What Is an Investment Incentive Certificate? How Can It Be Obtained?

In Türkiye, government incentives and support programs—especially valuable for SMEs and entrepreneurs—are provided under the Ministry of Industry and Technology in order to: Reduce regional development disparities Support technological investments Encourage industrial investments Increase domestic production capacity One of the most important components for accessing these supports is the Investment Incentive Certificate. An Investment Incentive Certificate is an official document issued to real or legal entities in order to encourage investments made within the country and enable investors to benefit from various government support mechanisms.

Who Can Obtain an Investment Incentive Certificate?

Investment Incentive Certificates are designed to support objectives such as:

Reducing import dependency
Increasing domestic production
Encouraging international direct investment
Eliminating regional development differences

The incentive system is generally categorized under four main headings:

Regional incentives
Priority investments
Strategic investments
General incentives

The following entities can benefit from Investment Incentive Certificates:

Real persons
Ordinary partnerships
Capital companies
Cooperatives
Joint ventures
Public institutions and organizations
Professional organizations with public institution status
Associations and foundations
Branches of foreign companies operating in Türkiye

In order to benefit from investment incentives, companies must possess an Investment Incentive Certificate approved and issued by the Ministry.

Required Documents for an Investment Incentive Certificate

The documents generally required during the application process include:

Fund receipt
Investment information forms and machinery/equipment lists (prepared according to the official format)
Copy of the tax certificate
Notarized signature circular
Lease agreement for the investment facility (minimum 5 years if applicable) or title deed copy of the investment location
Trade Registry Gazette documents (company establishment, address changes, capital increases, etc.)
Notarized power of attorney
Official document from the Social Security Institution showing no outstanding debts or approved restructuring
Signed application petition by authorized representatives
Commitments and declarations
Capacity report (required for expansion and modernization investments)
Official document from Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) management if the investment is located within an OSB
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA / ÇED) document (for applicable investments only)

What Are the Support Elements Provided by the Investment Incentive Certificate?

Investment Incentive Certificates allow investors to benefit from multiple support mechanisms simultaneously.

The type and scope of support vary depending on:

Investment size
Investment location
Industry sector
Investment category

The main support elements available under the Investment Incentive Certificate system include:

VAT refund
Income tax withholding support
Social security premium support
VAT exemption
Customs duty exemption
Tax reduction
Interest or profit-share support
Investment land allocation support

All of the supports listed above are generally applicable to strategic investments.

However:

Priority investments and regional incentives cannot benefit from VAT refund support
General incentive programs only benefit from:

VAT exemption
Customs duty exemption
Income tax withholding support

How Can an Investment Incentive Certificate Be Obtained?

One of the most frequently asked questions is:
“How can an Investment Incentive Certificate be obtained?”

Applications are submitted directly to the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

Following the Ministry’s review process, all real or legal entities that complete and submit the required documentation correctly and without deficiencies may receive the certificate.

At this stage, it is extremely important that all requested documents and forms are prepared accurately and completely.

Investment Incentive Support with GNC Makina

As GNC Makina, we simplify your Investment Incentive Certificate application process by providing fast and accurate support through our experienced expert team.

We assist our customers throughout the application stages to help them benefit from investment incentives efficiently and securely.

For detailed information and professional support regarding Investment Incentive Certificates, you can contact us via: