Ministry of Trade Export Incentives 2026: Types of Support and Application Requirements

In Türkiye, the Ministry of Trade provides numerous government support programs for companies that manufacture products, wish to sell them abroad, or engage in service exports. Although these programs are referred to as "export incentives" in practice, the term "export support" is predominantly used in the relevant legislation.

The Ministry of Trade's export support programs are not only for large companies that have previously exported. Businesses preparing to export, companies entering foreign markets for the first time, manufacturers who export regularly, e-export businesses, technology companies, service exporters, export associations, and other collaborative organizations can benefit from different programs.

As of 2026, the main objective of the support system is to prepare companies for export, gain a competitive advantage in international markets, develop their corporate and design capacities, and promote, market, and brand their products abroad. Support expenses are covered from the Support and Price Stabilization Fund resources within the framework of the conditions specified in the legislation.

However, a company's export activities or the incurring of a specific expense does not automatically entitle it to government support. The beneficiary must meet the conditions stipulated in the relevant decision and circular, obtain pre-operational approval when necessary, pay the expense using the approved method, submit the required documents on time, and forward their application to the authorized reviewing body.

Legal Basis for Export Support in 2026

The fundamental regulation concerning goods exports is the Presidential Decree No. 5973 on Export Support, dated August 17, 2022. This decree regulates numerous support elements, ranging from market entry documents and international trade fairs to overseas unit rentals, promotional activities, global supply chains, and the TURQUALITY program. The implementation method for each support is determined by separate circulars and their annexes published by the Ministry of Trade. (https://ticaret.gov.tr)

E-export activities are also regulated under the Decision No. 5986 on E-Export Support. This system covers expenses such as promotion on foreign digital marketplaces, order fulfillment, warehousing, marketplace integration, online store, marketplace commission, and similar costs. The Decision was updated with amendments made on January 17, 2026.

Regarding support for service exports, the Decision No. 10962 dated February 26, 2026, on the Definition, Classification, and Support of Service Sectors is in effect. This new regulation covers numerous service sectors, including information technology, consulting, digital intermediation, education, financial technologies, logistics, health tourism, sports tourism, technical consultancy, and cultural and creative industries. (uhtgm.ticaret.gov.tr)

Therefore, before applying for support, it must be correctly determined whether the company is a goods exporter, e-exporter, or services exporter. If the same company has different activities, it may be possible to apply for more than one support decision; however, support cannot be received from two separate programs for the same expense.

Who can benefit from the export incentives offered by the Ministry of Trade?

Within the scope of Decision No. 5973, the concept of "company" encompasses commercial companies as defined in Article 124 of the Turkish Commercial Code, as well as certain cooperatives and associations engaged in commercial or industrial activities. Accordingly, joint-stock companies, limited liability companies, limited partnerships with capital divided into shares, collective companies, and limited partnerships may be included in the support program. In practice, a significant portion of the support is utilized by joint-stock and limited liability companies.

It should not be assumed that sole proprietorships can benefit from all export support programs in the same way as companies. The beneficiary definition for each support program should be examined separately. Furthermore, some support programs are not administered directly to companies, but through exporter associations, chambers of commerce and industry, sectoral associations, the Turkish Exporters Assembly, or other collaborating organizations.

The scope of beneficiaries in service export support programs has been broadened. In addition to commercial companies and cooperatives established in Türkiye, universities, high-tech institutes, foundation vocational schools, and certain institutions and organizations deemed appropriate by the Ministry may also be included in the support program, depending on the sector in which they operate.

For support applications, it is important that the company is established in Türkiye, qualifies as an active commercial enterprise, has a field of activity compatible with the subject of support, and has completed the necessary memberships in exporter associations. For some support programs, it may be required that the company be a producer or manufacturer, market products manufactured in Türkiye, possess a domestic trademark registration, or have been previously accepted into the program by the Ministry.

How are the maximum support limits for 2026 determined?

