A Free Trade Zone Operation License is a permit granted by the Ministry of Economy to private and legal entities having a workplace in a zone pursuant to Law of Free Zones furnished for the purpose of promoting investment and production, accelerating direct foreign investments and technology input, directing the companies towards exporting and developing international trade.

Private or legal entities desiring to operate in that zone, may submit the “Operation License Application Form’ directly to the regional office or may send it by “registered” mail as well. The application shall be complete after sending the operation license application form and Operation License Application Fee of 5000 USD into the Free Trade Zones Special Account on behalf of the Central Bank of the Turkish Republic. The Regional Office shall send the Operation License Application Form to the General Directorship of Free Trade Zones after asking the opinion of Operator or Trade Zone Founding Operator attaching its own opinion. After the application is assessed by the General Directorship of Free Trade Zones, the company shall be notified about the result.

The companies granted with this license, may transport the goods not in free circulation without being subject to import duties and trade policy measures and currency exchange legislation into free trade zones and may benefit from advantages regarding exporting of those goods.

The revenue generated by companies having this license in these zones are not subject to income or corporate tax, stamp duties and charges.

Employees of taxpayers exporting at least 85% of goods manufactured in these zones are subject to employee income tax deductions paid for their salaries.