Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies—whether foreign or Turkish—must comply with local legal frameworks when providing digital services to users located in Turkey. These frameworks include data protection (KVKK), e-commerce regulations, tax rules, IP licensing, and consumer law. A legally structured SaaS model not only protects your business from penalties but also builds trust with users. Working with a specialized Turkish Law Firm ensures full legal coverage and strategic guidance for growing digital service companies.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers support SaaS startups, scaleups, and international platforms operating in Turkey. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for digital law and corporate compliance, we draft user agreements, design risk strategies, and handle regulatory filings on your behalf.
Key Legal Needs for SaaS Companies in Turkey
- Compliant User Agreements and Terms of Use (Kullanım Koşulları)
- KVKK-compliant Privacy Policies (Gizlilik Politikası)
- Proper E-Invoice and VAT strategy for SaaS payments
- Licensing and intellectual property protection for code and UI/UX
- Protection against unfair competition and unauthorized use
- Cross-border service structuring and residence optimization
What Is KVKK and Why Is It Crucial for SaaS?
The Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) is based on GDPR and mandates explicit user consent, data processing limits, secure storage, and user access to data logs. Non-compliance leads to fines and access bans by KVKK Authority.
We audit your platform’s data flows and prepare:
- Privacy Policy
- Explicit Consent Statements
- Cookie Policy
- Clarification Text (Aydınlatma Metni)
User Agreement Drafting for SaaS Platforms
We draft bilingual (TR–EN) SaaS user contracts that include:
- Scope of services and service levels
- Pricing, VAT, and invoicing terms
- Data protection and KVKK clauses
- Termination and suspension rights
- Intellectual property ownership
- Jurisdiction and dispute resolution methods
All agreements are tailored to cloud licensing standards and Turkish contract enforceability principles.
Do SaaS Companies Have Tax Liability in Turkey?
- Yes, if registered in Turkey or targeting Turkish users actively
- Foreign companies must register for VAT if revenue exceeds threshold
- Some SaaS models qualify for KDV (VAT) exemption via export structure
- Revenue recognition and withholding tax rules apply for some services
We coordinate with CPAs and prepare your billing and registration strategy end-to-end.
Platform Legal Risks and Mitigation
- Disputes with users over service availability
- Claims for data breach or account loss
- Unauthorized copy or code replication
- Access restriction by BTK or KVKK
Our contract team builds liability shields while preserving UX clarity.
Internal Resources You Should Review
- Incorporating a Software Company in Turkey
- Choosing the Right Legal Partner for SaaS
- Brand and Platform IP Protection
- Hiring Software Developers Legally
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need a Turkish company to run a SaaS platform? No, but taxation and compliance may still apply.
- Is KVKK mandatory for non-resident SaaS firms? Yes, if you process data of Turkish users.
- Can I avoid VAT? In some B2B models, yes. We design the structure accordingly.
- Do SaaS user contracts need to be in Turkish? Yes, for enforceability. We prepare bilingual versions.
- Can your law firm handle this remotely? Absolutely. We support SaaS clients worldwide.
Contact Our Turkish Law Firm for SaaS Legal Advisory
If you are operating or planning to launch a SaaS platform targeting Turkish users, our legal team is here to help. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers support you in compliance, contract drafting, taxation, and regulatory risk management. As a trusted Turkish Law Firm and best lawyer firm in Turkey for digital services, we secure your platform’s legal foundation.