Turkey (Türkiye) has a large, young and urban consumer market, with modern shopping centres in every major city alongside traditional high streets and a fast-growing online retail sector. Many foreign brands enter through a local distributor or franchisee first. Others decide to open their own stores, which gives them control over the brand and the customer relationship but also makes them responsible for every legal obligation that comes with selling to consumers.
Opening a store in Turkey is more than signing a lease. Each store is usually registered as a location of the Turkish company, needs a workplace licence, and must comply with consumer protection, price labelling, product safety and tax rules from the first sale. Retail staff also bring specific working-time questions, such as Sunday and public holiday work.
This guide follows the order in which these questions usually arise, from the choice of entity to opening day. For the general lease rules, see our guide to leasing offices and warehouses.
Key points
- Foreign brands usually operate their own stores through a Turkish subsidiary. Each store is generally registered as a branch or additional workplace of that company.
- Shopping-centre leases often include turnover rent, service charges and operational rules, but they remain subject to mandatory Turkish lease law.
- Each store generally needs a workplace opening and operating licence, and usually a signage permit. Some products need sector-specific permits.
- Consumer protection law (Law No. 6502) sets mandatory rules on information, defective goods, guarantees, after-sales service and unfair terms.
- Sales must be recorded through approved new-generation cash registers or electronic documents, and many retailers must use e-invoice and e-archive systems.
- Register your trademarks in Turkey before opening. Rights are generally based on registration rather than use.
Choosing the operating model
Before looking at stores, decide who will actually sell to Turkish consumers.
| Model | How it works | Main considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Own stores through a subsidiary | A Turkish company leases the stores, employs staff and sells directly | Full control and full compliance responsibility. See setting up a company |
| Distributor | A Turkish distributor buys and resells the products, sometimes through its own stores | Less control, lower set-up cost. Agreement subject to competition law |
| Franchise | A Turkish franchisee runs stores under your brand and system | Brand standards, fees and know-how protection set by contract |
| Concession or shop-in-shop | Space within a department store or another retailer | Quick entry, but dependent on the host's terms |
| Online only | E-commerce through your own platform or marketplaces | E-commerce rules, logistics and returns. Often combined with stores |
A branch of a foreign company can also trade in Turkey, but for consumer retail most brands prefer a subsidiary, which limits liability and is easier to work with for leases, banks and staff. See choosing a business structure.
Registering each store
Once the Turkish company exists, each new store is usually opened as a branch or additional workplace of that company (şube). In practice this generally involves:
- A board or management resolution to open the location;
- Registration of the branch with the trade registry where it is located, if it is set up as a registered branch;
- Notification to the tax office of the new workplace address;
- SGK workplace registration for the store if staff will work there, or inclusion under an existing registration where rules allow;
- The workplace licence from the municipality (see below).
Whether a store is registered as a formal branch or simply notified as an additional workplace depends on how independently it will operate. Your accountant (mali müşavir) and legal adviser should agree the approach before the first store opens, because it affects tax and social security filings. For the registration process in more detail, see branches and liaison offices.
Shopping-centre and high-street leases
Shopping-centre (AVM) leases
Leases in shopping centres (alışveriş merkezi, often abbreviated as AVM) are typically on the centre's standard form and include terms that differ from an ordinary office lease:
- Turnover rent: a base rent plus a percentage of sales above an agreed threshold, supported by sales reporting and audit rights;
- Service charges for common areas, security, cleaning, marketing and energy;
- Fit-out periods and design approval by the centre management;
- Opening hours set by the centre, within the limits of the law and any local rules;
- Exclusivity and radius clauses, which may restrict the tenant from opening nearby or protect it from competitors, subject to competition law;
- Relocation clauses allowing the centre to move a tenant within the mall;
- Marketing contributions and promotional obligations.
These leases are still leases of roofed workplaces, so the mandatory tenant protections in the Turkish Code of Obligations generally apply. These include the limits on rent increases on renewal and the restrictions on additional payment obligations. How these rules apply to turnover rent and service charges can be complex, and well-drafted ancillary cost provisions are important. The general rules are explained in our premises guide and our article on residential and commercial leases in Turkey.
