Set Up a Company in the Forestry Sector in Turkey

The large land plots covered by woods in Turkey have attracted a great number of investors during the years. In order to provide a legal framework for those operating in the forestry industry, the government has issued the Forestry Law in 1956. Also known as Law No. 6831, this was amended in 1987 when new articles were added.

Foreign investors interested in exploring the forestry sector in Turkey must take into account the following:

• -          there are three types of forest ownership acknowledged in Turkey;
• -          all forests fall into the administration of the General Directorate of Forestry;
• -          there are several types of activities which can be carried out by forestry companies in Turkey.

Our Turkish lawyers can offer information on the legislation governing forestry activities.

Requirements to open a company in forestry in Turkey

Opening a business in the Turkish forestry sector is no different from starting any other type of agricultural company. Both local and foreign investors must first register one of the available types of structures with the Companies Registrar followed by choosing whether they want to buy their own forests to exploit or carry out their activities in a state-owned woodland.

Our law firm in Turkey can assist with the company registration procedure of a forestry business.

Licenses for forestry companies in Turkey

Once the Turkish company is registered, it must apply for a license for the exploitation of the forest with the General Directorate of Forestry. The license will grant them the right to plant and cut trees and also to build factories in which the timber is processed. It should be noted that the sale of timber coming from state-owned forests may be sold only by auction.

Private companies may also set up various facilities in state-owned forests provided that these facilities are exploited for the benefit of the public. The license for building such structures is issued by the Ministry of Forestry and has a 49-year validity period.

For full information on the licensing requirements imposed by the Ministry of Forestry, please contact us. Out attorneys in Turkey can also assist foreign investors who want to open companies in the forestry industry to register their businesses with the Trade Register.