KOSGEB rent support is an incentive offered to entrepreneurs who are starting a new business or seeking to expand an existing enterprise. KOSGEB, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey, provides not only training and consultancy but also financial contributions to entrepreneurs. Among the supports, assistance for rent expenses—one of the largest cost items during business setup—is particularly important.
The support program is designed to give entrepreneurs some breathing room in the initial stages. A portion of the rent for the premises used by the business is covered by KOSGEB. However, certain conditions must be met to benefit from the support. The application process, document preparation, eligibility criteria and payment stages require careful planning. We will examine the scope of KOSGEB rent support, who can benefit from it, and how to apply.
What Is KOSGEB Rent Support?
KOSGEB rent support is a financial aid aimed at contributing to the rent expenses of entrepreneurs who have newly established a business. The support provides a significant relief for entrepreneurs who struggle to generate income in their first years. Its purpose is to enable entrepreneurs to focus on their business and prevent financial difficulties caused by fixed expenses such as rent.
What Does the Rent Support Cover?
- Actual rent payments: KOSGEB covers a portion of the rent paid, provided the entrepreneur can document that rent has been paid.
- Business premises rent expenses: The support covers rent payments only for the location where the business operates. Home-based businesses or shared/virtual offices are not included.
- Support duration: Rent support is generally provided for 12 months. In some programs this period may be extended.
How Much Is the Support?
The amount of support varies depending on the program the entrepreneur is enrolled in. For example:
- Under Traditional Entrepreneur Support, rent support up to 10,000 TRY may be provided.
- Under Advanced Entrepreneur Support, the amount can reach up to 20,000 TRY.
Points to Consider About KOSGEB Rent Support
- Invoice and lease agreement are mandatory. To receive support, the business must provide the rental agreement and monthly paid invoices.
- Rent payments must be made through the bank. Cash payments may not be eligible.
- The business address and the information on the lease agreement must match the tax plate and trade registry records.
What Are the Conditions for KOSGEB Rent Support?
Entrepreneurs who want to benefit from KOSGEB rent support must meet certain conditions. These requirements are set to ensure the application process proceeds correctly and that public funds reach those who genuinely need support. Therefore, all criteria should be carefully reviewed and necessary documents prepared completely before applying.
General Conditions for KOSGEB Rent Support
1- Registered in KOSGEB Database
- The business must be registered in KOSGEB’s database and its activity code (NACE code) must fall within supported sectors.
2- Complete Entrepreneurship Training (via e-Government)
- The entrepreneur must have completed either Traditional or Advanced Entrepreneurship Training.
- This training is free and can be completed online.
3- Newly Established Business
- The business applying for support is generally required to have been established within the last one year.
- Older businesses may fall outside the scope of support.
4- Valid Lease Agreement and Invoice
- There must be a valid lease agreement for the business premises.
- Payments must have been made through the bank and be documented.
5- Tax Plate and Trade Registry Must Match
- The address on the lease agreement must match the address on the tax plate and registry records.
6- Regular Business Activity
- The business should be actively operating, able to issue invoices and generate income, as verifiable by the system.
Are There Additional Conditions?
Yes. At times, priority and extra points may be given to groups such as women entrepreneurs, people with disabilities, or relatives of martyrs and veterans. Local KOSGEB offices may also apply minor variations to eligibility rules depending on the province.
How to Apply for KOSGEB Rent Support?
Applying for KOSGEB rent support is a digital process that can be followed step by step. Before applying, all business documents should be ready and the entrepreneur should follow the necessary steps through their e-Government account. Seeking assistance from KOSGEB provincial directorates after applying can also simplify the process.
Application Process Step by Step
1- Complete Entrepreneurship Training
- If not already completed, finish the Entrepreneurship Training via e-Government.
- After the training, the system will automatically register your completion.
2- Register in KOSGEB Database
- Access KOSGEB’s official registration portal and enter your business information under “Business Registration.”
- Complete the registration to proceed with your application.
3- Apply to the Support Program
- From the “Supports” menu, choose either Traditional Entrepreneur Support or Advanced Entrepreneur Support.
- Fill out the online application form.
4- Indicate Rent Support Request
- Tick the box that indicates you want rent support on the form.
- Upload the lease agreement and bank receipts for rent payments in this section.
5- Attach Your Documents
- Lease agreement
- Rent payment receipts (bank transaction documents)
- Tax plate
- Activity certificate
- Trade registry gazette
6- Wait for KOSGEB Approval
- Documents are reviewed. If there are no omissions, the application is typically processed within a few weeks.
- If approved, the non-refundable rent support is transferred to your bank account.
Important Points for the Application
- The lease agreement must be in the name of the business.
- Address mismatches can lead to rejection.
- Handwritten or incomplete documents are not accepted.
- If the business property deed is in your name, you are not eligible for rent support.