The support limits specified in Decision No. 5973 are not fixed. These limits are updated at the beginning of each calendar year, based on the average of the consumer price index and the domestic producer price index. Therefore, the amounts in the initial text of the Decision are not the same as the amounts to be applied in 2026. (https://ticaret.gov.tr)

For example, while the initial version of Decision No. 5973 stipulated an annual upper limit of 4 million TL for market entry certificate support, the 2026 upper limit table published by the Ministry increased this amount to 19,728,672 TL. The upper limit for support for international trademark registration in 2026 is 3,698,274 TL, the upper limit per project for market entry project preparation support is 983,843 TL, and the upper limit per activity for international market research is 490,559 TL.

Companies should not rely solely on the outdated figures in the Presidential Decree when calculating their support payments. They should check the current upper limit table published by the Ministry of Trade for the year in which the activity or expenditure occurred.

Market Entry Certificate Support

To export a product and sell it in a foreign country, it may require a quality certificate, environmental certificate, safety mark, test report, laboratory analysis, licensing, or registration process. Market entry certificate support aims to cover a portion of these expenses that companies incur to enter foreign markets.

According to Decision No. 5973, expenses related to market entry documents, licensing, and registration procedures are supported at a rate of 50%. In the Ministry's updated table for 2026, the annual upper limit per company is set at 19,728,672 TL.

Not every certificate or test expense is automatically eligible for support. The document, institution, or process must be included in the lists accepted by the Ministry. It is important that the organization issuing the test or certificate is accredited, that the document is related to the product to be exported, and that the invoice is issued in the name of the company applying for support.

International Trademark Registration and Protection Support

Expenses incurred by companies to register and protect their trademarks registered in Türkiye in foreign countries may be supported. One of the basic conditions for application is that the trademark to be registered abroad must have a valid trademark registration certificate in Türkiye.

Expenses related to international trademark registration and protection are supported at a rate of 50% for a maximum of four years. The annual support limit announced for 2026 is 3,698,274 TL.

Application fees to foreign trademark offices, renewal and protection expenses, and certain consultancy and representation fees accepted in the circular may be considered within the scope of support. Conversely, expenses not directly related to the dispute, penalties, or transactions not included in the support list may be excluded.

The countries where trademark registration will be conducted must be determined before application and must be consistent with the company's actual export strategy. Applying for registration in numerous countries solely for the purpose of obtaining support, without any commercial activity plan, can create problems in the assessment of effectiveness and suitability.

Support for Preparing a Market Entry Project

Companies looking to start exporting or expand their existing exports can receive professional consulting services for the preparation of target market and export strategies.

Within the scope of the support, market entry projects can be prepared that include elements such as target market selection, financing and pricing strategy for foreign markets, marketing and sales channel strategy, action plan, and budget. Accepted consultancy and report expenses are supported at a rate of 50%. A maximum of two market entry projects can be supported for a company. The upper limit per project in 2026 is 983,843 TL.

Consultancy services may need to be obtained from a service provider that meets the qualifications approved by the Ministry before support is received. The consultancy agreement, project scope, reports to be submitted, and payment plan must be prepared in accordance with the circular.

Reports that consist only of a few pages of general country information, do not develop company-specific strategies, or are merely repetitions of internet sources may not be supported.

Support for International Market Research

Transportation and accommodation expenses for overseas trips undertaken by company officials to meet with potential customers, inspect stores and distribution channels, evaluate competitors, or gather information about new markets may be supported.

Transportation and accommodation expenses for overseas market research activities are supported at a rate of 50%. Companies can benefit from support for a maximum of five activities in a calendar year and a maximum of twenty activities in total. The maximum support limit per activity for 2026 is 490,559 TL, and the maximum daily accommodation limit per person is 12,264 TL.

The trip should not be purely touristic and should be based on a genuine market research program. The companies to be contacted, the organizations to be visited, the travel itinerary, and the results of the activities must be documented.

