Leasing Land or Facilities

Leasing land or facilities within the Mersin Free Zone involves a structured process to ensure compliance with regulations and to meet the specific needs of businesses. Here's a detailed guide:

Identifying Suitable Space
Based on the 2024 Free Zone Rental Tariff for Mersin Free Zone, here is the updated list of available spaces:
Types of Available Spaces in Mersin Free Zone
1. Open Land
  - Description: Suitable for investors planning to construct their own facilities.
  - Rental Rate: 3.20 $/m²/year
  - Deposit Requirement: Investors must pay a deposit equal to ¼ of the annual rent upon contract signing.
2. Stock Storage Area
  - General Cargo & Wheeled Vehicles: 3.00 $/m²/month
  - Open Stock Area (as per 1994/6 Circular): Up to 12.00 $/m²/year depending on the nature of the area.
3. Cold Storage Warehouses
  - 0–500 m²: 37.40 $/m²/month
  - 500–1,000 m²: 35.20 $/m²/month
  - 1,000–1,500 m²: 33.00 $/m²/month
  - 1,500–2,000 m²: 30.80 $/m²/month
  - 2,000+ m²: 28.60 $/m²/month
4. Tank Farms (Liquid Storage)
  - 0–500 tons: 22.00 $/ton/month
  - 500–1,000 tons: 19.80 $/ton/month
  - 1,000–1,500 tons: 17.60 $/ton/month
  - 1,000–1,500 tons: 17.60 $/ton/month
  - 1,500–2,000 tons: 15.40 $/ton/month
  - 2,000+ tons: 13.20 $/ton/month
5. Standard Buildings & General Cargo Warehouses
  - 0–999 m²: 5.50 $/m²/month
  - 1,000–1,999 m²: 5.28 $/m²/month
  - 2,000–2,999 m²: 5.06 $/m²/month
  - 3,000+ m²: 4.84 $/m²/month
  Note: Specialized warehouses equipped with cranes, elevators, insulated panels, specialized loading doors, etc., may have rents increased by up to 10%.
6. Offices
  - Furnished Offices: 11.00 $/m²/month
  - Unfurnished Offices: 6.60 $/m²/month
Engaging with MESBAŞ (Mersin Free Zone Founder and Operator Inc.)
1. Initial Consultation:
  - Contact MESBAŞ: Reach out to MESBAŞ to discuss your specific requirements and to gather detailed information on available spaces and upcoming developments.
  - Address: Karaduvar Mahallesi Serbest Bölge Meydanı No:1, 33020 Akdeniz, Mersin, Turkey
  - Phone: +90 (324) 238 74 00
  - Fax: +90 (324) 238 74 10
  - Email: [email protected]
  - Website: mesbas.com.tr
2. Site Visits:
  - Arrange Visits: Coordinate with MESBAŞ to schedule site visits to potential locations within the Free Zone.
  - Assess Suitability: During the visits, evaluate factors such as infrastructure, accessibility, and proximity to other facilities to ensure the space aligns with your business needs.
Application Process
1. Submit Application for Operating License
  - Complete the Faaliyet Ruhsatı Müracaat Formu (Operating License Application Form).
  - Pay the $5,000 USD license fee to the Central Bank of Turkey (CBRT).
  - Submit the application form, payment receipt, and required supporting documents to the Mersin Free Zone Directorate.
2. Approval from the General Directorate
  - The General Directorate of Free Zones (Ministry of Trade) reviews the application
  - If approved, the General Directorate issues an official approval letter.
  - From the date of this letter, the company has 30 days to complete the lease agreement.
Lease Agreement
1. Signing the Lease Agreement
  - Within 30 days of approval, the company must sign a lease agreement with MESBAŞ (Mersin Free Zone Founder and Operator Inc.).
  - This agreement covers open land, warehouses, or office spaces needed for business operations.
  - If the lease agreement is not signed within 30 days, the Operating License approval is revoked.
2. Approval of Lease Agreement
  - The signed lease agreement must be submitted to the Mersin Free Zone Directorate for official approval.
  - Once approved, a copy is sent to the General Directorate in Ankara for final verification.
Contractual Terms:
- Duration: Lease terms vary; negotiate a period that aligns with your business plan.
- Renewal Options: Discuss the possibility of renewal or lease extension.
- Financial Obligations:
  - Rental Rate (2025): $3.20 per m²/year for open areas designated for investment.
  - Payment Terms: Review payment schedules and associated fees.
Compliance and Regulations:
- Ensure adherence to Free Zone regulations, including construction standards and environmental guidelines.
Post-Lease Procedures
1. Land Handover and Initial Site Preparation
  - Upon lease agreement approval, the company takes possession of the land from MESBAŞ.
  - Conduct site surveying and obtain a Zemin Etüdü Geoteknik Raporu (Soil Study & Geotechnical Report).
2. Construction & Setup (if applicable)
  - Submit architectural and construction plans for approval by the Mersin Free Zone Directorate.
  - Begin construction after obtaining necessary approvals and comply with Free Zone building regulations.
  - Upon completion, obtain an İskan Ruhsatı (Occupancy Permit) from the Mersin Free Zone Directorate.
3. Register the Business for Operational Compliance
  - Obtain a Free Zone Business Registration Number from the Mersin Free Zone Directorate.
  - Submit company authorization documents to:
    - Mersin Free Zone Directorate
    - MESBAŞ
    - Customs Directorate.
  - Register for electricity and water services through MESBAŞ.
4. Machinery and Equipment Import (if applicable)
  - If required for operations, import machinery, equipment, and fixtures into the Free Zone under Free Zone Customs Regulations.
Ongoing Compliance and Relationship Management
- Operational Readiness
  - Set up essential services:
    - Electricity, water, and telecommunications.
    - Obtain necessary operational permits.
- Regulatory Compliance & Communication
  - Maintain regular communication with MESBAŞ for operational support.
  - Stay updated on Free Zone regulations to ensure compliance.

By following these steps, businesses can effectively lease land or facilities within the Mersin Free Zone, taking full advantage of the strategic benefits and incentives offered.