What is the minimum capital to set up a manufacturing company in Turkey?

A Limited Şirket (LTD) requires at least 50,000 TRY in paid-in capital, while an Anonim Şirket (AŞ) requires 250,000 TRY, or 500,000 TRY if the company adopts the registered-capital system. These minimums have applied since January 1, 2024, and existing companies below them must comply by December 31, 2026.

What is an OSB and why does it matter for manufacturers?

An OSB (Organize Sanayi Bölgesi, or Organized Industrial Zone) is a purpose-built industrial area with pre-approved zoning, infrastructure, and often incentives for manufacturers. Setting up inside an OSB can simplify permitting and utility access compared to siting a factory on ordinary land.

Does a factory in Turkey need an environmental permit?

Most manufacturing facilities need some form of environmental permit or assessment under Turkish environmental legislation, with the exact requirement depending on the industry, scale, and emissions profile of the operation. This should be confirmed with an environmental consultant or the relevant provincial authority before construction begins.

Can a foreign-owned manufacturing company import its own machinery?

Yes, foreign-owned manufacturers can import production machinery and equipment, though the process involves customs classification, potential duty exemptions under investment incentive certificates, and compliance with Turkish technical standards — all of which are worth planning with a customs consultant before ordering equipment.

Manufacturing Company Setup in Turkey: Industrial Guide 2026

Gepubliceerd: 2025-09-17 · Bijgewerkt: 2026-09-03 · 5 min. leestijd

Turkey's manufacturing sector benefits from a strategic position between European and Middle Eastern markets, a large skilled labor pool, and government incentive programs — but setting up a factory involves a different regulatory path than opening a service or trading company.

Legal Structure and Capital Requirements

Most manufacturing investors register as a Limited Şirket (LTD) or Anonim Şirket (AŞ). Since January 1, 2024, the minimum paid-in capital is 50,000 TRY for an LTD and 250,000 TRY for an AŞ (500,000 TRY under the registered-capital system, often chosen by manufacturers planning larger capital raises or future public listing). Existing manufacturing companies incorporated below these thresholds should bring their capital into compliance by December 31, 2026 to avoid dissolution risk.

Choosing an Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) Site

One of the most consequential early decisions for a manufacturer is whether to locate inside an Organized Industrial Zone (OSB). These purpose-built zones typically offer pre-cleared zoning status, ready infrastructure (power, water, waste treatment), and in many cases reduced land costs or tax incentives compared to siting a facility on ordinary commercial or agricultural land, which often requires its own separate zoning conversion process. Not every OSB suits every industry, so matching the zone's designated sector profile to your production type is worth checking before committing to a plot.

Environmental and Industrial Operating Permits

Turkish environmental legislation requires most manufacturing facilities to obtain some form of environmental permit or, for higher-impact operations, a full Environmental Impact Assessment (ÇED), before construction or operation begins. The exact requirement depends heavily on the sector, production scale, and emissions or waste profile of the facility, so this is an area where hedging general guidance is important — confirm your specific obligations with an environmental consultant or the provincial environment directorate early in the planning process, since retrofitting permits after construction is far more costly than securing them beforehand.

Importing Machinery and Equipment

Foreign-owned manufacturers commonly need to import production machinery, and Turkey's investment incentive system can offer customs duty exemptions and VAT support for qualifying machinery purchases tied to an approved investment incentive certificate. Navigating the customs classification (HS codes), technical conformity standards, and incentive certificate application process is a specialized task best planned with a customs and investment consultant before equipment is ordered, to avoid delays at the port.

Manufacturing vs. Logistics: Two Different Company-Formation Paths

Many manufacturers eventually need their own transport and distribution capability. If that applies to you, it's worth reading our companion guide on logistics company formation in Turkey, which covers the separate K/L-series transport authorization system, freight forwarding versus carrier status, and customs bonded warehouse licensing — a distinct regulatory track from factory setup.

Setting up a compliant manufacturing operation in Turkey means coordinating company registration, OSB site selection, environmental permitting, and equipment import at the same time. Our team can help you plan the right sequence from the start — contact us or explore our company formation consulting service.

Capital thresholds, OSB incentive terms, environmental permit categories, and customs exemptions are subject to regulatory change; confirm current requirements with the relevant ministries and a licensed advisor before finalizing your investment plan.

Veelgestelde Vragen

What is the minimum capital to set up a manufacturing company in Turkey?: A Limited Şirket (LTD) requires at least 50,000 TRY in paid-in capital, while an Anonim Şirket (AŞ) requires 250,000 TRY, or 500,000 TRY if the company adopts the registered-capital system. These minimums have applied since January 1, 2024, and existing companies below them must comply by December 31, 2026.
What is an OSB and why does it matter for manufacturers?: An OSB (Organize Sanayi Bölgesi, or Organized Industrial Zone) is a purpose-built industrial area with pre-approved zoning, infrastructure, and often incentives for manufacturers. Setting up inside an OSB can simplify permitting and utility access compared to siting a factory on ordinary land.
Does a factory in Turkey need an environmental permit?: Most manufacturing facilities need some form of environmental permit or assessment under Turkish environmental legislation, with the exact requirement depending on the industry, scale, and emissions profile of the operation. This should be confirmed with an environmental consultant or the relevant provincial authority before construction begins.
Can a foreign-owned manufacturing company import its own machinery?: Yes, foreign-owned manufacturers can import production machinery and equipment, though the process involves customs classification, potential duty exemptions under investment incentive certificates, and compliance with Turkish technical standards — all of which are worth planning with a customs consultant before ordering equipment.

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