Istanbul Finance Center (IFC): A Guide to Business Relocation
Turkey's central financial district with its own tax incentives, for regional HQs, qualified service centers and financial service providers.
The IFC in numbers
The key facts about the financial district.
What is the IFC?
The Istanbul Finance Center sits in the Finanskent area between Ataşehir and Ümraniye and was designed as Turkey's answer to international financial hubs such as the Dubai International Financial Centre. Operated through the state wealth fund, it's projected to eventually host up to 100,000 jobs, currently employing tens of thousands with a rising trend. Key institutions such as the Turkish central bank have relocated their headquarters there.
Who is the IFC relevant for?
Primarily financial service providers, regional headquarters of international groups, and qualified service centers active in at least 3 countries with at least 80% foreign revenue. Most small and medium businesses form their company through our standard company formation guide and use the general tax regimes, without being resident in the IFC itself.
How your company becomes an IFC participant
Five steps to formal IFC participation.
Check eligibility
Active operations in at least 3 countries and at least 80% of revenue from foreign group companies are the baseline requirements for the strongest benefits.
Apply for the participant certificate
The participant certificate (katılımcı belgesi) is the formal access requirement for IFC benefits.
Locate within the IFC
The company establishes its seat in the Finanskent area (Ataşehir/Ümraniye, Istanbul).
Register tax benefits
Together with your Mali Müşavir and licensed partner, the deductions and exemptions are properly claimed.
Start operations
From here you continuously benefit from the IFC-specific tax advantages, as long as the requirements continue to be met.
Frequently asked questions about the IFC
What is the Istanbul Finance Center?
The IFC is Turkey's central financial district in Ataşehir/Ümraniye, opened in 2023, designed as a regional financial hub with its own tax incentives for companies relocating their structure or regional HQ there.
Who benefits from the IFC?
Primarily financial service providers, regional headquarters of corporate groups, and qualified service centers active in at least 3 countries with at least 80% of revenue from foreign group companies.
Do I need to relocate my whole company into the IFC to benefit from Turkish tax advantages?
No. Most small and medium businesses form their company through our standard company formation guide and use the general tax regimes on our tax page. The IFC, with its additional 100% deduction, is primarily relevant for larger, internationally active structures.
How large is the IFC tax advantage exactly?
The exact rates and requirements (including 100% deduction on transit trade and intermediation, benefits until 2047) are structured on our tax overview page, finally reviewed with your licensed tax partner.
Do I need an additional license for financial services in the IFC?
Yes. IFC participant status (katılımcı belgesi) does not replace a regulatory license, which for most financial services must still be applied for separately with the competent Turkish regulator and runs in parallel to the participation process. A central one-stop office run by the IFC administration coordinates participants through licensing, work permits and residency procedures in one place.
Keep reading
Is the IFC right for your structure?
We'll check with you whether your company benefits from the IFC-specific advantages, or whether standard company formation with regular tax incentives is the better path.