ISTANBUL
Türkiye, Europe-Asia

Apex Istanbul, Türkiye

Glocal Business Services & Solutions

Financial Capital of Türkiye & Where East Meets West. Europe's Most Desirable City 2025. The only city spanning two continents. 18.6M visitors, Istanbul Finance Center (IFC), access to $30 trillion market. UNESCO World Heritage since 1985.

18.6M
International Visitors 2024
#1
Europe's Most Desirable 2025
122M
Airport Passengers 2024
$30T
Market Access

🏦 Financial Capital of Türkiye

Istanbul Finance Center (IFC) is Türkiye's landmark mega-project positioning Istanbul among the world's leading financial hubs. Housing the Central Bank, Borsa Istanbul Stock Exchange, and Capital Markets Board, the IFC offers 1.4 million sqm of smart office space designed for 100,000 daily employees and visitors.

Financial services exports are projected to grow from $2 billion to $16 billion over 15 years. Levent, Maslak, and Şişli host headquarters of global banks including HSBC, JP Morgan, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, and BNP Paribas. EBRD is expanding with Istanbul as a key regional hub.

$61.1B
Tourism Revenue 2024
$2.3B+
Turkish Airlines Investment
1.4M
sqm IFC Office Space
15M+
Population

Why Istanbul with Apex

The only city spanning two continents—2,000 years of history as the capital of empires at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Two Continents, One City

The only city spanning Europe and Asia. Gateway to $30 trillion market. EU Customs Union. G20 member. 120 countries within 3-hour flight.

Istanbul Finance Center

Central Bank, Borsa Istanbul, Capital Markets Board. 1.4M sqm smart offices. 21 buildings. Global banks headquartered here.

UNESCO World Heritage

Historic Areas since 1985. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque. 2,000 years of imperial history.

100% Foreign Ownership

Equal rights for foreign investors. MERSIS digital registration in 1-3 days. No local partner required. 25% corporate tax rate.

Benefits of Istanbul for Business

Discover why Istanbul is Türkiye's commercial and financial powerhouse with unmatched access to global markets.

EU Customs Union

Free movement of industrial goods with EU. Preferential access to European markets. Cross-border trade facilitation.

Investment Incentives

Regional tax reductions. Customs duty exemptions. VAT exemptions. Interest and dividend support for qualifying investments.

Free Trade Zones

Full customs duty exemption. 100% foreign ownership. Ideal for manufacturing, logistics, and import-export operations.

Technopark Tax Exemption

Full corporate tax exemption on R&D income until 2028. Income tax and social security support for tech personnel.

Young Skilled Workforce

15+ million population. Young, educated workforce. Strong finance, tech, and manufacturing expertise. Competitive labor costs.

$800B+ Economy

World's 19th largest economy. G20 member. Robust growth in finance, manufacturing, tourism, and technology sectors.

Global Airport Hub

122M passengers in 2024. 100+ airlines, 250+ destinations. World's largest airport. Turkish Airlines $2.3B cargo investment.

Digital Registration

MERSIS online system for 1-3 day company formation. Modern digital infrastructure. E-visa for streamlined business travel.

Apex Istanbul Services Marketplace

Connect with verified business partners across Türkiye's financial capital and commercial powerhouse.

Looking for Services

Access verified service providers across Türkiye's financial capital and commercial hub.

  • Türkiye Company Formation (LLC/JSC/Branch)
  • Finance & Banking Partnerships
  • EU & Middle East Trade Services
  • Work Permits & Immigration
  • Investment Incentive Applications
Find Services

Offering Your Services

Join the Apex network as an Expert Partner and connect with global investors, multinational corporations, and market entrants.

  • Access to Finance & Banking Network
  • EU & Middle East Trade Referrals
  • Verified Expert Badge
  • Apex Pay Integration
  • Investment Summit Participation
Become a Partner

Istanbul Business Service Categories

Connect with verified professionals across Türkiye's finance, trade, and investment sectors.

Company Formation

LLC and JSC registration, branch setup, MERSIS registration, trade registry, business licensing, bank account opening.

Finance & Banking

Corporate banking, IFC connections, Borsa Istanbul access, capital markets, Islamic finance, fintech partnerships.

Investment Incentives

Regional incentive applications, Free Trade Zone setup, Technopark registration, project-based incentive structuring.

Immigration & Permits

Work permits, residence permits, e-Ikamet applications, Touristic e-Ikamet, Citizenship by Investment ($400K property).

Tax & Accounting

Corporate tax planning (25% CIT), VAT compliance (20%), investment incentive optimization, double taxation relief.

Real Estate & Property

Commercial property, IFC offices, residential investment, citizenship by property, development partnerships.

Türkiye Company Formation Options

Transparent overview of structures and requirements for establishing your company in Istanbul.

Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)

TRY250Kmin capital
  • 25% capital deposit at formation
  • Board of directors required
  • Shares freely transferable
  • IPO eligible (Borsa Istanbul)

For larger ventures & investors

Free Trade Zone Company

FTZTaxexempt
  • Full customs duty exemption
  • 100% foreign ownership
  • CIT exemption for manufacturers
  • No VAT on zone transactions

For export-focused operations

Apex Events in Istanbul

Connect with global investors, finance leaders, and business networks at exclusive Apex events in Türkiye's financial capital.

2026

Apex Master Expos Istanbul

Premium lifestyle, finance, technology, luxury, and talent awards. Eight parallel boutique expos with single Apex Multipass access.

2026Istanbul
2026

Apex Investment Summit Istanbul

Premier invitation-only event connecting family offices, PE/VC, institutional allocators, and sovereign wealth at the IFC.

