FAQ
Doing Business in Turkey: FAQ for Japanese Companies
Japanese companies usually start in Turkey by meeting pre-qualified importers, distributors or industrial partners, then selling through a local partner before considering their own entity. Check tariffs and the status of Japan–Turkey trade negotiations with official sources, prepare English materials, and plan meetings around the 6-hour time difference.
Written by Barış Yaşbala, Founder, Multiligo
Last updated
How do Japanese companies find partners in Turkey?
By combining market information from bodies such as JETRO with company-level research, pre-qualification and meetings run by a local partner.
Multiligo’s Turkey market entry page for Japanese companies explains how we work. Japanese overseas expansion consultants can work with us through the Partner Program.
Is there a trade agreement between Japan and Turkey?
Not yet in force. Japan and Turkey are negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement, which both Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkey’s Ministry of Trade list as under negotiation. Check your product’s current tariff with the Turkish Ministry of Trade or JETRO.
Turkey also has a Customs Union with the EU for industrial goods, which affects technical standards. If you produce in the EU, origin rules may differ from shipping directly from Japan.
How do meetings with Turkish companies usually work?
Turkish companies often move quickly to commercial topics and value a direct relationship with decision-makers; written follow-up keeps both sides aligned.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Trade volume | Turkey imported USD 5.03 billion from Japan in 2025, mainly machinery and equipment, chemicals, automotive products and iron and steel (Turkish MFA) |
| Time difference | Japan is 6 hours ahead of Turkey (UTC+3 all year) |
| Language | Turkish is the business language; English is common in companies that trade internationally; interpretation is advisable |
| Materials | English catalogue, specifications and indicative pricing |
| Decision-making | Owners and senior managers are often directly involved in partner decisions |
| Follow-up | Send written minutes and next steps after each meeting |
What payment terms are common?
Terms are negotiated case by case. Letters of credit, advance payment and open account with credit insurance are all used; agree Incoterms explicitly.
Multiligo’s sister company İnovakademi provides foreign trade training and consulting on letters of credit and Incoterms. The ICC publishes the official Incoterms rules.
Do Japanese companies need to set up a company in Turkey?
Not to start. Most begin with an importer or distributor; a liaison office, branch or subsidiary can follow once demand is proven.
Company formation, tax and regulatory questions are referred to specialists in Multiligo’s partner network. Invest in Türkiye publishes official guidance for foreign investors.
Do Japanese business travellers need a visa for Turkey?
Visa rules change, so check the current requirements for your passport and purpose of travel on the official websites of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the e-Visa system before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Which sectors are relevant for Japanese companies in Turkey?
We most often explore machinery and industrial equipment, construction and building technology, food and beverage, and automotive components and electronics. See the Japan page.
Can meetings start online?
Yes. Many Japanese companies hold first meetings online and visit Turkey for the shortlist.
Can a local partner attend meetings on our behalf?
A partner like Multiligo can attend with you, coordinate interpretation and write debriefs; for decisions, Turkish companies usually expect to speak with your team directly.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: EPA/FTA status
- Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Türkiye–Japan economic and trade relations
- JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade: free trade agreements
- Invest in Türkiye: Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
- Invest in Türkiye: setting up a business
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa (official)
- International Chamber of Commerce: Incoterms rules
- European Commission: EU trade relations with Türkiye
Enter Turkey
Tell us about your product and the partners you are looking for. We will reply by email.
Written by Barış Yaşbala, Founder, Multiligo
Last updated