Türkiye unveiled the TechVisa program on Monday, a new initiative designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs and tech professionals by simplifying work permits and offering significant incentives. The program, spearheaded by the Industry and Technology Ministry in collaboration with the Labor and Social Security Ministry, seeks to strengthen Türkiye's tech startup ecosystem by inviting foreign talent to establish and grow their businesses in the country.
The TechVisa program, which has been in development for two years, offers three-year work permits to entrepreneurs and skilled employees involved in high-value sectors who set up companies in Türkiye. The program provides various benefits, such as corporate tax exemptions for businesses established in tech parks or incubators and income tax waivers for employees. Additionally, the initiative streamlines bureaucratic procedures to make Türkiye more attractive to early-stage and scaling tech companies.
During the program’s launch event at Istanbul Airport, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized the long-term goals of the initiative. "The biggest beneficiaries of this program will undoubtedly be Turkish tech startups and our skilled workforce," Kacır said. He highlighted the program's comprehensive design, which aims to make Türkiye a home for tech professionals and innovative entrepreneurs, fostering long-term planning and growth.
Kacır also pointed out that entrepreneurship is becoming central to economic development, with innovative tech startups leading the charge globally. "Entrepreneurship is playing a more crucial role than ever in the development journeys of nations," he said, stressing that businesses must invest in innovative ventures to stay competitive.
The TechVisa program will also provide six months of legal, financial, and technical consultancy to entrepreneurs starting businesses in Türkiye. The initiative seeks to facilitate access to Türkiye's public incentive programs, helping foreign entrepreneurs integrate into the country's expanding tech ecosystem.
Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan, who also spoke at the event, underscored the program's focus on accelerating work permit procedures for foreign professionals, while maintaining a balance with local labor needs. "We are issuing work permits for foreign workers while maintaining a strong focus on protecting local labor," Işıkhan said. The program will attract highly skilled foreign talent but will prioritize local employment whenever possible.
