How to Obtain a Tourism License in Türkiye? Ultimate 2026 Guide

Türkiye remains one of the world’s most attractive tourism destinations, welcoming tens of millions of visitors annually and offering diverse opportunities across hospitality, travel, health tourism, and entertainment sectors. As the tourism industry becomes increasingly regulated, obtaining a tourism license in Türkiye is a mandatory and highly structured process governed primarily by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been advising foreign and local investors on Turkish company formation and regulatory compliance since 2017. Our company formation lawyers explain how to obtain a tourism license in Türkiye in 2026, outlining legal requirements, procedural steps, corporate structures, and strategic considerations for investors seeking long-term success.

What Is a Tourism License in Türkiye?

A tourism license (also referred to as a Tourism Operation Certificate) is an official authorization issued by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It allows businesses to legally operate within the tourism sector under Law No. 2634 on the Encouragement of Tourism.

This license is mandatory for businesses operating in areas such as:

• Hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, and holiday villages
• Travel agencies and tour operators
• Tourism transportation services
• Thermal, health, wellness, and spa facilities
• Tourism entertainment and recreation facilities

Operating without the appropriate tourism license may result in severe administrative fines, suspension of activities, or permanent closure.

Who Needs a Tourism License in Türkiye?

Any company or entrepreneur—whether Turkish or foreign—intending to operate a tourism-related business must obtain the relevant tourism license. Foreign investors benefit from equal treatment under Turkish law and may establish 100% foreign-owned companies to operate tourism businesses.

Most tourism investors first establish a legal entity through professional company formation lawyers to ensure compliance with Turkish commercial and tourism legislation.

Choosing the Right Company Structure

Before applying for a tourism license, investors must establish a Turkish company. The most commonly used legal forms in the tourism sector are:

Limited Liability Company (LTD)

A limited liability company is the preferred structure for small and medium-sized tourism businesses, such as boutique hotels or local tour operators. It offers flexibility, limited shareholder liability, and relatively low capital requirements.

Joint-Stock Company (A.Ş.)

A joint-stock company is often chosen for large-scale hotel investments, resort developments, or projects involving multiple investors. It is also mandatory for public offerings and preferred by institutional investors.

Our firm frequently assists foreign clients with company formation in Türkiye, ensuring that the selected corporate structure aligns with licensing requirements and long-term operational goals.

Types of Tourism Licenses in Türkiye

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism issues different types of tourism licenses depending on the nature of the activity:

1. Tourism Investment Certificate
   Issued during the project development and construction phase.
2. Tourism Operation Certificate
   Required to commence commercial operations after completion.
3. Partial Tourism License
   Granted for certain sections of a facility (e.g., spa or restaurant).
4. Temporary Tourism License
   Allows limited operations pending full compliance.

Each category has distinct technical, architectural, and operational requirements.

Category of Tourism Licenses

Before beginning the application, you must determine which license category fits your business model:

• Group A License: Provides the authority to perform all travel agency services, including international tour operations.
• Group B License: Limited to selling tickets for international transport and organizing specific tours.
• Group C License: Restricted to organizing domestic tours for Turkish citizens.

For most foreign investors, the Group A License is the gold standard for full-service operations.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Tourism License in Türkiye

1. Company Incorporation

The first step is establishing a Turkish legal entity and registering it with the Trade Registry. The company’s articles of association must explicitly include tourism activities.

2. Property Ownership or Lease

The applicant must either own or legally lease the property where tourism activities will be conducted. Lease agreements must meet minimum duration requirements set by the Ministry.

3. Zoning and Construction Compliance

The property must comply with zoning plans approved for tourism use. Construction projects require architectural plans, building permits, and occupancy permits aligned with tourism standards.

4. Application to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism

A formal application is submitted along with extensive documentation, including:

• Company registration documents
• Title deed or lease agreement
• Architectural and technical plans
• Fire safety and environmental compliance reports
• Capacity and classification details

5. On-Site Inspection

The Ministry conducts a detailed inspection to verify compliance with tourism, safety, hygiene, and operational standards.

6. Issuance of Tourism License

Once approved, the Ministry issues the tourism license, allowing the business to operate legally.

Classification and Star Rating for Hotels

Hotels and accommodation facilities in Türkiye are classified and rated by the Ministry based on criteria such as:

• Room size and quality
• Service standards
• Safety and accessibility
• Staff qualifications
• Environmental sustainability

Star ratings directly affect market positioning, pricing strategy, and international recognition.

Special Requirements for Foreign Investors

Foreign investors enjoy national treatment under Turkish law. However, tourism licensing often involves additional scrutiny, including:

• Proper notarization and legalization of foreign documents
• Appointment of a Turkish tax representative
• Compliance with foreign capital regulations

Professional legal guidance is essential to avoid delays or rejections.

Common Challenges in Tourism Licensing

Investors frequently encounter issues such as:

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Zoning restrictions and land-use limitations
• Non-compliance with fire and safety regulations
• Delays caused by architectural or technical deficiencies

Early legal planning and coordination with authorities significantly reduce risks.

Timeline and Costs

The licensing process typically takes between 3 to 9 months, depending on the project’s complexity. Costs vary based on:

• Type and size of the facility
• Construction and compliance requirements
• Professional consultancy and legal services

A detailed feasibility and compliance assessment is recommended before initiating the application.

Why Legal Support Is Critical

Tourism licensing in Türkiye is not merely an administrative process; it is a multi-layered legal procedure involving corporate law, zoning regulations, construction law, and sector-specific tourism legislation. Working with experienced legal counsel ensures:

• Correct company structuring
• Accurate and complete applications
• Effective communication with authorities
• Long-term regulatory compliance

Contact us to Obtain a Tourism License in Türkiye

For more than 9+ years, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has advised international investors, hotel chains, tour operators, and hospitality entrepreneurs on tourism licensing and corporate governance in Türkiye. Our multilingual team provides end-to-end legal support, from company formation to licensing and operational compliance.

If you are planning to invest in Türkiye’s thriving tourism sector in 2026, we invite you to contact Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm to receive tailored legal advice and professional assistance at every stage of your project.