TURQUALITY & Brand Support Program 2026 Guide Prerequisites & Process

TURQUALITY & Brand Support Program 2026 Guide: Prerequisites & Process

TURQUALITY® is not merely a “grant program”; it is the world’s first and only state-sponsored branding program designed to transform Turkish companies into global corporate players. Administered by the Ministry of Trade, acceptance into this program is a significant mark of prestige beyond financial support. The structure consists of two stages: the “Brand Support Program” (Preparatory League) and the “TURQUALITY® Program” (Champions League). Heading into 2026, due to increasing competition and stricter audits, the application process must be managed with the precision of a tax audit.

Program Structure: Brand Support vs. TURQUALITY®

CriterionBrand Support Program (Preparatory)TURQUALITY® Program (Champions League)
ObjectiveTo prepare companies with branding potential.To support companies with proven global brand potential.
Support Duration4 Years5 Years (+5 Years based on performance)
Support Rate50%50%
Support LimitsSubject to specific annual capsMuch higher, some categories are “unlimited”*

*Limits are updated annually based on revaluation rates or Presidential Decree.


1. Critical Prerequisites (The Entry Ticket)

To apply, merely “exporting” is insufficient. The company must possess a certain level of financial and legal maturity.

A) Trademark Registration Requirement

The brand being applied for MUST be registered in Türkiye AND must be registered (or have a pending application via Madrid Protocol or direct application) in at least one of the target markets [Ref: Communiqué No. 2006/4].

B) Export and Financial Performance

The Ministry examines the company’s last 3 years of financial data (balance sheet, income statement) and export performance. While no official minimum floor is published, in practice, a substantial annual export volume (varying by sector) and sustainable profitability are de facto requirements to pass the preliminary review. Companies that are technically insolvent or have poor financial ratios have little chance.

2. The Application Process and The Audit

The process begins with a preliminary application via the DYS (Support Management System). If the Ministry’s preliminary review is positive, your company will undergo an on-site audit by one of the world’s leading independent audit firms (e.g., Big4).

Management Consultancy Firm Review

This is the most critical juncture. Auditors score your company not just financially, but across 10 different areas (Strategic Planning, HR, Supply Chain, IT Infrastructure, Brand Management, etc.).

📌 Practice & Additional Info: Getting a passing grade on the audit (typically 50-80/100 for Brand Support, 80+ for TURQUALITY) is the key to acceptance. Many companies engage “TURQUALITY Pre-Preparation Consultancy” 6-12 months before this audit to close corporate gaps.

3. The Mandatory Strategic Business Plan

For accepted companies, the process doesn’t end; it begins. The most crucial step post-acceptance is submitting a comprehensive “Strategic Business Plan” (SBP) to the Ministry covering the next 5 years. You must commit to which markets you will enter, how much you will spend, and what the export contribution of this expenditure will be. Support payments are made only for expenditures aligned with this plan.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does TURQUALITY support last?

The Brand Support Program lasts for 4 years. The TURQUALITY Program is initially for 5 years. If successful in the performance audit at the end of the 5th year (meeting targets, maintaining corporate level), it can be extended for another 5 years, totaling up to 10 years.

Can service sector companies apply?

Yes. There is separate TURQUALITY legislation (Decree No. 2564) for companies engaged in foreign currency-earning service trades such as software, health tourism, education, accommodation, gastronomy, and logistics. The process is similar, but limits may differ.

Is it mandatory to work with a consultant for the application?

There is no legal obligation; a company can manage the process internally. However, due to the complexity of the audit process and the required level of corporate maturity, obtaining professional management consultancy significantly increases the chances of success.


Professional Support

The TURQUALITY process is a comprehensive corporate transformation project, far beyond a standard incentive application. For strategic management of the process, from prerequisite analysis to audit preparation, you can rely on the expertise of Vergi Merkezi.

📍 Service Areas: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and throughout Turkey.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: TURQUALITY legislation (Communiqués, Decrees, and Circulars) is frequently updated. This content is based on end-of-2025 projections. Current Ministry of Trade legislation should be consulted before applying.


📚 References

  1. Ministry of Trade
    • Subject: Communiqué No. 2006/4 on Branding of Turkish Products Abroad
    • Subject: Decree No. 2564 on Branding of Foreign Currency Earning Service Sectors

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