Open a HORECA Company in Turkey

Foreign investors who want to explore the tourism industry in Turkey have several options in terms of starting a business. Among these, the HORECA sector is one of the most profitable. HORECA means hotel-restaurant-café, so any of these business ideas could prove very good if set up in one of the Turkish regions known as touristic destinations.

If you want to open a HORECA business in Turkey, you will need to comply with several regulations applicable in this sector. Our law firm in Turkey can explain the laws a HORECA company must respect in this country.

Registering a HORECA business in Turkey

The registration of a HORECA company must be completed with the Trade Registrar where all the details of the company’s shareholders and managers must be filed. Also, the company must have a unique name under which it will operate. It is also advisable to request the services of a lawyer in Turkey who can assist with the incorporation process of a HORECA business.

Once the company registration steps are completed, the licensing process will begin. This implies applying for various licenses depending on the activities of the company.

Licenses for HORECA companies in Turkey

HORECA companies are part of the tourism industry which is why a tourism operator license must be obtained when setting up this type of company in Turkey. This license is issued by the Ministry for Culture and Tourism in the country.

If the Turkish HORECA company will host a restaurant, a food license must be obtained by respecting the provisions of the following laws:

• -          the Law on Veterinary Services, Plant Health Food and Feed;
• -          the Food Codex related to the labeling and consumer regulations;
• -          the Food Codex related to the health declaration regulation.

It should be noted that the last two laws were amended at the beginning of 2017.

The HORECA company will also be required to undergo an inspection from the local veterinary services. Other special licenses could be required depending on the provenience of the ingredients used to prepare the food.

If you want to open a HORECA business and need more information on the licensing requirements, please feel free to contact us. You can also rely on our Turkish lawyers for assistance in registering the company with the authorities.