Export incentives are comprehensive support packages provided by the government to help manufacturers and exporters in Türkiye operate more effectively in foreign markets. In today’s world, where global competition is rapidly increasing, it is not enough for companies to simply produce quality goods; they must also bring these products to the right markets and minimize the costs they may encounter in the process.
At this point, government supports come into play, providing financial and operational benefits across a wide spectrum—from promotional activities and trade fair participation to office rentals and trademark registrations. In this guide, we will examine how exporters in Türkiye can benefit from these incentives, what conditions they must meet, the critical steps in the application process, and the most common mistakes made. We will also explain which documents are required at each stage and identify which types of incentives are suitable for which companies, making the entire process more transparent and understandable. Thanks to this guide, you can steer your export journey with confidence and make the most efficient use of the opportunities offered by the state.
What Are Export Incentives?
Export incentives are strategic government supports designed to make Türkiye’s economy more competitive on the international stage. Thanks to these incentives, especially SMEs and growing businesses can access foreign markets more easily and manage high-cost activities such as promotion, trade fair participation, marketing, and brand development in a more sustainable way.
The most common support programs offered include:
- Overseas Market Research Support
- Brand and Promotion Support
- Overseas Trade Fair Participation Support
- Turquality and Brand Programs
- Overseas Office and Unit Support
The main objective of these programs is to increase exporters’ recognition and sales volumes in world markets while contributing to foreign exchange inflows into the country. Each program addresses different cost items, making them highly valuable tools for companies’ globalization journeys.
Who Can Benefit from Government Incentives?
Government supports offered by the Republic of Türkiye are aimed at companies that meet certain criteria. To benefit, a business must:
- Be officially registered and actively engaged in export operations in Türkiye.
- Be a member of the relevant exporters’ association according to its sector.
- Have no outstanding tax debt or have restructured existing debts.
Fulfilling these obligations before applying plays a significant role in achieving a positive outcome. These supports provide strong advantages for new exporters, micro-enterprises, and growth-oriented companies. However, the nature and scope of each incentive may vary depending on the firm’s field of activity. For this reason, each company should identify the most suitable support programs for its needs to maximize the benefits of export incentives.
How Does the Application Process Work?
The application process must be handled systematically and carefully. Companies wishing to benefit from incentives should first identify the support program most suitable for their operations. Then, the conditions, scope, and limits of the program should be carefully reviewed, and the required documents prepared in full.
Applications can be submitted through exporters’ associations, the Ministry of Trade, or digitally via the e-Government (e-Devlet) portal. After submission, applications are examined in detail by the relevant institutions. If approved, the incentive payment is made directly to the applicant or to the designated organization.
Any inconsistencies in documents or delays in submission can result in rejection. Therefore, working with professional consultancy firms specialized in government supports can accelerate the process. Regularly checking announcements on e-Devlet is also crucial to stay informed about updates and new requirements.
Required Documents According to Incentive Type
Each export incentive program has its own conditions and documentation requirements:
- Trade Fair Support: Official documents proving participation, invoices for participation fees, and bank receipts for payments.
- Brand and Promotion Support: Trademark registration certificates, expenditure documents for advertising campaigns, and detailed reports on marketing activities.
- Overseas Office Support: Office rental contracts, expense invoices, and staff payrolls.
Each document is carefully examined to confirm compliance with the purpose of the support program. Missing or incorrect documents may delay or directly prevent approval. Therefore, companies are advised to obtain the latest document checklist from the Ministry of Trade’s official website or from their relevant exporters’ association.
Common Mistakes and Reasons for Rejection
Exporters frequently make mistakes that cause their applications to be rejected. Common problems include:
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Choosing the wrong type of support program.
- Missing application deadlines.
- Providing unverifiable information.
- Attempting to include expenses that are not eligible for support.
To avoid these pitfalls, companies should prepare thoroughly before applying and carefully collect the required documents. Seeking professional guidance from experts in government support programs reduces risks significantly. Regularly following updated guidelines and support announcements from the Ministry of Trade ensures easier access to incentives and smoother completion of the application process.
