Liaison Office

A liaison office in Turkey is a representative entity established by foreign companies to carry out certain activities without engaging in commercial operations. These offices are responsible for tasks such as representation and hosting, supervision of Turkish suppliers in terms of quality and standards, supplier sourcing, providing technical support, communication, and information transfer. In addition, they may also function as a regional management center.

According to Turkish Commercial Law, foreign companies have the right to establish a contact office in Turkey to conduct research related to their business field, evaluate the potential of the domestic market, and analyze new commercial opportunities. Instead of conducting direct commercial activities, these offices aim to understand market dynamics and strengthen local cooperation networks.

For many foreign companies, opening a liaison office in Turkey is often the first step when entering the Turkish market. By providing information and support, these offices contribute to foreign brands gaining recognition in the local market and positioning themselves within the sector.

However, the fundamental rule of liaison offices in Turkey is that no sale of products or services can be carried out within these units, and no commercial profit can be generated.

In conclusion, the primary purpose of contact offices in Turkey is to build a bridge between foreign brands and the Turkish market, including both sectors and customer bases. For foreign companies planning to enter the Turkish market, opening a liaison office in compliance with the relevant legislation is of vital importance to maintain their presence and activities effectively.

ADVANTAGES OF OPENING A LIAISON OFFICE IN TURKEY FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES

Opening a liaison office in Turkey offers foreign companies both financial and operational advantages in Turkey. These advantages can be summarized as follows:

1. Tax Advantages of Liaison Offices in Turkey
Since liaison offices in Turkey do not engage in direct commercial activities, they are exempt from certain taxes. These exemptions include:

Value Added Tax (VAT)
Corporate Tax
Income Tax (applies only to employees)
Stamp Tax
These tax exemptions make liaison offices a highly attractive structure from a financial perspective. However, to ensure accurate evaluation of tax-related matters, it may be necessary to seek the support of a tax law attorney in Turkey.

2. Tax Declaration Obligations of Liaison Offices in Turkey
Liaison offices in Turkey are obliged to regularly submit a withholding tax return; however, they are not required to make any payments under this return. This arrangement facilitates the operational processes of the offices and reduces their financial obligations.

3. Low-Cost Entry Opportunity
For foreign companies that want to enter the market with a sector-appropriate budget, establishing a contact office in Turkey is a low-cost and strategic solution. Through this structure, companies can gather market information and complete their operational preparations before starting business activities in Turkey without incurring high investment costs.

4. Market Research and Customer Analysis
One of the key ways to achieve success in the local market is to accurately analyze market dynamics and customer expectations. Liaison offices provide foreign companies with the following advantages:

The opportunity to examine market conditions and sectoral dynamics in Turkey
The ability to analyze customer demands and preferences
The chance to operate effectively within the sector
5. Providing Technical and Customer Support
Liaison offices in Turkey offer a significant advantage in providing effective and rapid customer support. Particularly in sectors requiring technical support, they can:

Respond to customer needs promptly and on-site
Provide technical support and training related to products
Offer after-sales services quickly
This enhances customer satisfaction and helps the company gain a strong reputation in the local market.

6. Sectoral Success and Image Building
Establishing a professional image in the local market and achieving a strong position in the sector is possible through liaison offices. A liaison office in Turkey that operates with effective strategies lays a solid foundation for future, more comprehensive commercial ventures.

In conclusion, establishing a liaison office in Turkey is considered a strategic step for foreign companies before commencing commercial activities in Turkey. Its tax advantages, low-cost market entry, facilitation of local market analysis, and capacity to support customer relations provide companies with significant financial and operational benefits.

Statera Consultancy manages all stages of the liaison office establishment process in Turkey, ensuring that documents are correctly prepared and applications are submitted on time. The firm provides the legal support necessary for foreign companies to commence their operations in Turkey within a fully compliant legal framework.