A Guide for Companies Opening a Branch in Hatay

The hundreds of thousands of people moving to Hatay during reconstruction are opening a serious gap in retail and services. Facilities under the İskenderun Regional Port Authority handled 70.9 million tons of cargo in 2025, ranking third in Türkiye after Aliağa and Kocaeli; that makes the region especially attractive for logistics- and manufacturing-focused branches. This article covers the practical steps a company should follow when opening a branch in Hatay.

New Company or Branch Registration?

If you already operate a company in Türkiye, registering a new branch in Hatay may be enough. For companies entering from abroad, options include forming a foreign-capital company or opening a liaison office; which is right depends on your line of business and long-term plans.

What to Look For in Site Selection

• Rebuilding neighborhoods where your target customer base is concentrated
• Whether the zoning status of a commercial lease fits your line of business
• Logistics access to İskenderun Port and the OIZs, for production or distribution
• A realistic read of existing competition in the area

How to Make Use of Incentives

Regional investment incentives can offer tax reductions, social-security premium support and customs exemptions depending on sector, investment size and employment plan. Before applying, it's worth clarifying whether your project meets the minimum investment and employment requirements.

Licensing and Permits

Beyond the business license, you may need additional permits depending on your sector (food, health, education and similar regulated fields). This typically means sequencing approvals from the municipality, the relevant ministry and, where needed, fire and environmental authorities.

Registrations and Permits to Complete When Opening a Branch

• Branch registration and announcement with the trade registry
• Tax office registration and tax number procedures
• Social security workplace notification and employee registration
• A business opening and operating license from the municipality
• Fire safety and occupational health requirements depending on the activity

What to Check When Choosing Commercial Property

• That the building's zoning status and occupancy permit allow commercial use
• The lease term, increase terms and renewal right
• Customer and supplier access, parking and loading facilities
• Whether electricity, water and internet infrastructure is enough for your activity
• Compliance with the earthquake code and building safety

A Practical Roadmap for the First Year

Starting with site selection and the lease, then running registration, licensing and infrastructure work in parallel, speeds up opening. If you will apply for investment incentives, the timeline should reflect that the incentive application generally has to be made before investment spending begins. Starting staffing and supply processes at a measured scale before opening reduces operating risk in the first months.

Conclusion

With the right timing and planning, opening a branch in Hatay offers an early-positioning opportunity in a market being reshaped. Through our Branch and Office Setup Consulting service, we manage the process for you from start to finish.