Turkey caps ownership transfers at 49 percent in industrial zones

A new regulation governing organized industrial zones took effect after publication in the Official Gazette on November 6, 2026. Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the amendment covers land allocation, share transfers, workplace permits, leasing, and pre-emption rights.

The rule applies to industrial zones in Kocaeli, including Gebze, Dilovası, Çayırova, İzmit, and Kartepe. Notable zones named include Gebze OSB, Dilovası OSB, Gebze Plastics OSB, IMES Machinery Specialized OSB, TOSB Automotive Supply Specialized OSB, Alikahya OSB, and Arslanbey OSB.

“The regulation aims to prevent unfair gains by acquiring land and transferring company shares to others.”

Companies that transfer more than 49 percent of their total partnership shares without ministry approval will lose their land allocation or preliminary allocation. The measure targets speculative transactions and must be written into allocation contracts.

Workplace opening and operating permits must now be signed electronically through an online system. The regulation introduces a mandatory digital procedure for permit transactions.

Existing manufacturers expanding next to their current parcel receive priority when applying for adjacent vacant land. This priority applies only through an open tender based on the final tender price.

The regulation also addresses unfinished infrastructure areas where preliminary allocations were transferred without permission. Such contracts will be terminated and payments returned according to contract terms.