Technoparks in Turkey: Setup Guide for Foreign Founders

Last updated on 18 April 2026.

Technopark entities are attractive to both local and foreign firms seeking to build the innovative side of their businesses. A variety of sectors are found in Technoparks, ranging from gaming companies and mobile app developers to defence technologies and more. Firms that conduct research to develop new technologies in any sector can be established in Technopark. That is why we have seen an increasing trend of foreign companies entering the Turkish market through Technoparks, and of established Turkish companies relocating their innovation departments to Technoparks in Turkey. Depending on their sectors, these firms prefer to establish in reputable Technoparks in specific business areas. Therefore, Technoparks provide Turkey with a significant global advantage.

We’ve helped gaming studios, SaaS companies, and foreign tech founders navigate technopark applications across İTÜ, Istanbul Technopark, Medeniyet University, and beyond.Book a free 20-minute consultation →

Below is information on the process and requirements for preparing and submitting the business proposal for Technopark admission. This guide also provides an expected timeline for completing the setup once the proposal is submitted.

The Application Process for Establishing a Company in a Technopark

To be eligible for a company in a Technopark that provides tax exemptions, a project proposal must be submitted. This will include details on the sort of establishment intended to be set up. For example, a gaming company might want to set up a studio or a game publisher. The more information provided about the planned company profile in Turkey, the better an individual can be assessed and the more appropriate the project file can be created.

The monthly expenses at the Technopark are very low during the incubation stage.

Tech companies in Turkey should be based in a Technopark to benefit from tax exemptions. KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK incentives and funding are also available. Once the company is established in a Technopark, an application can be made for funding from KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK.

For detailed information on the rules that govern Technoparks, please refer to the law on Technoparks in Turkey by clicking here.

What tax incentives do technoparks actually offer?

Project Stage

The preliminary stage of the Technopark application begins with the formation of a company in Turkey for this purpose. The condition for Technopark residency is to present a project which the Technopark approves. For example, an innovative project in the gaming industry could focus on the in-game economy. Thanks to our expertise in helping gaming companies establish in Technoparks, we are well-suited to prepare the appropriate project application.

In the project application, the product to be developed and its importance to the market must be explained (it is unique in the market). Tepe Law Office collaborates with clients to identify the most suitable concepts and will also maintain contact with the Technopark throughout the process to tailor the approach to their specific requirements. Below, you can find some information on this.

Stages of the Application

• Pre-Application Form:Submission of the online form with the details outlined above.
• Preliminary Review:The Technopark administration conducts an initial assessment to ensure completeness and compliance.
• Expert Review:Applications are examined by external referees (hakemler) with subject expertise.
• Evaluation Commission:A Project Evaluation Commission, typically composed of academic staff and a sector expert, reviews the project and issues an opinion.
• Board Approval:The opinion is forwarded to the Technopark Board of Directors for the final decision on admission.
• Admission:If approved, the applicant proceeds to finalise the agreement and secure space in the Technopark.

Evaluation is primarily document-based, though applicants will also need to present their project.

Request for Renting Premises at the Technopark

The application requires specifying the desired location, the department/section to be assigned to, the rental space requirements (m²), and the number of R&D, support, and other personnel to be employed.

Project Information

A project title and sector must be identified. Applicants should describe the product or service to be developed, project objectives, export potential, and any intellectual property elements (patents, models, designs).

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on the R&D content, innovative aspects, economic and technological feasibility, commercialisation potential, contribution to university–industry collaboration, and the applicant’s financial and R&D plans.

Minimum Number of Employees in Turkey

There is no requirement to have employees in Turkey. To set up the company and apply for residence at Technopark, which grants the tax benefits, it is not necessary to have employees. However, the Technopark residency application involves an evaluation stage. We recommend involving one or two employees to make the application more reasonable and ensure it is approved.

Furthermore, having at least one insured employee is a condition for certain KOSGEB and similar funding opportunities mentioned above.

Presence of Shareholders in Turkey

Shareholders do not need to travel to Turkey to establish the company. However, the application stage requires the company to present the project to the Technopark. A three-person jury of academics will review the Technopark application. The shareholder may be required to make the presentation or be present during it. We can also try to arrange an online meeting on behalf of our clients, but it would still be better for company managers to be present in person at least once during the application stage. This stage depends on each Technopark’s specific policy.

For more information on setting up a company in Technopark without travelling to Turkey, please click here to access our guide to company formation in Turkey.

Purchasing an Existing Company

Based on our experience, it is very unlikely that the owners of an existing company with a presence in Technopark will wish to sell their company. In any case, this is not necessary. There is no requirement that the company be at least 1 year old to apply for residency in Technopark.

However, the primary benefit of being a one-year-old company is eligibility for digital export incentives. This does not prevent the company from using the other benefits in the meantime. On the other hand, export incentives are crucial for selling apps and games abroad, as they may provide a 60% reimbursement of ad costs. As mentioned above, it is unlikely that a suitable company can be purchased for this purpose. However, research can still be conducted for the specific needs of potential purchasers. Please also note that buying an existing company in Turkey can be risky and may require extra diligence to assess any hidden debt.

It is important to note that, based on our most recent experience, advertising costs generally cannot be reimbursed retrospectively under current policies. Therefore, ad costs cannot be reimbursed retrospectively.

Timeline for Project Approval and Entry to Technopark

The overall process is likely to take 1-2 months. However, this may change for different Technoparks. It can potentially go up to 2-3 months. This depends on the capacity and how busy a specific Technopark is. Setting up a company and registration at a Technopark can cost around 3000-4000 USD.

FAQ

Can a foreign-owned company qualify for Turkish technopark benefits?

Yes, foreign ownership of the company does not restrict the right to reside in a Techopark.

What counts as an “R&D project” for technopark eligibility?

Does my project need to be truly novel, or can it be an improvement on existing tech?

How much does technopark office space cost compared to regular office space in Istanbul?

Can my technopark company sell to customers outside Turkey?

Yes, selling to foreign customers is possible and can even benefit from further government import incentives. For example, game exports receive significant advertising reimbursements abroad.

Location of Technopark and Waiting List

Certain Technoparks, such as the İTÜ University Technopark, are very popular. This is because they are focused on particular sectors. For example, İTÜ Technopark is primarily focused on industrial technologies and has a waiting list of nearly 3.5 years. Similarly, Istanbul Technopark is fully occupied. Other popular Technoparks focus on areas such as military technology.

For a company in the mobile app and gaming industry, Medeniyet University’s Technoparks can be a good fit, as they are primarily focused on the gaming sector. It is centrally located in Kadikoy, Istanbul.

İTÜ has a 3.5-year waitlist. Istanbul Technopark is full. Choosing the right technopark for your project is the most important early decision. Review our technopark selection guide tailored to your sector →

Tepe Law Office provides assistance in navigating Technopark requirements and selecting the most suitable location for your project. For non-tech export businesses, Turkish free trade zones offer similar tax incentives with different eligibility criteria.