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Istanbul Financial Center

Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) rises where the continents meet. The historic city of Istanbul presents new opportunities for finance professionals from all around the world. Situated at the heart of one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world, IFC brings together leading domestic and international financial institutions and businesses in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built financial district. IFC is shaping the future of international finance with a regulatory landscape that meets global standards and an environment primed for investment and growth, positioning itself as an influential financial hub that provides investors with access to unique and untapped growth opportunities.
https://www.ifm.gov.tr/

What is the Istanbul Financial Center?

Established to provide an efficient financial services ecosystem, the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) aims to deliver growth to the Turkish economy and international investors by becoming a regional center in the short term and a global center in the medium term. IFC will bring together public and private sector banks, asset management companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, professional service companies along with Turkish and international financial institutions. The IFC project, which will become a hub for close co-operation with Turkish and international businesses and investors, includes the offices of the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT), Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA), Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB), Borsa Istanbul, Türkiye Sigorta, Ziraat Bank, Halkbank, Vakıfbank and İŞ REIC.

The IFC will include 1.3 million m2 of office space, a 100,000 m2 shopping mall, a congress center (with the capacity to hold up to 2,100 people), a 30,000 m2 5-star hotel, a car park (with capacity for 26,000 vehicles), all created within a ‘smart city’ model.

The IFC will host up to 50,000 employees daily, offering a state of the art working environment, as well as green space and leisure facilities that will help to support work/life balance and wellbeing for all visitors. As the IFC was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, all offices are equipped with windows that can open and UV-filtered ventilation systems to ensure that all employees can work in a safe environment.

Factos

Strategic Location & Lifestyle

Positioned at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, IFC offers direct access to major financial centers, trade routes, and international business hubs. Istanbul’s dynamic cultural and economic landscape further enhances its appeal, providing professionals with a high quality of life, world-class dining, and a rich historical backdrop. Türkiye’s growing economy continues to drive increasing demand for financial services. Istanbul was the second most visited city in the world in 2024, welcoming 23 million international visitors. The city also ranks 8th globally in the Safe Cities Index among metropolitan areas with over 10 million people. Additionally, it is ranked 9th best European city based on criteria of livability, lovability, and prosperity. Furthermore, Türkiye’s strategic location provides proximity to major markets, with a 4-hour flight radius granting access to 1.3 billion people and a $30 trillion economy. Istanbul also benefits from Turkish Airlines’ extensive global reach, offering connectivity to 349 destinations in 130 countries.
Business & Investment Climate

Türkiye’s strategic financial vision is embedded in IFC’s business environment, offering attractive investment incentives, a simplified licensing process, and tax advantages for financial institutions. The center also serves as a collaborative hub, bringing together financial institutions, fintech startups, and regulators to drive innovation and economic growth. Türkiye boasts the youngest workforce in Europe, providing businesses with access to a dynamic talent pool that fuels creativity and competitiveness. Türkiye has attracted $262 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2003 and 2023, further cementing its role as a major financial hub. Additionally, Türkiye’s extensive trade network grants access to 1 billion consumers, including 488 million via Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 449 million in the EU. The IFC ecosystem also supports sustainable finance initiatives and Islamic finance,
reinforcing Türkiye’s role as a diverse financial marketplace.
Properties & Facilities

As one of the most advanced financial districts, IFC features 21 world-class office buildings equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies to meet the evolving needs of the financial sector. The district is designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind, ensuring businesses benefit from cutting-edge facilities while minimizing their environmental footprint. The center includes 1.4 million square meters of leasable office space, a luxury shopping mall, a five-star hotel, an academy center and, congress and performance center. Designed as a fully integrated financial ecosystem, IFC provides a work-live-play environment, making it an attractive hub for global financial professionals.
Tax Incentives and Operational Advantages

IFC provides a robust regulatory environment aligned with global financial markets, supporting a range of financial services from banking and asset management to capital markets. The framework is designed to facilitate seamless transactions, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure compliance with international best practices. With strong governance and risk management mechanisms in place, IFC offers a secure and predictable business landscape for financial institutions worldwide.


Tax Incentives

  • Corporate Tax Incentives: 100% corporate tax deduction on financial service export income for institutions operating within IFC.
  • Income Tax Exemption for Employees: 60% income tax exemption for employees with five years of international experience, increasing to 80% for those with ten years.
  • Exemptions for Financial Obligations: 100% exemption from BSMV (Bank and Insurance Transactions Tax) for financial service export transactions.
  • Stamp Tax & Fee Exemptions: All financial service export transactions and leasing agreements within IFC are fully exempt from stamp duty and associated fees.
  • Corporate Tax Exemptions for Transnational Trade: 50% tax exemption on income from international trading activities conducted through IFC.

 

Operational Benefits

IFC offers a range of operational advantages designed to facilitate ease of doing business for financial institutions.

  • One-Stop Bureau: A centralized administrative hub for permits, licenses, and approvals, ensuring a seamless business setup.
  • Foreign Currency Accounting: Financial institutions can maintain records in foreign currencies for enhanced flexibility.
  • Legal Flexibility: Parties can select applicable private law for transactions within IFC, creating a business-friendly regulatory environment.
  • Simplified Work Permits: Companies can easily employ foreign professionals through Türkiye’s exceptional work permit system.

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Why IFC?

  • A globally integrated financial ecosystem with regulatory excellence.
  • State-of-the-art infrastructure designed for top-tier financial institutions.
  • Strategic location providing direct access to markets across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  • A vibrant fintech and innovation-driven environment.
  • Effortless business setup, licensing, and incentive programs.
  • A skilled and youthful workforce, with Türkiye ranking as the 2nd largest labor force in Europe, consisting of 34.3 million people, with 20% of them located in Istanbul, and hosting Europe's youngest talent pool.
  • Strong economic fundamentals, with a 5.1% annual GDP growth rate and a 5.4% CAGR between 2003-2023.
  • Istanbul's economic significance, contributing 30% of Türkiye’s total GDP through its business and financial activities.
  • Türkiye's position in global trade, ranking 2nd in the Economic Complexity Index in the MENA region.
  • Strong foreign investment appeal, attracting $262 billion in FDI between 2003 and 2023.
  • Global connectivity, with Istanbul serving as a key aviation hub, offering access to 349 destinations in 130 countries via Turkish Airlines.
  • Quality of life and security, with Istanbul ranked 8th globally in the Safe Cities Index and 9th best European city based on livability, lovability, and prosperity.

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