Ease in Credit Access Introduced for Artisans with Tax and SSI Debts

Changes were made to the procedures for Treasury interest-supported investment and operating loans to increase access to finance for artisans and craftsmen. Under the new regulation, artisans with tax and social security institution (SSI) premium debts are granted the opportunity to use credit, provided that their debts are paid off by the bank.

Loan Conditions and Certification Process

Procedures have been amended for artisans who could not previously obtain loans due to having debts. Individuals applying for a loan are required to document, with a certificate obtained at most 15 days prior, that they have no overdue debts to the tax office and the SSI.

It is also among the required conditions that the existing debt has been structured or installmented, and that this restructuring has not been breached.

Payment of Debts by the Bank

If the artisan has a debt and the aforementioned conditions cannot be met, obtaining a loan is not blocked. The bank can directly pay up to a maximum of 25 percent of the Treasury interest-supported loan to the relevant institutions.

In this context, the amount to be collected by the bank shall not exceed a total of 300 thousand liras within one year, regardless of the loan amount.

Interest Support and Changes in Rates

The remaining loan amount after the payment of the debt is disbursed to the artisan and craftsman. Certain adjustments were made to the interest support rates for artisans using loans through this method.

The 50 percent interest reduction dropped to 40 percent, the 100 percent interest reduction rate dropped to 80 percent, and the 60 percent interest reduction rate dropped to 48 percent. Additionally, a 25 percent reduction will be applied by the Treasury regarding the interest on the debt.

Loan Limits and Deadline Extension

There are specific upper limits for loans disbursed to artisans and craftsmen. Investment loans of up to 1 million 500 thousand liras for working capital needs, and up to 3 million 500 thousand liras for the acquisition of workplaces and vehicles, are disbursed.

The date limit applied to the loan application period for artisans and craftsmen has been extended from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2027.

Evaluation of the Regulation by Minister Şimşek

Minister Mehmet Şimşek evaluated the Presidential Decree containing the credit regulation for artisans with tax and premium debts on his social media account.

In his statement, Şimşek noted that they continue to strengthen artisans' access to finance and emphasized that they will continue to stand by artisans who produce, invest, and provide employment under all circumstances.