Offering 12 years of social security support and maximum tax benefits, the 6th region remains the most lucrative destination for labor-intensive industries in 2026.
Türkiye’s regional investment incentive system is a sophisticated tool designed to balance domestic development while providing unparalleled advantages to international capital. The system divides the country into six regions based on their level of economic development, with the 6th Region (comprising provinces in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia) offering the most aggressive support package available in the country. For labor-intensive manufacturing and heavy industries, the 6th Region has become a strategic haven in 2026, combining a young demographic with a near-zero operational tax burden.
The centerpiece of the 6th Region’s appeal is the Social Security Premium Support (SSPS). While investments in the developed 1st Region (like Istanbul) receive no such support, companies in the 6th Region enjoy 12 years of SSPS for the employer’s share and 10 years of support for the employee’s share. In a sector like textiles or automotive parts manufacturing, where labor costs can account for 30-40% of operational expenses, this 100% coverage by the state effectively slashes the cost of human capital, providing a massive competitive edge in the global market.
Fiscal advantages in the 6th Region are equally profound. The Investment Contribution Rate (ICR) is set at 50%, with a tax reduction rate of 90%. This means that for every dollar invested, the company can avoid 50 cents of future corporate tax, paying almost no tax for the first decade of operation. Furthermore, the Interest or Profit Share Support in the 6th Region is significantly higher than in other zones, providing a subsidy for investment loans that helps lower the cost of financing in a high-interest global environment.
With massive investments in the Development Road Project and improved rail-to-port connectivity, the 6th Region is no longer a “remote” production site. Cities like Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, and Mardin are now integrated into the global supply chain, serving as high-capacity production bases for firms looking to leverage Türkiye’s demographic dividend. For global sourcing professionals, “Made in the 6th Region” represents a product that benefits from the lowest possible manufacturing costs in the EMEA region without compromising on the quality and standards associated with Turkish manufacturing.
Citations & Sources:
- Official Map: Ministry of Industry and Technology – Regional Incentive Map
- Legal Update: Nazali Gündem – Decree No. 9903 on State Aids in Investments
- Investment Guide: Invest in Türkiye – Regional Incentives