High-street leases
High-street leases are usually negotiated directly with individual or corporate landlords. Points to check include the title deed and authority of the landlord, the building's occupancy permit, zoning for retail use, the condominium management plan in mixed-use buildings, withholding tax where the landlord is an individual, and whether the premises can obtain a signage permit.
Rent currency
Where both parties are Turkish residents, as a Turkish subsidiary will be, lease prices for property in Turkey have generally had to be set in Turkish lira under the rules issued under Decree No. 32, with limited exceptions (for example for duty-free shops). This has applied to shopping-centre leases as well. The legal framework behind these rules (Law No. 1567 and Decree No. 32) was the subject of a 2025 Constitutional Court decision taking effect in July 2026 and of legislative changes, so the current position should be confirmed with Turkish counsel before any contract between Turkish residents is priced in foreign currency.
Licences and permits for a store
| Permit | Issued by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace opening and operating licence (işyeri açma ve çalışma ruhsatı) | Municipality | Needed for most stores. Depends on zoning, the building and the activity |
| Signage permit | Municipality | For external signs and shopfronts. Shopping centres also apply their own design rules |
| Fire safety compliance | Fire department or centre management | Often part of the licensing process |
| Food business registration or approval | Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (provincial directorate) | For stores selling or preparing food |
| Alcohol and tobacco sales permits | Relevant authority | Subject to specific licensing and zoning restrictions |
| Sector-specific permits | Various | For example, regulated products such as medical devices, cosmetics or optical goods may have specific rules |
Some product categories are restricted to licensed operators. Medicines, for example, may only be sold through pharmacies. Check early whether any of your products fall within a regulated category.
Retail trade rules
The Law on the Regulation of Retail Trade (No. 6585) sets a framework for retail businesses and shopping centres. In general terms it covers:
- Opening and closing hours, where rules may be set or adjusted at local level;
- Relationships between retailers and suppliers, including restrictions on certain practices towards suppliers;
- Campaigns and discounted sales, which are subject to rules on how discounts and prices are presented;
- Shopping-centre matters, including obligations of centre management towards tenants and visitors.
Secondary regulations under this law change from time to time, so the current rules should be checked for your sector and city before opening.
Consumer protection: what retailers must do
The Consumer Protection Law (No. 6502) and its regulations apply to every sale to a consumer. The rules are mandatory, and many cannot be excluded by terms and conditions.
Defective goods
A consumer who receives defective goods generally has a choice of remedies: withdrawing from the contract, a price reduction, free repair, or replacement with a non-defective product. The seller is generally liable for defects that existed at delivery, and a statutory limitation period applies. Retailers usually need clear processes for returns, exchanges and complaints, and for working with manufacturers and importers who may share liability.
Guarantee certificates and after-sales service
For certain categories of goods, typically durable goods such as electronics and household appliances, the law requires a guarantee certificate (garanti belgesi) and after-sales service arrangements, including the availability of service and spare parts for a minimum period. Manufacturers and importers carry much of this burden, but the seller is also involved. Requirements depend on the product category.
Price labelling and information
Products on display generally have to show their sale price, including taxes, under the price labelling regulation. Labels and information should be clear and in Turkish. Pricing campaigns, comparative prices and "discount" claims are subject to rules that aim to prevent misleading the consumer.
Unfair terms and commercial practices
Standard terms that create a significant imbalance against the consumer can be void. Misleading or aggressive commercial practices, including misleading advertising, are prohibited and are enforced by the Ministry of Trade and its Advertising Board.
Consumer disputes
Below monetary limits updated each year, consumer disputes generally must go to consumer arbitration committees (tüketici hakem heyeti). Above those limits, mandatory mediation generally applies before a claim can be brought in the consumer courts.
Selling online as well as in store
Most retailers combine stores with online sales. Online sales to consumers are distance contracts, which carry additional obligations: pre-contractual information, a statutory right of withdrawal (with exceptions for certain goods), delivery deadlines and refund rules. These rules were amended with effect from 1 January 2026. See our article on amendments to the regulation on distance contracts.
E-commerce businesses also have obligations under the e-commerce legislation, including registration with the Electronic Commerce Information System (ETBİS) run by the Ministry of Trade, information requirements on the website, and rules on commercial electronic messages. Marketing emails and SMS messages generally need prior consent and must be registered in the Message Management System (İYS). Customer data is subject to the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK). See our article on cross-border data transfers under KVKK.
