A hotel license represents the initial legal permission required for a business to operate as a hotel. This article will answer frequently asked questions about a hotel license, where to obtain it, and how to acquire it in Turkey.
In official terms, a hotel license is known as a “business opening and operating permit.” This type of license is generally divided into three main categories:
- Non-Sanitary Establishment Business Opening and Operating Permit (only Turkish)
- Sanitary Establishment Business Opening and Operating Permit (only Turkish)
- Public Rest and Entertainment Place Business Opening and Operating Permit (only Turkish)
The document corresponding to a hotel license is the “Public Rest and Entertainment Place Business Opening and Operating Permit.” However, to obtain this document, you must also possess the “Sanitary Establishment Permit.”
For more detailed information about these types of permits, you can visit the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Licensing and Inspection Department page (only Turkish) or the related city municipality’s official page.
Where to Obtain a Hotel License?
A hotel license is issued by local government units, namely the municipalities. Municipalities are the authorities that regulate and issue licenses for hotel operations. Therefore, if you wish to obtain this license, you must apply to the municipal office.
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Documents Required for a Hotel License in Turkey
Below is a list of the documents required for the hotel opening license, also known as the “Public Rest and Entertainment Place Business Opening and Operating Permit.” If you are wondering “How to obtain a municipal hotel license?”, visit the related municipality’s official website for more detailed information. (For example, Istanbul Municipality’s related page – Only Turkish)
- Petition
- Sanitary Establishment Opening License Application Declaration Form
- Rental Contract (if the applicant is a tenant)
- Fire Department Inspection Report
- Property Department opinion for the usage area and activity subject
- Letter from the District Police Department
- Identity Information of Staff to be Employed in Public Rest and Entertainment Places, along with a Declaration of No Criminal Record and No Contagious Diseases
- Building Occupation Permit / Commercially Issued Building Registration Document (required for special buildings like cinemas, theaters, hotels)
- Room Registration Document from the relevant Chamber of Commerce / Chamber of Craftsmen and Artisans
- Responsible Manager Declaration
- Hygiene Training Certificate (required for business types mentioned in Article 2 of the Hygiene Training Regulation)
- Open Alcoholic Beverage Sales Certificate / Waterpipe Tobacco Product
- Presentation Compliance Certificate (to be presented to the Municipality within 1 month after the issuance of the license)
- Declaration of Professional Training Received
- Address Verification Document (including cadastral block, plot, and parcel information)
- Signature Circular
For businesses providing valet services as a secondary service, the additional required documents include:
- Valet Service Contract: A formal agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the valet service.
- Valet/Garage Insurance Policy: Insurance coverage for the valet or garage operations.
- Third-Party Liability Insurance Policy: Insurance covers any damages or losses caused to third parties due to the valet service.
Hotel License Fee
There are separate fees to obtain a hotel license: one payable to the Municipality for the hotel license and another to Turkey’s Ministry of Tourism for the Tourism Operation Certificate.
In addition to this, the fee for the Business Opening License may vary depending on the local government. For instance, according to the 2023 Tariff of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), the fee is set at 1 TL per square meter. Furthermore, for premises exceeding 5000 square meters, a maximum fee of 5000 TL has been set.
However, we recommend contacting the municipality your business is affiliated with for the most current and accurate information.
Hotel License Requirements
To operate a hotel, obtaining this license requires fulfilling certain conditions. While the Business Opening License from the municipality is necessary, it alone is not sufficient. If you’re wondering, “How to obtain a hotel opening license?” we’ve listed the requirements below.
- Municipality Application: Initially, you must apply for a Business Opening License from your local municipality. You should follow the guidelines set by the city for the application process. This stage requires the submission of complete and accurate documents.
- Tourism Operation Certificate: Next, obtaining a Tourism Operation Certificate is essential. This certificate is mandatory for legally operating a hotel business.
- Compliance with Zoning Plans: The location of your hotel must comply with the zoning plans. These plans regulate building and land use. In short, ensuring that your business location aligns with these plans is the first step in acquiring a hotel license.
- Hygiene and Safety Standards: Those who wish to operate a hotel must open an establishment that adheres to hygiene and safety standards. This is vital for the health and safety of your guests. Therefore, your establishment should have facilities meeting hygiene standards, such as clean bedrooms, safe water sources, and fire safety measures.
- Environmental and Urban Planning Permits: Your hotel business must also have the necessary environmental and urban planning permits. These permits assess the ecological compliance and impacts of your business.
- Tax Liabilities and Penalties: You must not have any outstanding tax debts or other public liabilities. Furthermore, your hotel license application could be rejected if you have been penalized for criminal offenses.
- To obtain a hotel license successfully, addressing all these aspects is essential.
Tourism Operation Certificate
The Tourism Operation Certificate is a mandatory document required for legally operating various businesses in the tourism sector, including hotels, motels, guesthouses, holiday villages, boutique hotels, and apartment hotels. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism issues it. Additionally, this certificate ensures that tourism businesses comply with certain established standards and criteria.
Documents Required for the Tourism Operation Certificate:
- Application Petition: A formal request letter for the certificate.
- Facility Introduction Report: A report describing the facility.
- Capacity Information: Details about the facility’s capacity.
- Business Opening and Operating License: The official permit for opening and operating the business.
- Trade Registry Gazette: Official publication that includes the details of the company’s registration.
- Signature Circular: A document that specifies the authorized signatories of the company.
- Name Registration Certificate: Proof of the business name’s registration.
- Tax Certificate: The official document displaying the business’s tax registration.
- Conceptual Project: A preliminary project plan or idea.
- Cultural and Natural Assets Preservation Board Decision: If applicable, a decision document from the board responsible for preserving cultural and natural assets.
- Reference Letter: Letters from credible sources attest to the business’s legitimacy or standards.
- Ministry of Health Letter: A document from the Ministry of Health, if required.
- Residential or Commercial Use Certificate: Document proving the building’s designated use.
- Name Registration Certificate: (listed twice, possibly a clerical error; only one is necessary).
Hotel Alcohol License
According to the regulations, businesses intending to sell alcoholic beverages must obtain a sales certificate from the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Authority of Turkey (TAPDK). Those seeking an alcohol license must first acquire a business opening license from the municipality or provincial administration or a tourism certificate from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
