Exporting to Türkiye
Why do business with Turkiye?
Türkiye, the world’s 17th largest economy, is a major manufacturing hub for a wide range of sectors and an important trading partner for many European companies.
Türkiye, a bridge between Europe and Asia, offers a vibrant market with a wide range of opportunities. With a large and young population and a strategic location, it attracts foreign investment and businesses. Its growing economy, combined with customs unions and investment incentives, makes Türkiye an ideal destination for business growth and partnerships. Thanks to the customs union, importers in the EU and Türkiye often pay no import duties, which is why Türkiye has become Europe’s fifth-largest trading partner.
Cultural heritage strengthens business relationships and partnerships and facilitates adaptation to local markets.
Turkey has a large market. With a population of over 85 million, a significant proportion of whom are young and tech-savvy, Türkiye offers considerable growth opportunities for exporters and investors.
How to do business with Türkiye?
Before entering the Turkish market, companies must develop long-term business strategies. For many companies, partnering with a Turkish agent, distributor, liaison office or business partner can significantly increase their chances of success in this market. A local partner offers valuable insights into the regulatory framework, language support and essential business contacts. As the business grows, companies may consider setting up subsidiaries and making further local investments to expand their market position.
Building personal relationships in Türkiye is crucial; regular visits to clients in the government and private sectors demonstrate a genuine commitment to the market.
Inviting your representative or agent to Belgium each year for a sales strategy meeting is another effective practice.
Furthermore, larger Turkish cities host numerous events designed to promote international trade, including trade fairs, exhibitions and seminars. There are currently around 70 international trade fair and exhibition organisers operating in Türkiye.
Tips for success in Türkiye?
LANGUAGE
English is widely spoken in Türkiye, particularly in urban areas and in the business world. Although English is not the primary language, it is frequently used in both local and business settings, especially in larger cities and industries that deal with international markets.
However, there are still many Turks who speak only limited English. It is therefore wise to hire a good Turkish interpreter. A Turkish contact who speaks good English or Dutch and preferably works in a major city is, of course, also an option. Try to use a few Turkish words during your first contact, such as ‘merhaba’ (hello) or ‘lutfen’ (please). This makes a good impression.
CULTURE
Turkish companies often follow a hierarchical structure, with decision-making usually centralised. Senior management wields considerable authority. Respect for authority is of the utmost importance.
When meeting with a senior figure, bring a delegation of comparable ‘standing’. On the other hand, it is unwise to try to skip a few rungs on the hierarchical ladder too quickly when doing business. Bear in mind that decision-making can take time.
Building strong personal relationships is crucial in Turkish business culture. Trust and a good rapport with business partners can have a significant impact on negotiations and collaboration. Face-to-face meetings and socialising are highly valued.
MEETINGS
In Türkiye, the working week runs from Monday to Friday. Work starts at 9 am and finishes at 6 pm, with a break in the middle of the day.
Avoid making appointments during Turkish public holidays.
Punctuality is important. If you expect to be late, please call-in advance to explain.
We advise against scheduling appointments or important meetings on a Friday.
It is customary in Türkiye to bring a small business gift when meeting someone for the first time. Present this at the end of the meeting. Good gifts include coffee, electronics or luxury pens bearing the company logo. When visiting a business contact at home, flowers or chocolates are a good choice.
GREETING
In Turkish business culture, greetings and introductions are important for building relationships and showing respect.
If you know people who might become your business partners or clients, address them formally (such as Mr, Mrs or by their academic titles), unless they explicitly ask you to use their first names.
COMMUNICATION
The first meetings are usually formal, so it’s important not to be too informal or friendly, even if you’ve already built up a personal relationship.
Start the conversation with some small talk before getting down to business. Keep presentations short and to the point. Ensure your proposal is clearly structured and presented. It is also a good idea to have important documents translated into Turkish to get your message across clearly.
Avoid sensitive topics such as politics, religion or sexuality in conversations. Family, work and background are good topics to start a conversation with. Furthermore, Turks appreciate the use of humour.
BUSINESS LUNCH – DINNER
Business lunches and dinners in Türkiye are important for building relationships and networks. For Turks, a meal is an opportunity to relax, have a good conversation and make the relationship more personal.
Do not offer to pay; the host always pays for the meal. The concept of splitting the bill is unfamiliar to them. Thank the host and invite them at the next opportunity as a gesture of courtesy.