Tills, invoices and tax
Turkish tax law requires sales to be documented at the point of sale.
- New-generation cash registers (yeni nesil ÖKC): retail sales are generally recorded on approved electronic cash registers connected to the Revenue Administration, often integrated with card payment terminals (POS).
- E-invoice and e-archive invoice: many businesses, depending on turnover and sector, must issue electronic invoices. Online sales are generally documented with e-archive invoices. Thresholds are set by the Revenue Administration and change periodically.
- VAT: most retail sales carry VAT, at the standard rate or a reduced rate depending on the product.
- Card payments: merchant agreements with banks and payment institutions determine fees and settlement periods.
Your accountant should set up the till and invoicing systems before opening day, as late set-up is a common cause of fines. See the tax guide.
Products, labelling and imports
If the store sells imported goods, the products must clear customs and meet Turkish product rules before they reach the shelves:
- Product safety and conformity: many products must meet technical regulations harmonised with EU rules, often including CE marking, and may be checked through the TAREKS risk-based control system on import;
- Turkish-language labelling and instructions for consumers;
- Importer obligations under the product safety framework, including traceability and recall procedures;
- Customs duties and additional duties, depending on the product and its origin.
These points are covered in our guide to customs, import and export.
Protecting your brand
Trademark rights in Turkey generally arise from registration with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), or through an international registration designating Turkey. Use alone generally gives much weaker protection. Before opening, check that your marks are registered in Turkey for the relevant classes and that no conflicting registrations exist. Also consider:
- registering the brand in Turkish characters or transliterations where relevant;
- recording trademarks with customs to help stop counterfeit imports;
- domain names (.com.tr and others) and social media handles.
For enforcement, see our article on trademark infringement in Türkiye.
Franchising and distribution
Turkey has no franchise-specific statute. Franchise and distribution relationships are governed by general contract law, the Turkish Commercial Code (including rules on agency) and competition law. Key points include:
- Competition law: vertical agreements, including franchise and distribution agreements, are assessed under the Competition Law (No. 4054). A block exemption communiqué for vertical agreements sets conditions, such as market share limits and limits on non-compete obligations. Resale price maintenance is a particular risk area.
- Agency compensation: in some circumstances, a distributor or franchisee may claim compensation for goodwill on termination: Article 122(5) of the Turkish Commercial Code extends the agent's goodwill indemnity, so far as appropriate, to exclusive distribution and similar long-term relationships, which may include some franchises. Drafting and termination planning matter.
- Know-how and IP licences: the agreement should protect the brand, the system and confidential information, and deal with trademark licensing.
- Currency and payment: royalties paid abroad raise withholding tax and VAT questions. See the tax guide.
Our commercial contract advisory page explains how we approach these agreements.
Store staff: working time, Sundays and holidays
Retail is people-intensive, and Turkish employment law applies to every store employee. Points that matter in retail include:
- Working hours: the standard maximum is 45 hours a week. Work above that is overtime, paid at a premium and subject to an annual cap.
- Weekly rest: employees are generally entitled to an uninterrupted 24-hour weekly rest after six days of work. In retail this is often not on a Sunday, which is generally permissible if the weekly rest is given on another day.
- Public holidays: work on national and religious public holidays generally requires additional pay, and employees can be asked to work on these days only within the rules of the law and their contract.
- Shift work and night work: night work is limited, and specific rules apply to shift patterns.
- Part-time and fixed-term staff: commonly used for peak periods, but subject to equal-treatment rules and limits on fixed-term contracts.
See hiring employees and onboarding employees.
Store opening checklist
| Stage | Key tasks |
|---|---|
| Before signing the lease | Zoning and licence check, landlord title, rent currency, turnover rent and service charge terms |
| Company and registration | Branch or workplace registration, tax office notification, SGK workplace registration |
| Fit-out | Centre design approval, building and signage permits, fire safety |
| Licensing | Workplace licence, sector permits (food, alcohol, regulated products) |
| Systems | New-generation cash register, POS, e-invoice and e-archive, stock systems |
| Products | Customs clearance, conformity, Turkish labelling, price labels |
| Consumer compliance | Return and exchange policy, guarantee certificates, complaint handling, KVKK notices |
| Brand | Trademark registrations, customs recordal, domain names |
| Staff | Contracts, SGK notifications, rotas, occupational health and safety training |
| Opening | Final inspection, insurance, opening campaign compliant with advertising rules |
How long does it take to open a store?