Records such as airline tickets, boarding passes, hotel bills, and payment receipts must be kept completely. Travel expenses, tourist extensions, or expenses that cannot be linked to the activity may be rejected for individuals not eligible for support.

International and Domestic Trade Fair Support

The Ministry of Trade provides support to exporting companies for their participation in international trade fairs with stands. The support system covers national participations organized through organizers authorized by the Ministry, as well as sectoral international trade fairs where individual participation is supported. (https://ticaret.gov.tr)

Trade fair support may not be calculated simply as 50% of all expenses paid by the company. The support amount per square meter is determined by factors such as booth area, the nature of the fair, the country, the sector, and the amount announced by the Ministry.

Different upper limits apply for general, sectoral, and prestigious trade fairs. Higher support rates may be considered for target countries and target sectors. The number of trade fairs a company can receive support for in the same calendar year is also limited. International trade fairs and sectoral trade fairs with supported individual participation must be included in the Ministry's list by 2026.

Simply participating in a foreign trade fair of a company's choosing is not sufficient to qualify for fair support. Before deciding to participate and signing a contract with the organizer, the fair's list of eligible participants should be checked.

Overseas Unit Rental Support

Rental or membership fees for stores, offices, warehouses, showrooms, shared offices, retail spaces, kiosks, and certain other commercial units opened for the purpose of marketing products manufactured in Türkiye abroad may be supported.

Accepted rental and shared office membership fees are subsidized at a rate of 50%. Companies can benefit from this support for a maximum of four years per country and a maximum of twenty-five units in total. In 2026, the annual support limit per unit is 9,862,972 TL.

The lease agreement must clearly indicate a connection between the company applying for support and the foreign company with which it has an organic link as recognized by legislation. It is important that the unit is actually used, serves a genuine commercial activity, and that the rent is paid via bank transfer.

The residence should not be expected to support only apparent offices that serve as notification addresses or have no actual business activity. It is possible for the trade counselor or attaché to conduct an on-site inspection and verify the unit's activity.

International Promotion and Marketing Support

Companies' advertising, promotion, and marketing expenses incurred in foreign markets may be supported under certain conditions. Digital advertising, outdoor advertising, printed promotional materials, product launches, events, sponsorships, and other activities accepted in the circular may be considered for support.

Companies with supported units abroad will receive 50% support for their promotional expenses in the country where the unit is located. As of 2026, the annual upper limit per country for promotional expenses related to the unit is 12,329,397 TL. For companies that do not have a foreign unit but have a registered trademark in Turkey and a registered trademark or application in the country where the promotion will take place, the annual upper limit can reach up to 19,728,672 TL.

Generally, promotional support can be utilized for a maximum of four years. The advertising content must clearly promote the brand applying for support and products manufactured in Türkiye.

The company may be required to separate expenses for its overall corporate advertising, as well as for campaigns promoting products in different countries or brands that are not the subject of the sponsorship. The advertising agency invoice alone may not suffice; records proving the advertisement was published, the target country, the dates of airing, and the campaign results must also be provided.

Global Supply Chain Support

Competency projects prepared by Turkish companies with the aim of entering the supply chains of international manufacturers and brands are supported.

Within the scope of the project, expenses for the purchase of machinery, equipment, hardware and software, training, consultancy, certification, testing, analysis and product verification can be supported at a rate of 50%. One global supply chain competency project per company can be supported, and the project duration is two years. The project upper limit for 2026 is 73,990,020 TL.

This support differs from ordinary capacity expansion or modernization investments. The project must involve the company in a specific global supply chain, the relationship to be established with the foreign main manufacturer or buyer must be explained, and the equipment to be purchased must be directly linked to the project objectives.

Selling or leasing the machinery and equipment acquired under the project within the support and obligation period may result in the recovery of the support payment and other penalties.

