Free zones in Turkey are established to promote production and investment and export, to enhance foreign direct investments and to improve international trade. Currently, there are 18 active free zones operating within the borders of Turkey.

Free zones are established in accordance with the Law of Free Zones and Regulation on Implementation of Free Zones. Accordingly, the Council of Ministers is authorised to determine the locations and boundaries of free zones as well as giving permission to the public institutions and organizations, local - foreign real or legal persons to establish and operate in the free zones.

The main internal legislation governing Turkish free zones is the Regulation on Implementation of Free Zones.

In addition, the General Directorate of Free Zones, Overseas Investment and Services which is a department of Ministry of Economy is authorised to publish circular in order to regulate free zones.