The timeline below is indicative for a first store once the Turkish company exists. It depends heavily on the centre, the municipality and the fit-out.
| Step | Often takes |
|---|---|
| Lease negotiation and signing | 2–8 weeks |
| Fit-out design approval and works | 4–12 weeks |
| Branch registration and tax and SGK set-up | 1–3 weeks, often in parallel |
| Workplace licence and signage permit | Days to several weeks |
| Till and invoicing set-up | 1–2 weeks |
| Recruitment and onboarding | 2–6 weeks, in parallel |
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign brand open its own store in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign brands usually open stores through a Turkish subsidiary, which leases the premises, employs staff and sells to consumers. Each store is then generally registered as a branch or additional workplace of that company. See setting up a company.
Do I need a separate company for each store?
Generally no. One Turkish company can operate many stores, with each store registered as a branch or additional workplace and notified to the tax office and the SGK. The right registration approach depends on how the stores will operate and should be agreed with your accountant.
What licences does a shop in Turkey need?
Most shops need a workplace opening and operating licence from the municipality and a signage permit for external signs. Food, alcohol, tobacco and certain regulated products need additional permits. Shopping centres also apply their own fit-out and design approval processes.
Are shopping-centre leases in Turkey negotiable?
Shopping centres usually use standard forms, but key commercial terms such as rent, turnover percentage, fit-out periods, service charges and exclusivity are often negotiated. These leases remain subject to mandatory Turkish lease law, including limits on rent increases on renewal. See our premises guide.
Can store rent be paid in foreign currency?
Generally not, where the landlord and tenant are both Turkish residents. A Turkish subsidiary is a resident, so lease prices for property in Turkey have generally had to be set in Turkish lira under the rules issued under Decree No. 32, subject to limited exceptions. Because the legal basis of these rules has been the subject of a Constitutional Court decision and legislative change in 2025–2026, the current position should be confirmed before signing.
What are a retailer's obligations if a product is defective?
Under the Consumer Protection Law, a consumer can generally choose to withdraw from the contract, ask for a price reduction, ask for free repair, or ask for replacement. The seller is generally liable for defects present at delivery, and manufacturers and importers may also be liable. Retailers need clear return and complaint processes.
Do I need a guarantee certificate for products sold in Turkey?
For certain categories of goods, typically durable goods such as electronics and appliances, a guarantee certificate and after-sales service arrangements are required. The obligations fall mainly on manufacturers and importers but also involve the seller. Whether your products are covered depends on the category.
Do retail sales need to go through special cash registers?
Generally yes. Retail sales are recorded on approved new-generation electronic cash registers connected to the Revenue Administration, often integrated with card terminals. Many businesses must also use e-invoice and e-archive systems. See the tax guide.
Do I need to register my trademark in Turkey before opening?
It is strongly advisable. Trademark protection in Turkey generally depends on registration with TÜRKPATENT or an international registration designating Turkey. Registering before opening reduces the risk of conflicts and helps against counterfeits. See our article on trademark infringement in Türkiye.
Can stores open and employees work on Sundays?
Stores can generally open on Sundays within the rules set for retail and any local rules. Employees are entitled to a 24-hour weekly rest, which can be given on another day of the week. Work on public holidays generally requires additional pay. See hiring employees.
Is there a franchise law in Turkey?
There is no franchise-specific statute. Franchise agreements are governed by contract law, commercial law and competition law, including the block exemption rules for vertical agreements. Termination of long-term distribution or franchise relationships can raise compensation claims, so drafting matters.
What extra rules apply if we also sell online?
Online sales to consumers are distance contracts with extra information duties, a right of withdrawal with exceptions, and delivery and refund rules, which were amended from 1 January 2026. E-commerce businesses also need to register with ETBİS and follow rules on commercial messages and data protection. See our article on the distance contracts amendments.
This guide is general information about Turkish law and practice at the date shown above. It is not legal, tax or customs advice and should not be relied on as such. Rules, thresholds and procedures in Türkiye change frequently and their application depends on the facts, so take advice on your own circumstances before acting. Advice on Turkish law is provided through lawyers qualified in Türkiye.