Responsible Programme and Green Deal Compliance Support

The Responsible Programme is a consultancy-based support model aimed at helping exporting companies comply with the European Green Deal and sustainability regulations.

The program aims to analyze the current situation of companies, prepare a sustainability roadmap, and implement the determined transformation activities. The upper limit for consultancy expenses for the Green Deal Compliance Project has been announced as 17,640,256 TL as of 2026.

To be eligible for the program, the company must apply and pass the project evaluation. Not every environmental consultancy or energy efficiency expenditure is automatically covered under the Responsible Program.

Brand and TURQUALITY Support

The Brand and TURQUALITY programs provide more comprehensive support for the overseas activities of companies with international branding potential.

Under the Brand Support Program, expenses such as patents, designs, certifications, licensing, employment, consultancy, international trademark registration, market research, clinical testing, promotion, trade fairs, storage, rent, basic setup, and franchising can be supported at a rate of 50% for four years. In the TURQUALITY program, activities targeting specific markets, as well as corporate infrastructure and employment expenses, are tied to longer-term programs.

TURQUALITY support is not simply a general expense subsidy that any exporting company can access by filling out an application form. The company's branding capacity, management system, financial structure, organization, supply chain, human resources, information technology, and strategic plan are comprehensively evaluated.

Companies participating in the program are restricted from additionally benefiting from certain general supports under Decree No. 5973 for the same expenses. Therefore, before entering the TURQUALITY program, it should be evaluated which existing supports will continue.

E-Export Support

Businesses that sell through foreign marketplaces or their own e-commerce websites can benefit from e-export support under Decision No. 5986.

The program supports digital marketplace promotion, e-export promotion, order fulfillment services, overseas warehouse rental, marketplace integration, online store expenses, services received from e-commerce stakeholders in the target country, and marketplace commissions. Generally, expenses are covered at a rate of 50% and for periods of three years, depending on the type of support. (https://ticaret.gov.tr)

To be eligible for support for digital marketplace advertising, the relationship between advertising costs and sales generated through the marketplace, the conditions of the country and platform covered by the support, and the company's level determined by the Ministry will be taken into consideration.

Companies applying for e-export support may need to complete the eligibility process before submitting their initial expenditure application. This includes reviewing the company's foreign marketplace store account, brand and product ownership, company registrations in Türkiye, and e-export sales.

Service Export Support

Decision No. 10962, which came into force in 2026, brought together service export support under a new and holistic system.

The following sectors are included in the Service Sectors Breakthrough Program: Information technology, consulting, digital intermediation, education, financial technologies, trade fair and congress tourism, cultural and creative industries, logistics and transportation, health and sports tourism, technical consultancy, and conformity assessment.

Common support elements include agency commissions, certification, overseas units, delegations, advertising and promotion, trademark registration, and event participation. Agency commission expenses can be supported at a rate of 50% up to 6 million TL annually, certification expenses up to 4 million TL annually, overseas unit expenses up to 6 million TL per unit annually, and advertising and promotion expenses up to 25 million TL annually.

In the IT sector, there are also sector-specific support programs for promoting software, mobile applications, and digital games abroad, as well as for hosting and platform commission expenses. Support mechanisms specific to the fields of activity have also been established for health tourism, education, logistics, and technical consultancy sectors.

Additional Support in Target Countries and Target Sectors

The support rates in Decision No. 5973 may be increased by up to twenty points for expenditures directed towards target countries determined by the Ministry of Trade. An additional five points may be applied if the expenditure is also related to a target sector determined by the Ministry.

However, the total amount of support can in no case exceed 75% of the expense being supported. For example, support that normally covers 50% can increase to 75% if the conditions for the target country and target sector are met.

Since the target country and sector lists may change over time, the company should not base its transactions on the list from previous years. The Ministry's list valid for the period in which the expenditure was made should be used.

What is a Support Management System (SMS)?

