Chinese Mobile Game Studios: Turkey Relocation Guide 2026

Turkey has quietly become one of the most attractive international growth hubs for Chinese game studios in 2026. Under the new framework established by Presidential Decree No. 10962 (published 27 February 2026), studios can now access up to 50% reimbursement on user acquisition spend, annual brand-level support of up to 500 million TL, and a streamlined application process consolidated under a single policy architecture.

This guide outlines the relocation pathway for Chinese game studios based in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, or Singapore seeking to enter Turkey. Its purpose is to clarify the structural decisions that must be made correctly from day one, so the process proceeds smoothly and the studio captures the full value of Turkey’s 2026 incentive environment.

1. Turkey’s Gaming Ecosystem for Chinese Game Studios in Numbers

Turkey’s gaming sector has evolved into a global center of gravity over the last five years, making it a natural destination for Chinese game studios seeking Turkey as their international growth hub. Dream Games reaching a USD 5 billion valuation, Peak Games’ USD 1.8 billion acquisition by Zynga, and partnerships formed by international publishers including Tencent are concrete indicators of this transformation.

Sources: IMARC Group 2025 Turkey Gaming Market Report, Tracxn January 2026, Prism News March 2026.

2. Choosing the Right Entity Structure

Branch is not eligible for incentives; Ltd. Şti. is the recommended structure for most Chinese studios

The fundamental prerequisite for full access to Turkey’s incentive system is holding a legal entity that is registered in Turkey and whose operations originated in Turkey. For this reason, opening a branch of an existing Chinese, Hong Kong, or Singapore-based company in Turkey is not sufficient — a branch does not qualify for incentive programs.

The recommended structure is establishing a new limited liability company (Ltd. Şti.) in Turkey. A limited liability company can be incorporated within 5-10 business days with a minimum capital of 50,000 TL, allows 100% foreign ownership, and qualifies for all incentive programs. For studios planning investment rounds or starting at a larger scale, a joint-stock company (A.Ş., minimum capital 250,000 TL) can be considered as an alternative.

3. Critical Considerations for Chinese Game Studios in Turkey

3.1 Capital Transfer

Because direct capital transfers from mainland China to Turkey can take time due to PBOC capital controls, most Chinese founders route capital through existing Hong Kong or Singapore holding structures. Both routes are fully compliant with Turkish regulations, and process management is handled by Protesvik’s business partner network.

3.2 Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account for a foreign-owned company in Turkey requires specific documentation standards: apostilled founder identification, documents evidencing the source of capital, and proof of company headquarters address. We manage the entire process remotely — from document preparation through bank communication.

3.3 Data Governance and KVKK Compliance

Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) is a critical consideration for mobile game studios:

• Explicit consent or VERBİS undertaking is required for cross-border data transfer
• Additional protection measures apply for games targeting minors
• Data transfers to mainland China require specific additional commitments

KVKK compliance is a technical matter handled through Protesvik’s legal and technical advisory network.

3.4 Personnel and Operating Language

The working language of Turkey’s technical talent pool is predominantly Turkish and English. Chinese founders typically manage their development teams in English while delegating Turkey-side legal and government processes to a local consulting partner. This model removes the operational requirement for the founder team’s physical presence in Turkey.

4. 12-Month Roadmap for Chinese Game Studios in Turkey

Month 1-2: Company Setup and Accounting Infrastructure

At this stage, Protesvik provides end-to-end service under a single-point engagement model: from holding structure analysis to Ltd. Şti. registration in Turkey, from tax office and social security registrations to establishing banking relationships — all processes run in parallel. Thanks to our integrated operating model, the accounting system is also configured from day one to align with incentive application requirements, which becomes a critical advantage later.

Month 3-4: Operational Preparation

• Personnel hiring and employment processes (local payroll and social security integration)
• Cloud infrastructure and office setup (physical or virtual office option)
• KVKK compliance work (VERBİS registration, privacy notices, consent management)
• Optional: Technopark placement evaluation (for additional tax benefits — not mandatory)

Month 5-6: First Incentive Applications

• Service Sectors Takeoff Program application (via DYS portal)
• Issuing first export invoices (App Store, Google Play revenue distributions)
• R&D center eligibility pre-assessment (if targeting 15+ personnel)

Month 7-12: Reimbursements and Scaling

• Preparation of first support files and monthly application management
• Receipt of first payments under the Takeoff Program (typically month 6-8)
• E-TURQUALITY application preparation (year 2 target)
• Fast-growth exception assessment (if the USD 10M export threshold is exceeded)

5. Sample Calculation for a Chinese Game Studio in Turkey

Hypothetical Singapore-based Chinese studio: ~USD 1.6M annual benefit (32% of revenue) under Decree 10962

The following hypothetical scenario illustrates the unit-economic impact of Decree 10962. Profile: a Singapore-based, Chinese-founded independent mobile game studio with USD 5 million annual revenue, USD 2 million annual UA spend, 12 developers, and 5 support staff.

Note: Figures represent an optimal scenario under the 2026 framework. Actual benefits vary depending on studio profile, Technopark placement, and E-TURQUALITY status.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reside in Turkey to establish a company there?

No. There is no residency requirement in Turkey. The incorporation process can be managed remotely.

Can I receive incentives in the first year?

Yes. The 1-year operational requirement was removed under the 2026 framework. A newly incorporated company can apply to the Service Sectors Takeoff Program from the month of its first export invoice.

Can I relocate my existing company to Turkey?

A legal entity cannot be physically relocated. However, you can make your existing Chinese, Hong Kong, or Singapore company a 100% shareholder of a Turkish Ltd. Şti. and transfer operations and intellectual property to Turkey. This process involves transfer pricing considerations and should be managed under expert advisory.

Do I have to establish my studio inside a Technopark?

No. Technopark placement is an option, not a requirement. It offers additional benefits such as 100% corporate tax exemption and developer income-tax stoppage, but it is not mandatory. We can evaluate this decision together based on your studio’s profile.

7. Protesvik: Your Turkey Partner for Chinese Studios

Protesvik is a management consulting firm providing end-to-end advisory for Chinese game studios and other foreign IT companies entering the Turkey market. We manage company setup, accounting, tax, legal compliance, and state incentive applications under a single-point engagement model. Our integrated service eliminates the typical coordination complexity Chinese studios face, removing the need for founders to search for separate local experts on the Turkey side.

We tailor the incentive ecosystem established by Decree 10962 to the specific profile of each studio. Which programs to use in which sequence, whether Technopark placement is beneficial, and when to target E-TURQUALITY transition — these decisions are shaped together with your company’s growth strategy.