Making a Difference in Software Exports
As the Istanbul Specialized Free Zone we accept companies engaged in software, IT and advanced technology manufacturing; tax exemptions and rent and salary support are offered according to export performance.
Following our designation as the Istanbul Specialized Free Zone by the decree of 8 June, we are able to accept companies engaged in Software and IT and in medium-high and high technology manufacturing. The point to note here is whether a company resident in Turkiye has reached a total export figure of USD 2.25 million over the last 3 years. If it has not, you can benefit from the tax exemptions listed under free zone incentives for 3 years. If it has, you have the opportunity to benefit from the incentives listed under additional support for 5 years, together with a 20-year licence.
Free Zone Incentives - If You Have Reached a Total Export Figure of USD 2.25M Over the Last 3 Years
A 20-year licence term
100% corporate tax exemption
100% employee income tax exemption (covers all personnel working in the free zone)
100% VAT and stamp duty exemption
100% customs duty exemption
Additional Support
Rent support of up to 50%, USD 75,000 per year - 5 years (on condition of USD 1M in annual exports, at an increasing rate)
Salary support for 10 employees, USD 150,000 per year - 5 years (on condition of USD 1M in annual exports, at an increasing rate)
Free Zone Incentives - If You Have Not Reached the Export Figure of USD 2.25M Over the Last 3 Years*
A 3-year licence term
100% corporate tax exemption
100% employee income tax exemption (covers all personnel working in the free zone)
100% VAT and stamp duty exemption
100% customs duty exemption
*If at the end of 3 years you demonstrate performance at an increasing rate of no less than USD 1M per year, you may apply for rent and salary support together with a 17-year licence. Holders of a 3-year licence are not entitled to receive rent and salary support.
Assessment Before Application
Which incentive package applies to you varies according to your field of activity, your past export performance and the scale of the investment you are planning. For this reason, examining your existing structure before applying, comparing possible scenarios and planning matters such as licence term, staffing structure and space requirements together produces a sound road map.
Why the Istanbul Specialized Free Zone?
The zone brings software, IT and advanced technology focused companies together in a single ecosystem. Locating companies working in the same field side by side delivers concrete gains in areas such as access to qualified labour, finding suppliers and business partners, joint promotion and information sharing. Combined with Istanbul's logistics and transport infrastructure, this structure is a significant advantage for companies looking to expand into international markets.
How Does the Process Work?
For companies wishing to locate in the zone, the process consists of a preliminary meeting, an eligibility assessment, preparation of the application file, the licensing process and site planning. Our teams provide guidance at every stage of these steps.
Note: Incentive rates and conditions may be updated in line with changes in legislation; please contact us for definitive information.
About ISBI and the Istanbul Specialized Free Zone
The Istanbul Specialized Free Zone brings together infrastructure, logistics and operational conveniences for companies engaged in software, information technologies and advanced technology manufacturing. For how the zone works and the opportunities it offers, see our Free Zone page; for the steps of the investment process, our Investment page; and for the support we provide, our Services page. Information about our corporate structure can be found on the About Us page.
For your questions you can reach us through the channels on our Contact page, follow current announcements in the Blog section, and find answers to commonly asked topics on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