The Ministry of Trade's export support applications are primarily processed through the Support Management System (DYS). Through DYS, applications for export support, inward processing, outward processing, tax-duty-fee exemptions, and other related applications can be submitted electronically, and the process can be monitored through the system. (https://ticaret.gov.tr)

Before a company can apply for support, the DYS beneficiary registration and user authorization must be completed. The person acting on behalf of the company can be a company employee, representative, financial advisor, or another authorized user; however, the necessary authorization must be defined in the system.

In beneficiary identification and authorization procedures, signature circulars, trade registry gazettes, tax certificates, authorization forms, undertakings, and other documents may be requested depending on the applicant's situation.

Companies that are members of exporter associations generally apply to the general secretariat of the exporter association they are members of or with which they conduct their export transactions. Beneficiaries who are not members of an exporter association are directed to an appropriate application center within the framework of system rules. (DYS)

How to Apply for Export Support?

The application process varies depending on the type of support, but generally consists of preliminary preparation, DYS registration, activity or project application, expenditure realization, payment application, and review stages.

First, the type of support the company wishes to receive must be correctly identified. For example, opening an office in a foreign country might be eligible for rent support, while office promotion could be covered under promotional support, brand protection under trademark registration support, and customer visits under market research support.

Next, the current circular and its annexes regarding the relevant support should be examined. Decision No. 5973 only sets the main framework; the sub-categories of expenses to be supported, beneficiary qualifications, application documents, and review method are regulated by circulars.

Some support programs require prior approval or eligibility application before expenditure. Signing a contract or making a payment directly for an activity that requires prior approval may result in the subsequent rejection of the support application.

After the expenditure is made, invoices, contracts, bank payment documents, proof of activity, travel records, advertising reports, rental documents, or other records depending on the nature of the support are uploaded to the system.

The application is evaluated by the reviewing organization. If deemed necessary, missing documents may be requested, an on-site inspection may be conducted through the trade attaché, or additional clarification regarding the activity may be requested.

Payment Documents in Support Applications

In most cases, simply submitting an invoice is not sufficient for a support application. It is necessary to demonstrate that the expense was actually paid by the applicant company and that there is a clear link between the payment and the invoice.

It is important that payments are made through a bank, that the bank statement includes the invoice number or a description of the service, and that the payment is deducted from the account of the company that submitted the support application.

Payments made by a partner, employee, or group company may be problematic unless explicitly permitted under the support regulations. Cash payments or records where the payer cannot be identified may be excluded from support.

If the invoice and payment currencies differ, exchange rates and payment dates may be considered separately. Turkish translations of foreign documents and explanations regarding payment systems in foreign countries may be requested.

Why are application deadlines important?

There is no single application deadline for all programs under the Ministry of Trade's support schemes. The application deadline and start date for each support program are determined separately in the relevant circular.

Some programs require applications to be submitted via the DYS system within a specific month after the completion of the activity, issuance of the invoice, or payment. Failure to submit the application after this deadline may result in rejection, even if the expense is essentially justifiable.

It is a significant risk for companies to research the application period only after the expenditure has been completed. The support schedule should be prepared before the contract and payment are made.

Is it possible to receive more than one support payment for the same expense?

It is prohibited to receive support from another public institution's program in addition to the support from the Ministry of Trade for the same expenditure item. If it is determined that payments have been received from more than one program for the same expenditure, this may be considered as providing misleading information and documents.

For example, submitting the same invoice for a trade fair booth to both the Ministry of Trade and KOSGEB programs, or using the same advertising expense in two different support applications, poses a serious risk of sanctions.

It may be possible to evaluate different expenses within an activity in separate programs. However, the scope of expenses, invoices, and payment documents must be clearly separated.

Sanctions for Unjustified Support and Misleading Documentation

Subsidies found to have been paid unjustly or improperly will be recovered in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 6183 on the Collection Procedure of Public Receivables. This situation may result in the subsidy amount being pursued as a public receivable and incurring late payment penalties.