2026Istanbul
2026

Apex Fintech & Tech Expo

Showcasing Türkiye's fintech innovation. Banking tech, blockchain, AI, digital payments, and Islamic finance technology.

2026Istanbul
View All Events Inquire About Events

Become an Apex Partner in Istanbul

Join the global Apex franchise network and build your business in Türkiye's financial capital. Istanbul offers exceptional opportunities in finance, trade, real estate, and cross-continental commerce.

Global Network

Access to 90+ countries

Revenue Share

Commission-based earnings

Verified System

Trust through verification

Apex Pay

Integrated payment system

Learn About Franchise

Franchise Categories Available

1
Regional Club Franchise
2
Finance & Investment Franchise
3
Trade & Commerce Franchise
4
Event Franchise
5
Business Services Franchise
6
Real Estate & Lifestyle Franchise

Plan Your Istanbul Visit

Everything you need for your business trip or cultural experience in the city where East meets West.

Hotels

Luxury Bosphorus hotels, boutique Sultanahmet stays, IFC business hotels, and historic peninsula gems.

Book Hotels

Tours & Heritage

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruises, Cappadocia day trips.

Explore Tours

Apex Expert Support

Company formation, IFC connections, investment incentives, banking introductions, and local expertise.

Apex Expert Support

Flights

Istanbul Airport (IST)—world's largest. 122M passengers. 100+ airlines, 250+ destinations. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) alternative.

Search Flights

Need assistance planning your Istanbul business trip or cultural experience? Contact Apex Travel Club for personalized support.

Apex Travel Club Portal

UNESCO World Heritage & Imperial Legacy

Two thousand years of history where three empires left their magnificent mark on the city spanning two continents.

UNESCO Historic Areas

  • Hagia Sophia (537 AD)
  • Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
  • Topkapı Palace
  • Süleymaniye Mosque Complex
  • Theodosian Walls

Imperial Heritage

  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Grand Bazaar (4,000+ shops)
  • Spice Bazaar
  • Hippodrome of Constantine

Bosphorus & Districts

  • Galata Tower
  • Beyoğlu & Taksim
  • Ortaköy
  • Kadıköy (Asian Side)
  • Bosphorus Cruise

Business Districts

  • Istanbul Finance Center (IFC)
  • Levent Financial District
  • Maslak Business Zone
  • Şişli Commercial Area
  • Ataşehir

Museums & Culture

  • Istanbul Archaeological Museums
  • Chora Church Mosaics
  • Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum
  • Istanbul Modern
  • Pera Museum

Day Trips

  • Princes' Islands
  • Cappadocia (by air)
  • Bursa (Ottoman Capital)
  • Ephesus (via Izmir)
  • Pamukkale

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Apex Istanbul and doing business in Türkiye's financial capital.

What is Apex Istanbul?

Apex Istanbul is the Türkiye hub of the global Apex ecosystem, connecting finance professionals, global investors, and market entrants with the city spanning two continents and the worldwide Apex network.

Why is Istanbul important for business?

Istanbul is Türkiye's financial capital with the Istanbul Finance Center (IFC) housing the Central Bank and Borsa Istanbul. 18.6M visitors annually, 122M airport passengers, EU Customs Union access, gateway to $30 trillion market spanning Europe and Asia.

What is the Istanbul Finance Center?

The IFC is a landmark mega-project with 1.4M sqm of smart office space across 21 buildings, designed for 100,000 daily users. It houses the Central Bank, Borsa Istanbul, Capital Markets Board, and major global banks.

Can foreigners own 100% of a Turkish company?

Yes. Under Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875, foreign nationals have equal rights to Turkish citizens. No local partner required in most sectors. MERSIS digital registration takes 1-3 days.

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Foreigners can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing property worth $400,000 with a 3-year holding period, or through bank deposits of $500,000, or business investment of $500,000 creating jobs.

What are the UNESCO World Heritage sites?

Historic Areas of Istanbul inscribed since 1985: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Süleymaniye Mosque, Theodosian Walls, Zeyrek Mosque, Basilica Cistern. Four protected zones representing 2,000 years of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

What is the corporate tax rate?

Standard corporate tax is 25%. Financial institutions pay 30%. Technopark companies get full R&D income exemption until 2028. Free Trade Zones offer customs duty and manufacturing tax exemptions.

How does the partnership model work?

Apex Preferred Expert Partners receive commissions within their signed-up area—either by location or topic specialty. Partners deliver services using their own expertise through a verified network with transparent tracking via Apex Pay.

Activate · Build · Empower

The Apex Super Power of Local Expertise

GoToApex · Create Value · Lead Boldly · Go Global

Apex Multiverses Business Clubs represent a decentralized, trust-empowered, and member-driven ecosystem connecting leaders, innovators, and creators across all industries and continents.

Each member is part of a value-based global community, contributing professional expertise, creativity, and integrity. Through the Apex Superpower System, members can create their own Apex Worlds — including events, news, ads, shops, clubs, and groups — all within a transparent, ethical, and collaborative framework.

Everything in Apex is designed to be simple, accessible, and free, allowing members to build authentic partnerships, develop new opportunities, and shape the future of global collaboration.

🌍 Financial Capital of Türkiye & Europe-Asia Gateway

Istanbul connects to the broader Apex network with Barcelona as European HQ, Singapore as Global Franchise HQ, and Dubai as Middle East Hub. Finance professionals, global investors, and cross-continental traders gain access to the complete Apex global network spanning 90+ countries.

Apex Istanbul Finance & Business Experts

Are you a finance professional, legal expert, investment advisor, or business consultant in Istanbul? Join the Apex ecosystem and connect with global opportunities.

Experience Where East Meets West with Apex

Financial excellence. Imperial heritage. Global network across the Apex Ecosystem.