Turkey received $6.848 billion in inward direct investment during January–August 2026, compared with $10.573 billion a year earlier, a decline of about 35%. For an operating business, the next question is what the measure includes and what it can establish about the market you plan to enter. CBRT, August 2026
What makes up August’s $719 million
August combined $596 million in equity inflows and $244 million in net real estate investment, less $20 million in disinvestment and a $101 million net debt outflow: $719 million in total. This is inward investment after the relevant deductions, not the balance of inward and outward direct investment. CBRT, Table 2
The entire figure cannot be described as money for new factories and offices. Before incorporating the news into a business plan, identify the component relevant to your project: equity participation, financing or real estate.
Kazakhstan led August; Germany led the eight-month period
Kazakhstan supplied 33% of August equity inflows, followed by the US at 22%, the Netherlands at 19%, Germany at 13% and Spain at 4%. Germany led January–August with $1.2 billion. The periods differ, and these figures concern equity rather than total inward FDI. YASED bulletin
A monthly lead does not establish a wave of Kazakh companies relocating to Turkey. That would require evidence about the number and types of projects. Nor does a country table establish the citizenship of every ultimate owner.
For business development, the ranking is a starting point for investigating actual transactions, companies and plans. It cannot replace counterparty checks or evidence that customers want your product.
Information and communication took 45% of August equity inflows
Information and communication received $269 million, or 45% of August equity inflows. Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing accounted for 24%; computer, electrical, electronic and optical manufacturing took 5%. These are one-month shares. YASED
This concentration gives technology suppliers and professional-service providers a reason to investigate. An investment amount is not a procurement budget, however. Turning the announcement into a business opportunity requires identifying the recipient, project scope, implementation stage and route into procurement.
How to use the figures in a market-entry decision
The following is our practical interpretation, not a YASED forecast or a recommendation to purchase assets.
- Define an actual customer. Replace “enter a growing sector” with a specific problem you solve: product implementation, equipment supply, production servicing or operational support.
- Verify the project. Find a public announcement by the investor or investment recipient. Distinguish an announced transaction from a completed one, and an acquisition from a new production facility.
- Test demand before committing to overheads. Speak to prospective customers, understand procurement and supplier requirements, and start with a clearly scoped assessment or pilot.
- Design the operating arrangement. Identify the contracting company, where the work will be performed, who receives payment, and what your accountant and bank need to understand the transaction.
- Test financial resilience. Compare a first-contract scenario with one in which sales are delayed. Include company support, staffing and working capital.
The business takeaway
FDI statistics can help focus research. A decision to enter Turkey needs a validated customer, workable unit economics and an operating structure. A decline in the overall flow can coexist with activity in selected sectors.
If you run an established business and are considering Turkey, describe your task to RelocationTR: product, customers, parties and proposed operating arrangement. Start with what needs checking before launch.
Sources and timing
Checked on 15 October 2026. Figures cover August and January–August 2026. The CBRT release and YASED Bulletin No. 129 are dated 13 October. Statistical data may be revised; percentages are rounded.
This article provides general information, not personalised investment advice.