Investment Law

Türkiye offers significant opportunities for foreign investors with its strategic geographical location, growing domestic market and comprehensive investment incentive regime. However, foreign investment legislation, sectoral restrictions and incentive systems are frequently updated; failure to correctly interpret the legal framework can directly affect the success of an investment. Emir Law & Consulting offers end-to-end legal advisory to international investors from the establishment of the investment structure to exit strategies.

Foreign Investment Legislation: FDI Law and Notifications

The Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875 (FDI Law) is the principal statute governing the entry of foreign capital into Türkiye. While the law adopts the principle of equal treatment for foreign and domestic investors, it prescribes special permits and restrictions in certain sectors. Depending on the amount and structure of the investment, annual notification and monitoring obligations to the Ministry of Industry and Technology must be fulfilled. Accurately determining sectoral eligibility and notification requirements before establishing the investment structure is critical.

Sectoral Restrictions and Areas Requiring Special Permits

In sectors such as banking (BRSA), capital markets (CMB), energy (EMRA), media and broadcasting (RTÜK), civil aviation (DGCA) and defence, additional licensing, permit or partnership structure requirements apply to foreign investors. Real property acquisition is also subject to the reciprocity principle for nationals of certain countries. Our firm advises on designing the appropriate investment structure by analysing restrictions in the target sector.

Investment Incentive Regime: Zone 1–6 and Strategic Incentives

Türkiye's investment incentive system consists of four main components: General Incentive, Regional Incentive, Priority Investment and Strategic Investment schemes. Under the Zone 1–6 classification, which varies by province, benefits such as VAT and customs duty exemptions, tax reductions, social security premium support, interest rate support and investment site allocation are provided. In addition, special incentive regimes exist for R&D and design centres, technology development zones (technoparks) and Free Trade Zone investments. We provide full support in investment incentive certificate applications, determination of the appropriate zone and incentive category, and certificate follow-up.

Holding and SPV Structuring

Establishing the optimal holding structure to manage multiple investments or asset groups is of great importance for both operational management efficiency and risk isolation and tax planning. Special purpose vehicle (SPV) structures are frequently preferred for project finance and ownership isolation. We also advise on structuring aligned with estate planning and asset protection objectives.

Tax Planning and Double Taxation Treaties

Türkiye has signed Double Taxation Prevention Agreements (DTAs) with over 90 countries. When planning investment structures, analysis of the treaty effects on dividend withholding tax, interest and royalty payments and capital gains taxation directly impacts investment returns. Our team works in coordination with tax advisors to optimise your investment structure from both a legal and tax perspective.

Our Services

• Foreign investment legislation (FDI Law) analysis and notification obligations
• Sectoral restriction and special permit requirements assessment
• Investment incentive certificate application and follow-up
• Zone 1–6 incentive category analysis and optimisation
• Compliance advisory for R&D centre, technopark and Free Trade Zone investments
• Holding and SPV structuring
• Double taxation treaty analysis and tax planning support
• Joint venture (JV) and shareholders' agreements
• Legal due diligence and contract support in M&A transactions
• Investment structures aligned with asset protection and estate planning
• Investment arbitration and bilateral investment treaty (BIT) defence

Why Emir Law?

Foreign investment in Türkiye is a complex field where legal, tax and sectoral regulations intersect. Our team, with its multilingual and cross-border transaction experience, offers a holistic advisory service to foreign investors in both Turkish law and international standards, guiding and managing your investment process from start to finish.