Establishing a company in technoparks in Turkey has become a significant opportunity that attracts the attention of entrepreneurs and startup owners in recent years. In the early years following the introduction of the Technology Development Law, the limited number of technoparks made it seem like a dream for many entrepreneurs to establish a presence in these regions. However, with the increase in the number of technoparks today, it has become much easier to establish a business in these areas.
One of the most important reasons for the popularity of technoparks is the tax exemptions and various facilitation measures provided to companies operating within these regions. So, what is a technopark, and what are the advantages of establishing a company there?
What is a Technopark?
Technoparks, also known as technology development zones, are areas where universities, industrial enterprises, and research institutes are located together. These structures provide a suitable ecosystem for conducting research and development (R&D) activities, innovations, and technology transfers. In technoparks, academic, economic, and social structures operate in an integrated manner.
The establishment of technology development zones in Turkey was legalized through the Technology Development Zones Law No. 4691, published in the Official Gazette on June 26, 2001. The objectives of this law can be summarized in four points:
- To bring together companies engaged in research and development (R&D) activities within technology development zones located at universities,
- To encourage collaboration between companies,
- To promote cooperation between companies and academics,
- To support the production of value-added products.
Technoparks offer a wide range of services, facilities, and advantages to entrepreneurs. If you are planning to establish a company in a technopark, seeking support from a financial consultant will make the process easier.
What is Required to Establish a Company in a Technopark?
Companies wishing to establish a presence in technoparks must submit their R&D projects to the technopark management in the region where they intend to operate. If the projects are approved, the company can begin operations within the technopark.
How Does the Application Process Work?
To apply to a technopark, the first step is to submit a preliminary application through the technopark’s website. After evaluating the application, the management company will provide information and send the main application form. The application form requires the following information:
- General company introduction,
- Mission and vision statements,
- Application fee receipt,
- Detailed explanation of the developed projects.
Once your application is completed, the project will be evaluated by the technopark’s management team according to the applicable regulations. If approved, you will be invited to sign the contract.
Tax Advantages of Establishing a Company in a Technopark
Entrepreneurs who establish companies in technoparks can benefit from various tax advantages. These advantages provide significant financial relief for entrepreneurs.
- Corporate Tax Advantage
For a company operating outside a technopark, the corporate tax rate is 25%. This means that 25% of the difference between revenue and expenses is paid as tax.
A company operating within a technopark, however, is exempt from corporate tax if certain conditions are met. This advantage, however, is only applicable to projects approved by the technopark management.
Note: To benefit from this tax advantage, the projects must be approved by the technopark’s managing company. Additionally, income from sources outside of the project, such as interest income or foreign exchange gains, is not exempt from corporate tax.
- VAT Advantage
Companies operating within technoparks are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) for certain software, R&D, and design projects. This exemption applies specifically to companies operating within the technopark. - Income Tax Advantage
The salaries of R&D, design, and support staff employed by companies in technoparks are exempt from income tax and stamp duty. This advantage means that companies established within a technopark will pay less tax on their payroll in their withholding tax return. - Social Security (SGK) Employer Contribution Advantage
Companies operating within technoparks also benefit from exemptions regarding the employer’s share of social security contributions. These companies do not have to pay half of the employer’s portion of the insurance premiums that would be required for employees working outside of technoparks. To benefit from this advantage, you must submit the SGK exemption letter obtained from the technopark management to the SGK office.
Considerations When Establishing a Company in a Technopark
- Choosing a Technopark
To apply to a technopark, you must visit the relevant technopark’s website and complete a preliminary application form. After the preliminary application, your application will be reviewed. If there is no available space in the technopark, your application may be placed on a waiting list. - Application Process
Once your application is approved, the necessary documents for the main application will be sent to you. These documents include the company’s vision, mission, the application fee receipt, and project details. After completing the application, the project evaluation process begins, and if the result is positive, you will be invited to sign the contract. - Company Establishment and Relocation to Technopark
If you do not yet have a company, you must first submit your project to the technopark management for approval. Once the project is approved, you can proceed with leasing office space. You can also operate by opening a branch in the technopark without relocating your company’s headquarters, thus benefiting from tax advantages.
If you already have an existing company, you only need to wait for your project’s approval. After approval, you can proceed with the address change process for your company.
- Tax and SGK Procedures
Once your project is approved, you will need to submit the letters provided by the technopark management to the tax office and SGK. These letters are required to benefit from exemptions related to corporate tax, income tax, stamp duty, VAT, and the employer’s share of SGK contributions.
What Should Be Done While Operating in a Technopark?
Once you begin operations in a technopark, certain procedures will need to be carried out regularly. For example, you will be required to upload documents such as monthly project progress reports, staff information forms, and employee attendance records to the portal, and submit them to the management company.
What Does Güneş & Güneş Law Firm Do?
We carry out company establishment and branch opening procedures, helping you take advantage of the incentives provided in technoparks, free zones, and organized industrial zones, both in Turkey and abroad. Additionally, we assist in structuring your existing companies to operate within technoparks and provide solutions to ensure that your investments proceed with confidence and the right steps.
Why Choose Us?
- We have a strong infrastructure in the industry, backed by 25 years of experience.
- We provide reliable and effective consulting services in line with international standards.
- We have a wide network of solution partners and establish strong, secure communication with our clients.
- We build long-term relationships with each client and offer tailored solutions.