If it is determined that misleading information or documents have been submitted but payment has not yet been received, the relevant application file will not be considered, and the beneficiary will not be able to apply for support for expenses incurred during the past six months.

If support payments are received using misleading documents, the support amount will be recovered, and the beneficiary will be barred from applying for support for related expenditures and activities for a period of one year. In case of a repeat offense, all support applications for the company may be rejected indefinitely, and the company may be excluded from the support program.

If it is determined that a consultant, advertising agency, or other service provider providing services under the support program has prepared misleading documents, the relevant activity may be terminated from the support program, and beneficiaries may not receive services from that service provider under the support program for a period of ten years.

Common Mistakes in Export Support Programs

The most common mistake companies make is investigating whether support is available for an expense after the expenditure has already been made. Since some support programs require prior approval, this approach can lead to a loss of rights.

Using the old upper limits in the ministry's decision and not checking the updated tables for 2026 will also lead to incorrect financial planning.

Not every foreign trade fair, certificate, e-commerce site, or advertising platform should be considered eligible for support. Ministry lists and circular annexes should be checked.

If the invoice is issued in the name of a different group of companies, if the payment is made from a joint account, if the bank statement lacks a description, or if the foreign invoice does not show the service content, this may lead to a refusal of support.

For international trademark registration or promotion support, it is essential to correctly establish the relationship between trademark ownership in Türkiye and the application in the foreign country.

For overseas offices, stores, or warehouses, simply submitting a lease agreement may not be sufficient. It must be demonstrated that the unit is actually operating and being used to market products manufactured in Türkiye.

When receiving consultancy support services, one should not rely on guarantees that all processes will be supported unconditionally. The final evaluation and payment authority regarding support rests with the Ministry of Trade and authorized review organizations.

How to Prepare an Appropriate Support Strategy for Companies?

Export support planning should not be conducted as a process of finding government subsidies for company expenses at a later date. The company's target countries, product groups, brand structure, sales channels, e-export activities, and annual budget should be evaluated together.

For a company starting to export for the first time, support for market entry projects, market research, trade fairs, and brand registration may be a priority.

For a company that regularly sells in a specific market, support for overseas office rental, marketing, warehousing, and e-export may be more suitable.

For manufacturers looking to supply parts or products to global producers, a global supply chain project might be worth considering.

For corporate companies aiming to build international brands, the Brand Support Program and TURQUALITY are important, while for exporters in need of a green transformation, the Responsible Program is significant.

Companies operating in software, consulting, health tourism, logistics, education, or other service sectors should also examine the new service export support system numbered 10962.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Trade's export incentives for 2026 offer a broad support system for goods exports, e-exports, and service exports. Expenses such as market entry documents, trademark registration, market research, trade fairs, overseas office and store rentals, promotion, digital advertising, order fulfillment, certification, consulting, and branding may be supported under certain conditions.

The primary legal basis for export support for goods is Decision No. 5973 on Export Support, the basis for e-export support is Decision No. 5986, and the current basis for export support for services is Decision No. 10962.

Support rates are generally 50%, but can reach up to 75% in target countries and target sectors. Support upper limits are updated annually. Therefore, the Ministry's current upper limit tables should be used for expenditures to be made in 2026.

Before applying, the company's DYS registration must be completed, an authorized user must be defined, the relevant support circular must be reviewed, and pre-approval must be obtained if necessary. Invoices, contracts, bank payment documents, and proof of activity must be prepared in a consistent manner.

Applying for two separate public grants for the same expense, submitting misleading documents, or acting contrary to the purpose of the grant may lead to the recovery of the payment under Law No. 6183, a temporary application ban, or, in case of repetition, the permanent removal of the company from the support system.

Therefore, an export support application should not be seen merely as a paperwork process; it must be prepared from a legal and financial perspective, including the company's export strategy, expenditure plan, contracts, and payment system.