How to Access Investment Incentives: A Hatay-Specific Guide

Hatay falls under Region 6, the top tier of Türkiye's regional investment incentive system. That means concrete advantages for companies investing in the region: tax breaks, SGK premium support and customs exemptions. In this article, we cover how to access investment incentives specifically in Hatay.

What Is Region 6, and Why Does Hatay Fall Under It?

Türkiye's regional incentive system classifies provinces from 1 to 6 by development level, with Region 6 receiving the highest incentive rates. Hatay sits within this classification and also benefits from additional post-earthquake support packages, giving it one of Türkiye's most favorable investment incentive regimes.

The SGK Premium Support Extension to 2028

The employer's-share SGK premium support for investors in the earthquake zone has been extended through December 31, 2028, longer than the standard duration across the rest of Region 6. That support directly lowers operating costs, particularly for companies in labor-intensive sectors.

VAT and Customs Duty Exemptions

Machinery and equipment purchases under an investment incentive certificate can qualify for VAT exemption and customs duty relief. These exemptions meaningfully lower the upfront cost, especially for companies planning a production investment.

Which Sectors Get Additional Support?

Manufacturing sectors under NACE codes 10-32, along with recycling activities under code 38.2, can access support above Region 6's standard package through December 31, 2026. Correctly classifying an investment within this scope directly affects the outcome of an incentive application.

Documents Required for the Application

• The investment incentive certificate application form and a feasibility report
• The company's current trade registry record and tax certificate
• Title deed or lease agreement for the investment site
• A machinery and equipment list with supplier quotes
• An employment plan and details of any existing staff

Interest Support and Investment-Site Allocation

Beyond tax and SGK advantages, the incentive system can also offer interest or profit-share support for some investments: the state covers a portion of the interest on an investment loan. Approved projects can also be allocated an investment site on Treasury-owned land, an advantage that removes land cost entirely for large-scale industrial investments in particular.

Common Issues in Incentive Certificate Applications

• The feasibility report not accurately reflecting the investment's actual scope
• The machinery and equipment list not matching the categories defined under incentive regulations
• The minimum investment amount or employment requirement not being clearly met
• Selecting the wrong sector (NACE) code on the application

The Incentive System's Regional Impact

Region 6 incentives play a decisive role not just for individual investors but for the region's broader economic recovery. Every new facility opened under the incentive scheme creates direct employment and strengthens the local supply chain, creating a cycle that accelerates Hatay's post-earthquake economic recovery.

Regional vs. General Incentive Categories

Beyond regional incentives, Türkiye's incentive system also includes general categories like priority investment topics and strategic investments. If an investment qualifies under both the regional (Region 6) category and a priority category, the advantages of both can be combined to determine the highest applicable support rate. That evaluation is one of the most critical parts of the feasibility work done before applying.

Obligations After Receiving the Incentive Certificate

Once an incentive certificate is approved, the investment needs to be completed in line with the amount and employment figures committed in the certificate. Regular progress reports need to be submitted to the relevant ministry during the completion period, and supports can be reclaimed if the committed terms aren't met, so the incentive process needs to be managed across the full investment period, not just at the application stage.

Why Incentive Consulting Calls for Professional Support

Incentive regulations are a complex area, updated frequently and varying by sector and investment size. Correctly determining which regional and sector category an investment falls under, and which additional supports it can access, directly affects both how quickly an application gets approved and the total advantage it captures. Preparing the application with an advisor who tracks current regulation closely makes a meaningful difference on both time and cost.

Its Relationship With the Credit Guarantee Fund

Some investments under an incentive certificate can also access surety mechanisms like the Credit Guarantee Fund (KGF), an added layer of support that makes bank financing more accessible, particularly for small and mid-sized investors with limited collateral capacity. Which investments qualify for mechanisms like this is worth evaluating alongside the incentive application itself.

How Incentive Use Gets Audited

After an investment under an incentive certificate is completed, the relevant ministry can carry out an on-site inspection, checking whether the machinery and equipment list was actually installed and whether the employment commitment was met. Being prepared for this in advance, meaning keeping every invoice and delivery record properly archived, keeps the inspection running smoothly.

How Our Incentive Consulting Process Works

Our process starts with an initial consultation to understand your investment's scope and goals. From there, we identify which regional and sector incentive categories your project qualifies for, and prepare the feasibility report and required documents together with you. The process doesn't end at submission: we track progress reports through completion and help you stay ready for a potential inspection. That end-to-end approach reflects the reality that the incentive process isn't finished when the certificate is issued; it's finished when the advantages are protected through to the end.

Conclusion

With the right application and correct sector classification, investment incentives in Hatay can meaningfully lower an investment's total cost. Through our Investment Incentive Consulting service, we analyze which supports your project can access and manage the application process on your behalf.