# Why International Gaming Companies Acquire Turkish Studios: Unlocking UA Campaign Grants, Incentives, and Shelf Company Solutions # Why International Gaming Companies Acquire Turkish Studios: Unlocking UA Campaign Grants, Incentives, and Shelf Company Solutions ## Introduction Turkey’s gaming industry is booming, with its vibrant talent pool, competitive costs, and robust government-backed support programs. Global investors are increasingly seeking ways to enter this ecosystem—not only by building new subsidiaries from scratch but also by **acquiring existing studios** or even leveraging **shelf companies** to fast-track their access to incentives. This article explores how international gaming companies, from Latvia to Germany, can **unlock UA (user acquisition) campaign grants, tax exemptions, and export incentives** by acquiring or establishing presence in Turkey. --- ## Why Turkey Is Attractive for Gaming Investors ### 1\. Talent & Success Stories Turkey has produced global success cases such as **Peak Games** and **Rollic Games**, showing the scalability of local talent. ### 2\. Competitive Operating Costs Lower salaries, rent, and infrastructure costs compared to Western Europe make Turkey a natural choice for expanding studios. ### 3\. Government-Backed Grants * **Up to 50% support** for UA campaigns. * **R&D and export incentives** covering salaries, software, and international marketing. ### 4\. Strategic Location Turkey bridges Europe and the Middle East, both rapidly growing gaming markets. --- ## Government Support & UA Campaign Grants ### UA Campaign Incentives * The Ministry of Trade reimburses up to **50% of digital advertising costs** for mobile games published internationally. * Platforms include Meta, TikTok, Google Ads, and Unity Ads. ### R&D Incentives * TÜBİTAK and Techno-parks offer grants and tax breaks for gaming innovation. ### Export Incentives * Up to **80% corporate tax exemption** on software exports. --- ## Shelf Companies: Fast-Track Access for Foreign Investors Many foreign gaming companies prefer **not to wait several months** for incorporation, membership applications, and incentive eligibility. This is where **shelf companies** become a strategic solution. ### What is a Shelf Company? * A **pre-registered Turkish entity** with no prior operations. * Already compliant with Turkish corporate regulations. * Can be **transferred immediately** to a foreign buyer. ### Why Shelf Companies Matter for Gaming & UA Incentives * **Immediate eligibility** for Ministry of Trade UA campaign supports (once member registration is finalized). * Saves **2–3 months** compared to incorporating a new entity. * Offers a ready-to-use legal structure for acquisitions or joint ventures. ### Example: A Latvian gaming firm acquires a shelf company in Istanbul in **two weeks**, rather than waiting months for a new incorporation. The entity then applies for UA grants, enabling reimbursement of **50% of its ad spend** from Day One of operations. --- ## Acquisition vs. Shelf Company – Which Is Right For You? | Criteria | Studio Acquisition | Shelf Company | | --- | --- | --- | | **Speed** | 3–6 months (due diligence, SPA, integration) | 2–4 weeks | | **Access to Grants** | Immediate (if studio is already registered) | Immediate (post-registration) | | **Talent Access** | Existing team included | Team must be hired | | **Risk Level** | Higher (tax, employment liabilities) | Lower (clean history, no operations) | | **Best For** | Long-term integration | Quick market entry & UA campaigns | --- ## Legal & Tax Considerations * **100% foreign ownership** is allowed. * Due diligence is critical for acquisitions (tax liabilities, MASAK compliance). * Shelf companies reduce these risks, as they are “clean” entities. * Tax treaties (e.g., Turkey–Latvia DTT) ensure dividend repatriation without double taxation. --- ## Step-by-Step Guide 1. Decide on **acquisition vs. shelf company** strategy. 2. Conduct due diligence or arrange transfer of the shelf entity. 3. Register with the **Service Exporters Association (HİB)**. 4. Apply for **UA campaign grants** and other incentives. 5. Integrate your global publishing and UA strategy with the Turkish entity. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I buy a Turkish gaming company as a foreigner? Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted. ### What is the advantage of a shelf company? It saves time and offers a clean structure for accessing incentives immediately. ### How much UA support can I receive? Up to **50% of UA campaign costs**, with annual ceilings depending on export turnover. ### Is due diligence necessary for a shelf company? Much less so, since shelf companies have no past operations. --- ## Conclusion For international gaming companies, Turkey offers **unmatched growth opportunities** supported by government-backed grants. Whether through **acquisition of a small studio** or the **purchase of a shelf company**, foreign investors can: * Access UA campaign incentives faster. * Reduce tax liabilities. * Establish a strategic base in one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets. --- ## Reach us Are you exploring **acquisitions or shelf companies** to unlock Turkish gaming incentives? ✅ **Book a Consultation with Evren Özmen – CPA & International Tax Advisor** We provide: * Shelf company transfers * Full due diligence for acquisitions * UA grant application support * Cross-border tax structuring ### 👉 Contact us today and secure your position in Turkey’s booming gaming ecosystem. info@ozmconsultancy.com ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1758553962182/4da62e15-f707-4aa3-a778-a06e991af416.png align="center")