Before a facility can legally operate, it must obtain numerous permits, authorizations and certificates that vary according to its type of activity. Ranging from the workplace opening and operating permit to the industry registration certificate, and from the EIA decision to the GSM license, this process demands considerable time and expertise, particularly for new investments and capacity expansions. A single missing or incorrect document can delay the permitting process by months. At Proses Consulting, we manage the entire permitting process in an integrated manner, from application preparation through to negotiations with the relevant authorities.
Required Permits and Licenses by Investment Type
| Investment Type | Core Documents | Approval Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Facility (Industrial) | Workplace permit, EIA decision, GSM license, industry registration, discharge permit, stack emission permit | Municipality, Ministry of Environment, OIZ, Provincial Directorates |
| Logistics / Warehouse | Workplace permit, fire safety report, hazardous materials license (if applicable) | Municipality, Fire Department, Ministry |
| Hotel / Accommodation | Operating certificate, tourism operating certificate, GSM license | Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Municipality |
| Healthcare Institution | Activity permit certificate, license, medical waste plan, radiation permit | Ministry of Health, NDK |
| Food Production | Business registration certificate, production permit, water analyses, HACCP | Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |
| Energy Generation | Generation license, EPDK permits, environmental permit, connection agreements | EPDK, TEİAŞ, Ministry of Environment |
EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Process
The EIA Regulation makes the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment report mandatory for investments above a certain capacity. The EIA process consists of three main stages:
- Project Information File (PIF): Prepared for investments on the Annex-II list. The Ministry of Environment issues either an "EIA Required" or "EIA Not Required" decision.
- Full EIA Report: Prepared for large-scale investments on the Annex-I list or for projects given an "EIA Required" decision. It includes field surveys, modeling and a public information meeting.
- Positive / Negative Decision: The Ministry commission reviews the report and issues its final decision. A positive decision is a prerequisite for carrying out the investment.
Typical Process Timelines
- Workplace opening permit (sanitary): 1-2 months
- GSM license (non-sanitary establishment): 2-3 months
- Industry registration certificate: 2-4 weeks
- EIA exemption (Annex-II PIF): 2-3 months
- Full EIA process (Annex-I): 6-12 months
- Environmental permit and license: 3-6 months
- Fire safety report: 1-2 months
The permitting process is not a bureaucratic obstacle but the stage at which the legal security of an investment is built. A missing or delayed permit can result in an activity suspension penalty after production has already begun.
Scope of Our Services
- Workplace opening and operating permit (sanitary, non-sanitary)
- EIA exemption and full EIA report preparation
- Industry registration certificate application
- Environmental permit and license procedures (discharge, emission, hazardous waste)
- Fire safety report and fire department compliance
- Occupancy permit certificate
- Food business registration and approval certificate
- OIZ allocation, site selection and permitting processes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can operations begin without a workplace permit?
No. Operating without a permit leads to administrative fines, activity suspension and, if necessary, sealing of the premises. In the event of occupational accidents occurring at a production facility, operating without a permit is considered an aggravating factor.
- Is the permit renewed if capacity is expanded at an existing facility?
Generally yes. Capacity expansions above a certain ratio require a new EIA process and permit renewal. The threshold ratios are defined in the regulation.
- Is the permitting process different for facilities located within an OIZ?
Yes. Within an OIZ, the workplace permit is issued by the OIZ rather than the municipality. Processes requiring a central competent authority, such as EIA and environmental permits, remain the same.