PAYMENTS, PRICING AND CLOSING DEALS
Negotiations are a standard part of doing business in Türkiye and often require patience and time. Turks are renowned for their negotiating skills and strive to reach deals that benefit both parties. It is important to remain calm and stick to your negotiating strategy without applying pressure. By demonstrating patience and flexibility, you show that you are committed to fostering a collaborative relationship.
Generally speaking, the lower the price of a product, the stronger the perception of price versus value. Belgian products are often considered expensive, which makes effective positioning essential. Target consumer goods at the high-end market and highlight the unique selling points and technological advantages of the products.
The usual payment methods are bank transfers, letters of credit and online payment platforms. Bank transfers are preferred due to their reliability and security. Payment terms may vary, often including advance payments, payment terms of 30 to 60 days from the invoice date, or other arrangements agreed between both parties.
Payments can be made in euros.
TURKISH VAT
As a Belgian business owner, you cannot reclaim Turkish VAT (KDV) via the standard Belgian VAT return (Intervat). Türkiye is not a member of the EU, which means that the electronic procedure for EU countries does not apply.
For expenses incurred in Türkiye (such as hotels, trade fairs or transport), you must submit a direct refund claim to the Turkish tax authority (Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı). You can find more information on this via this link
Online VAT refund: https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/taxation/vat/vat-refunds/index_nl.htm
To avoid this administrative hassle, you could try asking for an invoice with 0% VAT when making business purchases in Türkiye (reverse charge mechanism), although this is not always possible for local expenses such as hotels.
REGULATIONS
Türkiye has a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to support economic activities. However, navigating these rules can be complicated. For this reason, it is often recommended to consult local experts and legal advisers. This helps businesses and individuals to comply with the regulations and operate effectively within the country.
Be sure to contact your country’s local embassy for further information.
Embassies in Türkiye
We recommend that any company thoroughly vet a potential partner in Türkiye before entering into a partnership with them. You can contact your country’s local embassy for assistance with this.
BELGIUM
Belgian Embassy Ankara
Vista 312 Office Building
Eskişehir Yolu, 2176. Cadde N °: 9, Floor: 10-11
Söğütözü 06530 Çankaya – Ankara
Tel.: +90 312 544 30 58
ankara@diplobel.fed.be
Hr Hendrik Van De Velde
Ambassadeur
Hr Johan Casaer
Consul
Ereconsulaat
Paloma Hotels Head Office
Yenigol Mahallesi Serik Caddesi No: 64/2
TR – 07230 Antalya
Turkije
Tel.: +90 242 244 68 53
antalya@consulateofbelgium.net
Flanders Investment & Trade
Hr Peter Verplancken
Economic & Commercial Counsellor
Tel: + 90 212 293 99 17
E-mail: istanbul@fitagency.com
Awex – Walloon Export & Foreign Investment
Walloon Region
M Gérard Seghers
Economic & Commercial Counsellor
Tel: + 90 212 2939350
E-mail: istanbul@awex-wallonia.com
HUB Brussels
Stefano Missir di Lusignano
Economic & Commercial attaché
Tel.: + 90 212 249 27 99
E-mail: istanbul@brusselsinvestexport.com
NEDERLAND
Mevlana Bulvarı
Yıldırım Kule No.221
06520 Çankaya Ankara
Turkije
Tel. : +90 31 24 09 18 00
Hr Joep Wijnands
Ambassadeur
ank-rd@minbuza.nl
Hollanda Fahri Konsolosluğu
Fener Mah. Tekelioğlu Cad. Filo Apt.No:51/B Kat:2 Daire:3 07160
Muratpaşa/Antalya
Tel.: +90 242 349 35 40
consulate@ned-antalya.com
LUXEMBOURG
Embassy of Luxembourg
Gaziosmanpaşa, Reşit Galip Cd. 70/2, 06700 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkei
Tel.: +90 312 459 14 00
ankara.amb@mae.etat.lu
Mr. Daniel Da Cruz
Ambassador
USEFUL WEBSITES
Belgium
https://www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/subsidies/
https://www.awex-export.be/fr/aides-et-subsides
https://info.hub.brussels/nl/subsidies/premie-om-te-exposeren-op-een-fysieke-beurs-het-buitenland
https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/landen/turkije/infofiche
https://www.walloniaexportinvestment.be/fr/
https://diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/landen/turkije
https://www.fedex.com/nl-be/campaign/small-business-hub/trends-and-insights/spotlight-on-turkey.html
