Türkiye has introduced an important new tax incentive for qualifying individuals who relocate to the country: a 20-year income tax exemption for certain foreign-sourced income.
The new regime creates an interesting opportunity for international investors, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives and globally mobile individuals considering making Türkiye their new place of residence.
With Istanbul already serving as an international centre for business, finance, tourism, real estate, healthcare and regional corporate operations, the new tax framework may make Türkiye even more attractive for internationally mobile individuals.
However, there is an important distinction:
This is not a general 20-year exemption from all taxes in Türkiye.
The exemption applies specifically to qualifying foreign-sourced income and gains, subject to the requirements established under Turkish tax legislation.
What Is Türkiye’s 20-Year Foreign Income Tax Exemption?
In 2026, Türkiye introduced a new provision under Article 20/D of the Turkish Income Tax Law.
Under the new rules, individuals who become resident in Türkiye and meet the required conditions may benefit from an income tax exemption for income and gains derived outside Türkiye for a period of 20 years.
One of the principal conditions is that the individual must not have had a residence or tax liability in Türkiye during the three calendar years preceding the year in which they become resident in Türkiye, subject to the detailed provisions of the legislation.
The exemption applies to qualifying income and gains earned outside Türkiye.
These exempt foreign-source earnings are generally not included in the annual Turkish income tax return solely because of this provision.
This represents a significant change for globally mobile individuals considering relocating to Türkiye.
Who Could Be Interested in the New Regime?
The new framework could be particularly relevant for internationally mobile individuals such as:
- Entrepreneurs
- International business owners
- Investors
- Senior executives
- High-net-worth individuals
- Family business owners
- Professionals with international investments
- Individuals receiving foreign investment income
- Individuals with overseas business interests
- Globally mobile professionals considering relocation to Türkiye
Eligibility, however, depends on each individual’s circumstances.
Nationality alone does not determine eligibility, and simply purchasing property or obtaining a residence permit does not automatically mean that a person qualifies for the 20-year exemption.
Professional tax advice should therefore be obtained before making any relocation or investment decision.
Does This Mean You Pay No Tax in Türkiye for 20 Years?
No.
This is one of the most important points to understand.
The new regime should not be interpreted as:
“Move to Türkiye and pay no tax for 20 years.”
The exemption relates to qualifying foreign-sourced income and gains.
Income generated in Türkiye may still be taxable under normal Turkish tax rules.
For example, income generated from a business activity, employment, property or other taxable source in Türkiye should be evaluated separately.
The individual’s residence status, income source, applicable double-taxation agreement and personal circumstances can also affect the final tax position.
For this reason, international investors should consult qualified Turkish tax and legal professionals before relying on the exemption.
Why Is Türkiye Introducing This Incentive?
Türkiye is seeking to strengthen its position as an international investment, business and financial centre.
The Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment and Finance Office has described the new framework as providing a 20-year income tax exemption on foreign-sourced earnings for qualified individuals relocating to Türkiye.
The objective is not limited to attracting capital.
Türkiye also wants to attract entrepreneurs, investors, international companies, qualified professionals and individuals capable of contributing to the country’s investment ecosystem.
Istanbul is particularly well positioned for this.
It offers direct access to European, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and regional markets while providing a sophisticated business and lifestyle environment.
Moving to Istanbul: More Than a Tax Decision
Tax advantages may encourage an investor to consider Türkiye, but relocating to another country involves much more than taxation.
Where will you live?
Should you rent or purchase property?
Which neighbourhood is appropriate for your lifestyle?
Where can you establish an office?
Where can you hold business meetings?
How can you identify potential investment and business opportunities?
How will airport transportation, accommodation and daily requirements be managed?
For international investors arriving in Istanbul for the first time, having a reliable local partner can make the transition considerably easier.
Accommodation in Istanbul for International Investors
You do not necessarily need to purchase a property immediately after arriving in Türkiye.
Many investors prefer to spend their first few weeks or months understanding Istanbul before deciding where to live or invest.
Through Denkmal Travel and TURKBEDS Corporate Housing, we can assist with temporary and extended accommodation in Istanbul.
Depending on your requirements, options may include:
- Hotels
- Serviced apartments
- Furnished residences
- Executive apartments
- Corporate housing
- Monthly accommodation
- Long-term furnished accommodation
This allows you to experience different parts of Istanbul before making a long-term commitment.
Finding the Right Area to Live in Istanbul
Choosing the right neighbourhood depends heavily on your lifestyle and business requirements.
International executives and investors may consider areas such as Nişantaşı, Etiler, Levent, Maslak, Şişli, Bomonti, Beşiktaş, Sarıyer, Vadistanbul, Ataşehir and Kadıköy, depending on where they conduct business and how they prefer to live.
