Turkey has introduced a new Tech Visa program for highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs wanting to launch start-ups in the country. The program will provide a three-year work permit for those wanting to work within the tech industry in Turkey.
About the Tech Visa
For foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads, Turkey’s Tech Visa is a special visa program with a simplified and streamlined application process – designed to make it easier for talented and qualified individuals globally to live and work in Turkey.
Speaking at the launch of the program, Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Minister of Industry and Technology, said: “The initiative aims to attract foreigners with exceptional technological expertise as well as pioneering business models grounded in innovation.”
How to apply for a Turkish Tech Visa
Applying for Turkey’s Tech Visa is relatively easy with an online website portal handling application from start to finish. Foreign nationals will need several documents on hand, including the following:
- Passport details and information
- Professional CV and history
- Employment offer in Turkey OR
- Business plan for a start-up
- Evidence of tech-related experience
Applications are processed within a few weeks and successful applicants will receive a visa allowing them to move to Turkey. After arrival in Turkey, Turkish Residence Permits can be applied for at the Directorate General of Migration Management.
Benefits of the Tech Visa
With fast processing times and reduced paperwork, the Tech Visa is an easier way to obtain a three-year Work Permit for professionals and simplified Residence Permit for extended family members.
Other benefits include: Income Tax and Corporate Tax exemptions, access to healthcare, access to Technoparks, Mentoring and Consultancy services, as well as support and even financing for projects.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Turkiye Tech Visa is available to foreign nationals who have strong backgrounds in the tech sector or those with business start-up ideas. These people may include: engineers, developers, IT specialists, AI experts, Blockchain experts, and those with previous career experience in the tech industry.
Turkey’s growing tech industry
By the end of 2030, Turkey aims to create 100,000 tech-related start-up companies, with this visa playing a crucial role in meeting that target. Turkey also has goals for at least 100 of those start-ups to be valued at over $1 billion USD.
To help facilitate this, Turkey is currently building the largest Technopark in the world at Istanbul Airport, named Terminal Istanbul. This Technopark is set to further establish Turkey as a key hub for entrepreneurship and tech-related business.
Fethiye 
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