Tax Incentives Update: Turkey's 30% Cash Rebate Explained
Turkey offers one of the most competitive film incentive programs globally. This comprehensive guide breaks down how international productions can access up to 30% cash rebate on qualifying expenses, with real examples from recent CAVEA FILM projects.
Key Program Highlights
No Content Requirements
No mandatory Turkish content or cultural test required
Fast Processing
45-day average from claim to payment
No Cap
Unlimited rebate amount for qualifying expenses
All Genres
Films, TV series, documentaries, commercials
Transparent Process
Clear guidelines and predictable outcomes
CAVEA Support
100% success rate with our guidance
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Spend
$200,000 USD in TurkeyQualifying Turkish expenses must exceed this threshold
Production Type
Feature films, TV series, documentariesCommercials qualify with minimum $500,000 spend
Turkish Content
No mandatory Turkish contentCultural test available for additional 5% bonus
Company Registration
Local entity or co-productionCAVEA can establish Turkish entity in 48 hours
Completion Timeline
Within 24 months of approvalExtensions available for TV series
Cultural Test Bonus
Productions featuring Turkish culture, history, or locations prominently may qualify for an additional 5% rebate (35% total). CAVEA can help structure your project to maximize incentives.
Qualifying Expenses Breakdown
All expenses incurred in Turkey for goods and services qualify for the 30% rebate. Here's a detailed breakdown by category:
Above-the-Line
30%- Turkish cast and crew salaries
- Turkish director/producer fees
- Script/story rights (if Turkish)
- Turkish talent agency fees
Below-the-Line
30%- Turkish crew wages and fringes
- Equipment rental in Turkey
- Location fees and permits
- Transportation within Turkey
- Accommodation in Turkey
- Catering services
Post-Production
30%- Turkish post facilities
- VFX/CGI work in Turkey
- Sound mixing in Turkey
- Color grading in Turkey
- Music/scoring in Turkey
Other Qualifying
30%- Insurance (Turkish portion)
- Legal/accounting services
- Marketing (if Turkish-focused)
- Distribution (Turkish rights)
💡 CAVEA Pro Tip
Structure your production to maximize Turkish expenses. For example, completing post-production in Istanbul's world-class facilities can significantly increase your rebate while maintaining international standards.
Application Process Timeline
Initial Application
- Submit project synopsis and budget
- Provide production schedule
- Confirm Turkish spend allocation
- CAVEA prepares documentation
Ministry Review
- Culture Ministry evaluation
- Budget verification
- Provisional approval issued
- Incentive agreement signed
Production Monitoring
- Weekly expense reporting
- CAVEA audit preparation
- Documentation collection
- Interim claims (if applicable)
Final Claim
- Submit audited accounts
- Provide completion documents
- Final Ministry review
- Rebate calculation confirmed
Payment
- Treasury approval
- Banking documentation
- Wire transfer initiated
- Funds received
International Comparison
How Turkey's incentive program compares to other popular filming destinations:
| Country | Incentive | Min. Spend | Processing | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey★ | 30% | $200K | 45 days | None |
| Hungary | 30% | €1M | 60 days | EU content test |
| Czech Republic | 20% | €2M | 90 days | Local crew quotas |
| Georgia | 20-25% | $500K | 60 days | Georgian content |
| Greece | 40% | €1.5M | 120 days | Complex requirements |
Turkey's Competitive Advantages
- • Lowest minimum spend requirement in Europe
- • Fastest processing time for rebate payment
- • No content restrictions or mandatory local elements
- • Combined with lower production costs = maximum savings
Recent Success Stories
Real examples from CAVEA FILM productions in 2023-2024:
European TV Series
"The incentive program made Turkey our first choice. CAVEA handled everything seamlessly."
Hollywood Action Film
"Significant savings combined with incredible locations. The rebate process was surprisingly smooth."
Streaming Platform Series
"CAVEA's expertise ensured we maximized our rebate. Will definitely return for Season 2."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can commercials qualify for the incentive?
Yes, commercials qualify with a minimum spend of $500,000 in Turkey. The same 30% rebate applies to all qualifying expenses.
Is there a cap on the rebate amount?
No, Turkey does not cap the rebate amount. Productions have received rebates exceeding $5 million.
Can we claim for pre-production expenses?
Yes, pre-production expenses incurred in Turkey qualify, including location scouting, casting, and pre-visualization.
How long does payment take?
From final claim submission to payment typically takes 45-60 days. CAVEA can arrange bridge financing if needed.
Do we need a Turkish co-producer?
Not necessarily. A Turkish service production company like CAVEA is sufficient to access the incentives.
Ready to Maximize Your Production Incentives?
CAVEA FILM has a 100% success rate in securing incentives for our clients. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on creating.