Rather than simply booking accommodation online, we can help international visitors evaluate areas according to their requirements and arrange suitable short, medium or long-term accommodation.
Office Rental & Business Setup Support
Relocating to Türkiye may also create a need for professional workspace.
International entrepreneurs and companies may initially prefer flexible solutions rather than immediately committing to a traditional long-term office lease.
Depending on your requirements, we can assist with sourcing and coordinating options such as:
- Private offices
- Serviced offices
- Flexible workspaces
- Coworking offices
- Executive offices
- Temporary project offices
- Corporate meeting spaces
If you tell us your preferred location, team size, expected duration and budget, we can help identify suitable alternatives through our local business network.
Meeting Room Rental in Istanbul
You may be visiting Türkiye primarily to explore opportunities rather than immediately establishing a permanent office.
In this situation, we can assist with meeting room and conference room arrangements in Istanbul.
Meeting facilities can be arranged for:
- Investor meetings
- Board meetings
- Client meetings
- Interviews
- Presentations
- Workshops
- Corporate meetings
- Private business meetings
- International delegations
- Product presentations
Depending on the meeting, arrangements can also include accommodation, airport transportation, VIP vehicles, food and beverage and other event requirements.
Exploring Business & Investment Opportunities in Türkiye
Türkiye offers opportunities across a wide range of industries.
International investors visiting Istanbul may wish to meet potential business partners, understand local markets, explore investment opportunities or evaluate locations before making a decision.
Denkmal Travel can support international visitors with local coordination, business travel arrangements, meeting logistics and guidance during their stay.
Where specialist legal, financial, tax, immigration, real-estate or investment advice is required, the appropriate qualified professionals should be involved.
Our role is to help make the overall journey and local process easier and more organised.
VIP & Private Services in Istanbul
For investors, executives and VIP guests requiring a higher level of service, we can also coordinate personalised travel and destination arrangements.
Services can include:
- Istanbul Airport Meet & Greet
- Fast Track assistance
- VIP airport transfers
- Chauffeur-driven vehicles
- Private transportation
- Hotel and residence reservations
- Restaurant reservations
- Personal assistance
- Meeting transportation
- Corporate travel arrangements
- Private tours and experiences
- Long-stay accommodation
The objective is to provide one local point of contact throughout your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Türkiye really offer a 20-year tax exemption?
Yes. Türkiye introduced a 20-year income tax exemption for qualifying foreign-sourced income and gains of eligible individuals who become resident in Türkiye, subject to the statutory requirements.
Is all of my income tax-free for 20 years?
No. The exemption concerns qualifying foreign-sourced income and gains. Turkish-source income and other tax obligations must be considered separately.
Do I automatically qualify if I buy a house in Türkiye?
No. Purchasing property does not automatically create eligibility for the 20-year foreign-income exemption. The statutory tax-residency and previous-residence conditions must be evaluated separately.
Is the programme only for foreigners?
The legislation is framed around qualifying individuals becoming resident in Türkiye and the specified prior residence/tax-liability conditions rather than simply describing a benefit available to anyone because they hold a foreign passport. Personal eligibility should therefore be professionally assessed.
Can you arrange accommodation when I visit Türkiye?
Yes. Denkmal Travel and TURKBEDS Corporate Housing can assist with hotels, furnished apartments, serviced accommodation, corporate housing and extended stays.
Can you help arrange an office or meeting room?
Yes. Depending on your requirements, we can assist with sourcing appropriate office, flexible workspace and meeting-room options through relevant providers.
Can you assist while I explore investment opportunities?
Yes. We can support your visit with accommodation, transportation, meetings, local coordination and general guidance. Specialist investment, legal and tax matters should be handled by the relevant licensed professionals.
Considering Relocating or Investing in Türkiye?
If you are considering Türkiye following the introduction of the new 20-year foreign income tax exemption, you can contact us before your visit.
Tell us what you are planning and what you need in Türkiye.
We can assist with:
- Accommodation & Corporate Housing
- VIP Airport Services & Transfers
- Office & Meeting Room Arrangements
- Business Travel
- Local Coordination & Guidance
- Investment Visit Planning
- Long-Term Accommodation
- Executive & VIP Services
Whether you are visiting Istanbul for several days to explore opportunities or relocating for several years, our team can help organise your stay from arrival onwards.
TURKBEDS Corporate Housing
International Investor Services | Corporate Housing | Business Travel | VIP Services | Office & Meeting Solutions | Local Assistance
Phone & WhatsApp: +90 533 280 02 12
E-mail: info@denkmaltravel.com
Considering Türkiye? Let Us Help You Plan Your Arrival, Stay and Business Journey.