized way,
• Manage your accounting and tax processes within a single workflow,
• Safely initiate critical legal steps such as trademark registration.

Benefit from IfasTurk's end-to-end support to reduce your operational burden while focusing on growing your business in Türkiye. Become a free member now and start the process of establishing your company in Türkiye today.

Mesut SENEL | Ifasturk CEO

Independent Accountant Financial Advisor