https://hub.brussels/fr/developpement-international/
The Netherlands
https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/contact/ambassades-consulaten-generaal/turkije/ambassade-ankara
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/landen-en-gebieden/turkije
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/subsidiespelregels
https://www.kvk.nl/internationaal/zakendoen-met-turkije-dit-moet-je-weten/
Luxembourg
https://ankara.mae.lu/en.html
https://luxembourgtradeandinvest.com/
https://belgianchambers.be/en/chambers-of-commerce/turkey-belgian-luxembourg-chamber-of-commerce-in-turkey/_gl=1bukgk2_upMQ.._gaMTkwNjU1NjMxOS4xNzc3OTAzNjE4_ga_3CY5W8Q4W2*czE3Nzc5MDM2MTckbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzc5MDM2MTckajYwJGwwJGgw
Traveling to Türkiye
TIME DIFFERENCE
During our summertime, it is one hour later in Türkiye than in the Benelux countries; during our wintertime, the difference is two hours. Türkiye is in the UTC+3 time zone
FIGHTS
There are direct flights to Antalya aswell as to Istanbul from Brussels, Amsterdam and Eindhoven with various airlines
HOTELS
For this, it is best to check booking.com.
There are plenty of hotels near the exhibition centre; the Anfas exhibition centre is about 30 minutes from the coast and just 5 minutes from the airport.
Istanbul – There are also plenty of hotels near the Istanbul Expo Centre. If you’d prefer to stay by the coast, the exhibition centre is also accessible by metro and train.
GETTING AROUND IN ANTALYA – ISTANBUL
In Antalya, the best way to get around is by tram (AntRay), bus or dolmus (minibus) for short distances, for which an Antalyakart (rechargeable card) comes in handy. Taxis and Uber are available for a more comfortable and direct journey, whilst buses are excellent for getting into the city.
In Istanbul, it’s best to make use of the extensive network of metros, trams and ferries. Buy an Istanbulkart to pay for all your journeys smoothly and affordably.
CURRENCY
Currency: €1,00 = 53.55 Turkish Lira (TRY)
Euros are usually accepted as well, but bear in mind that the exchange rate is unfavourable.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere
DOCUMENTS
There are no additional formalities for travellers holding a European passport.
Our exhibitions in Türkiye?
Tourist spots near Antalya
LOWER DUDEN WATERFALLS
The thunderous sound of the water crashing into the sea from a height of 40 metres is one of the most impressive sights in this region. There are several ways to visit them:
- By cable car from Belek
- By boat, where you can choose to visit three other waterfalls in the area.
You can reach the Upper Düden Waterfall via the Olympos cable car.
OLYMPOS CABLE CAR
The Olympos cable car is one of the longest and highest cable cars in the world. It connects the coastal region with the summit of Mount Tahtali (4,350 m), also known as Olympos.
KALEICI
The historic city centre of Antalya is around 2,200 years old and was once surrounded by city walls. Stroll past the whitewashed Ottoman mansions, beautiful old buildings set in winding streets lined with art galleries, boutique shops and cosy restaurants.
HADRIANUS’ GATE
To welcome the Roman Emperor Hadrian to Antalya, a gate was built in the year 130 AD and named after him.
This is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
PORT OF ANTALYA
This harbour dates back to Roman times and is situated in a valley surrounded by an ancient castle wall.
RUINS OF PERGE AND SIDE
If you have a bit more time and are a fan of archaeology, you can visit the archaeological site in Perge, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
Tourist spots near Istanbul
HAGIA SOPHIE & BLAUWE MOSKEE
You’ll begin your journey at the stunning Blue Mosque, renowned for its beautiful blue İznik tiles and elegant domes. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I, this imperial mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
With pre-booked tickets, you’ll step inside the majestic Hagia Sophia. This architectural marvel was originally a Greek Orthodox cathedral and later an imperial mosque.
FENER BALAT
Fener-Balat is known for its colourful streets and charming cafés, where people relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul’s famous district. But come with us and discover the stories you’ll find in the history books.
GRAND BAZAAR SHOPPING
Discover the secrets of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. See the bazaar from above, visit traditional shops and craft workshops, and learn about 600 years of fascinating history.
