Free Zones in Turkey
Definition of Free Zone
Free Zones are defined as fenced-in areas in which special regulatory treatment exists for the operating users in order to promote exports of goods and services. Free zones offer more convenient and flexible business climate in order to increase trade volume and export for some industrial and commercial activities as compared to the other parts of country.
- Promoting export-oriented investment and production.
- Accelerating foreign direct investment and technology access.
- Directing enterprises towards export.
- Developing international trade.
Activities
In general, all kind of activities can be performed in Turkish Free Zones such as:
- Research and Development (R&D),
- Manufacturing,
- Software,
- General trading,
- Storing,
- Packing,
- Banking and insurance.
Investors are free to construct their own premises, while zones have also available office spaces or warehouses on rental basis with attractive terms. All field of activities open to Turkish companies are also open to joint-venture of foreign companies.
| FREE ZONES IN TURKEY | DATE OF EST. | |
| 1 | MERSIN FREE ZONE | 1985 |
| 2 | ANTALYA FREE ZONE | 1985 |
| 3 | AEGEAN FREE ZONE | 1987 |
| 4 | ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT FREE ZONE | 1990 |
| 5 | TRABZON FREE ZONE | 1990 |
| 6 | ISTANBUL THRACE FREE ZONE | 1990 |
| 7 | ADANA YUMURTALIK FREE ZONE | 1992 |
| 8 | ISTANBUL INDUSTRY & TRADE FREE ZONE | 1992 |
| 9 | MARDIN FREE ZONE | 1994 |
| 10 | SAMSUN FREE ZONE | 1995 |
| 11 | EUROPE FREE ZONE | 1996 |
| 12 | RIZE FREE ZONE | 1997 |
| 13 | KAYSERI FREE ZONE | 1997 |
| 14 | IZMIR FREE ZONE | 1997 |
| 15 | GAZIANTEP FREE ZONE | 1998 |
| 16 | TUBITAK-MRC FREE ZONE | 1999 |
| 17 | DENIZLI FREE ZONE | 2000 |
| 18 | BURSA FREE ZONE | 2000 |
| 19 | KOCAELI FREE ZONE | 2000 |
Source: Ministry of Trade (link: https://www.trade.gov.tr/free-zones/general-outlook)
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